Georgia: Public Safety News

Deal fills Fulton County Superior Court judgeship

2011-07-27T11:28:00.001-07:00

Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that he has appointed D. Todd Markle to fill the vacancy in the Superior Court of the Atlanta Judicial Circuit. Markle will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Michael D. Johnson. The appointment takes effect upon swearing-in, which should occur within the next few weeks.

D. Todd Markle, Atlanta – Markle currently serves as executive counsel to Gov. Nathan Deal. Previously, he was a partner with the firm Mabry & McClelland. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. He and his wife, Beverly, have two children.

Deal appoints five to public defender standards council

2011-07-27T11:27:00.001-07:00

Gov. Nathan Deal today tapped five new members who will join the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council. The Georgia Public Defender Standards Council is a nine-member independent agency within the executive branch of the state government whose mission is to ensure that clients receive adequate and ethical legal representation.

Donna Avans Seagraves
Seagraves has worked as a public defender in Georgia for 24 years. Seagraves received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and went to work with the Legal Aid Office in Athens as an assistant public defender. From there, she moved to the Fulton County Public Defender's Office and and then served as the public defender for Jackson and Barrow counties. Seagraves was appointed circuit public defender for the Piedmont Circuit when the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council was created. She has tried hundreds of criminal cases. She is interested in indigent defense policy, having served as vice president and Indigent Defense Committee member of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, president of the Piedmont Bar Association and secretary of the Georgia Association of Circuit Public Defenders. She and her husband, Brian, live in Athens and have one son.

G.S. “Gator” Hodges
Hodges was elected to the Butts County Commission in 2008. He works for CSX Transportation. Previously, Hodges served the public for 10 years as a police officer with the Bryan County Sheriff's Department and the Henry County Police Department. He grew up in Hinesville and graduated from Bradwell Institute. He attended Georgia Southern University, where he studied Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the 2007 Leadership Butts County course and was the chairperson of the 2009 class. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Hodges was appointed by the Georgia Speaker of the House to the Middle Ocmulgee Water Council. He also is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Development for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and is currently in the Leadership Georgia Class of 2010. Most recently, Hodges was named by Georgia Trend Magazine to its "40 Under 40" list in October of 2010. Hodges lives in the Stark community with his wife, Keri, and their son, Noah. Hodges is an active member of Rock Springs Congregational Methodist Church in Milner.

Lamar Paris
Paris is serving his third term as Union County’s sole commissioner. Paris graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. He is the Immediate State Past President of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. Paris serves on several local and regional boards and committees. He has also served on the Georgia EPD Watershed Committee and the Senate Local Sales Tax Study Committee and is currently a member of the State Regional Water Council. Paris is a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Union County. He and his wife, Dinah, have one daughter, Jessica, who also graduated from the University of Georgia.

Ron Cross
Cross, of Evans, chairs the Columbia County Commission. He graduated high school in Greenville and Anderson Junior College in Anderson, S.C., and he attended Furman University. He moved to Augusta in 1967 to begin work for Smith and Coleman Mechanical Engineers, then became the chief engineer for the Medical College of Georgia. Cross has worked in both residential and commercial construction. In 1982, he started CCI Construction Corporation, a commercial, industrial and institutional construction company. Cross worked at CCI Construction until he was elected to office in 2002. He is currently serving his third term as chairman. Cross has been active in several state and regional initiatives, including: the CSRA Regional Transportation Roundtable Executive Committee as chairman, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia Board of Managers, the Savannah-Upper Ogeechee Regional Water Planning Council as chairman, the Governor's Water Contingency Planning Task Force, the Governor's Energy Council and the Clarks Hill Partnership. Cross and his family are members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans.

David Sims
Sims is a graduate of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University, where he served as president of the Student Bar Association. He practiced law in Savannah for 20 years, handling both civil and criminal cases. There, he was president of the Trial Lawyers Club and president of the Savannah Bar Association. Sims worked for 13 years as a claims counsel for Nationwide Insurance in Atlanta before he retired. He is currently of counsel with the Atlanta law firm of Insley and Race and has emeritus status with the State Bar of Georgia and in Vinings.

Former Car Dealer Convicted in Multiple Fraud Schemes

2011-07-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

PHILIP SWINDALL, 50, of Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty today in federal district court to bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: SWINDALL was involved in selling cars in the Atlanta metro area for the last decade, and had been involved in multiple schemes during that period. The first scheme began in April 2004, when SWINDALL was operating Atlanta Chrysler Dodge, an automobile dealership. He applied for and received $8,200,000 in loans and lines of credit from SouthTrust Bank, which is now Wells Fargo Bank, to fund and operate Atlanta Chrysler Dodge. In addition, SWINDALL had a silent business partner, who put up $4.7 million in collateral, including that partner’s $2,300,000 mansion in Colorado.

By the summer of 2005, the bank’s auditors showed SWINDALL was more than $3,500,000 in debt. SWINDALL claimed that most of the debts were due to slow payments from a fleet customer. Ultimately, the auditors determined that the fleet customer had paid SWINDALL, but SWINDALL had not paid the bank. SWINDALL had in fact used the $3,500,000 so he could operate another dealership, pay off his credit cards, and live a high-end lifestyle for himself and his family, including foreign vacations, household expenses, and household employees. The losses to the Colorado business partner and the bank exceeded $3,500,000.

The second scheme began in 2009, when SWINDALL opened another dealership, Auto Tailor, Inc., in Duluth, Georgia. Over the next year, he purchased more than 30 cars from other dealers either on consignment or by sending the dealers insufficient fund checks. He then sold the cars to customers online through E-Bay. The evidence showed that SWINDALL pocketed over $490,000, and never provided the customers with titles to the cars, or paid the other dealers.

In yet a third fraud scheme, in August 2009, SWINDALL engaged in identity theft and used an employee’s name and other personal information to obtain a $175,000 loan from Dealer Service Corporation as part of another business-related transaction designed to ultimately enrich SWINDALL.

SWINDALL was charged in a criminal information in June 2011 on 17 counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Today he pleaded guilty to one count each of bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He could receive a maximum sentence of 52 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,500,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 21, 2011, at 11 a.m., before United States District Judge Steven C. Jones.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and detectives of the Duluth, Georgia Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney David Leta is prosecuting the case.

Former Klansman Who Traveled to Georgia for Sex With Two Underage Girls Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

2011-07-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

NEAL RAY SCHMIDT, 59, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced today to serve 20 years in federal prison for seeking to have sex with two teenage girls. SCHMIDT, a retired delivery man and former Grand Dragon for the Missouri chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, had traveled from Missouri to Georgia for what he hoped would be a sexual encounter with two 14 year-old girls he met on-line. Since his arrest in this case, SCHMIDT has been charged with molesting his granddaughter in Missouri and with arranging a similar sexual encounter with an underage girl in Florida.

“This case starkly illustrates how the Internet can expose our children not only to the predator down the street, but also to the would-be molester who lives hundreds of miles away. Thanks to the hard work of one of our local law enforcement partners, this particular offender will now be kept away from any other potential victims for many years to come,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.

“I think that it is great that this individual will be off the streets and out of our communities for quite some time. I am very proud of our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit and the professionalism they displayed during this investigation. The teamwork utilized by all the agencies involved proved to be very instrumental in the successful prosecution of this case and is a shining example of what we can accomplish when we work in that capacity,” said Henry County Police Department Chief Keith Nichols.

United States District Court Judge William S. Duffey, Jr., sentenced SCHMIDT to 20 years in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. SCHMIDT will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from custody. SCHMIDT was arrested in June 2010 and pleaded guilty to the charges in April 2011.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: In early 2010, SCHMIDT, while trolling in an on-line forum for kids, met whom he believed to be two 14 year-old girls but who were in fact undercover police officers. The two girls claimed to be friends and explained that they lived near each other in McDonough, Georgia. SCHMIDT and the girls had a series of mundane exchanges until SCHMIDT turned the conversation toward sexual topics. Over the ensuing months, in an effort to groom the girls for an eventual sexual encounter, SCHMIDT sent sexually explicit videos of himself, as well as images and videos of child pornography.

In June 2010, SCHMIDT made arrangements to drive from his home near St. Louis to a motel in McDonough, Georgia, where the two girls were to meet him for their sexual encounter. SCHMIDT was arrested in the parking lot of the motel in McDonough, carrying several guns, Klan paraphernalia, and an assortment of sex toys and supplies.

This case was investigated by the Henry County Police Department, with assistance from the FBI.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert McBurney prosecuted the case.

Seeking Information on Armed Robbery of Bank of America Branch in Pooler

2011-05-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with Chief Mark Revenew, Pooler Police Department, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the man responsible for today’s (May 18) armed robbery of the Bank of America, 105 E. Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at approximately 10:10 a.m., a lone black male entered the Bank of America, located at 105 E. Highway 80, Pooler, Georgia, and announced a robbery. The robber, brandishing a weapon, obtained an undisclosed amount of money and departed the bank without further incident.

The robber is described as being a black male, mid-30s in age, medium build, slight facial hair, wearing a black shirt, blue jacket, and a black baseball cap with “Reebok” on front. A getaway vehicle was described as possibly being a gold box-style vehicle with possible Georgia license plate.

This individual is also believed to be responsible for the following area bank robberies:

* 4/8/2011, SunTrust Bank, 318 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406
* 4/13/2011, Bank of America, 7802 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31406
* 4/25/2011, Wells Fargo National Bank, 6999 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA

Anyone with information on this individual should contact the Savannah Crimestoppers at tel. (912) 234-2020 or the Atlanta FBI/Savannah Resident Agency at tel. (912) 232-3716.

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ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

2011-05-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge Gregory K. Gant of the Atlanta Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) today (May 5) announced ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the theft of firearms that occurred at Brother's Pawn Shop, 218 Alabama Ave., a federal firearms licensee in Bremen, GA. The burglary occurred on April 18.

"Firearms theft from licensed gun dealers is one of the top priorities for ATF. Experience shows us that these guns will likely end up being used in a crime. These guns in the hands of criminals endanger everyone's safety," said Gant. "With this reward, it is ATF's hope that someone will come forward with information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects responsible."

During the early morning hours of April 18, two individuals broke into the Brother's Pawn Shop by breaking out a wooden garage door panel on the side of the building. According to the surveillance video, the two individuals first attempted to break in through the front door, but were unsuccessful. After entering the shop, the surveillance video shows a heavy set male with a shaved head wearing camouflaged pants and a shirt with a horizontal stripe across the back.

ATF and the Bremen Police Department are seeking the public's assistance in identifying those responsible. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF at (404) 201-1127 or utilize the ATF Hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). Callers can remain anonymous.

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.

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RIA Offers Tips for After the Tornadoes and Storms

2011-04-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Editor Note: Our prayers are with the families of Georgia and Alabama as reports of damage and loss of life continue to come in.

/PRNewswire/ -- With such a large area of the U.S. affected by the tornadoes and storms pummeling the country, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these tips for individuals now working on cleaning up in the aftermath:

* Notify your insurance company of the loss.
* Keep a notebook to track dates and times of conversations with individuals pertaining to your claim.
* Save receipts for meals, hotels, toiletries, replacement clothing, prescriptions, etc.
* Take photos of each room for future reference and insurance claims. This will provide a digital inventory of some visible contents.
* If electrical appliances, including televisions and computers are damaged by water, do not turn them back on when power is restored. This can result in electric shock and/or do further damage to the appliance. Electronics can often be cleaned & restored by knowledgeable contractors.
* Drywall, insulation and carpeting/padding impacted by rain will probably need to be removed and replaced.
* Beware of scammers offering restoration services. Check references and visit the Restoration Industry Association website – www.restorationindustry.org – to find a contractor.
* Homeowners with appropriate insurance coverage may hire any restoration company they choose and are not limited to only those suggested by an insurer.
* Wear heavy rubber gloves or work gloves and thick-soled shoes, preferably not tennis shoes since there can be exposed nails, glass and other sharp objects.
* Wash your hands frequently – especially before touching your face or eating.
* Avoid cross contamination – don't wear dirty clothes or shoes to the clean or undamaged part of a structure.
* Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
* Don't use bleach to disinfect since it is corrosive and can react with other substances. Use household disinfectants.
* Open windows to ventilate the area. Open drawers and cabinets for interior drying, but don't force them open.
* Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
* Hard surfaces can be disinfected as well as some soft goods, depending on washability.

For clean up tips, information on hiring a contractor, and restoration & remediation in general, visit the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org and click on the Consumer link.

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Business Owners Sentenced for Employing Illegal Aliens

2011-04-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

PILI CHEN, 56, of Norcross, Georgia, who was both an employment agency owner and driver, was sentenced today (April 21) by United States District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. for recruiting and employing illegal aliens in Chinese restaurants, where they were provided housing and transportation to work. Today’s sentencing follows the January 2011 sentencings in a related case of owners and operators of a neighboring agency and a Chinese restaurant in the Atlanta area.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “These defendants not only broke the law by employing workers who were illegally in the United States, they exploited the workers by subjecting them to long shifts, substandard pay, and poor working conditions. As this case shows, we will hold employers responsible—including business owners and managers—who attempt to gain an unlawful economic advantage by hiring employees who are not permitted to be in the United States.”

“These sentencings send a clear message that there are real consequences for willfully recruiting and employing an illegal workforce,” said Brock Nicholson, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Atlanta. “Working in conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively target those who take advantage of illegal labor to make a profit.”

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin said, “This case was the result of a joint FBI/ICE operation which shut down a network that not only recruited and employed illegal aliens but exploited their vulnerabilities. Human trafficking, no matter what the underlying purpose is for, is a process of systematically exploiting others for personal gain. The FBI remains committed in its endeavor of combating human trafficking in all of its many and varied forms, including alien smuggling.”

PILI CHEN, 56, of Norcross, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and four months in prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. On January 31, 2011, Judge Evans sentenced three defendants. AI LIN FU, 41, of Norcross, Georgia, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison. SAU TING CHENG, 42, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 months in prison and a $3,000 fine. LIANG FENG CHEN, 33, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced to two years’ probation, including three months of home confinement, and a $1,000 fine. FU, CHENG, and PILI CHEN’s prison sentences are to be followed by three years of supervised release.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: PILI CHEN and co-defendant XIAO PING LI, owned and operated an employment agency named “New Fuzhou” in Chamblee, Georgia, while AI LIN FU owned and operated a similar agency, “Zhong Mei Employment Agency,” in the same Chamblee shopping center.

The agencies obtained employment for illegal aliens, primarily undocumented Mexican workers, across the eastern United States. Neither agency required or requested any proof that the aliens had permission to be or work in the United States. They advertised in Chinese language newspapers and on the Internet. Employers called the agencies and requested workers for various jobs, usually in the kitchens of Chinese restaurants. The agencies charged the illegal aliens a commission and transportation fee to place them in the job and drive them there, and in some cases charged the restaurant owners, who deducted the fees from their illegal workers’ modest pay. FU’s husband and co-defendant, XIAN CHEN, operated Zhong Mei Employment Agency with FU and drove workers to the restaurants. PILI CHEN operated New Fuzhou with his wife XIAO PING LI, and also transported the workers. The employment agencies used paid drivers to minimize contact between the illegal aliens and the outside world, including law enforcement. XIAN CHEN fled to Canada after the indictment and has been ordered extradited to the United States. XIAO PING LI remains a fugitive.

SAU TING CHENG owned and operated a Chinese restaurant in Duluth, Georgia, named “Grand Buffet and Grill.” LIANG FENG CHEN was the manager at the restaurant. CHENG and CHEN hired illegal aliens through Zhong Mei Employment Agency. To better monitor the workers and shield them from detection, CHENG housed them at a nearby apartment complex and had them transported to and from work in 15-passenger vans. She also paid the workers in cash to avoid paying unemployment taxes. As the restaurant manager, CHEN participated in the pattern of hiring and employing the workers, knowing that the aliens were unauthorized to work in the United States, and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for his more limited role in the scheme.

These cases were part of a larger operation in June 2010 that involved the separate indictments of the owners and drivers of four employment agencies at 3146 Chamblee Dunwoody Road and the administrative arrests of 39 illegal aliens associated with the agencies and restaurants.

This case was investigated by special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI), Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brian M. Pearce and Stephen H. McClain prosecuted the cases.

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12-Year Old Peachtree City Girl Missing - Located

2011-04-14T15:16:00.001-07:00

Right after posting that a 12-year old from Peachtree City was missing, we received word that the girl had been located. She's with the Peachtree City Police and GBI. More as we get news.

12-Year Old Peachtree City Girl Missing

2011-04-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Angela Isabella Borgmann                               Last Seen Wearing:

DOB: 05/18/98                    Blue Jeans

5’ 4”                                                              Long Sleeve Burgundy Shirt

120 lbs                                                           Black T-Shirt on top with

Brown hair                                                     “Strangers Have the Best Candy” on it

Brown Eyes                                                   Carrying a blue “string” bag

The Peachtree City Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigations are currently searching for the location of Angela Isabella Borgmann, a 12 year old white female who resides in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Angela was last seen wearing jeans, a long sleeve burgundy shirt with a short sleeve black shirt over the top. The black shirt had “Strangers Have the Best Candy” displayed on the front. She also had a blue “string” bag in her possession.

Angela was last seen on April 12, 2011 at Booth Middle School in Peachtree City, Georgia just prior to school starting. She does have a prior history of running away; however, never for periods of more than 6 hours. It is unknown if she is in danger.

Information has placed her with a young male, who is possibly around 20 years of age. The only information available on this male subject is the name “Luke”. Additionally, information has developed that possibly places her and Luke traveling in an unknown vehicle, possibly out of the state of Georgia.

Henry County Marijuana Grow House Operators Indicted; 10 Charged on Related Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

2011-04-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

The United States Attorney’s Office, along with the David G. Wilhelm Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force and the Henry County Police Department announce today (April 8) that 10 individuals have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes stemming from their operation of marijuana grow houses in Henry County. This week, nine of the 10 defendants were arrested and arraigned in United States Magistrate Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Through the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, the U.S. Attorney’s office works with local and state law enforcement agencies to target drug trafficking organizations that impact us locally and regionally. The federal prosecution of this organization for this conspiracy has a direct impact on the local community in Henry County, and regionally in the Northern District of Georgia, by making us all safer through the removal of dangerous grow houses from the community, and by having fewer drugs and guns on the streets.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “The mission of DEA is unwavering—we combat drug trafficking organizations by investigating those who criminally distribute dangerous drugs which cause immeasurable damage to our communities. Today’s enforcement activity is a perfect example of the law enforcement community working together to remove violent criminals from our streets.”

Henry County Police Chief Keith Nichols said, “I appreciate the hard work and dedication that our narcotics unit put into working this case. These indoor grows are a relatively new problem here in Henry County and we are becoming more familiar in working these types of cases. Getting these individuals out of our community is a huge benefit to our law abiding citizens, and I know they appreciate it too. I would also like to thank the federal law enforcement authorities that assisted us with this case, helping bring it to a successful resolution.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In the fall of 2010, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a marijuana grow house organization operating in Henry County and elsewhere. The organization allegedly coordinated the construction of hydroponic marijuana grow houses at four separate locations. Several members of the organization possessed firearms in support of the illegal narcotics trafficking activities. As part of the investigation, in November and December 2010, agents searched four separate marijuana grow house operations in Henry County that were constructed in residential homes with independent grow lighting, irrigation and nutrient systems designed to cultivate and grow marijuana plants for distribution. Agents also searched several of the residences of the defendants. Investigators found that three of the houses had been set up specifically as grow houses, and not to house residents. Those houses were located in Stockbridge, Georgia, at 925 Hemphill Road; 1680 Jodeco Road; and, 436 Hood Road. A fourth house, located at 166 Alexander Drive in McDonough, Georgia, was used as both a residence and a grow house. Items seized during the investigation include 340 plants of marijuana, 52 guns, at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, and over $384,000 in cash.

In March 2011, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment related to this grow house operation, which was unsealed on April 5, 2011, after the arrests. The indictment charges the defendants with various criminal offenses including conspiring to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute over 100 plants of marijuana; substantive drug trafficking charges; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Those arrested include:

* JOSHUA MCCULLOUGH, 37, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JIMMY RAY WHORTON, 56, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* SANDRA WHORTON, 49, of Stockbridge, Georgia;
* JAMES MCKENZIE, 29, of McDonough, Georgia;
* KARRY AUTRY, 30, of McDonough, Georgia;
* HOLLY AUTRY, a/k/a “Holly Fritzius,” 27, of McDonough, Georgia;
* BRAIN PREWITT, 33, of Griffin, Georgia;
* PAUL BUNCH, 36, of Stockbridge, Georgia; and
* IRA BUTLER, 46, of Stockbridge, Georgia.

JOSEPH TILLMAN, 41, of Griffin, Georgia, remains at large. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is a coordinated effort with the Henry County Police Department and the David G. Wilhelm OCDETF Strike Force, which is comprised of Special Agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the United States Marshal Service (USMS); and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), working with other state and local law enforcement agencies.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Brown are prosecuting the case.

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Fayetteville Police warn of new scam

2011-03-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

The bleak job market has created a sense of desperation among many and a recent scam seeks to exploit that desperation. A Fayetteville man is out over $17,000 after responding to an on-line ad for employment.

The ad promised $1,000 for two weeks worth of research for an on-line concierge service. The Fayetteville victim completed the research and submitted his invoice for payment. He was requested to send his bank account information to the company to enable a direct deposit. He received a deposit of over $9,000 into his account a few days later.

He was then contacted, told he had accidentally been over paid and was asked to send $8,000 via Western Union to a person in Russia. Once the money was sent via Western Union, the money was immediately withdrawn from his bank account leaving him responsible for the original deposit plus the money he wired. The Fayetteville Police Department has issued the following advisement:

1) Do not respond to on-line or e-mailed ads from unknown or non established sources.

2) If you cannot meet your boss face to face, you do not want to work for them.

3) Never send money to anyone you do not know, PERIOD!

4) Check the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov, and Federal Trade Commission, ftc.gov websites for information about businesses and complaints.

5) If something seems to good to be true, it probably is.

The Fayetteville Police Department is still investigating the incident. If anyone has been a victim of this scam, they are encouraged to contact Detective Mike Whitlow at the Fayetteville Police Department, (770) 461-4441.

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Former Bank President and Senior Loan Officer Indicted in Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Conspiracy

2011-03-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

An indictment unsealed today (March 21) charges two former top officers of FirstCity Bank of Stockbridge, Georgia—MARK A. CONNER, 44, formerly of Canton, Georgia, and CLAYTON A. COE, 44, of McDonough, Georgia—with a variety of offenses, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud in connection with misconduct at FirstCity Bank in the years before the bank’s seizure by state and federal authorities on March 20, 2009. In addition to the conspiracy and bank fraud charges, the indictment charges CONNER with conducting a continuing financial crimes enterprise at the bank between February 2006 and February 2008, during which CONNER’s and his co-conspirators’ crimes allegedly generated over $5 million in unlawful gross proceeds.

A federal grand jury in Atlanta returned the sealed indictment against CONNER and COE on March 16, 2011. CONNER was arrested on the charges and taken into custody by federal agents at Miami International Airport yesterday morning, the two-year anniversary of FirstCity Bank’s failure, upon his arrival in Miami from the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies. CONNER made his initial appearance today before a federal magistrate judge in Miami, who preliminarily ordered CONNER to be detained as a flight risk pending his transfer by Deputy U.S. Marshals from Miami to Atlanta for trial. A formal detention hearing will take place in Miami on Thursday, March 24, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. COE’s initial appearance on the indictment in the Northern District of Georgia has not yet been scheduled.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “The entire country has felt the deep economic impact of failed banks. At the heart of this indictment is an abuse of power by key insiders, who are charged with tricking their own colleagues into approving millions of dollars in commercial loans to fund the defendants’ own personal business activities, and to enrich themselves at the bank’s expense. Along the way, these defendants also allegedly defrauded state and federal bank regulators and examiners, and at least 10 other federally insured banks in Florida and Georgia that invested in the fraudulent multi-million-dollar loans.”

FDIC Inspector General Jon Rymer said, “The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is pleased to join the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and our law enforcement colleagues in announcing this indictment. We are particularly concerned when former senior bank officials, who have held positions of trust within their institutions, are alleged to have been involved in criminal activity. We will continue to aggressively pursue bank officials and others who victimize financial institutions.”

Neil Barofsky, SIGTARP Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program said, “Today’s indictment marks yet another occasion where bank executives are alleged to have turned to criminal fraud in the midst of the financial crisis, including an attempt to obtain millions of dollars from the American taxpayer through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. SIGTARP will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those who engage in such crimes to justice.”

IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel said of the case, “Honest and law abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money. Those individuals who engage in this type of financial fraud should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: CONNER served in a variety of top positions at FirstCity Bank between 2004 and 2009, including as vice-chairman of the board of directors, as a member of the banks’ loan committee, as president, and later as acting chairman and chief executive officer. COE served as a vice-president and as FirstCity Bank’s senior commercial loan officer. While serving in these positions, CONNER, COE, and their co-conspirators allegedly conspired to defraud FirstCity Bank’s loan committee and board of directors into approving multiple multi-million-dollar commercial loans to borrowers who, unbeknownst to FirstCity Bank, were actually purchasing property owned by CONNER or COE personally.

The indictment charges that CONNER, COE, and their co-conspirators misrepresented the essential nature, terms, and underlying purpose of the loans and falsified documents and information presented to the loan committee and the Board of Directors. CONNER, COE, and their co-conspirators then allegedly caused at least 10 other federally insured banks to invest in, or “participate in” the fraudulent loans based on these and other fraudulent misrepresentations, shifting all or part of the risk of default to the other banks. COE’s bonus compensation was tied to the origination of FirstCity Bank loans, including the fraudulent loans with which he and CONNER allegedly assisted each other.

In the process of defrauding FirstCity Bank and the “participating” banks, CONNER, COE, and their co-conspirators allegedly routinely misled federal and state bank regulators and examiners to conceal their unlawful scheme. They also unsuccessfully sought federal government assistance through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) and engaged in other misconduct in an attempt to avoid seizure by regulators and prevent the discovery of their fraud.

The charge against CONNER for conducting a continuing financial crimes enterprise carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a potential fine of up to $10 million. The conspiracy and bank fraud charges against CONNER and COE, and a remaining charge against COE for fraudulently influencing the actions of a federally insured bank, carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $1 million on each count. In determining the actual sentences for each defendant, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the FDIC, Office of Inspector General; the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

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Fatal Armed Robbery Suspect Sought

2011-03-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with Dekalb County Police Chief W. O'Brien, requests the public's assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for today's (March 15) armed robbery of a Garda Armored Car courier, which occurred in front of the Kroger Grocery Store, located in the Toco Hills Shopping Center, 2205 La Vista Road, Atlanta (Dekalb County), Georgia:

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at approximately 12:03 p.m., a gunman open fired on a Garda Armored Car courier while walking back to his truck, having serviced the Kroger Grocery Store, located at 2205 La Vista Road, Atlanta (Dekalb County), Georgia. The gunman approached the courier suddenly and shot him three times. The gunman, having obtained an undisclosed amount of money, then departed the scene in a vehicle being driven by another individual. That vehicle was recovered a short distance away from the scene and it was determined that the vehicle had been carjacked the day before in Snellville, Georgia. The critically wounded courier was transported to Grady Hospital where he later died. The gunman is described as being a black male, late 20's to early 30's in age, 5'11 in height, with a medium complexion.

Garda is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for today's robbery and for the recovery of the stolen funds. Garda representatives stated "We are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague in today's incident and extend our condolences to his family. We are cooperating with law enforcement in investigating the incident and therefore cannot provide any additional details."

It is believed that today's violent armed robbery is connected to the following Atlanta area armored car robberies:

On Friday, January 21, 2011, at approximately 9:00 a.m., two couriers for the Loomis Armor Car were servicing an ATM located at a Wells Fargo bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia. One of the two couriers, while outside of their vehicle and servicing the machine, was suddenly approached and, without warning, fired on multiple times by an armed assailant.

The assailant was able to take the courier's bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses observed the gunman jump into a late 1980s or early 1990s Jeep Cherokee, white in color, and depart the area. The gunman is described as being a black male, 20s to late 30s in age, 5'8" - 5'11" in height, medium build, medium complexion, slight facial hair, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brandishing a black semi-automatic .40 caliber handgun. The driver of the getaway vehicle is described as being a black male, 20s to 30s in age wearing a light colored jacket with a fur collar.

The wounded courier was transported to a local area hospital, where he underwent surgery as a result of the multiple gunshot wounds. Wells Fargo has announced a reward in this matter of up to $10,000.

The above robbery is believed to be connected to a string of five previous armored car courier robberies within the Metro Atlanta area as listed below:

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 11:15 a.m., two couriers for Dunbar Armored Car were inside the Mall of Georgia, Gwinnett County, servicing an ATM. One of the couriers was approached suddenly from behind and forced to the ground by an armed assailant. The second courier, observing this, fired on the assailant as he was departing the mall through a side door.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a courier for a Loomis Armored Car was robbed at gunpoint while servicing an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

The courier was approached from behind by a single robber who placed a semi-automatic handgun to the courier's head. The robber departed the area with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen getting into the back seat of a light blue or silver vehicle, described as being possibly a Buick, Oldsmobile, or Jaguar.

On November 11, 2010, a robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1500 Buford Highway, Buford, Georgia. In that robbery, the courier was robbed while servicing an ATM at that location. The courier was approached from behind by two black male suspects brandishing handguns. One of the robbers was described as having a gold upper tooth. The robbers were seen departing that robbery in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe, which was recovered shortly after the robbery and was determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

On October 7, 2010, a 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred inside of a Mex-America Latino store, located at 641 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. In that robbery, two black males, one with long black dreadlocks, waited inside of the above store for the courier to arrive. Upon arrival, the two robbers confronted the courier with handguns

On September 14, 2010, a robbery of a Garda Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1775 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Two black males approached the courier while he was servicing an ATM at that location. Both robbers were brandishing semi-automatic handguns. During that robbery, the courier was forced to the ground and his sidearm was taken by the robbers.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta FBI at (404) 679-9000.

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Former Senior U.S. District Judge Sentenced to One Month in Prison for Misuse of Government Property and Drug Offenses

2011-03-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

Former Senior U.S. District Court Judge Jack T. Camp Jr., was sentenced today (March 11) in U.S. District Court in Atlanta to one month in prison for unlawful possession of controlled substances charges and unlawful conversion of government property, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin of the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, and Director Vernon Keenan of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Camp, 67, a former Senior U.S. District Judge in the Northern District of Georgia, pleaded guilty in November 2010 to an information charging him with one count of unlawful possession of controlled substances, one count of aiding and abetting the unlawful possession of controlled substances by a previously convicted drug felon, and one count of conversion of government property. Camp was sentenced today in the Northern District of Georgia by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan for the District of Columbia. Judge Hogan was sitting by designation in the Northern District of Georgia.

As part of his plea, Camp admitted that between May 2010 and Oct. 1, 2010, he unlawfully used and possessed cocaine, marijuana, and Roxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Camp also admitted to giving an individual, whom he knew had a prior felony drug conviction, money to purchase cocaine, Roxycodone and marijuana for their joint use. Camp admitted that he unlawfully gave the individual a U.S. District Court laptop computer for her personal use. Camp was arrested on Oct. 1, 2010, after attempting to purchase drugs from an undercover FBI agent posing as a drug dealer. Camp further resigned his commission as Senior U.S. District Judge. On Feb. 28, 2011, Camp voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in the state of Georgia.

Camp was also sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine and $825 in restitution. He was sentenced to one year of supervised release.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Deborah Sue Mayer and Tracee Joy Plowell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. The case was investigated by the FBI Atlanta’s Public Corruption Squad. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided substantial assistance in this case.

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Atlanta Man Arrested for Armed Robbery of Credit Union in Conyers

2011-03-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with Chief of Police Gene Wilson, Conyers Police Department, announces the following arrest at Conyers, Georgia:

Cepeda Broughton, age 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested by officers of the Conyers Police Department after an extensive vehicle chase with shots fired. Those officers were responding to an armed bank robbery callout at Georgia’s Own Credit Union, located at 620 Sigman Road, Conyers, Georgia. At approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2010, a lone black male entered the above credit union and announced a robbery while jumping over a teller counter and brandishing a handgun. During the robbery, the robber moved three employees and one customer to a back room. The robber then had an additional employee duct-tape those other employees and customer. Prior to departing the credit union with an undisclosed amount of money, the robber also duct-taped the employee that had been forced to assist him.

Responding units of the Conyers Police Department arrived at the location as the robber was departing. A vehicle chase ensued involving several collisions. A “PIT” maneuver was performed on the fleeing vehicle, forcing the suspect out of his vehicle. Shots were fired by responding officers and the suspect fled further into a nearby apartment complex. Additional shots were fired at that location, with the suspect surrendering at that point.

Cepeda Broughton was taken into custody at that location and was subsequently turned over to the FBI. He is being charged federally with bank robbery and the use of a weapon in the commission of a crime. Broughton will have an initial appearance in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta later today.

It should be noted that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Five Arrested in Statewide Insurance Fraud Scheme

2011-03-09T11:55:00.000-08:00

On March 8, 2011, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshal’s Southeast Regional Fugitive Taskforce, Henry County Fire Department, Columbus Fire Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Valley Police Department arrested five (5) people in connection with a statewide insurance fraud scheme.

The arrests come after a seven month investigation stemming from a mobile home fire in Shiloh Mobile Home Park which occurred in August of 2010. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the suspicious nature of the fire by the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

While researching the suspicious nature of the fire in Fayette County, investigators uncovered similar fires in Columbus, Kennesaw, Hampton, and Locust Grove. Investigators discovered a similarity in the types of homes, manner of purchase, nature of fire and insurance policies obtained in each one of these incidents.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by The State Fire Marshall’s Office, The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Henry County Fire Department, Columbus Fire Department, and the Columbus Police Department.

The suspects were all charged with the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute that states, in part “It is unlawful for any person employed by or associated with any enterprise to conduct or participate in, directly or indirectly, such enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity”.

Fayette County Investigators have arrested Deanna Leigh Webster, 22, of Columbus, Shantavia Nichole Stewart, 22, of Fort Valley, Ashley Simmons, 23, of Columbus, Tamia Shinay Nicholas, 23, of Columbus, and Diana Lukisha Moore, 36, of Columbus. All five (5) suspects are currently in the Fayette County Jail.

Warrants are still outstanding for Shaemeka Eileen Miller, 23, of Columbus in connection with this investigation. Fayette County Investigators are not ruling out the possibility of additional arrests in this case due to the ongoing investigation.

Former DeKalb Police Lieutenant Indicted for Bribery

2011-03-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

WILLIE DAREN DURRETT, 45, of Atlanta, was arraigned today (March 7) before United States Magistrate Judge C. Christopher Hagy. DURRETT faces federal charges of accepting bribes in return for taking official action as a sergeant, and later as a lieutenant, with the DeKalb County Police Department. Co-defendant DONALD E. FRANK, who was previously indicted for accepting bribes while he served as deputy chief of police for DeKalb County, is also named in the indictment and faces the same charges. AMIN BUDHWANI previously pleaded guilty to paying bribes to FRANK.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “Our community expects and deserves police officers who will serve the citizens and not sell their badge to someone holding out cash. In this case, the officer placed his personal and financial interests ahead of the public he was sworn to serve. Combatting public corruption will continue to be a top priority for this office.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “The FBI is fully prepared to undertake these types of public corruption investigations and fully understands the impact that these types of activities can have, if left unchecked, on the proper operation of a government or police agency. The public deserves better than the actions of this officer and is reminded that the FBI should be contacted with regard to any information involving police or government corruption.”

“I support the continued efforts of federal authorities to efface public corruption,” said DeKalb County Police Chief William O’Brien. “Willie Durrett resigned from the DeKalb County Police Department weeks before this indictment and prior to our agency having the opportunity to take disciplinary action. It is reprehensible that this former lieutenant chose to violate the law instead of upholding it. It is acts such as this that undermine law enforcement's efforts to maintain public trust.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: DURRETT accepted bribes from BUDHWANI on three separate occasions in 2007 and 2008. DURRETT resigned this past Monday.

Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

DURRETT and FRANK were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 1, 2011. BUDHWANI was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 18, 2010, and pleaded guilty on June 1, 2010.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Leader of Fraudulent Driver's License Scheme Sentenced

2011-03-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

ZHONG LIANG LI a/k/a KEN LI, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to serve over four years in federal prison for conspiring with a Georgia driver's license examiner to issue fraudulent driver's licenses to illegal aliens from China.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, "The defendant sentenced today was the ringleader of a fraud scheme that resulted in bogus driver's licenses being issued to hundreds of Chinese nationals illegally residing in the United States. His customers paid thousands of dollars to be driven to Thomasville and Colquitt, Georgia, where a state driver's license examiner knowingly issued them driver's licenses without the legally required documentation or examinations. The licenses contained fake names, addresses, and immigration numbers provided by the defendants or their customers. The defendant corrupted the critical function performed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services – providing legitimate identification documents to those entitled to reside in the United States – and will spend years in federal prison as a result."

LI was sentenced to four years, two months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. LI was convicted of these charges on December 3, 2010, after a four-day trial.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: KEN LI, who lived in the Thomasville, Georgia area from 1998 to 2006, placed advertisements in a Chinese language newspaper, the World Journal, that is distributed in major cities with large Chinese-speaking populations, including Atlanta. The ads stated that KEN LI could assist persons who did not have documentation to obtain driver's licenses in Georgia and other states. Hundreds of illegal aliens from China responded to the ads. They were instructed to meet KEN LI or one of his co-conspirators, GUO XING SONG a/k/a ANDI CHEN or ZHONG HUA LI a/k/a JOHN LI, at a designated location in Atlanta, usually a gas station or shopping center parking lot, from which they were driven to Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) stations in either Colquitt or Thomasville, Georgia.

CLEVELAND SPENCER, a Georgia DDS examiner who worked at those locations, issued driver's licenses to KEN LI's customers without requiring any documentation showing legal residence in the United States. SPENCER issued the licenses with names and addresses provided by the customers, without any verification, and made up immigration numbers for the file. He also did not require KEN LI's customers to take the written and road tests necessary for a Georgia driver's license. KEN LI's customers paid approximately $2,000 to $3,000 for the licenses. LI paid SPENCER up to $500 for each fraudulently issued license, and also paid SONG and JOHN LI for their services. SONG ran ads and answered phones for KEN LI later in the conspiracy. Georgia DDS records indicate that approximately 300 licenses were fraudulently issued during the conspiracy.

KEN LI's three co-conspirators were previously sentenced by Judge Batten. SPENCER, 47, of Thomasville, Georgia was sentenced to two years in prison. SONG, 44, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. SPENCER and SONG cooperated with the investigation and testified at LI's trial. JOHN LI, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, whose involvement in the scheme was more limited, was sentenced to 1 year and a day in prison. All of the sentences are to be followed by three years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Doctor Indicted for Submitting Fraudulent Bills to Medicare and Medicaid

2011-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

ROBERT WILLIAMS, 72, of Atlanta was arraigned today (March 4) before United States Magistrate Judge C. Christopher Hagy on federal healthcare fraud charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “As a physician, this defendant had a duty to protect his patients and look out for their interests first. He has been charged with crimes that reflect his misuse of his position and the trust placed in him, all at the expense of his elderly patients, Medicare and Medicaid.”

“Dr. Williams allegedly stole Medicaid funds that were specifically allocated for the care of some of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens: the elderly,” said Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens. “Our office is committed to protecting Georgia taxpayers and the recipients of Medicaid by aggressively pursuing prosecutions of Medicaid fraud.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, “Healthcare fraud in the U.S. costs consumers billions of dollars, irrespective of whether the victim is the U.S. Government in the form of Medicaid/Medicare fraud, or healthcare insurance companies. Healthcare providers exhibiting sheer greed through extensive fraudulent billing, such as the allegations in today's indictment of Dr. Williams, are driving up healthcare costs and are depriving those that really need medical help as provided by these government funded programs.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: WILLIAMS is a licensed physician, practicing in the Atlanta area. From approximately July 2007 through October 2009, he contracted with a medical services company to provide group psychological therapy to nursing home patients in a variety of nursing homes. Under his signature, thousands of claims were submitted to Medicare and Georgia Medicaid seeking reimbursement for group psychological therapy that WILLIAMS purportedly provided to beneficiaries at several nursing homes in the Atlanta area. In many instances, however, WILLIAMS did not actually provide the therapy.

From July 2007 through October 2009, Medicare claims data indicate that over 55,000 claims were submitted on behalf of WILLIAMS for group psychological therapy seeking reimbursement for over $2,000,000, and ultimately causing Medicare to reimburse WILLIAMS over $750,000. For the same time period, over 40,000 Medicaid claims were on behalf of WILLIAMS for group psychological therapy, causing Georgia Medicaid to pay out over $225,000.

A review of WILLIAMS’ claims showed, however, that in many cases, he sought payment for services provided to beneficiaries who were deceased at the time he purportedly rendered the care. In two cases, the patient died over a year before they were allegedly seen by WILLIAMS in the nursing home. Numerous claims were submitted to Medicare and Medicaid for group psychological therapy when the beneficiary was hospitalized at the time of service and, consequently, could not have received care at the nursing home as represented.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. WILLIAMS was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 22, 2011.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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Macon Man Receives Life Sentence for Seeking Sex with 7-Year-Old Girl

2011-03-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

RUSSELL E. WORSHAM, 44, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge J. Owen Forrester to serve the rest of his life in federal prison on the charge of using the Internet to attempt to entice a child to engage in sexual activity.

"This defendant trolled the Internet searching for child victims," said Sally Quillian Yates, United States Attorney. "His conduct was more than mere words. A brave victim testified during trial that from the time she was 9 until she was 12, this dangerous predator repeatedly sexually assaulted her. On the day of his arrest, the defendant intended to rape a 7-year-old girl. But for the hard work of the investigators, the defendant likely would still be out there, searching for his next victim. Today's sentence serves as a stern warning to those who might follow in this defendant's path. This office will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who use the Internet to victimize children."

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, stated, "The FBI has, over the years, dedicated many investigative resources to child exploitation matters such as this through its Innocent Images and Crimes Against Children programs, with the overall goal of protecting young, vulnerable children from those who would exploit them and do them harm. Mr. Worsham is a child predator who will no longer be in a position to harm children and the FBI is proud of the role it played in removing this individual from our streets."

WORSHAM was sentenced to life in prison. WORSHAM was convicted of these charges on September 21, 2010, after a five-day trial.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In October 2008, WORSHAM befriended a woman online whom he believed to have a 7-year-old daughter. This woman—actually an undercover FBI task force agent—told WORSHAM that she was willing to make her fictitious daughter available to WORSHAM for sex. Over the next three months, in hours of online chats, over two dozen e-mails, and five telephone calls, WORSHAM engaged in graphic and sexually explicit conversations about his planned rape of the 7-year-old girl. These online communications and telephone conversations culminated in WORSHAM arranging to meet with the mother and her 7-year-old daughter. Agents arrested him when he showed up for the meeting. Agents recovered crayons, a spanking tool, a web camera, a studded dog collar, and virtual child pornography from WORSHAM's van. During trial, a victim testified that when she was between the ages of 9 and 12, WORSHAM had repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

This case was investigated by agents and officers of the Atlanta Safe Child Task Force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Division.

Assistant United States Attorneys Kim S. Dammers and Ryan Scott Ferber prosecuted the case.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Attorney General launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices around the country, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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Polk County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Operating a Chop Shop

2011-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

JOHNNY LEE SUMMERVILLE, 61, of Cedartown, Georgia, was sentenced today (March 1) by United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy on charges that he operated a chop shop, removed and altered vehicle identification numbers on motor vehicles, possessed motor vehicles with altered and removed vehicle identification numbers, and possessed a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. SUMMERVILLE was sentenced to serve five years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. SUMMERVILLE was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $191,264.88. In connection with the drug conviction, the court imposed a $200,000 forfeiture money judgment.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, "Under the guise of operating a legitimate auto salvage business, this defendant bought and sold stolen motor vehicles and heavy equipment. By doing so, he provided incentive to thieves who would steal motor vehicles and heavy equipment with knowledge that they could sell the stolen vehicles and equipment to the defendant. The Safe Streets Task Force of Northwest Georgia will continue to address the problem of vehicle thefts in Northwest Georgia by investigating and prosecuting individuals who operate chop shops like the defendant did. The sentence handed down today reflects the serious nature of this offense."

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between January 2001 and October 6, 2009, SUMMERVILLE operated a chop shop at his junk yard located at 3870 Collard Valley Road, Cedartown, Georgia, and would, from time to time, obtain motor vehicles that he knew were stolen. He would then purchase a wrecked or salvage vehicle that was close to the same make, model, and year as the stolen vehicle, but that had a clear title, and would remove the VIN from the salvage vehicle. To conceal that the stolen vehicle was in fact stolen, he replaced the stolen car's VIN with the VIN plate from the wrecked or salvage vehicle. Then he sold the stolen vehicle with the "clear" VIN to a buyer who believed that there was a clear title for the vehicle. SUMMERVILLE also carried out the same VIN-swapping scheme with regard to stolen heavy equipment.

SUMMERVILLE was the subject of an undercover investigation conducted by the members of the Safe Streets Task Force of Northwest Georgia. During the undercover investigation, the informant and an undercover police officer purchased a stolen vehicle and a stolen piece of heavy equipment from SUMMERVILLE. The informant also reported that SUMMERVILLE was distributing a controlled substance at his business. On two occasions the informant and the undercover agent bought from SUMMERVILLE quantities of Dihydrocodeinone, which is a Schedule III controlled substance.

On October 6, 2009, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers with the Safe Streets Task Force of Northwest Georgia executed a search warrant at Summerville's business During the execution of the search warrant, the officers located and seized numerous stolen motor vehicles and heavy equipment. The officers also seized a number of other motor vehicles and heavy equipment with VIN plates that were either altered or removed.

On December 9, 2010, SUMMERVILLE pleaded guilty to one count of operating a chop shop and one count of distributing a controlled substance.

The investigation was conducted by law enforcement officers with the Safe Streets Task Force of Northwest Georgia, which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Polk County Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and the Bartow County Drug Task Force. Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and police officers with the Floyd County Police Department assisted in the investigation.

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Four CD and DVD Counterfeiters and Suppliers in Atlanta Sentenced to Prison

2011-02-25T15:23:00.000-08:00

Four individuals have been sentenced this week in Atlanta by U.S. District Judge William S. Duffey Jr. for their involvement in a counterfeit DVD and CD ring, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Sally Quillian Yates for the Northern District of Georgia.

Mamadou Sadio Barry, 40, was sentenced to 60 months in prison; Moussa Baradji, 29, was sentenced to 50 months in prison; Sedikey Sankano, 42, was sentenced to 24 months in prison; and Won Ahn, 69, was placed on probation for one year. Barry, Baradji, and Sankano also were ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their prison terms. Barry and Baradji were ordered to pay $70,894 in restitution, and Sankano was ordered to pay $3,867 in restitution. The court found that these defendants were responsible for distributing illegal copies of products that, if legitimate, would have been valued at more than $2 million.

On Dec. 10, 2009, Sankano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement, to traffic in counterfeit goods, and to traffic in counterfeit labels. On Sept. 24, 2010, Ahn pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact for illegally smuggling patent infringing digital media contrary to law.

On Oct. 6, 2010, a federal jury in Atlanta found Barry and Baradji guilty of one count each of criminal copyright infringement. The evidence at trial established that Baradji and Barry used space in warehouses on Metropolitan Parkway in Atlanta to “burn” or copy DVDs and CDs. According to evidence at trial, Baradji and Barry produced and paid others to produce counterfeit labels and packaging and to assemble the final product, which Baradji and Barry sold through their retail stores. According to the evidence at trial, the defendants’ warehouse operation reproduced thousands of CDs and DVDs per week for distribution. According to court records, Sankano also acquired labels, packaging, and blank digital media at the warehouse for use in manufacturing infringing copies of copyrighted materials on DVDs and CDs. Ahn assisted in supplying the producers with blank DVDs and CDs that had been illegally smuggled into the United States.

The sentenced defendants were among 13 charged by a federal grand jury on May 19, 2009, in an indictment alleging various copyright, trademark, and counterfeit goods offenses.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Pearce in the Northern District of Georgia and Senior Counsel John H. Zacharia of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, together with officers of the Atlanta Police Department Organized Crime Unit; College Park, Ga., Police Department; and East Point, Ga., Police Department. Assistance was provided by the Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion Picture Association of America.

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Retired Minister Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

2011-02-25T07:14:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, on behalf of the FBI's Innocent Images Task Force and the GBI's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, announces the following arrest at Smyrna, Georgia:

Albert Turnell, Jr., 71 years old, a retired minister residing in Smyrna, Georgia, was arrested without incident this morning, February 24, 2011, at his residence by FBI agents and task force officers, with the assistance of the Smyrna Police Department as well.

Turnell is being charged federally with possession and distribution of child pornography. He will appear in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta later today for his initial appearance.

The public should be reminded that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison on Federal Drug Charges

2011-02-25T06:37:00.000-08:00

A member of a sophisticated drug ring operating in the Huntington, West Virginia area was sentenced yesterday in federal court. Kenneth "Kid" Pertillo, 27, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to 46 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base. On June 12, 2009, officers with the Huntington Police Department arrested Pertillo and Thomaas "30" Redding for traffic violations in the 2200 block of Artisan Avenue in Huntington. After finding illegal drugs in the car, officers arrested Pertillo and Redding. During a strip search at the police station, Pertillo removed a bag containing more than five grams of cocaine base from his body. He also carried in his pockets $1,507 in cash which included 51 $20 bills.

The long-term, multi-state investigation revealed that by working together in a relatively sophisticated drug distribution organization, members enjoyed increased profits from their illegal drug sales. Through their coordinated efforts of buying drugs in larger quantities for resale, the drug ring was able to widen their customer base and increase their market share in the Huntington area.

The investigation further revealed that group members recruited others from their hometown of Macon, Georgia to relocate to Huntington to sell drugs with the promise of higher profits. They manufactured powder cocaine into crack cocaine, trained new arrivals in local crack pricing and portioning, used counter-surveillance techniques to avoid detection by law enforcement, provided financial assistance to retain defense attorneys and post bond for incarcerated members, arranged for storage of drugs and firearms in the homes of local residents, paid local addicts with crack to rent cars for trips out-of-state to resupply the group with drugs, shared handguns for use while dealing drugs, and other actions which increased the effectiveness of the group.

In all, the drug ring members and their associates received sentences totaling 1,072 months, or almost 90 years, collectively. Pertillo's co-defendants were previously sentenced for their roles: Charles "Goldie" Williams—136 months in prison; Nekoase "Shadow/Fly" Vinson—168 months in prison; Thomaas "30" Redding—69 months in prison; and Antonio "T.O." Whitehead—108 months in prison. Other conspiracy members and associates were previously convicted under separate indictments, including Maurice "Edith" Dugger—85 months; SylVester "Twin" Dugger—150 months; SylEster Dugger—95 months; Jennifer "J-Lo" Ferrell—33 months; Mark King—108 months; Robin Bailey—84 months; and Lisa Bailey—36 months.

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Huntington Police Department, West Virginia State Police, WVSP Forensic Laboratory, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lawrence County (Ohio) Drug Task Force, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, Cabell County Sheriff's Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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APS Healthcare Pays $13 Million to Settle False Claims Act Case

2011-02-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

The United States Attorney’s Office today (February 22) announced that “INNOVATIVE RESOURCES GROUP, LLC,” doing business as “APS HEALTHCARE MIDWEST,” of White Plains, New York, has reached a $13 million settlement with the United States and the state of Georgia to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act. The United States’ share of the settlement is $5.2 million. The government alleges that APS Healthcare submitted false claims to Medicaid through the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) because it did not provide specialty services related to disease management and case management to members of the Georgia Medicaid Management Program (GAMMP) during the period from September 1, 2007 through February 28, 2010.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the settlement, “In this time of tight budgets and rising health care costs, the state of Georgia tried to improve its services to its Medicaid recipients by contracting with APS Healthcare. But instead of providing improved efficiency and effectiveness the company billed for, APS Healthcare took Medicaid’s money for itself and left some of our most vulnerable citizens without the aid they deserved.”

“Investigating Medicaid grant fraud is an important priority, because it diverts desperately needed resources from those who need it most,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrick L. Jackson, Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Atlanta Region.

“This substantial recovery of taxpayer dollars is attributable to the continued strong partnership between state and federal law enforcement agencies in the fight against health care fraud and abuse,” said Scott Smeal, Georgia Senior Assistant Attorney General. “This case should send a strong message to companies such as APS Healthcare that they will be held fully accountable when they fail to provide the services they promised to provide to Medicaid patients.”

Under the GAMMP contract, APS Healthcare agreed to provide case and disease management services to Georgia Medicaid recipients and was paid a monthly fee for each member receiving such services. The government contends that APS Healthcare failed to provide the required services to a large portion of the Medicaid recipients and over-billed the Georgia Department of Community Health in its monthly invoices.

APS Healthcare has executed a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, which will require an aggressive compliance program. The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires, among other things, intensive training and implementation of policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with federal health care program requirements. In addition, APS Healthcare will be subject to external review of its compliance with state Medicaid contracts. If APS Healthcare fails to comply with certain material terms of the CIA, the company is subject to monetary penalties and exclusion from federal health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.

The civil settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private citizens to bring civil actions on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The case, pending in the Northern District of Georgia, is filed under United States ex rel. Michael Claeys and State of Georgia ex rel. Michael Claeys v. APS Healthcare, Inc., APS Healthcare Bethesda, Inc., and Innovative Resource Group, LLC d/b/a/ APS Healthcare Midwest, 1:09-cv-2779-WSD.

This civil investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI and HHS-OIG.

The civil settlement was reached by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher J. Huber and Lena Amanti.

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FBI Safe Child Task Force Arrest

2011-02-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin announces, on behalf of the FBI's Safe Child Task Force, the following arrest at Dalton, Georgia:

John Neff, age 47, of Denver, North Carolina, was arrested Monday afternoon, February 21, 2011, by FBI agents and task force officers of the FBI-led Safe Child Task force after coming to the attention of undercover agents/officers on the Internet. Neff, a commercial truck driver, is facing state charges of criminal attempted child molestation stemming criminal attempted aggravated child molestation from his efforts to have sex with a minor child.

Neff is currently being held at the Whitfield County, Georgia Detention Center.

The public should be reminded that the above are mere allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Former DOR Employees Indicted on Seventeen Counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud

2011-02-12T14:19:00.001-08:00

Revenue Commissioner Doug MacGinnitie and Attorney General Sam Olens announced yesterday that on December 17, 2010, a grand jury in DeKalb County issued a 17-count indictment against former DOR employees Marcus Britt, Micah Decuir, Billy Evans, William Gladney, and John Richardson with the offense of Financial Transaction Card Fraud in violation of O.C.G.A. § 16-9-33.

If found guilty of the charges, each defendant could be imprisoned from one to three years on each count.

Britt, 22, of Decatur, Georgia, was indicted on nine counts. Decuir, 24, of Conyers, Georgia, was indicted on four counts. Evans, 34, of Atlanta, Georgia, was indicted on one count. Gladney, 25, of Atlanta, Georgia, was indicted on two counts. Richardson, 37, of Lithonia, Georgia, was indicted on one count.

The indictment states that on seventeen separate occasions between December 2007 and March 2008, the defendants did, with the intent to defraud the Georgia Department of Revenue, obtained gasoline, an item having value, for their own personal use by presenting a Wright Express gasoline card, a Financial Transaction Card, without the authorization and permission of the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Special Agent Michael L. Bailey of the Department’s Office of Special Investigations. It was presented to the grand jury by Daniel A. Hiatt, Assistant Attorney General-Special Prosecutions Division.

Flood Safety Day: Prepare for the Number One Weather-Related Killer

2011-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign urges families to prepare for flood emergencies on Feb. 11, the final day of Severe Weather Awareness Week

Georgians know the toll that flooding can take on a community after record floods in September 2009 caused 10 deaths and $500 million of damage to homes and businesses. In the United States, floods are the most common severe weather emergency and the number two weather-related killer. Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security urge residents to learn the tools and resources necessary to manage floods during Flood Safety Day, Friday, Feb. 11, the final day of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“Seven people lost their lives in our county during the 2009 floods,” said Jason Milhollin, Emergency Management Director for Douglas County. “Most of them were swept off the roads while driving through heavy rain, but had they been better informed about the weather and at-risk areas near their homes, most could have avoided danger.”

More than half of flood victims are in vehicles swept away by moving water, and just six inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down. In Georgia, many communities experience some kind of flooding after spring rains or heavy thunderstorms, but dam failures can also cause some of the worst flooding events. Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of days.

Flash floods, however, usually result from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. They occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. Communities particularly at risk are those located in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam.

Though floods can occur without much warning, there are steps that any household can take to prepare and minimize property damage, injury or even the threat of death. GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign offers this information to help you prepare, plan and stay informed about floods:

Prepare for Flooding

Know your area's flood risk – if unsure, call your local emergency management agency.
Create an emergency supplies kit and prepare a portable Ready kit in case you have to evacuate.
Reduce potential flood damage by raising your furnace, water heater and electric panel if they are in areas of your home that may be flooded.
Property insurance does not typically cover flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider about your policy and consider if you need additional coverage. The National Flood Insurance Program is designed to provide reasonable flood insurance in exchange for the careful management of flood-prone areas by local communities. The program, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is available in hundreds of participating Georgia communities. Visit www.floodsmart.gov for more information.

Plan to Evacuate

Plan how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
If you have a car, fill the gas tank. If you do not have a car, plan alternate means of evacuating.
Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home.

Stay Informed about Flooding

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.
Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for flood information.
Follow the instructions of local officials. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Do not drive around barricades. They are there for your safety.
Never drive through standing water. It only takes two feet of water to float a full-sized automobile.
Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains.
Stay out of floodwaters if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically charged. However, if your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out immediately and seek higher ground.
Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
Do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe. Even after floodwaters recede, roads and bridges may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated. Use common sense and exercise caution.

The state’s emergency preparedness campaign, Ready Georgia, offers families a free, interactive online tool that takes the guesswork out of getting prepared. By visiting www.ready.ga.gov, families can take less than an hour to enter pertinent information and get a customized family communications plan and emergency supply checklist.

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, Ready Georgia is giving residents the chance to win a NOAA Weather Radio and Ready kit, a $100 value, courtesy of The Home Depot. From Feb. 7-11, visit Ready Georgia’s Facebook page and click on the “Contests” tab. Then, enter the contest by simply submitting a severe weather photo and a step you have taken to prepare.

For more information on preparing for severe weather, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.

“Seaside Partners Fund” General Partner Sentenced to Prison for Investment Fraud

2011-02-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

ROBERT L. DUNCAN, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to prison today by United States District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr. on a charge of wire fraud in connection with an investment scheme through his company, “Seaside Partners Fund,” which was based in Atlanta.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This is another case of a financial predator who has defrauded individuals of millions in savings. As part of the President’s Financial Fraud Task Force, it will remain a focus of our mission to root out and address these crimes and to help instill a measure of confidence in our financial system.”

DUNCAN was sentenced to four years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,839,751. DUNCAN pleaded guilty to the charge on September 23, 2010. The Court determined that DUNCAN has already paid back approximately $226,473.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: From January 2005 to March 2010, DUNCAN convinced several local investors to allow him to invest approximately $4 million of their money, falsely telling them that their funds were in individual capital accounts and invested through licensed securities brokers. The investors transferred their funds to DUNCAN’s investment program, known as “Seaside Partners Fund,” after he falsely represented that their principal would be held for their benefit in individual capital accounts and invested by licensed securities brokers. DUNCAN periodically furnished his investors with fraudulently altered account statements, which falsely showed that their investments were doing well, when in fact, DUNCAN was using their investment principal for his own business and personal expenses. The Criminal Information charges DUNCAN with wire fraud for causing the investors’ funds to be electronically transferred in interstate commerce to execute his scheme to defraud.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Atlanta District Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has conducted a separate civil investigation and referred this case for prosecution.

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Georgia Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Sex Abuse Offenses

2011-01-31T06:02:00.000-08:00

Dwain D. Williams, age 37, a resident of Pelham, Georgia, was sentenced today (January 28) before the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of Georgia, to life in prison for child sex abuse offenses, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and United States Attorney Michael J. Moore of the Middle District of Georgia.

Williams was convicted on Aug. 19, 2010, by a federal jury in Valdosta, Georgia, of one count of traveling in foreign commerce and engaging in illicit sexual conduct, one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact of a child under 12 years of age. The aggravated sexual abuse and the abusive sexual contact charges were committed while Williams was accompanying a member of the Armed Forces outside of the United States in violation of the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA).

At trial, the female victim testified that Williams had repeatedly raped her starting from when she was nine years old until she was 13.

“The law, not to mention human decency, demands that we protect innocent children, whether they be here or abroad, from predators like Mr. Williams”, said United States Attorney Moore.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Leah McEwen of the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Mi Yung Park of the Criminal Division’s CEOS. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Special Investigations for Moody Air Force.

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Doctor Sentenced for Providing False Information to Federal Officer

2011-01-28T07:36:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announces that on January 27, 2011, Bradford G. Brown, M.D., was sentenced to serve thirty-six (36) months in prison and a $500.00 Mandatory Assessment Fee by the Honorable Judge Lawson in United States District Court in Macon, Georgia.

Brown was convicted by a Federal Jury of his peers on September 23, 2010. He was found guilty of one count of Conspiracy to Provide False Information to a Federal Officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 in connection with Section 1001. Brown was also convicted of four counts of Providing False Information to a Federal Officer, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.

Dr. Brown had previously been convicted of Federal Tax Evasion, had served his time and was on supervised release. One of the conditions of supervised release was that he look for and maintain a job. The Defendant’s supervised release had previously been revoked for his failure to look for employment. The revocation was for three months before Brown was placed back on supervised release. Brown still failed to look for a job and was told he was going to go back in front of the Court for a second possible violation. The Defendant enlisted Adam Jackson, a former Hancock County Commissioner, on two different occasions to sign off on two letters the Defendant himself had penned stating that the Hancock County Board of Commissioners had offered him a job to reopen the defunct County Hospital. (Jackson was a Hancock County Board member). The Defendant then sent those letters along with a employment contract that he had also penned to his probation officer which provided the false statements that he had been offered a position with the Hancock County Board of Commissioners when in fact, there was no position or offer ever extended to Brown. The second letter was sent about a month after the first letter with an even more elaborate false statement than the first letter. Brown claimed that by a unanimous vote by the Commissioners he had been offered the position, when in fact, there was no vote, no position, and no offer of employment.

Brown’s co-defendant, former Hancock County Commissioner Adam Jackson, entered a plea of guilty to Count One of Conspiracy to Provide False Statements and was sentenced to serve 24 month in prison on November 22, 2010.

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Severe Weather Awareness Week a Time to Prepare for Remainder of Year

2011-01-26T09:49:00.001-08:00

GEMA’s Ready Georgia campaign helps residents prepare for a variety of natural disasters

Georgia has already experienced its first taste of severe weather in 2011 – a snowstorm that affected 70 percent of the state. With that in our collective memory, the governor and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security encourage all Georgians to participate in this year’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 7-11, by turning to the state’s Ready Georgia campaign.

“Take time now to prepare for the extreme weather the rest of the year can bring,” said Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security. “Tornadoes, storms and floods can devastate our communities, but devastation can be minimized if we’re prepared.”

The week’s activities begin with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 7, when all Georgia households are encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios and create Ready Profiles at www.ready.ga.gov to get a customized checklist of emergency supplies and a tailored family communications plan.

On Wednesday, when tornado safety is emphasized, a statewide tornado drill will be issued by the National Weather Service. Severe Weather Awareness Week’s specific observations are:

Monday, Feb. 7 – Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day
Tuesday, Feb. 8 – Thunderstorm Safety
Wednesday, Feb. 9 – Tornado Safety and Statewide Tornado Drill (issued by NWS)
Thursday, Feb. 10 – Lightning Safety
Friday, Feb. 11 – Flood Safety (alternate tornado drill date)

"By preparing for one emergency, you are actually arming yourself against many types of disasters," continued English. “Our goal is for all residents to be their own first responders and to be able to help others in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.”

During severe weather, emergency workers might need at least 72 hours to open roadways and restore utilities. When Georgians are prepared to survive independently, the potential for tragic outcomes is greatly reduced. GEMA offers this information from its Ready Georgia campaign:

Prepare for Severe Weather:

Make a Ready kit of emergency supplies for your home, car and office. Most of the recommended items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life.

- Water: at least three gallons per person for drinking and sanitation
- Food: at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Manual can opener if kit contains canned food
- Battery-powered or hand crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Face mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Local maps
- Specific items for children, family members’ special needs or pets
- Cash or travelers checks
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Blankets and warm clothes

Plan for Severe Weather:

- Be sure every family member knows important phone numbers for schools, offices, home and emergency services.
- Identify an out-of town contact. It might be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call in town, so an out-of-town contact is in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
- Identify a meeting place near your home where family members can meet if separated during severe weather.
- Identify a meeting place away from your home where family members can meet if your neighborhood in not accessible.
- Map out evacuation routes in case you are ordered to evacuate, and always keep at least a fourth of a tank of gas in your car.
- Know your insurance policies and whether your home is in a flood zone.

Stay Informed about Severe Weather:

- Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
- Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation plans.
- Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify severe weather, such as advisories, watches and warnings.
- Monitor NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, television and the Internet to stay informed of severe weather conditions.

During Severe Weather Awareness Week, Ready Georgia is also giving residents the chance to win their very own Ready kit and NOAA Weather Radio, a $100 value. Starting Feb. 7, visit Ready Georgia’s Facebook page and click on the “Contests” tab. Then, enter the contest by simply submitting a severe weather photo and a step you have taken to prepare.

For more information on preparing for severe weather, contact your local EMA or visit www.ready.ga.gov or www.gema.ga.gov.

Former Fulton County Sheriff's Deputy Sentenced to Prison for Corruption and Drug Charges

2011-01-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

ANTHONY C. ATWATER, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today (January 24) by United States District Judge J. Owen Forrester to serve six years in federal prison on corruption and drug charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, "While dressed in his uniform, this former law enforcement officer sold out his badge to people he knew as drug dealers, and chose to protect them rather than the citizens. Any sworn officer who thinks they can abandon their oath and become a criminal in police clothing should know this: Your betrayal makes you a criminal ready for federal prison."

FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin said, "Having the public's trust is paramount in order for the criminal justice system to work effectively. It is for this reason that the FBI makes such public corruption matters a priority. While the public can be reassured that the vast majority of law enforcement personnel do uphold their sworn oaths of office with great vigor, those that choose to stray down a similar path as that of Atwater can expect a similar fate."

IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael D. McDaniel said of the case, "Public Safety Officers hold positions of trust in the eyes of the public and violation of this trust can send damaging ripple effects throughout the community. Today's sentencing demonstrates the government s determination to restore and ensure that trust."

ATWATER was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service. ATWATER pleaded guilty to the charges on July 21, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On two occasions in 2010, ATWATER provided protection for what he believed to be multi-kilogram cocaine deals. For each deal, ATWATER agreed to protect the people he thought were drug dealers in exchange for $2,000. On both of those occasions, ATWATER was on duty, in uniform, and in his marked police vehicle when he provided the protection. ATWATER's participation in each of these two drug transactions forms the basis for both the corruption and the drug charges.

At today's sentencing hearing, prosecutors told the Court that after ATWATER's arrest, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a report that ATWATER illegally searched the home of a Fulton County resident while driving a marked Fulton County Sheriff's Department vehicle and wearing a Fulton County Sheriff's Department uniform. ATWATER incorrectly told the resident that he had an arrest warrant for an individual inside of the residence. However, he refused to show the arrest warrant to the resident upon request. ATWATER then proceeded to enter and search the residence and again refused to show or leave a copy of the purported arrest warrant with the resident as he left the residence.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

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Armored Car Robbery in Stone Mountain

2011-01-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for today’s (January 21) armed robbery of a Loomis Armored Car courier, which occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

On Friday, January 21, 2011, at approximately 9:00 a.m., two couriers for the Loomis Armor Car were servicing an ATM located at a Wells Fargo bank, 4798 Redan Road, Stone Mountain, Georgia. One of the two couriers, while outside of their vehicle and servicing the machine, was suddenly approached and, without warning, fired on multiple times by an armed assailant.

The assailant was able to take the courier’s bag containing an undisclosed amount of money. Witnesses observed the gunman jump into a late 1980s or early 1990s Jeep Cherokee, white in color, and depart the area. The gunman is described as being a black male, 20s to late 30s in age, 5’8” -5’11” in height, medium build, medium complexion, slight facial hair, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and brandishing a black semi automatic .40 caliber handgun. The driver of the getaway vehicle is described as being a black male, 20s to 30s in age wearing a light colored jacket with a fur collar.

The wounded courier was transported to a local area hospital where he underwent surgery as a result of the multiple gunshot wounds. Wells Fargo has announced a reward in this matter of up to $10,000.

The above robbery is believed to be connected to a string of five previous armored car courier robberies within the Metro Atlanta area as listed below:

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 11:15 a.m., two couriers for Dunbar Armored Car were inside the Mall of Georgia, Gwinnett County, servicing an ATM. One of the couriers was approached suddenly from behind and forced to the ground by an armed assailant. The second courier, observing this, fired on the assailant as he was departing the mall through a side door.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a courier for a Loomis Armored Car was robbed at gunpoint while servicing an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

The courier was approached from behind by a single robber who placed a semi automatic handgun to the courier’s head. The robber departed the area with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen getting into the back seat of a light blue or silver vehicle, described as being possibly a Buick, Oldsmobile, or Jaguar.

On November 11, 2010, a robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1500 Buford Highway, Buford, Georgia. In that robbery, the courier was robbed while servicing an ATM at that location. The courier was approached from behind by two black male suspects brandishing handguns. One of the robbers was described as having a gold upper tooth. The robbers were seen departing that robbery in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe, which was recovered shortly after the robbery and was determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

On September 14, 2010, a robbery of a Garda Armored courier occurred at the Bank of America, located at 1775 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Two black males approached the courier while he was servicing an ATM at that location. Both robbers were brandishing semi auto handguns. During that robbery, the courier was forced to the ground and his sidearm was taken by the robbers.

On October 7, 2010, a 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier occurred inside of a Mex-America Latino store, located at 641 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. In that robbery, two black males, one with long black dreadlocks, waited inside of the above store for the courier to arrive. Upon arrival, the two robbers confronted the courier with handguns.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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Operation Spider Web Snags Cocaine, Meth, and Weapons; Fifteen Indicted on Related Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

2011-01-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

In the past 24 hours, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), have concluded search and arrest actions in Cobb County and today (January 20), with the United States Attorney’s Office, announce that 15 individuals have been indicted for alleged drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes stemming from the large-scale investigation, code-named Operation Spider Web.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the takedown and the case, “The U.S. Attorney's office targets the largest drug trafficking organizations in the district, so that we can reduce the drug trafficking and violence not only in the state of Georgia but the other parts of the country that these organizations touch. Operation Spider Web involves 15 defendants who are alleged to have distributed cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana using tire stores as fronts, and tires as drug packaging. The takedown of this case has a direct impact on the community to make Atlanta safer, with less drugs and fewer guns on the streets.”

“Georgia residents can sleep better tonight knowing that an organized criminal ring has been hit,” said Brock Nicholson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office overseeing Georgia and the Carolinas. “This case demonstrates yet again how law enforcement in Atlanta is committed to working together to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.”

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said, “DEA and its law enforcement counterparts orchestrated a well-planned and coordinated assault against a high-level, poly-drug distribution network. Because of the unified effort between DEA and its law enforcement counterparts, this organization will no longer be able to wreak havoc on our community.”

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge, Gregory K. Gant said, “The mission of ATF is unwavering—we fight violent crime by investigating and prosecuting those who criminally use firearms that cause immeasurable damage to our communities. Today's enforcement activity is a perfect example of the law enforcement community working together to remove these violent criminals from its streets.”

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren, on behalf of the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Intelligence Task Force (MCS), said, “We often work in conjunction with other local, state and federal agencies in order to maximize our resources in combating illegal activity in our community. These cooperative efforts, especially in the metro area, are especially effective in letting the criminal element know we are all serious about protecting and serving the citizens in our jurisdictions. Job well done.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: In May 2009, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in the metro-Atlanta area and elsewhere. The organization allegedly coordinated the receipt and distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout Atlanta and elsewhere, using firearms in furtherance of its illegal activities. The indictment alleges that members of the organization hid, transported, and stored illegal drugs and drug money inside of tires that were then either placed on or inside drug delivery vehicles.

As part of today's takedown, agents searched two tires shops, “Alex Tires and Rims” in Marietta, Georgia, and “Emmy Tires” in Griffin, Georgia. Both tire shops were allegedly operated by SANTIAGO VILLANUEVA PINEDA. Agents also executed three search warrants, including at the tire businesses used by the criminal organization as fronts for its illegal activities. Today’s takedown ensnared 13 defendants, with the arrest of eight additional individuals on state drug charges or for immigration offenses. Items seized during the takedown included 22 guns, several kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine, a meth lab, over $30,000 in cash, and several vehicles. Those seizures supplement the approximately $1,000,000, 75 kilograms of cocaine, over 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 16 firearms, and two grenade hulls already seized in the investigation.

Earlier this week, a federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment related to “Operation Spider Web,” which was unsealed today with the arrests. The indictment charges the defendants with various criminal offenses including conspiring to traffic over five kilograms of cocaine, over 100 kilograms of marijuana, and over 500 grams of methamphetamine; substantive drug trafficking charges; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes:

SANTIAGO VILLANUEVA PINEDA, a/k/a “Alex,” 36, of Marietta, Georgia;
RAMIRO ALVARADO GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Mori,” a/k/a “Moreno,” 25, of Marietta, Georgia;
JAMES TORRES, a/k/a “El Gordo,” 28, of Marietta, Georgia;
TARSICIO BRAVO-CARBAJAL, a/k/a “Chicho,” a/k/a “Chucho,” 53, of Marietta, Georgia;
BERNALDO MOLINA-CARDENAS, a/k/a “Berna,” 49, of Marietta, Georgia;
ELEAZAR AGUIRRE RIVERA, 27, of Cartersville, Georgia;
JUVENTINO BAZA, 43, of Marietta, Georgia;
PABLO GARCIA, a/k/a “Enrique Farias,” 34, of Cartersville, Georgia;
WILBER AVALOS PEREZ, 36, of Smyrna, Georgia;
JOSE CARLOS SOTO-PINEDA, a/k/a “Pedro Mendoza,” 29, of Sandy Springs, Georgia;
JOSE PATINO-CHAVEZ, a/k/a “Markos Jaimes,” 38, of Marietta, Georgia;
ISAIAS MONDRAGON, a/k/a “Fat Boy,” 30, of Powder Springs, Georgia;
NARCISO FLORES-ORTIZ, a/k/a “Chicho,” 33, of Smyrna, Georgia;
GREGORY EARL HARRISON, 40, of Marietta, Georgia; and
CHADWICK HUDSPETH, 41, of Atlanta, Georgia.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The investigation and prosecution of this case is a coordinated effort through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is comprised of special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Intelligence Task Force (MCS), which is comprised of officers from Cobb County Sheriff's Office, Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Smyrna Police Department, Kennesaw Police Department, Acworth Police Department, and Powder Springs Police Department, along with the Cobb County District Attorney's Office.

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Jared Lee Loughner Indicted

2011-01-20T08:27:00.000-08:00

A federal grand jury in Tucson today (January 19) returned an initial three-count indictment against Jared Lee Loughner for attempting to kill U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and two of her aides, Ron Barber and Pamela Simon.

Today’s charges represent the initial indictment in the investigation of the Jan. 8 shooting in Tucson.

“Today, the grand jury returned an initial three-count indictment against Jared Lee Loughner in the Tucson shooting case. We are in the early stages of this ongoing investigation. We have made considerable progress in a short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke. “This case also involves potential death-penalty charges, and department rules require us to pursue a deliberate and thorough process. Today’s charges are just the beginning of our legal action, and we are working diligently to ensure that our investigation is thorough and that justice is done for the victims and their families.”

The charges meet the requirement under the Federal Criminal Code which mandates that the United States bring an indictment within 30 days of arrest of the defendant.

The indictment alleges that Loughner, 22, of Tucson, attempted to assassinate Gabrielle Giffords, a member of Congress, 18 USC 351(c,), and attempted to murder two federal employees, Ron Barber and Pamela Simon, 18 USC 1114 and 1113.

Loughner has been held in federal custody since Jan. 8.

A conviction for the attempted assassination of a member of Congress carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for attempted murder of a federal employee carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

In determining an actual sentence, Judge Burns will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

An indictment is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Burke emphasized that the procedure in any case which may result in a punishment of death requires a careful and deliberate process, and includes consultation with the victims of the crimes and their families, consideration of all evidence relevant to guilt and punishment, and consultation with all the law enforcement agencies investigating the case.

Also, in order to pursue the death penalty the United States Attorney’s Office for Arizona must provide information to the Capital Review Committee.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement team led by the FBI. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wallace Kleindienst, Beverly Anderson, Christina Cabanillas, and Mary Sue Feldmeier of the District of Arizona, Tucson.

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Credit Union Teller Sentenced for Embezzlement Scheme

2011-01-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces January 19 that Lisa R. Cox, age 48, a resident of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced before the Honorable Marc T. Treadwell, Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, to 36 months’ imprisonment on Count One and 36 months as to Count Two to run concurrent to Count One for a total imprisonment term of 36 months; five years’ supervised release; $200.00 mandatory assessment fee; and restitution in the amount of $624,608.00.

On September 20, 2010, Cox entered a plea of guilty to one count, of embezzlement by a credit union employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 657, and also a single count of making a false entry in credit union records in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1006. Cox admitted to embezzling $624,608.00 and making fraudulent entries into the general ledger maintained by Mid South Federal Credit Union by indicating that vault 300 of its Mercer branch contained $500,000.00 in nickel denomination coins. She admitted to using the funds to gamble, take a European vacation, make monthly payments on a motor vehicle, and assist a relative in the purchase of a home. Cox was employed by Mid South Federal Credit Union for approximately 17 years and was at the time of the offense serving as head teller at the Mercer branch.

United States Attorney Moore noted that “not only did Ms. Cox violate the law, she violated the duties she owed to every member of the credit union.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The sentencing was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sharon Ratley.

Questions relating to the case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office at (478) 621-2602.

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Federal Inmate Indicted for Instructing Criminal Defendants to Lie to Federal Authorities

2011-01-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

SANDEO DYSON, 47, of Gainesville, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury and was arraigned this morning on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and false statements.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This defendant is charged with selling information to other criminal defendants and instructing those defendants to falsely represent to the U.S. Attorney's Office that they had personal knowledge of the information. This defendant was attempting to obstruct justice for a profit.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Division, said, “The integrity of the criminal justice process is paramount and any efforts to interfere with that process by systematically introducing erroneous and false information will be dealt with swiftly. Mr. Dyson's conduct, as alleged in the indictment, has landed him back in the defendant's chair and, as such, should serve as an example to others who would attempt similar such conduct.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the indictment and other information presented in court: DYSON, while housed at the Atlanta City Detention Center (“ACDC”) in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 20, 2008, through June 1, 2010, obtained information about crimes being committed in Georgia and North Carolina from various sources, including other inmates. DYSON then “sold” the information to other criminal defendants in cases before the Northern District of Georgia, who were housed at ACDC and the Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility in Lovejoy, Georgia.

The indictment alleges that at least four criminal defendants purchased the information from DYSON in “packages” priced from five to ten thousand dollars each, for a total of fifty thousand dollars. In connection with the purchases, DYSON instructed his customer/inmates to offer up the information to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in order to potentially have their sentences reduced based on their cooperation. DYSON specifically told these criminal defendants to lie to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by concealing the fact that they had no real personal knowledge of the proffered information, and had actually “purchased” the information from DYSON.

According to the indictment, DYSON arranged for his customers to purchase the information “packages” by directing their family and friends to make payments into the bank accounts of other federal inmates’ relatives and friends. These individuals transferred the proceeds of the information “packages” to DYSON, the other federal inmates, and their associates.

The indictment charges one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and to make false statements, three counts of obstruction of justice, and two counts of false statements. The charges carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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FDA Warns Public of Continued Extortion Scam By FDA Impersonators

2011-01-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning the public about criminals posing as FDA special agents and other law enforcement personnel as part of a continued international extortion scam.

The criminals call the victims -- who in most cases previously purchased drugs over the Internet or via "telepharmacies" -- and identify themselves as FDA special agents or other law enforcement officials. The criminals inform the victims that purchasing drugs over the Internet or the telephone is illegal, and that law enforcement action will be pursued unless a fine or fee ranging from $100 to $250,000 is paid. Victims often also have fraudulent transactions placed against their credit cards.

The criminals always request the money be sent by wire transfer to a designated location, usually in the Dominican Republic. If victims refuse to send money, they are often threatened with a search of their property, arrest, deportation, physical harm and/or incarceration.

"Impersonating an FDA official is a violation of federal law," said Dara Corrigan, the FDA's associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. "FDA special agents and other law enforcement officials are not authorized to impose or collect criminal fines. Only a court can take such action."

In most instances, victims of extortion-related calls have also received telephone solicitations for additional pharmaceutical purchases from other possibly related, illegal entities located overseas. The extortionists use customer lists complete with extensive personal information provided through previous purchase transactions. These include names, addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, purchase histories and credit card account numbers.

Typically, these criminals use telephone numbers that change constantly and make it appear as though their calls originate in the United States.

No known victim has been approached in person by a law enforcement impersonator associated with this scheme.

The FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations, with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, with the support of various U.S. Attorneys, are pursuing multiple national and international criminal investigations.

Arrests have been made and additional prosecutions are pending; however, the scheme is likely to continue. The FDA has issued similar warnings in the past:

* FDA Warns Public of Extortion Scam by FDA Impersonators (11/12/2008)
* FDA Warns Public of Continued Extortion Scam by FDA Impersonators (12/29/2009)

Victims of this scheme who have suffered monetary loss through the payment of funds in response to an extortion call, or anyone receiving a telephone call from a person purporting to be an FDA or other law enforcement official who is seeking money to settle a law enforcement action for the illegal purchase of drugs over the Internet may obtain a victim questionnaire by contacting the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations and clicking "Report Suspected Criminal Activity."

Anyone receiving a purported official document on agency letterhead may verify its authenticity by contacting that organization directly via a publicly available phone number. Additionally, all federal agencies use email addresses with a "gov" email extension.

The FDA also reminds consumers that pharmaceutical products offered online and by telephone by sources of unknown origin can pose a substantial health risk. Products recovered during this investigation that were purchased from online or telephone sources have been found to contain trace amounts of heroin, other undisclosed and potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients, or no active ingredient at all. Purchases should only be made from licensed pharmacies located in the United States. In addition to the increased risk of purchasing unsafe and ineffective drugs from websites operating outside the law, personal data may be compromised.

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Lawyer Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling Funds

2011-01-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

MICHAEL SHAW, 37, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced January 5 by United States District Judge Willis B. Hunt on bank fraud charges relating to an embezzlement scheme.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This defendant is a former lawyer who betrayed the trust that his law firm and its clients placed in him by stealing from them. The evidence showed that his fraud continued over a five-year period, and was far from a one-time accounting mistake. His crimes cost him his job, his law license and now will send him to federal prison.”

SHAW was sentenced to one year and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. SHAW pleaded guilty to the charges on October 20, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: SHAW was employed as an associate attorney at a large Atlanta law firm, specializing in bankruptcy and commercial foreclosure litigation. From 2003 to 2009, he regularly performed investigative services for clients himself, but submitted invoices in the name of an investigator who also worked for the firm. These invoices totaled approximately $90,000. At the same time, SHAW performed title-examination services for clients himself, but submitted invoices to the firm in the name of a fictitious vendor. He obtained the vendor’s social security number from federal bankruptcy filings and submitted fraudulent W-9 forms in the vendor’s name. These invoices totaled approximately $425,000. For almost five years, SHAW regularly performed work for clients, submitted fraudulent invoices to the firm’s accounting department, received checks, endorsed the checks over to himself, and deposited the funds into his personal checking account. During this period, he also continued to receive his regular law firm salary as well.

In June 2009, a client’s billing review caused the law firm to discover SHAW’s misconduct, and he was terminated. SHAW, a member of the Georgia Bar from 1999 to 2010, was disbarred by the Georgia State Bar after his misconduct came to light.

This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Distributor of Child Pornography Sentenced

2011-01-06T08:52:00.000-08:00

CHARLIE BENJAMIN FLOWERS, II, 34, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced by District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten January 5 for collecting and trading images and videos of children being sexually abused.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This defendant’s collection represents the worst of the worst of child pornography. The videos and pictures that he shared with other online predators showed infants and toddlers being raped, fondled, and abused. By making these horrible images available to others, this defendant was helping to grow an industry that has no place in our society, and today he is being justly punished for what he did.”

FLOWERS was sentenced to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He is also required to register as a sex offender upon his release from custody. FLOWERS pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: In the summer of 2010, while operating in undercover capacities, three FBI agents, working independently of each other, encountered FLOWERS using online file sharing software to collect and distribute pictures and videos of infants and toddlers being sexually abused. Because FLOWERS typically accessed the Internet from a public node, it took several months for agents to determine his identity and location.

When he was finally apprehended, FLOWERS had in his possession a computer containing thousands of images of child pornography. His collection was almost exclusively focused on pictures and videos of infants and toddlers being raped, sodomized, and otherwise sexually abused. His online advertisement in the file-sharing forum announced his interest in and the availability of “only the youngest and hardest” images. Such images were acquired by each of the three undercover agents when, on separate occasions, FLOWERS gave them access to his collection.

Also found on FLOWERS’s computer was a file directory containing footage of FLOWERS groping a fully clothed toddler. FLOWERS had named the folder “first recorded molestation.”

This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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As New Year's Eve Approaches, AT&T Aims to Reach Millions With Powerful Anti-Texting While Driving Message

2010-12-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire/ -- "Where u at." Those three words made up the last text message Mariah West read before her car crashed into a bridge, ending her life. Approaching one of the most dangerous days on the road – New Year's Eve – AT&T* today announced the release of a powerful new documentary featuring stories from individuals, including Mariah's parents, whose lives have been altered by texting while driving.

The 10-minute piece will be distributed nationwide to schools, safety organizations, government agencies and more as part of AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign. Each of the eight individuals included in the full-length reel volunteered their stories to help AT&T educate wireless customers – particularly youth – on the risks of tapping away on their cell phones in the car. The documentary can be viewed online at no charge on AT&T's "It Can Wait" website and on AT&T's YouTube page.

"Distracted driving is an epidemic, particularly among teens who are confident in their ability to text or talk while driving," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Of the 5,500 people killed last year due to distracted driving, the largest proportion of fatalities occurred among young people under the age of 20. I hope teens will take this powerful video to heart and realize that when you're behind the wheel, no text message or phone call is worth the risk."

"This documentary is a raw look at the reality and hazards of texting while driving, and we hope it will make wireless customers think twice before pulling out their cell phones in the driver's seat," said Cathy Coughlin, senior executive vice president and global marketing officer for AT&T. "As a global telecommunications company, it is our responsibility to bring these risks to light, especially now during the holiday season and as we approach New Year's Eve."

The documentary is supported by CTIA – The Wireless Association, The National Safety Council (NSC), National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

AT&T is working to distribute the video to numerous government agencies and safety organizations around the country, as well as to educators, students and policymakers to put real faces to the growing problem and spread the message. It will also appear on the websites and communication channels such as newsletters and social media pages of NOYS (http://noys.org/), along with tens of thousands of schools affiliated with the organization.

In addition, AT&T will share the documentary with its wireless customers, employees and families through:

* AT&T's Teen Advisory Council – 10 teens of AT&T employees from across the country – and their schools;
* AT&T U-verse® Mobile, AT&T U-verse Online and AT&T U-verse TV On Demand (airing continuously beginning this week on a dedicated channel at no cost to subscribers);
* The AT&T employee "Defensive Driving" courses required for all company employees who drive as part of their job;
* AT&T's Smart Controls(SM) page (www.att.com/smartcontrols), an all-in-one destination with information and tools for parents and children on how to stay safe with technology, and tips to manage content, spending, time and location;
* AT&T's "It Can Wait" resource center (www.att.com/txtngcanwait) and www.att.com multimedia download center; and
* AT&T's Friends & Family page (http://itcanwait.att.com/)

AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign launched in March 2010, and to date, more than 21,600 consumers have taken the pledge not to text and drive on AT&;T's Facebook page, in addition to more than 16,700 AT&T employees through its internal social media channel. More than 10,000 pledges have also been made on the AT&T Friends & Family page – an employee-led initiative encouraging others to commit to the cause.

AT&T continues to raise awareness about the issue of texting and driving through a multifaceted initiative. The campaign spans print, radio, TV and online advertising, in-store signage, collateral and online billing. In addition, parents, high school educators and, most importantly, youth, can visit AT&T's online resource center. The site includes downloadable information about texting while driving such as a parent-teen pledge, a teen-teen pledge, a poster, a brochure, safety tips and more.

Since 2009, the company has revised its wireless and motor vehicle policies to more clearly and explicitly prohibit texting and driving, impacting its more than 265,000 employees; incorporated a don't-text-and-drive message on the plastic clings that protect handset screens on the majority of new devices sold in AT&T's more than company-owned 2,200 stores; and has integrated campaign messaging in AT&T catalogs, in-store signage and collateral, bills, e-mails, newsletters and more.

As one of the nation's leading employers and with one of the largest commercial fleets, AT&T has also incorporated a section on the hazards of texting and driving in its defensive driving classes, which all employees who drive as part of their job are required to take.

For additional information on AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign, please visit http://www.att.com/txtngcanwait.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

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Douglasville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography Offense

2010-12-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

RICHARD W. RODGERS, 42, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced December 20 by United States District Court Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr., to federal prison on a charge of receiving child pornography.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Thanks to the work of an undercover FBI agent, this offender has been prosecuted for receiving more than 1,000 images and many videos of child pornography and making hundreds of those images available for others via the Internet. Today's sentence is a reminder to all those who consider this illegal conduct: child pornography offenders face serious consequences for their crimes."

RODGERS was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He pled guilty to the charge on August 13, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates and information presented in court: A Federal Bureau of Investigation agent working in an undercover capacity in Richmond, Virginia, logged onto an Internet file sharing network on April 4, 2008, and searched for offenders who had images of child pornography available for sharing with other Internet users. The agent's search quickly returned a list of more than 300 child pornography images that were available for sharing from a computer which was traced to RODGERS. When FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at RODGERS' residence in Douglasville, Georgia, they found more than 1,300 still images and 49 videos of child pornography on his home laptop computer. During interviews with federal agents, RODGERS admitted that he had searched for and received the child pornography from Internet sources.

This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Innocent Images Task Force.

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Gift Card Tips

2010-12-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Giving gift cards for the holidays can be the perfect answer to finding a present for that hard-to-shop-for relative or friend. However, the Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection wants consumers to be well informed so that the gift cards they give and receive are worth what the buyer intended.

First, beware of gift card scams. Con artists have been known to record gift card numbers and obtain PIN codes by removing the protective coating. Then they keep checking online to see if the card has funds on it. Once the card is purchased by the consumer, the card is activated and the scammer will be able to make an online purchase using the gift card funds. When the legitimate owner of the gift card subsequently tries to use the card, he will discover that there are little or no funds left on the card.

Another common scam is when someone resells a gift card – usually via an online auction or website – claiming it has a higher value than it actually does. Consumers should therefore avoid buying gift cards from online auctions or resellers because they could end up with a stolen card or one whose funds have been used up. Your safest bet is to buy the gift card from the store it’s from. Even then, you should check to make sure that the PIN number has not been tampered with; if it has, ask for another card and explain why. You should also ask the salesperson to scan your gift card to make sure that the funds have been correctly loaded onto the card.

Save your receipt because if the card is ever lost or stolen some stores may be able to give you a replacement card.

Also, you should consider the reputation of the company whose gift card you are buying. If it is lesser known or on shaky financial ground, there is a possibility that the company could go out of business. If that happens, your gift card could end up being worthless.

That’s an important consideration for gift card recipients as well. The best protection recipients have against a company going out of business is to use the card sooner rather than later. You may want to do that anyway since many people who don’t use a gift card right away end up forgetting about it, which can lead to the card expiring or incurring inactivity fees.

Gift card recipients should also take note of the following new rules which offer greater protections for consumers:

Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least five years from the date the card was purchased, or from the last date any additional money was loaded onto the card. If the expiration date listed on the card is earlier than these dates, the money can be transferred to a replacement card at no cost.
Inactivity fees can be charged only after a card hasn’t been used for at least one year, and then only once per month. But fees may be charged to buy the card or to replace a lost or stolen card.
The card must clearly disclose its expiration date, and the card or packaging must clearly disclose any fees. There is one exception: Some cards produced before April 1, 2010, that list a short expiration time or inactivity fees in the first year may be sold through January 31, 2011. However, no matter what a card says, consumers still are protected by the new rules.

For more information, contact Bill Cloud, Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection, at 404-656-3790.
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Former Atlanta Police Officer Sentenced to 12 Years for Corruption and Drug Trafficking

2010-12-17T05:50:00.000-08:00

LUCIUS T. SOLOMON, III, 32, of Atlanta, formerly an officer with the Atlanta Police Department, was sentenced to prison December 16 by United States District Judge Richard W. Story on corruption and drug charges.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “This police officer took an oath to protect the public from criminals. Instead, he protected the criminals from law enforcement. Now he is headed to federal prison.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Office, said, “Public corruption investigations are a high priority at the FBI given that the potential for damage and discredit to law enforcement is very high. While these corruption cases are a serious breach of the public trust, it should be noted that the vast majority of those working within law enforcement fully understand their oaths and reflect often on their commitment to public service.”

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said, “The public simply must have confidence in its police officers. While I believe this incident is not indicative of the vast majority of hardworking, honest and dedicated officers out there on the streets of Atlanta day in and day out, today’s sentence sends a strong message to those who would stray from their mission to uphold and enforce the law.”

SOLOMON was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. SOLOMON was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service. He pled guilty to the charges on September 2, 2010.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On three occasions in 2009 and 2010, SOLOMON provided protection for what he believed to be multi-kilogram cocaine deals. For each deal, SOLOMON agreed to protect the people he thought were drug dealers in exchange for $2,000. On two of those occasions, SOLOMON was on duty, in uniform, and in his marked police vehicle when he provided the protection. SOLOMON’s participation in each of these three drug transactions forms the basis for both the corruption and the drug charges.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department.

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Theft of Trade Secrets Sentencing

2010-12-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney, announced that Kevin Crow, age 57, was sentenced on December 13, 2010 to 36 months in federal prison without parole, three years' supervised release, a $10,000.00 fine, and a mandatory assessment of $100.00.

Crow was charged in a one-count information with theft of trade secrets, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1832. He entered a plea agreement on June 11, 2010.

The defendant was an engineer employed by Turbine Engines Components Technologies Corporation (TECT) in Thomasville, Georgia, from approximately August 1979 until June of 2007, when the defendant was laid off by the company. TECT manufactures a diverse range of products related to or including trade secrets. These products range from premium forged hand tools and medical instruments to aircraft hardware and turbine engine components, all of which are related to interstate and or foreign commerce. As an employee of TECT, Crow continually provided policy statements with explicit direction on identifying trade secrets within the company and how to protect those trade secrets. During Crow's exit interview he signed a document stating that he had returned all documents containing any trade secret information to TECT, when in fact, he had taken approximately 100 computer discs containing multiple pieces of information considered trade secrets from TECT.

Crow was later employed by Precision Components International (PCI) in Columbus, Georgia, a competitor of TECT. Both companies are in the business of manufacturing and selling engine blades for military aircraft engines. After being employed with PCI, Crow made numerous contacts with employees of TECT requesting forging price sheets containing vendor and customer information. He also requested copies of TECT's 2007 and 2008 contract reviews that contained trade secret information. Crow admitted in a conversation with a TECT employee that he took computer discs, blueprints, and cost and pricing information belonging to TECT, and admitted that providing the information could be considered industrial espionage.

The United States and the Defendant, through counsel, stipulated that Turbine Engines Components Technologies Corporation (TECT) suffered losses not exceeding $14 million.

United States Attorney Michael Moore said, "This type of industrial espionage is a serious matter, especially when it involves the production of parts for our military aircraft.

The damages alone to TECT and its employees might be calculated in dollars, but the potential harm to our military equipment readiness is still unknown."

The case was investigated by Special Agent Andy Crabtree of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution was conducted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman.

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Former Archbold CEO Ken B. Beverly Convicted of All Six Counts Related to Medicaid Fraud

2010-12-13T07:32:00.000-08:00

The United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, Michael J. Moore, announced that on December 8, 2010, Ken B. Beverly was convicted after a seven-day jury trial of six felony offenses related to Medicaid fraud and obstruction of justice.

Moore said, “Mr. Beverly’s conduct is an example of extraordinary greed. He was willing to try and fraudulently obtain money from a public program specifically designed to guarantee that those who need medical care but can’t afford it have a way to receive treatment. With the crisis in our health care system, this type of fraud and abuse is simply reprehensible.”

The trial took place in the United States District Court in Valdosta, Georgia, the Honorable W. Louis Sands presiding. Defendant Beverly was formerly the CEO and president of Archbold Medical Center and Archbold Memorial Hospital, Thomasville, Georgia, and served in those positions for over 20 years. Beverly was convicted of all six counts of the indictment:

Count One: Conspiracy to Falsify Records - 18 U.S.C. § 1519 /i/c/w § 371
Counts Two and Three: Falsification of Records -18 U.S.C. § 1519
Counts Four and Five: Obstruction of Justice - Witness Tampering - 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1)
Count Six: Misleading Statements - 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(3)

Counts One, Two and Three of the indictment charged Ken Beverly with participating in, and committing acts in furtherance of, a conspiracy to falsely portray Archbold Memorial Hospital as a public hospital, controlled and owned by a governmental authority, in order to qualify for additional Medicaid funds. In fact, Archbold Memorial Hospital is, and always has been, a private, not-for-profit hospital. Defendant Beverly conspired with former CFO William Sellers to create fictitious documents showing the City of Thomasville Hospital Authority owned and controlled Archbold Memorial Hospital. Beverly directed Sellers to send these fraudulent documents to the Georgia Department of Community Health in order for Archbold Memorial to receive funds as a public, rather than a private hospital. Federal Medicaid officials had requested proof of Archbold’s public status.

Counts Four and Five of the indictment charged Beverly with witness tampering by attempting to induce Sellers to remain silent about Beverly’s role in the conspiracy in exchange for Beverly’s efforts to protect Seller’s retirement benefits.

Count Six charged Beverly with making misleading statements in a civil deposition when questioned about the fraudulent documents.

Count One carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, and three years supervised released. Counts Two through Six each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, together with supervised release of three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000.00, per count.

Defendant Beverly remains released on bond pending sentencing, which is expected to take place in about sixty days at a time set by the court.

This case was prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane, together with Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Steve McDermond.

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Robbery of Wells Fargo Bank Branch in Atlanta

2010-12-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating the individual responsible for the December 7 armed robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2280 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia.

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, at approximately 9:40 a.m., a lone black male entered the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 2280 Cascade Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and, after initially being waited on by a customer service representative, discreetly announced a robbery. The robber, wearing an Ace-type medical bandage around his face and a sling on his left arm, displayed a weapon that he pulled from the arm sling, stating "you know what time it is." The robber then forced the bank employee to multiple teller stations where she was made to place money in a blue bag that he provided. During this process, the robber then openly displayed the weapon, a silver semi-automatic handgun, for the rest of the bank occupants to see.

After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the robber departed the bank without further incident. No vehicle associated with the robber was observed.

The robber is described as being a black male, 25-35 years in age, 5-‘6” to 5’8” in height, small build, weighing 140-145 lbs. He was wearing a dark blue with light blue striped rugby style long sleeved shirt, and an Ace bandage around his face with an additional bandage over his nose.

Wells Fargo Bank has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this individual.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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Internet Crime Complaint Center's (IC3) Scam Alerts

2010-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

This report, which is based upon information from law enforcement and complaints
submitted to the IC3, details recent cyber crime trends and new twists to previously-existing
cyber scams.

New Twist on Extortion/Hit Man Scam

The IC3 has received several complaints referencing a new twist on the
extortion/hit man scam, which is now targeting nannies and day care providers.
The fraudster contacts the potential victims via email claiming their team was hired
by a friend of the victim to "terminate" them. The fraudster demands amounts ranging
from $150,000 to $250,000 to call off the hit and claims he will hand over a tape
containing evidence as to who hired him once the amount is paid. The recipient is
threatened with murder and the kidnapping of the children in their care if they
fail to comply.

The majority of the victims had some affiliation with a nanny position and speculated
that the fraudster must have obtained their contact information through an online
classified ad offering their services as nannies. Others stated they had advertised
online that they were seeking a nanny, while one victim was reportedly a day care
worker.

Payment Processor Possibly Conducting a Ponzi Scheme

Since January 2010, the IC3 has received hundreds of complaints regarding a website
that victims reportedly used to transfer money for the sales of firearms; however,
the website has not allowed them to withdraw the funds after their merchandise was
sold.

The website claims to be a payment processor to be used as an alternative to other
familiar online payment transfer services and was created to allow for the purchase
of items that others of its kind do not allow (e.g., firearms). The website encourages
consumers to use their services by advertising that they send money to consumers
or anyone with an email address, an individual can easily pay for anything using
the web, and sign-up is free, quick, and easy.

The website appears to have been set up as a legitimate business but shortly after
operations began, customers started experiencing funding delays. Ultimately, customers
who received funds only received partial payments, and those payments were delayed
by months.

Additional research indicates that the money submitted for transfer may have been
fraudulently misappropriated. This scam appears to have become a Ponzi scheme with
previous customers being paid by funds from new customers.

Fraudsters Preying on Individuals Who are Wanting to Adopt

The IC3 received information from law enforcement and complaints filed with the
IC3 concerning an adoption scam. The scam is an attempt to collect personal information
and funds from individuals seeking to adopt a child. Victims reported responding
to on-line advertisements for adoptions, such as "Baby Needs A Home." The operators
of the site are fraudsters who claimed to have an overseas orphaned child in need
of adoption. Preying on victims' emotions, the fraudsters explained how they promised
to care for the child after the mother's death.

The fraudsters said they were not affiliated with an adoption agency because no
such agencies exist in their area. Nevertheless, they asked the victims to send
pictures of their family and to complete forms that required personal information
such as Social Security Number and their mother's maiden name. Fraudsters sent the
victims a birth certificate and pictures of a child. One victim reported that the
birth certificate appeared altered. Fraudsters told victims to send hundreds of
dollars via money order, credit card, or wire transfer to a bank account for legal
fees. The fraudsters claimed they would "ship" the child upon receipt of the funds.
Instead, the fraudsters pocketed the money gained from the scam and provided no
children for adoption.

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Telephone Collection Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans

2010-12-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

The IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) receives a high volume of complaints from victims of payday loan telephone collection scams. In these scams, a caller claims that the victim is delinquent
in a payday loan and must repay the loan to avoid legal consequences. The callers purport to be representatives of the FBI, Federal Legislative Department, various law firms, or other legitimate-sounding agencies. They claim to be collecting debts for companies such as United Cash Advance,
U.S. Cash Advance, U.S. Cash Net, and other internet check cashing services.

One of the most insidious aspects of this scam is that the callers have accurate information about the victims, including social security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, employer information, bank account numbers, names and telephone numbers of relatives and friends. The method by which the fraudsters obtained the personal information is unclear, but victims often relay that they had completed online applications for other loans or credit cards before the calls began.

The fraudsters relentlessly call the victim's home, cell phone, and place of employment. They refuse to provide to the victims any details of the alleged payday loans and become abusive when questioned. The callers threaten victims with legal actions, arrests, and in some cases physical violence if they refuse to pay. In many cases, the callers even resort to harassment of the victim's relatives, friends, and employers.

Some fraudsters instruct victims to fax a statement agreeing to pay a certain dollar amount, on a specific date, via prepaid visa card. The statement further declares that the victim would never dispute the debt.

These telephone calls are an attempt to obtain payment by instilling fear in the victims. Do not follow the instuctions of the caller.

If you receive telephone calls such as these, you should:

* Contact your banking institutions;
* Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file;
* Contact your local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are in immediate danger;
* File a complaint at www.IC3.gov.

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Child Predator Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charge

2010-11-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, announces the following arrest today of a known child predator at Dekalb County, Georgia:

On Tuesday, November 30, 2010, Timothy Lyle Chappell, age 48, was arrested at the Dekalb County Probation Office by FBI agents assigned to child exploitation investigative matters. Chappell is being charged via federal criminal complaint with one count of Title 18 USC 1591, sex trafficking of children. In June, 2010, Chappell caused a 15-year-old female to be involved in the commercial sex trade and facilitated her exploitation by others.

Chappell, a Level III Violent Sexual Predator on Georgia’s Sex Offender Registry, will have an initial appearance in front of a U.S. Magistrate judge in Atlanta, Georgia later today.

Additional criminal charges are anticipated and anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta Office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000

The public should be reminded that the above are merely allegations and that all persons are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Fayetteville Police Alcohol Sting Nets 5 Arrests

2010-11-30T06:03:00.000-08:00

On November 26, 2010, members of the Fayetteville Police Criminal Investigations Unit along with the Fayetteville Police Warrant Unit conducted Special Operation Beer Buy 2010. This operation used an underage informant, to attempt to purchase alcohol from the twelve convenience stores in the city. The informant attempted to purchase alcohol from all twelve stores and was successful in those attempts in five of those twelve stores. The following is a list of the convenience stores and the offenders who were arrested and turned over to the Fayette County jail:

Thomas B.P
450 North Glynn Street
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Operator / Vikki Kelly

Star B. P.
744 North Glynn Street
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Operator / Nisar Rana

Village Market
765 North Glynn Street
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Operator / Daljit Sahney

Pit Stop North/ Phillips 66
630 North Glynn Street
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Operator / Musharaf Khan

Grady B.P.
610 West Lanier
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Operator / Kelly Martin

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Seeking Information on Armored Car Robberies

2010-11-30T05:49:00.000-08:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the individuals responsible for the November 29 armed robbery of a Loomis armored car courier, which occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank, 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

On Monday, November 29, 2010, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a courier for a Loomis Armored Car was robbed at gunpoint while servicing an ATM at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia.

The courier was approached from behind by a single robber who placed a semi automatic handgun to the courier’s head. The robber departed the area with an undisclosed amount of money and was seen getting into the back seat of a light blue or silver vehicle, described as being possibly a Buick, Oldsmobile, or Jaguar.

The robber is described as being a black male, late 20’s in age, 5’5” to 5’11” in height, medium build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and a black cap.

FBI agents are comparing the details of the above robbery to other similar Metro Atlanta area robberies, which include the following:

A September 14, 2010 robbery of a Garda Armored courier while at the Bank of America, located at 1775 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia. Two black males approached the courier while he was servicing an ATM at that location. Both robbers were brandishing semi-automatic handguns. During that robbery, the courier was forced to the ground and his sidearm was taken by the robbers.

An October 7, 2010, 1:00 p.m. robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier, which occurred inside of a Mex-America Latino store, located at 641 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia In that robbery, two black males, one with long black dreadlocks, waited inside of the above store for the courier to arrive. Upon arrival, the two robbers confronted the courier with handguns.

A November 11, 2010, robbery of a Dunbar Armored courier while at the Bank of America, located at 1500 Buford Highway, Buford, Georgia. In that robbery, the courier was robbed while servicing an ATM at that location. The courier was approached from behind by two black male suspects brandishing handguns.One of the robbers was described as having a gold upper tooth. The robbers were seen departing that robbery in a blue Chevrolet Tahoe, recovered shortly after the robbery and determined to have been reported stolen in Atlanta.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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ATF Offers $10k Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

2010-11-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire/ -- A reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and convictions of those responsible for a recent firearms armed robbery at Welsh Pawn Shop, a federally licensed gun dealer in Savannah, Ga. was announced today by Gregory K. Gant, Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers has pledged a reward of up to $2,500 for the arrest of those responsible for the robbery. The owners of Welsh Pawn have also announced an additional reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. This crime has triggered a joint investigation between ATF and the Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department.

"The people of Savannah deserve a safe community. Unfortunately, there are a few violent individuals whose illegal activities threaten to diminish our quality of life. Gun thieves play a critical and deadly role in the chain of violence. ATF will continue to partner with state and local law enforcement agencies to solve this crime," Gant said.

The armed robbery occurred around 10 a.m., Friday, at the business located at 2800 Skidaway Rd., Savannah, Ga. The suspects walked into the business, asked workers to view a few items, then started shooting. Two clerks were shot and received non life-threatening injuries. The robbers smashed glass cases and removed several items to include six firearms. The clerks could only identify the robbers as two black males, wearing dark clothing and baseball caps.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subjects involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or Savannah/Chatham County Crime Stoppers at (912) 234-2020. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Senior U.S. District Court Judge Pleads Guilty to Possession of Controlled Substances and Conversion of Government Property

2010-11-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

Senior U.S. District Judge Jack T. Camp Jr., pleaded guilty today (November 19) in U.S. District Court in Atlanta to possession of controlled substances and conversion of government property, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Lamkin of the FBI’s Atlanta office and Director Vernon Keenan of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Camp, 67, a Senior U.S. District Judge in the Northern District of Georgia, pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of controlled substances and one count of conversion of government property. Camp’s guilty plea was accepted by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Hogan for the District of Columbia, who was sitting by designation in the Northern District of Georgia. Sentencing has been scheduled for Mar. 4, 2011, at 11:00 a.m.

As part of his guilty plea, Camp admitted that between May 2010 and Oct. 1, 2010, he unlawfully possessed and used cocaine, marijuana, and Roxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Camp also admitted to giving an individual, whom he knew had a prior felony drug conviction, money to purchase cocaine, Roxycodone, and marijuana. Camp admitted that he unlawfully gave the individual a U.S. District Court laptop computer for her personal use. Camp was arrested on Oct. 1, 2010, after attempting to purchase drugs from an undercover FBI agent posing as a drug dealer.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Deborah Sue Mayer and Tracee Joy Plowell of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. The case was investigated by the FBI Atlanta’s Public Corruption Squad. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided substantial assistance in this case.

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Fayetteville Police Offer Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

2010-11-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Fayetteville Police Department would like to offer some tips to help you be more aware during the Holiday season. It’s that time of year! Shopping during the holiday season can present unique dangers when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other crime. Taking a few prevention measurers can help keep your holiday season joyous.

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible.

If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

Valuables and packages left in vehicles should be kept out of sight.

Lock your car and close the windows, even if you will be away for only a few minutes.

Watch your purse, wallet and checkbook while you shop.

Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

Do not let people distract you (some thieves work in pairs-while one person asks for your help reading a label or retrieving items off of shelves the other is sealing your stuff).

Always double check that the sales clerk returned your credit card and driver’s license.

Never let your credit card out of your sight.

Be cautious of money scams (putting your money with their money, cashing a check for someone).

Drive safely and always wear your seatbelt - even on short trips.

Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

Be alert to any activity near your car.

Report suspicious activity immediate!

Do not be afraid to call 911; that’s what we are here for!

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Carjacking and Firearms Conviction Results in 77-Year Prison Sentence

2010-11-20T06:28:00.000-08:00

Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Albert Eugene Dunn, age 27, of Valdosta, Georgia, was sentenced by the Honorable W. Louis Sands, United States District Judge, on November 17, 2010, to 924 months (77 years) in federal prison without parole.

Dunn was charged in a seven-count indictment with three counts of carjacking and four counts of federal firearm violations arising from two separate home invasions. The jury trial concluded on May 10, 2010 with Dunn being convicted on all counts.

Evidence presented during the course of the trial revealed that Dunn, with the help of an accomplice, invaded the homes of college students while armed with and using firearms and knives. He demanded valuables and took vehicles belonging to the victims with the intent to cause death and serious bodily injury.

Judge Sands granted the government’s request to impose a harsher sentence than that normally provided for such cases by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, commenting that this sentence was appropriate to provide punishment and to protect the public from future crimes of the defendant.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation sponsored Multi Agency Task Force with Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Tim Davis and Valdosta Police Department’s Sergeant Kari Williams. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Verda Colvin.

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ATF Launches Text-Based Crime Tip Submission System

2010-11-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire- -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information, today announced the launch of a text messaging crime tip submission system. During the course of this six-month pilot program, crime tips can be submitted anonymously by text message to ATF's Joint Support and Operations Center for review and processing.

The general public will benefit from the easy to use, anonymous system that will allow them to readily relay information from any cell phone. ATF will benefit from an increased flow of real-time intelligence, which will enhance its investigative capabilities and help keep communities safer.

To submit a crime tip, one can begin by texting a message with "ATF" in the body of the message to the number "274637" (CRIMES).

The initial submission will trigger an auto response from the secure transaction server. The text sender will receive a response, including a unique code number, which must be remembered for encryption and identification purposes. The sender and ATF coordinator may then elect to engage in a secure and encrypted two-way dialog with no additional keywords being required.

The sender can also text "STOP" to the number "274637" (CRIMES) at anytime to pause the system. This is helpful in situations where you cannot be replied to by ATF. If you send "STOP" to the short code number, messages from that point will not get a reply, but are received by ATF. Any new text messages would require repeating these steps from the beginning, utilizing a new code number generated by the system.

For additional information on ATF's SMS text messaging capability, please visit http://www.atf.gov/contact/sms/. For additional information concerning submission of crime tips to ATF, please refer to http://www.atf.gov/contact/hotlines/.

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Crime Victim Law Group to Release 'Choosing a Safer Apartment Community in Georgia.'

2010-11-16T07:26:00.000-08:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Crime Victim Law Group announced the release of a guide designed to help Atlanta renters avoid crime and find a safe place to live. "Choosing a Safer Apartment Community in Georgia" presents simple, effective guidelines for finding a safe apartment complex; tips on how to make your current apartment safer; and, precautions to take to avoid being a victim of crime at any apartment property.

The purpose of the guide is to alert renters to conditions that enable criminals to victimize apartment dwellers and their guests. Being able to recognize certain conditions and situations helps a renter make a well-informed decision when choosing an apartment.

The guide details how inadequate or poor security can create an environment that not only encourages crime, it practically invites it. Properly functioning gated entries, effective security guards, and active neighborhood watch programs can make a substantial difference in deterring criminals who often operate in apartment communities.

The Crime Victim Law Group guide "Choosing a Safer Apartment Community in Georgia" is available as a PDF download at: http://www.victimattorneys.com/choosing-a-safer-apartment-community-in-georgia-download-the-pdf

From finding a safe apartment to making a current home safer, this Guide is intended to empower Atlanta renters so they might avoid becoming victims. Knowledge is power when choosing a home environment that is relatively free from violent crime. And, knowing the right questions to ask and the right things to look for can make all the difference when the safety, health and well-being of family and friends is at stake.

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Federal Jury Convicts Georgia Man for Armed Bank Robbery in Munford

2010-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

A federal jury today (November 12) convicted a Georgia man for conspiring with and committing an armed bank robbery with three other individuals in Munford in June, announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance and FBI Special Agent in Charge Patrick Maley.

The jury convicted TYCORY “T.C.” HILL, 24, of Decatur, Ga., of conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence, all in connection with the June 10 robbery of the Munford Branch of the First National Bank of Talladega. Jurors returned their verdict after deliberating about three hours on the two days of testimony before U.S. District Judge L. Scott Coogler.

“Good, solid police work by local and federal law enforcement, working together, led to one of the defendants, who cooperated and provided information that led to the other defendants in the bank robbery,” Vance said. “Three men burst into the Munford bank brandishing guns, threatening the lives of everyone inside and taking more than $177,000. The law enforcement officers in this case deserve to be commended for apprehending the bank robbers and helping bring them all to justice,” she said.

Two of the co-defendants, cousins JUSTIN COLE, 21, and JOHNATHAN COLE, 20, both of Gadsden, pleaded guilty in August to the conspiracy, armed robbery and firearm counts. BRITTNEY TRIMBLE, 20, also of Gadsden, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and armed robbery. All three testified for the government in HILL’s trial.

According to testimony, the bank robbery occurred as follows:

HILL and the two other men, JUSTIN and JOHNATHAN COLE, entered the bank in Munford on June 10 armed and wearing either a mask or bandana over their faces. The robbers jumped the teller counter, pointed guns at tellers, demanded money and threatened to kill tellers if they did not comply. The robbers took money from the bank vault and from teller drawers, escaping with about $177,795.

The robbers fled the bank in a stolen car, which they drove to a nearby apartment complex and abandoned. TRIMBLE was waiting at the complex with another getaway car.

The maximum prison sentence for conspiracy to commit armed robbery is five years. The maximum prison sentence for armed bank robbery is 25 years. The firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of seven years and a maximum of life in prison. The firearms sentence must be served consecutively to any sentence on the other convictions.

This case was investigated by the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office, special agents of the FBI field office in Gadsden, the Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit and the Gadsden Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jim Weil and Praveen Krishna.

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Rome Man Pleads Guilty in Multi-Million-Dollar Timber Fraud Scheme

2010-11-04T05:55:00.000-07:00

AARON WILBERT FREEMAN, 50, of Rome, Georgia, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Robert L. Vining in federal district court late yesterday (November 2) to multiple charges relating to a $4 million scheme involving timber that did not exist. A jury had been selected and FREEMAN’s trial was set to begin today when FREEMAN pleaded late yesterday.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of yesterday’s guilty plea, “Paper is made from trees, but in this case, Freeman created trees out of paper. He did so by manipulating his employer’s computer system to create phony receipts for timber deliveries that never took place. He also recruited timber truck drivers to redeem the fake receipts for payment, then laundered the proceeds through multiple financial institutions.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta, stated, “The level of fraud that Mr. Freeman conspired to commit against his former employer, the Temple-Inland Company, was significant. The FBI is pleased that, through its investigation and the resulting prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's Office, not only was any additional fraud stopped, but now Mr. Freeman will be held accountable for his actions.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges, and other information presented in court: FREEMAN worked as a scale house operator at the Temple-Inland Co. paper mill in Floyd County, Georgia until June 2006. The scale house received and weighed approximately 350 timber trucks each day, providing a delivery receipt, known in the industry as a “scale ticket,” to each driver as proof of delivery. Between 2003 and 2006, FREEMAN worked primarily during the night shift, often alone, processing timber deliveries through the scale house computer system.

While working in the scale house during this time frame, FREEMAN manipulated the computer system to produce multiple weight readings when a single timber truck passed through the paper mill’s scale, making it appear as if there had been two or more deliveries when there had only been one. FREEMAN then caused the computer system to generate false scale tickets for the phantom loads, along with valid scale tickets for the legitimate deliveries. The Rome scale house computer system would simultaneously transmit the delivery information electronically to Temple-Inland’s headquarters in Austin, Texas, ultimately resulting in electronic funds transfers from Temple-Inland’s bank to timber suppliers’ bank accounts in Georgia and South Carolina.

After creating the false scale tickets, FREEMAN recruited multiple co-conspirators, including KEVIN A. FIELDS, 31, of Forsyth, Georgia; JASON S. JOSEPH, 32, of Macon, Georgia; ROGER G. CARTHERN, 63, and R. ANDREW CARTHERN, 40, both of Jefferson, Georgia; J. DAVID CARTHERN, 64, of Commerce, Georgia; ROBERT FRANK FERGUSON, JR., 56, of Maysville, Georgia; and GEORGE BONNER TATE, 40, of Hartwell, Georgia, to redeem the false scale tickets for payment by timber suppliers, launder the payments through multiple banks and credit unions, and return a share of the money to FREEMAN in cash.

By manipulating the scale house computer system and creating false scale tickets, FREEMAN caused Temple-Inland to pay approximately $3.35 million for phantom timber that FIELDS claimed to have delivered; $910,000 for phantom timber that JOSEPH claimed to have delivered; $313,000 to ROGER and ANDREW CARTHERN; more than $112,000 to DAVID CARTHERN and ROBERT FRANK FERGUSON; and more than $160,000 to GEORGE TATE, all of whom shared their money with FREEMAN.

On November 2, 2009, a federal grand jury returned a 20-count indictment against FREEMAN, FIELDS, JOSEPH, ROGER CARTHERN, ANDREW CARTHERN, DAVID CARTHERN, FERGUSON, TATE, and CURTIS J. HART, 52, of Macon, Georgia. JOSEPH, ROGER CARTHERN, ANDREW CARTHERN, FERGUSON, and TATE all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate in the case. FIELDS pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and also agreed to cooperate. The government dismissed DAVID CARTHERN and HART from the case on May 20 and July 14, 2010, respectively.

FREEMAN pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. FREEMAN could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the wire fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to approximately $3.6 million for the money laundering conspiracy. In determining FREEMAN’s actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., before Senior United States District Judge Robet L. Vining in Room 303 of the United States Courthouse in Rome, Georgia. Sentencing dates for the co-defendants have not yet been set.

This case is being investigated by special agents of the FBI.

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Former Polk County Police Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Obstructing an Undercover Investigation

2010-11-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

MARK HOWELL SPARKS, 40, of Felton, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy to serve over two years in federal prison on charges of obstruction of justice, tampering with a witness and possessing a vehicle with an altered vehicle identification number (VIN).

“Because this defendant was a police officer, he was privy to confidential law enforcement information about an ongoing investigation into ‘chop shop’ activity in Polk County,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “During the investigation, he encouraged an informant to conceal his friends’ involvement in that chop shop activity. Sparks then obstructed the investigation and placed the informant in danger by alerting the targets of the investigation that the informant was recording conversations on behalf of law enforcement officials. Instead of enforcing the law, Sparks broke it, and now he is going to prison.”

SPARKS was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. SPARKS was convicted of these charges on July 22, 2010, after a four-day trial.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: In June 2008, while SPARKS was employed as a detective with the Polk County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Police Department began a joint investigation into motor vehicle theft and chop shop activity in Polk County. In an effort to protect SPARKS' friends who SPARKS knew were involved in chop shop activity, SPARKS encouraged an informant not to provide information about SPARKS' friends to the agents conducting the investigation. In addition, SPARKS told his friends that the informant was cooperating with law enforcement and was wearing a recording device. SPARKS told his friends that they should not talk to the informant because he was recording conversations. The informant provided much of the detailed information about SPARKS’ criminal activity which expanded the investigation, and the informant testified at length at SPARKS’ trial.

After he was arrested, SPARKS admitted that he knowingly drove a pick up truck with an altered vehicle identification number, as the informant had told investigators.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Polk County Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bartow County Drug Task Force.

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Firearms Industry Matches ATF Reward in Norcross Firearms Theft

2010-11-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – the trade association for the firearms industry – has announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a September 17 firearms theft at American Classic Marksman, a federally licensed firearms retailer in Norcross, Ga. The incident has triggered a joint investigation, being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Gwinnett County Police Department. The NSSF reward offer matches a $5,000 reward offered by the ATF.

Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF, said, "Our matching reward offer will hopefully help assist ATF and local law enforcement in solving this crime against a federally licensed firearms dealer and lead to the swift recovery of stolen firearms before they can enter the illegal underground black market where they can be misused to commit violent crimes."

The matching reward payment by NSSF will be granted only following payment of the initial ATF reward, which is up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

For any questions about the theft of these firearms, please contact ATF at the number listed above.

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ATF Offers $5K Reward for Information on Retail Gun Theft

2010-10-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Atlanta Field Division today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a recent firearms theft at American Classic Marksman, a federally licensed gun dealer in Norcross, Ga. The incident has triggered a joint investigation, being conducted by ATF and the Gwinnett County Police Department.

"We all have a vested interest in arresting those responsible and recovering these stolen guns," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jeffery Pearce. "We know that in many instances stolen firearms end up in the hands of violent criminals, who use them to commit additional crimes. Law enforcement is asking for the public's assistance in removing these threats from the community."

The burglary occurred on Sept. 17, at the business located at 5303 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, Ga. Security cameras from within the business filmed one white male subject, make entry into the business and then exit with three firearms. The individual made entry by crawling through duct work and eventually climbing down from the vent/ceiling area of the shooting range. He exited the building through the same entry point.

Investigators are seeking the public's help with identifying the subject involved and providing information on the location of any or all of the stolen firearms. Anyone with information is encouraged to call ATF's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.

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Two Dalton Meth Dealers Sent to Federal Prison

2010-10-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

RICHIE WILLIS, 23, of Dalton, Georgia, was sentenced October 28 by United States Senior District Judge Robert L. Vining, Jr., on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Two other defendants have been charged in relation to the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Northwest Georgia.

“These defendants were involved in distributing methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug, and they are rightfully going to prison,” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates. “Drugs and guns are a particularly dangerous combination, so defendant Willis received a longer sentence.”

WILLIS was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. On October 7, 2010, co-defendant DEBORAH McCULLOUGH, 42, of Cedartown, Georgia was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. WILLIS and McCULLOUGH pleaded guilty to the charges on July 13, 2010.

Co-defendant ANGEL LOPEZ, also known as “Bobby Moss,” 23, of Dalton, Georgia, pleaded guilty on October 26, 2010, to charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and is awaiting sentencing.

The defendants were indicted on multiple drug-related counts on February 9, 2010. LOPEZ, WILLIS, and McCULLOUGH were indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. LOPEZ and WILLIS were also indicted on one count of possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, WILLIS was indicted on one count of possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense.

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: In late July 2009, a source informed Special Agents of the FBI that DEBORAH McCULLOUGH was selling methamphetamine in the Dalton, Georgia, area. Over the next several months, the FBI, through the source, made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from McCULLOUGH.

In November 2009, the agents approached McCULLOUGH and informed her of their investigation of her drug trafficking activities. McCULLOUGH agreed to cooperate and identified RICHIE WILLIS as her supplier. McCULLOUGH also made several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from WILLIS totaling almost half a pound of methamphetamine. On December 4, 2009, as WILLIS was driving to meet McCULLOUGH for another drug deal, the police stopped WILLIS’s car. WILLIS had two ounces of methamphetamine hidden in his clothing, and a loaded handgun in the center console of his car. After WILLIS was arrested, the agents executed a search warrant on his apartment in Dalton, where they found one and a half pounds of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, and almost $14,000 in cash. WILLIS cooperated with law enforcement officers following his arrest, and identified ANGEL LOPEZ, also known as “Bobby Moss,” as his sole supplier of methamphetamine. LOPEZ, through WILLIS, McCULLOUGH, and other drug dealers, has been accused of distributing dozens of pounds of methamphetamine in the Dalton area over the last three years, and has been charged in related state cases.

LOPEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2011, before United States Senior District Judge Robert L. Vining. LOPEZ could receive a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $4,000,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following website: www.justthinktwice.com.

This case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and the FBI’s Safe Street Task Force.

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Three Former Fulton County Jailers Sentenced for Obstructing Federal Civil Rights Investigations

2010-10-29T05:45:00.000-07:00

Three former Fulton County Jail detention officers were sentenced today (October 28) by Senior United States District Judge J. Owen Forrester for obstructing federal civil rights investigations. CURTIS JEROME BROWN, 42, of Lithonia, Georgia, and MITNEE MARKETTE JONES, 47, of Atlanta, were sentenced to federal prison for lying to a federal grand jury, making false statements to a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and writing false incident reports with the intent to hinder a federal investigation. DERONTAY ANTON LANGFORD, 35, of Atlanta, was ordered to home confinement as part of a probation sentence for his efforts to obstruct one of the investigations.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the convictions, “Today the court sentenced three detention officers for obstructing a federal civil rights investigation of inmate abuse in the Fulton County Jail. These convictions and sentences affirm our strong commitment to pursue justice even when those who are sworn to uphold the law attempt to hide the truth.”

Brian D. Lamkin, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta, said, “The actions of former Fulton County Detention Officers Brown, Jones and Langford are an erosion of the public's ability to trust the law enforcement personnel who have taken an oath to protect against such egregious, criminal activity. The FBI remains highly committed to investigate such corruption by all government officials, so that the members of the public can continue to trust in the vast majority of law enforcement officials whom respect their oath and are committed to public service. Anyone with information regarding public corruption should contact the Atlanta office of the FBI.”

Fulton County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jimmy Carter said, “We fully support investigations and prosecutions of persons connected to incidents involving brutality by employees of the Fulton County Sheriff's Office who are sworn to protect and serve fairly. We have zero tolerance for behavior that results in the mistreatment of citizens who come in contact with the Sheriff's Office. Employees are expected to be truthful in reporting and submissions of reports of their actions, investigations, and other related activities.”

BROWN, who was convicted on the charges by a jury on April 16, 2010, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service. JONES, who was convicted on the charges by a jury on January 21, 2010, was sentenced to one year and three months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to perform 120 hours of community service. LANGFORD entered a negotiated guilty plea to his charges on September 22, 2009, and cooperated with the federal investigation. LANGFORD was sentenced to four months of home confinement as part of three years of probation.

According to United States Attorney Yates and the information presented in court: On August 11, 2007, a Fulton County Jail inmate disrupted a count of inmates by shouting a crude comment to a female detention officer. BROWN handcuffed the inmate behind the inmate’s back and assisted moving the inmate to an administrative segregation area of the jail. While walking the inmate in a hallway that was not monitored by a video camera, BROWN stopped the inmate, admonished him, and hit the inmate. BROWN’s use of force caused the inmate to bleed from his mouth and left blood on the floor and wall. A fellow detention officer was shocked by BROWN’s behavior and immediately reported the conduct to a superior officer. Following the incident, BROWN wrote a memorandum to a supervisor that contained a false account of the incident.

The evidence in the case showed that later, in 2008, BROWN, JONES, and LANGFORD, along with and another detention officer, filed false incident reports omitting that jail staff entered the cell of an inmate and engaged in a physical altercation with the inmate a short time before the inmate was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell. According to trial testimony, BROWN, JONES, and LANGFORD entered the inmate’s cell and used force to subdue the inmate because the inmate was being loud and banging on his cell door and window. Approximately an hour after the group entered the cell, the inmate was discovered unresponsive and not breathing on the cell floor. The inmate was transported to Grady Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Court documents state that at the time of his death, the inmate was housed in the medical unit of the jail due to a mental health condition that required medication. According to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report, the inmate’s cause of death was “probable disrhythmia associated with acute psychotic episode and agitation.”

These cases were investigated by special agents of the FBI.

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Columbus, Ga. Sheriff's Office Celebrates Adoption of Alternative Fuels with Vehicle and Facility Tour

2010-10-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office is hosting a media event to celebrate its transition to clean alternative fueling. The tour will feature the county's new propane Autogas vehicles and newly implemented propane Autogas fueling station. The Sheriff's Office will give a propane Autogas fueling demonstration, offer visitors the opportunity to look under the hood of a propane Autogas vehicle, and provide information about the impact this alternative fuel will have on the community.

Muscogee County is converting 20 sheriff's vehicles from gasoline to propane Autogas as part of the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program, an ARRA-funded alternative fuel project that will upfit a total of about 1,200 vehicles from Washington, DC to Louisiana. Currently, the county has 16 vehicles running on propane Autogas. The Sheriff's Office also plans to convert additional vehicles to Autogas beyond those funded through the grant Program as part of their alternative fuel initiative.

"We had been exploring alternatives to gasoline, and the opportunity to participate in this Program came at the perfect time and allowed us to jumpstart our clean fuel program," says Muscogee County Sheriff John Darr. "Using propane Autogas in our Sheriff's vehicles is beneficial for our community – it reduces harmful emissions, it's domestically produced, and it's going to save our county money on fuel costs."

The vehicle and facility tour will be held today, October 22 at 12:30 p.m. at 1011 Cusseta Road, Columbus, Ga. The event is open press, and local environmental, automotive and economic development organizations are encouraged to attend. Please contact Lt. Gifford Anthony at the Sheriff's Office at (706) 653-4225 if you would like to attend or learn more about the event.

Propane Autogas is the third most widely used fuel in the world, behind only gasoline and diesel. Yet with more than 14.6 million propane Autogas vehicles in the world, the United States drives less than 2 percent of them. "Alternative fuels are an undeniable part of the nation's future, and at Muscogee County we are excited to be a part of that evolution now," Sheriff Darr adds.

Force 911, a full-service law enforcement vehicle outfitter and a certified conversion center for the Program, is performing the vehicle conversions for Muscogee County. Alliance AutoGas – with founding partners Blossman Gas (the largest independent propane supply company in the nation) and American Alternative Fuel (alternative fuel vehicle systems specialists) – is training technicians to perform the vehicle conversions for the Program, installing the refueling stations and supplying the propane Autogas fuel.

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Waycross Woman Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Embezzlement and Identity Theft Scheme

2010-10-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

SANDRA L. COOMBS, 39, from Waycross, Georgia pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court before Chief United States District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood to one count of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to steal over $2 million from her former employer.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver said, “This defendant betrayed her employer by using her position of trust to steal over $2 million. Ms. Coombs also stole names and identities of others to commit her fraud. This defendant’s unlawful conduct will send her to federal prison for a lengthy sentence.”

According to the evidence presented during Ms. Coombs’ guilty plea hearing, from 2005 through 2009 Coombs worked as the office manager for Ace Pole Company, a Blackshear business specializing in the production and sale of wooden utility poles. Coombs used her position as office manager to systematically steal over $2 million during a more than four-year time period. To accomplish her scheme, Coombs forged the names of Ace Pole Company officers on over 200 checks written from the company’s Patterson Bank account. To hide the scheme, Coombs falsified company records to make it appear that the forged checks she made payable to herself were instead payments made to vendors of the company. Coombs’ fraudulent activities came to light during an unrelated drug trafficking investigation, when Pierce County law enforcement uncovered the suspicious money transfers in and out of Ms. Coombs’ bank account.

Coombs now faces a 30 year maximum prison sentence for bank fraud, and two-year consecutive prison terms on her aggravated identity theft convictions. A sentencing date has not been set. Coombs was again remanded to U.S. Marshal custody following her guilty plea.

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Sleeping Passenger Awakens During Alleged Sexual Assault on Air Flight

2010-10-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

RANCHHODBHAI LAKHA, 61, of Alpharetta, Georgia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of assault, abusive sexual contact, and attempting to engage in a sex act with a person who was incapable of declining participation or communicating unwillingness to engage in a sex act. LAKHA is tentatively scheduled for an initial appearance/bond hearing/arraignment before a United States Magistrate on October 25, 2010.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “Sexual assault is a crime wherever it happens, including airplanes. Many passengers let their guard down or even fall asleep in the closed, often crowded environment of an airplane, which makes this kind of sexual assault so deplorable.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: On September 28, 2010, on a Delta flight from Dallas to Atlanta, a 20 year-old woman seated in the same row with LAKHA fell asleep, and woke up to discover LAKHA allegedly touching her below the waist. She quickly removed his hand and told him not to do that. LAKHA responded by asking the victim “Is that okay-- you don't like that?” The woman responded no and recoiled her body to protect herself. At that point LAKHA reached down and touched her again. The woman got up from her seat and reported the assault to a Delta flight attendant.

Further investigation by the FBI indicated that there may have been other similar incidents involving LAKHA, possibly in the state of Alabama, and have asked that anyone who may have been victimized by the defendant call the FBI at 404-679-9000.

Today’s indictment charges one count of assault, two counts of abusive sexual contact and one count of attempt to engage in a sexual act with someone who is physically incapable of declining participation or communicating unwillingness to engage in a sexual act. The charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment contains only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Armored Car Robber Arrested

2010-10-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with the Dekalb County Police Department, announce the following arrest in connection with the Oct. 13, 2010, Loomis armored car robbery at Dekalb County, Georgia:

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010, at approximately 11:00 a.m., armed individuals confronted couriers operating a Loomis armored car at the Dekalb Medical Center. One of the robbers fled the area in a U-haul truck and was apprehended a short distance away by responding units of the Dekalb County Police Department. Another individual, believed to be driving a “switch” vehicle, eluded capture.

Oklevibus Thornton, age 28, of Atlanta, a Loomis employee, was arrested by responding Dekalb County P.D. officers. Thornton was charged federally with violation of the Hobbs Act and will have his initial appearance in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge today in Atlanta, Georgia.

Loomis has authorized a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of additional individuals responsible for the above armored car robbery.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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Atlanta Man Sentenced for Seeking Sex with an 8-Year-Old Girl

2010-10-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

MARK MICHAEL STEVENS, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced today to 11 years in federal prison on a federal charge of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sex.

Sally Quillian Yates, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said, “This defendant sought to have sex with an 8-year-old girl—not 18, but 8. His criminal conduct serves as a chilling but important reminder that child predators remain a threat in our community and that parents, teachers, and loved ones must remain watchful for our children, especially when they are online.”

United States District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., sentenced BOWDEN to 11 years in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

According to United States Attorney Yates and the evidence in the public record in this case: In August 2009, STEVENS, an integrated technologies (“I.T.”) manager at Bull Realty in Atlanta at the time of the offense, met the mother of the 8-year-old in an online chat room known as “dad&daughtersex.” Of the course of several days, STEVENS, using the moniker “WickeDad.” and the mother—actually an undercover FBI task force officer—discussed how STEVENS could have sexual access to the mother’s daughter. STEVENS described in graphic detail what he hoped to do with the young girl and claimed that this would not be his first such experience.

STEVENS eventually sent photos of himself, clothed and unclothed, and provided a phone number so that he could speak with the mother and confirm that she and her daughter were “real.” During the phone calls, STEVENS again discussed the illegal sex acts he intended to perform with the girl.

On September 2, 2009, STEVENS traveled to J. Christopher’s Restaurant in Sandy Springs, where he and the mother had agreed to meet before retiring to the mother’s apartment so that he could have sex with her daughter. He was arrested as he stepped out of his car and has remained in custody ever since.

This case was investigated by agents and officers of the Atlanta Safe Child Task Force, which is led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Division.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert McBurney prosecuted the case.

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Hunters Urged to Follow Firearms Safety 10 Commandments

2010-10-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

For the 2009-2010 hunting season, Georgia reported 45 hunting incidents, 14 of which involved firearms. With the upcoming Oct. 16 opening of firearms deer hunting season, hunters are encouraged to review the ‘Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety’ before heading to the woods.

“Ultimately, each hunter is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe while pursuing deer this hunting season,” says Walter Lane, Hunter Development Program Manager of the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “This includes respecting all firearms and being absolutely certain of their target.”

The ‘Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety’ is an excellent safety checklist, covered in all hunter education courses and well worth a review by any hunter who utilizes firearms to hunt. The commandments are as follows:

One: Control the direction of the firearm’s muzzle. Keep the safety on and fingers off the trigger at all times until ready to shoot.

Two: Identify the target and what is beyond it before shooting. Know the identifying features of the game hunted and be absolutely certain that what you are aiming at is that game.

Three: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

Four: Be sure the barrel and action are clear of obstructions and that only the proper size ammunition is used in the firearm.

Five: Always unload a firearm when it is not in use, leave the actions open, and carry empty firearms in a case to and from shooting areas.

Six: Never aim a firearm at anything that you do not intend to shoot. Avoid all horseplay with a firearm.

Seven: Never climb a tree or fence, or jump a ditch or log, with a loaded firearm. Never pull a firearm towards you by the muzzle.

Eight: Never shoot a bullet at a flat, hard surface or at water. Make sure backstops are adequate during target practice.

Nine: Store firearms and ammunition separately and beyond the reach of children and careless adults.

Ten: Avoid all alcoholic beverages and drugs before and during shooting.

For more information on firearms safety, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com or contact the Wildlife Resources Division’s Hunter Education office at (770) 388-0045.

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FBI Arrest Regarding Airline Passenger Assault

2010-10-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, announces the following arrest at Sandy Springs, Georgia, which occurred on Monday, October 4, 2010.

On Monday, October 4, 2010, a passenger aboard a Delta flight from Dallas, Texas to Atlanta complained of being touched several times in an inappropriate fashion and reported this to the flight crew.

Ranchhodbhai Lakha, age 61, of Sandy Springs, Georgia was arrested and charged via federal criminal complaint with assault and sexual assault.

Lakha appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta for his initial appearance on the same date.

The public should be reminded the the above are mere allegations and that all persons are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Halloween Safety Tips from Peachtree City Police Department

2010-10-06T05:50:00.001-07:00

Peachtree City Police Department would like to remind everyone that Halloween is on Sunday, October 31, 2010, and that while this event can be fun for everyone, some safety precautions should be made. We wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween.

BEFORE HALLOWEEN:

Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

When using costumes, wigs and accessories, use only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts. Plan ahead to use only battery powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.

Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.

Review with your children the principle of "stop-drop-roll", should their clothes catch on fire.

Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.

Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.

Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.

Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN

A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

While children can help with the fun of designing a jack o' lantern, if sharp utensils are used, leave the carving to adults.

Always keep jack o' lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you. Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.

Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.

Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING

A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

Remind trick-or-treaters that by using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.

Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.

Remain on well-lit streets and use sidewalks when available.

If no sidewalks are available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cut across yards.

Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.

Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

Always walk. Never run across a street.

Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street or driveway.

Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.

Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING:

Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

When in doubt throw it out.

Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

The Peachtree City Police Department wishes you a safe and happy Halloween!

The Poison Control National Hotline number is

1-800-222-1222.

Atlanta Bank Robbers Arrested at Dekalb

2010-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, in conjunction with the Dekalb County Police Department, announces the arrest of three individuals subsequent to an armed robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 3007 Panola Road, Lithonia, Georgia on Monday, October 4, 2010.

On Monday, October 4, 2010, at approximately 12:04 p.m., two armed subjects entered the Chase Bank, located at 3007 Panola Road, Lithonia, Georgia while a third individual waited outside in a black Cadillac vehicle. The two robbers that entered the bank ordered everyone down on the floor. At one point during the robbery, a teller and bank customer had guns put to their heads. While unable to access the bank’s money, a change machine was taken and a bank customer was robbed. The two robbers then fled the bank and were observed by Dekalb P.D. uniformed officers departing in the awaiting black Cadillac, driven by the third individual. A brief chase ensued wherein the robbers departed the vehicle at the Creekside Crossing Apartments, Dekalb County. All three individuals were taken into custody at the scene. The recovered vehicle had been stolen via carjacking on October 2, 2010.

Arrested at the scene were:

* Yaharam Ben Yisrael, black male, age 30, of Atlanta
* Kelton Malik Huger, black male, age 38, of Atlanta
* Lucius Oliver Service, black male, age 22, of Atlanta

All three individuals are being charged federally on armed bank robbery related charges and will have their initial appearances today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Baverman in Atlanta.

These same individuals are also suspected as being responsible for the robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia.

On Thursday, September 30, 2010, at approximately 12:40 p.m., two black males wearing masks entered the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia. Customers were forced to the floor while one of the robbers stood by with a long weapon/machine pistol type firearm. The other robber approached the teller station and demanded money. The robbers did not, however, obtain any money and were observed departing in a gold colored Kia Spectra, recovered by law enforcement officers in an area behind the victim bank. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Dekalb County, Georgia on September 29, 2010. A third individual, serving as the getaway driver for the two, is also being sought by authorities.

The FBI, along with metro Atlanta area law enforcement has investigated numerous take-over style bank robbers within the metro Atlanta area within the past several months.

As a result of today’s robbery, Wells Fargo has authorized a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these take-over robberies.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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"Wig Wearing Bandits" Strike Again

2010-10-02T06:20:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, requests the assistance of the public in identifying and locating two armed bank robbers responsible for teh September 30 robbery of the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia. A third individual, serving as the getaway driver for the two, is also being sought by authorities. These individuals are believed to be responsible for a series of recent takeover-style armed bank robberies within the metro Atlanta, Georgia area wherein the robbers would often be wearing shoulder-length black wigs.

On Thursday, September 30, 2010, at approximately 12:40 noon, two black males wearing masks entered the Chase Bank, located at 1250 Tech Drive, Norcross, Georgia. Customers were forced to the floor while one of the robbers stood by with a long weapon/machine pistol type firearm. The other robber approached the teller station and demanded money. The robbers did not, however, obtain any money and were observed departing in a gold colored Kia Spectra, recovered by law enforcement officers in an area behind the victim bank. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Dekalb County, Georgia on September 29, 2010.

As a result of today’s robbery, Wells Fargo has authorized a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for these takeover robberies.

The robbers are described as follows:

* Robber #1 is described as a Black male, 20-30 years in age, 5’8”-5’10” tall
* Robber #2 is described as a Black male, 20-25 years in age. 6’0” tall

The driver of the vehicle was also described as being a black male.

Prior similar area robberies include:

* 7/27/10—Wachovia, Clairmont Rd, Atlanta/Dekalb County, GA. Two black males, wigs, guns, takeover style; 10:44 a.m.
* 7/30/10—Chase Bank, 5552 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA. Four males entered the bank, demanded money; two of the males were armed with pistols, and a third was armed with an assault rifle; described as black males, wearing dark clothing and ski masks; ranged in height from 5’5” – 5’10” tall; 10:15 a.m.
* 8/16 /10—Wachovia Bank, 3374 Holcomb Bridge Rd., (Holcomb Corners) Norcross, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, take-over style robbery; 10:20 a.m.
* 8/20/10—Chase Bank, 1050 E. Piedmont Rd. (Piedmont Commons), Marietta, GA. Two black males, armed takeover-style robbery, wearing masks, no wigs; 1:11 p.m.
* 8/25/10—Wachovia Bank, 1280 Dogwood Rd, Conyers, GA. Two black males, wearing wigs, displaying guns, takeover robbery; 10:43 a.m.
* 8/26/10 – BB&T, Covington, GA. One black male, takeover-style robbery, stolen silver Lexus recovered.
* 8/27/10—Chase Bank, 2079 S. Hairston Rd. (Hairston Crossing) Decatur, GA. Two black males, guns displayed, takeover-style robbery, no wigs; 10:15 a.m.
* 9/8/10—Wachovia Bank, located at 3520 Centerville Highway, Snellville, Georgia

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact the Atlanta office FBI at tel. (404) 679-9000.

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Deaths prompt CPSC, FDA warning on infant sleep positioners

2010-09-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to stop using infant sleep positioners. Over the past 13 years, CPSC and the FDA have received 12 reports of infants between the ages of 1 month and 4 four months who died when they suffocated in sleep positioners or became trapped and suffocated between a sleep positioner and the side of a crib or bassinet.

Most of the infants suffocated after rolling from a side to stomach position. In addition to the reported deaths, CPSC has received dozens of reports of infants who were placed on their backs or sides in sleep positioners, only to be found later in potentially hazardous positions within or next to the sleep positioners.

“The deaths and dangerous situations resulting from the use of infant sleep positioners are a serious concern to CPSC,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “We urge parents and caregivers to take our warning seriously and stop using these sleep positioners, so that children can have a safer sleep.”

The two main types of infant sleep positioners are flat mats with side bolsters or inclined (wedge) mats with side bolsters.

Flat Mat Infant Sleep Positioner Inclined Wedge Infant Sleep Positioner
FLAT MAT INCLINED/WEDGE

Both types of sleep positioners typically claim to help keep infants on their backs and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The FDA has never cleared an infant sleep positioner to prevent or reduce the risk of SIDS. In addition, CPSC and the FDA are unaware of any scientific studies demonstrating that infant positioners prevent SIDS or are proven to prevent suffocation or other life-threatening harm.

“To date, there is no scientifically sound evidence that infant sleep positioners prevent SIDS,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner and a pediatrician. “We want to make sure parents, health care professionals, and childcare providers understand the potential risk of suffocation and stop using infant sleep positioners.”

Sleep positioners also typically claim to do one or all of the following: aid in food digestion to ease colic or the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). In light of the new safety data, FDA believes any benefit from using these devices to ease GERD or prevent plagiocephaly is outweighed by the risk of suffocation.

CPSC and the FDA are warning parents and child care providers to:

* STOP using sleep positioners. Using a positioner to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep is dangerous and unnecessary.
* NEVER put pillows, infant sleep positioners, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib.
* ALWAYS place an infant on his or her back at night and during nap time. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants to sleep on their backs and not their sides.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of any sleep positioner to prevent SIDS.

Manufacturers of infant sleep positioners with medical claims that have not been reviewed by the FDA should stop marketing those products until they submit, and the FDA clears, appropriate premarket review submissions, including necessary safety and effectiveness data.

FDA has informed manufacturers of cleared devices of the agency's serious concern and has requested that they submit clinical data showing the benefits of their products outweigh the risk of suffocation or other serious harm.

Prompt reporting of adverse events can help the FDA and CPSC identify and better understand the risks associated with infant sleep positioners. If you have had a problem with an infant sleep positioner, the agencies encourage you to file a report through FDA’s MedWatch program, at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/HowToReport/default.htm.

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Emanuel County Couple Sentenced in Mortgage Fraud Scheme

2010-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

BRIAN STEPTOE, 41, and NATASHA STEPTOE, 38, both from Emanuel County, Georgia, were sentenced September 27 in federal district court for their roles in a mortgage fraud scheme that occurred in Swainsboro, Georgia.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in financial crimes, especially crimes such as mortgage fraud, that affect the heartland of our country,” stated United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver.

Evidence presented during their guilty pleas revealed that the Steptoes, with the assistance of others, knowingly submitted a false loan application and other documentation to Bank of America with regard to a $400,000 home loan. The investigation revealed that the Steptoes’ scheme was to defraud Bank of America in order to pocket sizeable sums of money for themselves and others. The property went into foreclosure soon after it was sold and remains on the market to this day.

BRIAN STEPTOE was sentenced to fifty-four (54) months, $410,236.59 in restitution to be paid jointly and severally with his co-defendants, and five (5) years of supervised release. NATASHA STEPTOE was sentenced to twenty (20) months, $340,297.54 in restitution to be paid jointly and severally with her co-defendants, and three (3) years of supervised release.

This case was brought in coordination with President Barack Obama's Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. President Obama established the interagency Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force to wage an aggressive, coordinated, and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. The task force includes representatives from a broad range of federal agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors general, and state and local law enforcement who, working together, bring to bear a powerful array of criminal and civil enforcement resources. The task force is working to improve efforts across the federal executive branch, and with state and local partners, to investigate and prosecute significant financial crimes, ensure just and effective punishment for those who perpetrate financial crimes, combat discrimination in the lending and financial markets, and recover proceeds for victims of financial crimes.

U.S. Attorney Tarver recognized the extensive efforts of the FBI in bringing this criminal activity to light, and particularly praised the efforts of Statesboro FBI Special Agent Cornelius Harris, who investigated this case.

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Twenty-Three Defendants Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges

2010-09-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

A federal indictment, unsealed September 27 in federal court, has charged 23 defendants with a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, prescription pills, and ecstasy in the Thomson, Georgia area. Several of the defendants have also been charged with weapons charges.

The indictment follows a 12-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into drug trafficking activities in Thomson and Atlanta. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) conducted the joint investigation. During the investigation, agents seized drugs, money, vehicles, and guns.

United States Attorney Edward Tarver said, “This prosecution required the coordinated efforts of law enforcement on the state and federal levels to bring to justice those who profit from the scourge of illegal narcotics trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with federal, state, and local agencies to prosecute drug dealers and remove their drugs and dangerous weapons from our communities.”

The 23 defendants indicted on federal charges include:

WILLIAM LEON WOODS III, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia
KEVIN ELLIOTT GAINES, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
ANTONIO DANTWAN GRISSON, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
EDDIE DEWAYNE GALISON, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
GREGORY VALENTINO IVEY, 24, of Thomson, Georgia
SOLOMON MANDRELL GRIER, 32, of Thomson, Georgia
DEVICCO TROY MOSS, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
CEDRIC FERLANDO JOHNSON, 30, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE BELTON, JR, 32, of Thomson, Georgia
CHRIS ANTONIO MOSS, 33, of Thomson, Georgia
SANTIONO TYWAN CARTLEDGE, 29, of Thomson, Georgia
TITO NAVADA HATCHER, 37, of Sparta, Georgia
ERNEST ROYMETTRIS HATCHER, 28, of Sparta, Georgia
SANCHEZ VANQUIS JONES, 27, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE WILLIAMS, 31, of Thomson, Georgia
ROBERT LEE NEAL, 49, of Thomson, Georgia
JAMES BOUTTRY, JR., 24, of Thomson, Georgia
JAMARIO QUILTON LEE, 26, Thomson, Georgia
MARIO DEANGELO CLEMONS, 28, of Thomson, Georgia
QUANTAVIOUS ANTWAIN DAWSON, 26, of Thomson, Georgia
CHRISTINE MICHELLE WILLINGHAM, 36, of Appling, Georgia
APRIL OLIVIA DAWSON, 37, of Thomson, Georgia, and
DEBRA GAINES, 48, of Thomson, Georgia.

Mr. Tarver stressed that an indictment is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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New Anti-Fraud Program Launched in Georgia

2010-09-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Aim is to Protect Consumers and Financial Institutions from Fake Check Scams
Today, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Federation of America (CFA), the Georgia Bankers Association, and Georgia Credit Union Affiliates are announcing the start of a new and innovative program to protect consumers and financial institutions from fake check scams. Under the program, participating banks and credit unions will hand a brochure created by CFA, “Don’t Become a Target,” to every consumer who comes in to deposit checks or money orders of $1,000 or more or to withdraw $1,000 or more. Nearly 60 banks and credit unions in Georgia have signed up to participate. “The key is to prevent consumers from being victimized by educating them about these scams at the very point where they may be at risk,” said Susan Grant, CFA’s Director of Consumer Protection, who is coordinating the program. “We’re pleased to have such a great response from financial institutions in Georgia.”

In fake check scams, the consumer receives a genuine-looking check or money order for something and is asked to wire money somewhere in return. For instance, the check may be described as an “advance” on millions that the consumer has won in a sweepstakes or lottery. The consumer is instructed to send money to pay the taxes and claim the rest of the prize. In another popular scenario, the consumer is recruited to work at home as a “mystery shopper” or processing payments for a company and is instructed to send money somewhere as part of the job. No matter the story, the check or money order is phony, and when it bounces, the victim owes the money back to the financial institution where it was deposited or cashed. The average loss is $3,000 to $4,000. “It’s impossible to detect these counterfeits just by looking at them,” said Joseph B. Doyle, Administrator of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs. “The message that we want to give consumers is that there is no legitimate reason why anyone who wants to give them money would ask them to send money anywhere in return. If that’s the deal, it’s a scam.”

Federal law gives consumers the right to access their funds quickly, usually within a day or two. But it is often difficult or impossible for the consumer’s financial institution to tell if there is a problem with a check or money order until it goes through the system to the person or company that supposedly issued it. That can take several days or weeks. “These crooks take advantage of the trust that the financial system is built on,” said Joe Brannen, president and CEO of the Georgia Bankers Association. “This campaign is a service to help consumers understand they are responsible for the checks and money orders they deposit or cash because they are in the best position to know if the people who gave them to them are trustworthy.”

“Fake check scams are a serious problem for consumers. Credit unions want to do all they can to educate their members. That’s why we’re excited to be a partner in this consumer education program,” said Cindy Connelly, senior vice president of association services for Georgia Credit Union Affiliates “Consumers and credit union personnel need to be able to recognize the warning signs of fraud in order to prevent it.”

CFA is providing the brochure to participating banks and credit unions at no cost (CFA is asking them to cover the shipping expense if they are able to do so). To help the financial institutions prepare for the project, CFA gave them training materials about fake check scams and advice about handing out the brochures. In addition to the hard-copy brochure, which is English on one half and Spanish on the other, there are two electronic versions, one in English and the other in Spanish, on CFA’s Web site at www.consumerfed.org/fakecheckscams. There visitors will also find a new PowerPoint presentation that CFA has created for consumers and other educational materials about fake check scams.

Quantities of the brochure will also be available to government agencies in Georgia such as the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and nonprofit organizations that conduct consumer education in the state. CFA is not offering hard-copies of the brochure directly to consumers.

Georgia is one of several states in which CFA will be conducting this project to fight fake check scams over the next several months. Participating financial institutions in Georgia are listed below. Banks and credit unions in Georgia that have not yet signed up to participate are welcome to do so and should contact Susan Grant at CFA, 202-939-1003.

Georgia Doctor Convicted of Making False Statements to a Federal Officer

2010-09-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announces that on September 23, 2010, Bradford G. Brown, M.D., was convicted by a jury of his peers in federal court in Macon, Georgia.

Brown was convicted of one count of conspiracy to provide false information to a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 in connection with Section 1001. Brown was also convicted of four counts of providing false information to a federal officer, Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.

Brown will be sentenced in approximately 60 days at a date to be determined by the court. Brown faces a maximum possible penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment on each count.

Brown’s co-defendant, former Hancock County Commissioner Adam Jackson, entered a plea of guilty to Count One of conspiracy to provide false statements and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2010.

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Gregory McClendon. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman.

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Atlanta Man Pleads Guilty in Investment Fraud Scheme

2010-09-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

ROBERT L. DUNCAN, 49, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty this afternoon (September 23) to a criminal information which charges that DUNCAN convinced several local investors to allow him to invest $3.5 million, falsely telling them that their funds were in individual capital accounts and invested through licensed securities brokers.

United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said: “This is another case of a financial predator who has defrauded individuals of millions in savings. As part of the president’s Financial Fraud Task Force, it will remain a focus of our mission to root out and address these crimes and to help instill a measure of confidence in our financial system.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: The investors transferred their funds to DUNCAN’s investment program, known as “Seaside Partners Fund,” after he falsely represented that their principal would be held for their benefit in individual capital accounts and invested by licensed securities brokers. DUNCAN periodically furnished his investors with fraudulently altered account statements, which falsely showed that their investments were doing well, when in fact, DUNCAN was using their investment principal for his own business and personal expenses. The criminal information charges DUNCAN with wire fraud for causing the investors’ funds to be electronically transferred in interstate commerce to execute his scheme to defraud.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

This case is being investigated by the Atlanta Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Atlanta District Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission has conducted a separate civil investigation and referred this case for prosecution.

Assistant United States Attorney David E. McClernan is prosecuting the case.

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FBI Atlanta Arrest of Two Armed Bank Robbers

2010-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brian D. Lamkin, FBI Atlanta, announces the following arrests in connection with the September 9, 2010 armed robbery of the Suntrust Bank, 4338 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta (Vinings), Georgia.

On Monday, September 20, 2010, at approximately 5:00 p.m., FBI agents arrested James Marshall Sullivan, age 24, of Atlanta, and Montavious Jendel Hardy, age 22, also of Atlanta, at the Motel 6, located on Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker, Georgia. Both are being charged federally with bank robbery and the use of a weapon in the commission of a crime. A third person, Jessie Anderson, also known as James Grey, age 52, was taken into custody at the scene by Dekalb County Police on drug related charges.

Sullivan and Hardy will have their initial appearances in front of a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Atlanta this afternoon.

On Thursday, September 9, 2010, at approximately 9:23 a.m., two individuals entered the Suntrust Bank, located at 4338 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia and brandished at least one handgun while announcing a robbery. No injuries were reported during the takeover-style robbery and, after obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the robbers were seen departing in a small black vehicle, possibly a Nissan Altima, with possible drive out type license plates.

The public are reminded that the above are merely allegations and that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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