Federal, state and local agents have completed initial searches and arrests in a multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency investigation coordinated through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program targeting a major Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Mexico; the McAllen, Texas area of the Rio Grande Valley; and the metropolitan Atlanta area. The organization and its members allegedly smuggled large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States for distribution in Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Illinois and elsewhere. Some of the weapons seized in the case were displayed at a news conference in Atlanta yesterday morning, after the indictment and other documents were unsealed.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “The coordinated action taken against this drug organization today is an important part of our fight against drug cartels who are using the metro Atlanta area as a base of operations. The takedown required planning and cooperation among a large number of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and literally hundreds of officers, all with one purpose: to disrupt and dismantle a dangerous organization that distributed huge amounts of illegal drugs across our nation.”
FBI Special Agent In Charge Greg Jones said, “Today's arrests were the culmination of an 18-month-long Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation involving many federal, state, and local agencies, who worked together to disrupt a major cell of a Mexican cartel, a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization, and took a major step towards eradicating a significant threat to our economic and national security. Today's efforts are a clear example of what can be accomplished by the metro Atlanta law enforcement community when we work together toward a common threat.”
IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel said, “The indictments handed down in this investigation are another testament to what can be accomplished when all levels of law enforcement work together. As we take down these criminal organizations one after another, hopefully one day we can say Atlanta is no longer a repository for drug dealers.”
During the year-long investigation, agents have seized approximately 581 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 219 pounds of methamphetamine, and approximately $3.5 million in currency.
The investigation is code-named “Operation Grand Finale.” Operation Grand Finale was initiated in February 2008 and was led by the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force. Operation Grand Finale has been designated as an OCDETF case, which recognizes the highest priority narcotics cases for Federal investigation and prosecution.
To date, Operation Grand Finale has resulted in federal charges against 16 defendants and the execution of three search warrants and two seizure warrants. This morning, law enforcement officials said that 15 defendants are in custody—two of them in McAllen, Texas, one in Tennessee, and a dozen in the Atlanta area. Of the 12 arrested here, two are expected to face state charges, and the other ten are expected to make an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge sometime this week. One defendant is a fugitive, and an additional defendant not previously charged was arrested today.
According to the search warrant affidavits, these investigative efforts have determined that the targeted organization regularly transported large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Mexico to Atlanta, and then transported currency accumulated from the sale of the illegal drugs back from Atlanta to McAllen, Texas to be smuggled across the Southwest border to the organization’s leaders in Mexico.
The 16 defendants indicted by a federal grand jury in Atlanta on April 8, 2009, are:
MARTINA CASAS FLORES, a/k/a "Tina Flores," a/k/a "Mom;" FNU LNU (first name unknown/last name unknown) # 1, a/k/a "Ojos," a/k/a "Carlos," a/k/a "Cesar;" BELISARIO GIL MENDOZA, a/k/a "Cachoritto;" MARTIN ARREOLA-ROMERO, a/k/a "Sergio Placensia;" GERALD EDWARD DURRANCE; JUAN MANUEL MENDOZA, a/k/a "Ramon Aguilar Torres," a/k/a "Jose," a/k/a "Tio;" FNU LNU # 2, a/k/a "Cokis;" ANGEL LUIS AYALA, a/k/a "Maneques;" JUAN MANUEL ACOSTA, a/k/a "UM64;" RAPHAEL PEDROZA PEREZ, a/k/a "Tocayo;" FNU LNU # 3, a/k/a "Sancudin," a/k/a "UM1820;" ALFONSO RIOS, JR.; OTHA BARNES; JORGE LUCATERO-TORRES; OBIEL PINEDA-PARDO, a/k/a "Alejandro Castro", a/k/a "Beto," a/k/a "Cocho," ; and RAMIRO HERNANDEZ-DUQUE, a/k/a "Tartu".
These cases are being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force.
The Strike Force team utilized agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, United States Marshal’s Service, Fayette County Sheriff's Office, Doraville Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Corrections, DeKalb County Police Department, and Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Strike Force is named in honor of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Assistant Special Agent in Charge David G. Wilhelm, who was murdered in Atlanta in March 2005.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.com.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bret R. Williams and Phyllis Clerk are prosecuting the Operation Grand Finale case.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Numerous Arrests & Search Warrants Executed Simultaneously in Atlanta Area and McAllen, Texas in Takedown of Major Drug Organization
Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Prison for Alien Harboring Crimes
PIK TO CHENG, 49, a/k/a “Shirley Wise,” of Norcross, Georgia; LIN CHEN, 33, of Tucker, Georgia; and FRANCISCO MARTINEZ-ANAYA, 47, of Chamblee, Georgia, were each sentenced to prison April 28, 2009, by Chief United States District Judge Julie E. Carnes on charges of conspiracy to engage in alien harboring and transportation of aliens.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the sentencings, “These defendants ran businesses whose primary function was to find jobs for illegal immigrants at Chinese restaurants and other Asian-run businesses. Those who knowingly provide illegal workers with the means of getting a job violate federal law, as do the employers of illegal immigrants. Cheng’s ‘Number One Employment Agency’ and Chan’s ‘Da Zhong Employment Agency’ were often one of the first stops for illegal immigrants in Georgia. These businesses have now been dismantled. Other business owners who place illegal immigrants in jobs will also face prosecution and prison.”
Kenneth Smith, Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Office of Investigations in Atlanta said, “Employers that seek to gain an unfair business advantage over their competitors by using illegal workers should take note of today's sentences. Investigations like this one are an essential part of our enforcement strategy. ICE remains resolute in our responsibility to hold employers accountable for their actions, to give law-abiding businesses a fair chance to compete.”
Greg Jones, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge, said, “Today’s sentences demonstrate that the FBI, by working together in this investigation and similar investigations with our law enforcement partners, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Postal Service, Atlanta, Georgia, can have a significant impact on the criminal element operating within our community and beyond. Although the employment agencies were based here in the Atlanta area, their placement of workers reached far beyond the state. This safe-haven for illegal workers has been dismantled as a result of this collective effort.”
Martin D. Phanco, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, said, “These crimes involving illegal workers often involve fake documentation and paperwork. The U.S. Postal Inspectors will work hard and diligently with our partners to make sure we go after criminals who use phony documents, and use people, for their personal gain.”
CHENG, who cooperated with the government by providing information in related cases, was sentenced to 1 year, 6 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. CHENG pleaded guilty to these charges on November 24, 2008. CHEN, who cooperated with the government and testified against another employment agency owner, was sentenced to 1 year, 3 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. CHEN pleaded guilty to these charges on August 28, 2008, and will be deported upon completion of her sentence. MARTINEZ-ANAYA was sentenced to 1 year, 6 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. MARTINEZ-ANAYA pleaded guilty to these charges on November 24, 2008, and will be deported upon completion of his sentence.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: The employment agencies operated by CHENG and CHEN placed illegal immigrant workers in Chinese restaurants in various states, including Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, and New York, and in a warehouse in Florida. On one occasion, CHENG placed two workers in a Chinese restaurant in New York, essentially exchanging them for two workers who had been at the restaurant. The workers often worked 12 hours a day, six to seven days a week. It was common for the same worker to return to the employment agencies looking for new jobs. Some workers told the government that they were never asked for documents authorizing them to work. CHENG and CHEN would make a commission for every worker they placed. The men who drove workers to their job locations, including MARTINEZ-ANAYA, would make money off the transportation as well.
On at least one occasion, when a job placement did not work out, MARTINEZ-ANAYA arranged for transportation back to Chamblee so the illegal immigrant could find another job. While waiting for another job, MARTINEZ-ANAYA housed the illegal immigrant in a “safe house” he owned. During an undercover operation, an ICE confidential informant was told by MARTINEZ-ANAYA that he did not need any documentation in order to work.
CHEN testified in the trial of LIANG YANG, who was convicted by a jury last week. CHEN outlined how she and other agency owners located at 3425 Chamblee Dunwoody Road acted essentially as brokers between illegal workers coming to their agencies looking for jobs and restaurant owners calling the agencies looking for cheap labor. CHEN testified that only 1 in 100 workers for whom she found jobs were legal. She also testified that restaurant owners liked more recently arrived workers as they did not know as much about the system and could be paid less than illegal immigrants who had been in the United States for a longer period of time.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Pearce, Susan Coppedge, Mary Kruger and Michael J. Brown prosecuted the case.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wanted by the FBI: George Martin Zinkhan, III
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| Date of Birth Used: | February 17, 1952 | Hair: | Brown |
| Place of Birth: | Baltimore, Maryland | Eyes: | Blue |
| Height: | 6'3" | Sex: | Male |
| Weight: | 240 pounds | Race: | White |
| NCIC: | W926382589 | Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | University Professor | ||
| Scars and Marks: | None known | ||
| Remarks: | None | ||
CAUTION
George Martin Zinkhan, III, is wanted for allegedly murdering three individuals, including his wife, at a community theater in Athens, Georgia, on April 25, 2009. Zinkhan was charged with three counts of murder and a state arrest warrant was issued on April 25, 2009, in Clarke County, Georgia. A federal arrest warrant was issued on April 26, 2009, after Zinkhan was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPH
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IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS PERSON, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FBI OFFICE OR THE NEAREST AMERICAN EMBASSY OR CONSULATE.
ROBERT S. MUELLER, III
DIRECTOR
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20535
TELEPHONE: (202) 324-3000
Monday, April 27, 2009
First Guilty Plea Related to Fraudulent Loans Funded by Failed Bank
MARK ANTHONY MCBRIDE, 43, a/k/a “Charles Conley,” “Charles Conley, Jr.,” and “Manuel Evans,” of East Point, Georgia, pleaded guilty April 24 in federal district court to a conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars in fraudulent mortgages and other loans and to a bankruptcy fraud designed to stay foreclosures on dozens of fraudulently obtained properties.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “We are moving with dispatch to review bank failures and to investigate and prosecute any frauds we find that were related to failed banks. This case is disturbing because dozens of banks, including the now-failed Omni National Bank, were damaged by this defendant's long-running conspiracy. Moreover, the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in three states were abused by the defendant's eight fraudulent bankruptcy filings designed to delay property foreclosures and collection of scheme proceeds by his debtors.”
FDIC Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Region, C. Ed Slagle said, “It is a priority of the FDIC Office of Inspector General to investigate and assist the United States Attorneys' Offices in prosecuting offenses which relate or contribute to the failure of so many financial institutions.”
Martin D. Phanco, Inspector in Charge, U. S. Postal Inspection Service in Atlanta, said, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service found this case to be especially disturbing due in part to the illegal use of the U. S. mails in furtherance of their fraudulent scheme; which, has ultimately led to the failure of so many banks. This overt criminal act is a prime example of the type of rampant financial fraud that currently exists within our society, and has subsequently contributed to the failure of the nation's economy. Make no mistake, this will not be tolerated or accepted by the American public nor the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: In 2001, immediately after being released from prison, MCBRIDE began a mortgage fraud scheme that continued through 2002, when he had to report for service of another federal prison sentence. As soon as he was released again from prison in November 2006, MCBRIDE continued his fraud by completing fraudulent mortgage loans, vehicle loans, lines of credit, credit cards and other extensions of credit in his name, in his aliases, in a number of stolen identities, including those of his children, and in the identities of other unqualified borrowers. These fraudulent loans continued until MCBRIDE was arrested in September 2008 for violating his supervised release. Dozens of banks and other lenders, including the recently failed Omni National Bank, funded fraudulent loans for MCBRIDE.
MCBRIDE generated mortgage loan proceeds for himself using inflated valuations for properties, securing the loans and sharing those proceeds with his straw borrowers and other conspirators. He was able to retain proceeds from the frauds by filing eight bankruptcy cases in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. The last such fraudulent filing was a May 2008 petition in Atlanta, filed in a bogus name and stolen Social Security Number. The petition falsely stated he had never filed bankruptcy in the past.
MCBRIDE was charged in a two-count Criminal Information filed today. The Information charged MCBRIDE with a conspiracy which encompasses the 10-year long fraud scheme and with one count of bankruptcy fraud. He pleaded guilty to those charges today. He could receive a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,250,000. 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2009, at 10 a.m., before United States District Judge Jack T. Camp.
This case is being investigated by the recently formed Northern District of Georgia Mortgage Fraud Task Force, comprised in this case of the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, HUD OIG, FDIC OIG and FBI, and assisted by the Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gale McKenzie and Chris Bly are prosecuting the case.
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Gwinnett: Emergency Managers Seek Input on Hazards
The public is invited to help plan ways to respond to both natural and manmade hazards in the Gwinnett area. A public meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, will offer an overview of the planning process and give the public an opportunity to offer recommendations.
Emergency Services Coordinator Greg Swanson said, “This will be a multi-jurisdictional plan to identify local hazards, assess the risks and plan ways to reduce loss of life and property damage in emergency situations. We welcome any and all input from our residents to help keep everyone safe.”
The final plan will eventually be submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and approval. The public meeting will be held in Conference Room C on the second floor of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. For more information, please call (770) 513-5060.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Amber Alert: 6 year old, Macon area
The state of Georgia issued the Amber Alert Friday evening (04-24) after the boy was reportedly abducted in Macon earlier Friday. The child was last seen between 11 Am and 12 PM at Rice Elementary school.
The child is believed to be in extreme danger.
Shawn Clark JR a Black male, 6 years old, 3' tall with black hair and brown eyes and weighs 45 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white colored shirt, blue jeans with paint on the back pockets, blue jacket with a design.
The suspect is Shawn Clark SR, a black male, 32 years old with black hair and brown eyes.
The suspect vehicle is a gold Chevrolet Tahoe SUV with Georgia tag number ACR4829.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Macon Police Department at 478-751-7500 or dial 911. More information may be available at http://codeamber.c.topica.com/maam2hYabPPCFbLmA6JbafpLR8/
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Employment Agency Operator Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Immigration Crimes
A jury in federal district court has returned a guilty verdict against LIANG YANG, 37, of Duluth, Georgia on charges of conspiring to transport, harbor and induce illegal aliens to remain in the United States. YANG was indicted on April 15, 2008 along with ten other employment agency owners and individuals who would transport the illegal workers to their jobs. He is the only defendant to go to trial. Defendants in three related cases are being sentenced on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of today’s verdict, “Those who find employment for illegal immigrants are just as guilty under the law as those who employ illegal workers. In this case, the defendant found jobs for illegal immigrants as workers in Chinese restaurants as far away as New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The illegal aliens would work 10 and 12 hour days, six days a week, for less than minimum wage. The defendant profited from this exploitation of the immigration laws, but now he will pay the price with a prison sentence.”
Kenneth Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Investigations in Atlanta, said, “ICE aggressively targets those who egregiously violate immigration laws by finding employment for an illegal alien workforce. This case demonstrates firsthand how ICE agents use our investigative tools to pursue those who take advantage of illegal labor and gain an unfair advantage in the business marketplace, all for personal profit.”
Greg Jones, FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge, said, “Today’s verdict demonstrates that the FBI, by working together in this investigation and similar investigations with our law enforcement partners, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and United States Postal Service, Atlanta, Georgia, can have a significant impact on the criminal element operating within our community and beyond. Although the employment agencies were based here in the Atlanta area, their placement of workers reached far beyond the state. This safe-haven for illegal workers has been dismantled as a result of this collective effort.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: The jury found YANG guilty on the sole count of conspiracy. Evidence at trial showed that employment agencies located at 3425 Chamblee Dunwoody Road were often one of the first stops for illegal Hispanic workers. The agencies were all run by Chinese individuals, some of whom were also illegally here. YANG was fluent in Spanish and two Chinese dialects and the testimony was that he served as the broker between the illegal workers and Chinese restaurants looking for cheap labor. In fact, the restaurants preferred more recent, less-experienced immigrants as they could pay these workers less money and they would not complain about the long hours or living conditions. YANG was able to place these illegal workers in jobs in Chinese restaurants and also provide the illegal worker transportation to the restaurant without any initial payment by the worker. The transportation fee and YANG’s commission would be paid up-front by the restaurant owner, who would then deduct that cost from the wages paid to the worker. YANG could make hundreds of dollars off the placement of each illegal worker. YANG had previously operated an employment agency at this same location in 2001-2002 and had established a reputation as a successful businessman and source of cheap labor. After the guilty verdict today, YANG was immediately taken into custody.
YANG could receive a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for July 8, 2009, at 10:30 before United States District Judge Timothy C. Batten. 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 was investigated by Special Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, (FBI) and Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brian Pearce and Susan Coppedge are prosecuting the case.
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Former Accountant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling $164,000 from Charitable Organization
CAROLYN EDWARDS HERRON, 48, of Lithonia, Georgia, was sentenced to prison yesterday by United States District Judge Marvin H. Shoob on charges that she embezzled more than $164,000 from a charitable organization that receives federal funds.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “The defendant was the Chief Financial Officer for Traveler’s Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta, a charitable organization that provides housing, support and assistance to homeless men, women and children in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Abusing her position, she embezzled more than $164,000.00 of the charity’s funds, and used that money for her own needs. Because of her crime, Traveler’s Aid was deprived of funds that were intended to be used to provide food, shelter, medical care and financial assistance for some of Atlanta’s neediest residents. The prison sentence handed down today reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s criminal conduct, and should serve as a deterrence to others who might be tempted to enrich themselves at the expense of Atlanta’s neediest citizens.”
Kenneth M. Donohue, Inspector General for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, said, “HUD's Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayers' dollars are put to good use and HUD programs are free from waste, fraud and abuse. This joint prosecutorial effort by the U.S. Attorney's Office and HUD's Office of Inspector General has helped send a strong message that those who seek to unlawfully profit by defrauding programs within HUD face federal prison.”
HERRON was sentenced to 2 years in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $164,651.94 in restitution to Traveler’s Aid of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
HERRON pleaded guilty to the charges on January 20, 2009.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: HERRON was employed as the Chief Financial Officer of Traveler’s Aid from February 2005 through August 2007. In that position she was authorized to prepare and sign checks and she was solely responsible for preparing the payroll. HERRON embezzled funds from Traveler’s Aid in a variety of ways. On several occasions after employees left their employment with Traveler’s Aid, HERRON kept them on the payroll, but diverted the electronic deposit of their paychecks to her own checking account. She gave herself three significant, unauthorized raises. On two occasions she paid herself twice for the same pay period. She also wrote checks from Traveler’s Aid accounts to pay her personal expenses and to pay for personal charges on a credit card that was issued to her by the charity. Traveler’s Aid receives federal grant funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development each year.
This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Assistant United States Attorney William L. McKinnon, Jr., prosecuted the case.
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Two Fulton County Sherriff's Lieuttenants Arrested
Lieutenant ROBERT W. HILL, JR., 46, of Decatur, Georgia, and Lieutenant EARL GLENN, 47, of McDonough, Georgia, both Fulton County Deputy Sheriffs at the Fulton County Jail, were arrested yesterday by FBI agents after a federal grand jury indicted each of them for violating the civil rights of an inmate, obstructing justice, filing a false report, and making false statements to federal agents. The defendants will make their initial appearances before a United States Magistrate Judge later today.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “About a month ago, we announced that a former Fulton County Jail officer had been charged with federal crimes for allegedly beating an inmate and obstructing the investigation of that and another incident at the jail. We warned that the federal charges should serve as a wake-up call to other officers who have violated the civil rights of jail inmates or who believe they can get away with obstructing our efforts to uncover the truth. Today two more officers - this time two Lieutenants - were arrested at the jail after a federal grand jury indicted them for separate assaults on another inmate and for trying to obstruct our investigation.”
Nahmias continued, “We are continuing to investigate these incidents and others at the Fulton County Jail. Our message today, to any other officers who have been involved in assaults on inmates or obstruction of the truth, is simple: Did you think we were kidding? You will be much better off calling the FBI now, before you too are led out of the jail or your home in handcuffs.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Greg Jones said, “Obstructing an FBI investigation only strengthens our resolve to find the truth and bring to justice those involved in such egregious conduct.”
Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson said, “We are continuing to work in concert with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office in this ongoing investigation. We will absolutely not tolerate any violation of civil rights and will work to weed out any and all jail personnel who themselves break the law.”
The federal indictment charges HILL with causing injury to a Fulton County Jail inmate by using excessive force against the inmate on August 9, 2008; soliciting subordinates to commit civil rights violations against Fulton County Jail inmates; making a false report about the use of force incident; making a false statement to FBI agents; and obstructing the federal investigation of the matter.
The federal indictment charges GLENN with causing injury to a Fulton County Jail inmate by using excessive force against the inmate on August 9, 2008; making a false report about the use of force incident; making a false statement to FBI agents; and obstructing the federal investigation of the matter.
The maximum sentence for both defendants for the violation of civil rights count is 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence for both defendants for the false report count is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence for both defendants for the obstruction count is 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence for both defendants for the false statement count is 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence for HILL’s solicitation to commit a civil rights violation is 5 years in prison and a fine of $125,000.
Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint contains only allegations. Each 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.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brent Alan Gray and Angela M. Jordan are prosecuting the case.
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Augusta Woman Pleads Guilty to Credit Card Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity Theft
Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Vickie Parks Sheppard, age 50, of Augusta, Georgia, entered a plea of guilty yesterday in United States District Court in Augusta, Georgia to one count of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 1028(f), 1029(b)(2), and 1028A(a)(1).
Booth stated that evidence at the guilty plea hearing showed that Sheppard conspired with her co-defendant, Glenn Love II, age 36, of Augusta, Georgia, who previously pleaded guilty to these charges on March 31, 2009, to fraudulently obtain identity and financial information from more than 50 victims, mainly elderly females, by posing as fraud investigators for a credit card company during telephone calls. The evidence also showed that Sheppard committed aggravated identity theft when she used one of the victims’ identity information while making over $1,000 in unauthorized purchases with that victim’s credit card number. The evidence also showed that Sheppard conspired with Love to possess an identification card printer and a document scanner which were connected to a laptop computer which contained images of Social Security cards, a U.S. Department of Defense identification card, and drivers licenses from Georgia, Florida, and Texas.
Booth noted that Sheppard and Love face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy charge. Sheppard and Love also face a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years imprisonment for aggravated identity theft which must be served after any prison sentence for their conspiracy convictions. After completion of a presentence investigation and report, a sentencing date will be set.
Booth praised the joint efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office which led to the indictment. The government is represented in this case by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart.
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Evaluation Shows Significant Improvement in Local Hospitals' Disaster Preparedness
U.S. hospitals are significantly better prepared for disasters and
public health emergencies now than they were in 2001, but much work
remains to be done, according to a University of Pittsburgh Medical
Center study.
The study by the university's Center for Biosecurity was released today
by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The study was
produced under contract with the agency.
The center was charged with conducting an independent evaluation of the
HHS Hospital Preparedness Program and the program's impact on health
care preparedness for mass casualty disasters. The program was
established by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006
after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve hospitals'
preparedness for all types of disasters.
"Hospitals are the foundation of the local health care response to
man-made and natural disasters. Each community's success in responding
and recovering depends in no small part on how well prepared the local
hospital is to withstand and respond to disaster," said Dr. Craig
Vanderwagen, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response, and
a rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service. "The HHS Hospital
Preparedness Program (HPP) has continually worked with states and local
communities to bolster that planning and response capability across the
country."
The study evaluated the first five years of the program from 2002 to
2007. It found that the most useful indicators for measuring the
preparedness of hospitals are ability to surge to accommodate additional
patients during disasters, how well hospitals do in training their staff
for disasters and realistic exercises, and how well hospitals perform
during actual disasters.
Hospital senior leaders now actively support and participate in
preparedness activities, hospital emergency operations plans are more
comprehensive and better coordinated with community emergency plans and
local hazards, and disaster training has become more rigorous, the
report said.
As additional indicators of improvement, hospitals have stockpiled
emergency supplies and medicines, have improved communication systems
and conduct more frequent and higher quality disaster exercises than in
the past, the study said.
The study showed that HPP has been the catalyst for new health care
coalitions throughout the country. As a result, it said, many
communities can now respond more effectively to disasters. Through these
coalitions, hospitals are now working collaboratively on disaster
preparedness with other hospitals, public health departments and
emergency managers.
The report also found that health care planning for catastrophic
emergencies at the individual hospital level is still in the early
stages and that a large-scale emergency could "overwhelm the medical
capabilities of communities, regions or the entire country and require
drastic departures from customary health care practices." The report
concluded that bridging this gap would require significant changes in
the way health care is delivered.
"Hospitals have made tremendous improvements with the funding and
guidance the program provides, and we recognize that much remains to be
done for our nation to become fully prepared for catastrophic public
health and medical emergencies," Vanderwagen said. "Continual progress
requires a sustained commitment and partnership among all levels of
government, private industry and non-government organizations."
The study's findings are based on a year of research and analysis,
including interviews with 133 individuals involved with hospital
preparedness in every state and at local levels across the country.
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America's Most Wanted on Fox
Here's what you'll see on this weekend's show?
Albuquerque, New Mexico …WESLEY WILLIAMS CAPTURE… An airing of AMW has helped solve one of New Mexico’s biggest murder mysteries. Police are charging Wesley Williams with a murder that went unsolved for nine years: the shooting death of Sandra Jean Brady, whose unidentified body was discovered buried in the desert outside Albuquerque.
http://www.amw.com/captures/brief.cfm?id=62701
Nationwide…GANG TECC Most Wanted…With the rise in gang-related violence becoming a problem nationwide, America’s Most Wanted is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Gang TECC unit to announce a new “Most Wanted” list containing the worst of the worst gang bangers in the country. In addition to the announcement in the broadcast, information about the twelve fugitives will be unveiled on AMW.com this Saturday, April, 25th at 9 p.m. ET.
Florida…Julio Bonachea… Julio Bonachea is wanted for violent home invasions, armed robberies, attempted murder and for escaping from prisons in two different countries. Authorities across the state of Florida -- and overseas -- need your help to find him.
Stone Mountain, Georgia …DERRICK YANCEY…Authorities say former DeKalb County Sheriff's Deputy Derrick Yancey murdered his wife and another man, and then fled. He hasn't been seen since he cut off his ankle monitoring device. He is believed to be armed and dangerous.
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/brief.cfm?id=64701
Woodstock, Ontario…Victoria Stafford MISSING… Police in Canada have released a composite sketch of the woman seen on surveillance video with abducted 8-year-old Tori Stafford. While authorities have been searching local waterways and canvassing neighborhoods near Tori's home, cops say that the search for the little girl has expanded beyond Woodstock, Ontario.
http://www.amw.com/missing_children/brief.cfm?id=64826
Albuquerque, New Mexico…Mystery Beneath the Mesa… When an Albuquerque resident and her dog went for a walk on the city's West side, the stroll took a grotesque turn when they found a human bone. The discovery would eventually lead investigators to what has become the nation's largest crime scene, spreading out over 100 acres. So far, the remains of eleven women and one unborn child have been unearthed from the desert, and cops have no leads to who might be responsible.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
FAA Bird Strike Database Will Be Available to Public On Friday
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will make its entire Bird Strike database available on a public website this Friday, April 24. Portions of the database have been publicly available since the information was first collected in 1990, but the public will now be able to access all of the database's fields.
The FAA is also withdrawing a proposal to protect the data, after a 30-day comment period closed earlier this week. The FAA has determined that it can release the data without jeopardizing aviation safety.
The FAA has redacted a very small amount of data in the database containing privacy information, such as personal phone numbers.
Over the next four months, the FAA will make significant improvements to the database to improve the search function and make it more user-friendly. In its current format, users will only be able to perform limited searches online, but will be able to download the entire database.
The FAA also plans to work with the aviation community to find ways to improve and strengthen bird strike reporting.
The database can be accessed through http://wildlife -mitigation.tc.faa.gov/public_html/temp.html#access.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Georgia Attorney Pleads Guilty to Over $28 Million Investment Fraud Scheme
ROBERT P. COPELAND, 48, of Marietta, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court to committing a five-year long investment scam that defrauded more than 125 victims of more than $28 million.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “This is yet another tragic case in which dozens and dozens of victims lost their hard-earned money in what turned out to be a massive and long-running investment fraud scheme. This case is particularly disturbing because the defendant was a lawyer and many of his victims were senior citizens, some of whom lost their life savings. The defendant is now cooperating in the ongoing investigation and in our efforts to recover whatever assets are left, but he will still face the punishment that this devastating crime requires.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias, the Criminal Information and other information presented in court: COPELAND, a Marietta-based real estate and elder law attorney, operated a fraudulent investment scam, commonly known as a “Ponzi” scheme, from at least 2004 through early 2009. He solicited individuals directly, through seminars he participated in, and through financial planners to whom he paid commissions in exchange for referrals of investment clients. COPELAND represented that he would use an investor’s money in lucrative real estate financing and/or development activities, such as by funding a mortgage or bridge loan to a real estate purchaser who needed financing. Typically, COPELAND would promise returns as high as 15% every 6 to 12 months, and would furnish the investor a note and security deed that would purport to document the investor’s secured interest in a particular piece of real estate. Based on these representations, COPELAND raised more than $40 million since 2004 from hundreds of investors nationwide. Some of these investments constituted retirement funds.
COPELAND admitted today that his investment business was a scam. He was engaged in little if any real estate financing, development, or other profit-making activities with investor funds. The notes and security deeds he furnished investors were in almost all cases bogus. Instead of using investor funds in the ways he had represented, he operated a “Ponzi” scheme, using new investments to pay earlier investors the distributions that he had promised. When the time came to pay the new investors, he would have to solicit and take in more investments. This created an unsustainable and ever-expanding mountain of debt. When the scheme collapsed in early 2009, COPELAND was left owing over $28 million to over 125 victims.
COPELAND was charged in a Criminal Information earlier this month with one count of wire fraud, which encompasses the entirety of the approximate 5-year long scheme. He pleaded guilty to that charge today. He could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, along with full restitution to all victims and forfeiture of all proceeds of the scheme. 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 United States has already seized or frozen numerous assets relating to COPELAND’s scheme, including 12 real estate properties, bank accounts, artwork, jewelry, and automobiles. As part of his plea agreement, COPELAND is cooperating in the ongoing investigation of this case and in efforts to recover all remaining assets.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2009, at 2 p.m., before United States District Judge Beverly B. Martin, although the court today noted that the sentencing hearing may be reset to a date later than July 10.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being coordinated with a related civil enforcement action against COPELAND brought by the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Assistant United States Attorneys Justin S. Anand and Gerald S. Sachs are prosecuting the case.
Monday, April 20, 2009
U.S. Muslim Coalition Reaffirms Opposition to FBI Tactics
/PRNewswire / -- Following a meeting in Washington, D.C., the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), a national coalition of major Islamic organizations, issued a statement re-affirming opposition to FBI tactics and government policies targeting the Muslim community.
Representatives from the American Muslim Alliance (AMA), the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society-Freedom Foundation (MAS-FF), Muslim Student Association-National (MSA-N), Muslim Ummah of North America (MUNA), the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) took part in Saturday's meeting. Other member and observer organizations were briefed by phone.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, all AMT members and observer groups agreed that:
"We reaffirm our commitment to being full partners in the defense, development and prosperity of our homeland, the United States.
"We also reiterate our determination to continue to work for greater unity and mutual cooperation among ourselves and with like-minded fellow Americans. We recognize that we may have different approaches to the varied challenges facing our community and country, yet our resolve to advocate on behalf of our community remains solid.
"We are fully united in asking the Obama administration to address the following issues: 1. Infiltration of mosques and systematic manipulation of Muslim religious affairs, 2. Use of agents provocateurs to trap unsuspecting Muslim youth, 3. Unfair targeting and deliberate vilification of CAIR, a national Muslim civil rights organization, 4. Use of McCarthy-era tactics, most notably dissemination of Islamophobic analysis by federally-funded 'fusion centers' to local law enforcement agencies."
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Carpet Company Insiders Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
JOHNNY LAMAR SMITH, 54, of Bridgeport, Alabama, and WILLIAM J. PERCY, 65, of Dalton, Georgia, were sentenced to prison today by United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy on a charge of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “The carpet industry is a vital source of jobs and pride for many of our North Georgia communities. But these two defendants had no pride, using their knowledge of and positions in the industry to divert under-valued yarn to illegally obtain millions of dollars. These two insiders are about to go inside a federal prison.”
SMITH was sentenced to 2 years, 6 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,499,999. PERCY was sentenced to 1 year, 3 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,499,999. SMITH and PERCY pleaded guilty to the charge on January 15, 2009.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: SMITH was a long time employee of Beaulieu Carpets, holding the position of Quality Assurance Manager at the Bridgeport, Alabama, plant. SMITH’s wife also worked at the plant in the accounting department. PERCY owned Glenwood Tufters, a carpet processing company in Dalton, Georgia.
For over three years, from 2001 through 2003, using his wife’s password, SMITH manipulated Beaulieu’s computer system and diverted more than 3,931,000 pounds of first-quality yarn. He then sold the yarn as second-quality yarn at a price of twenty cents per pound to PERCY, when the yarn was in fact worth over eighty cents per pound. PERCY paid SMITH more than $289,000 in kickbacks. Beaulieu sustained a loss of almost $2.5 million. When Beaulieu discovered the loss, the company fired SMITH, and SMITH’s wife resigned from Beaulieu.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney David Leta prosecuted the case.-----
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Four Bank Robbers Sentenced to Total of 539 Months in Prison
Edmund A. Booth, Jr., United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced that Christopher Michael Walker and Georgeann Marie Nixon, both residents of Waynesboro, Georgia, were sentenced last week in U.S. District Court by U. S. District Judge J. Randal Hall for their roles in the June 26, 2008 armed robbery of the Regions Bank branch in Louisville, Georgia and the June 30, 2008 armed robbery of the Quick Cash payday loan store in North Augusta, South Carolina.. Walker was sentenced to 140 months and Nixon was sentenced to 60 months. Judge Hall recently sentenced Leonardo Davinci Hardwick of Waynesboro, Georgia to 219 months imprisonment for his role in those armed robberies, as well as for his participation in the July 7, 2008 armed bank robbery of the Southern Bank branch in Waynesboro, Georgia.
Another Waynesboro resident, Kellington Toan Chandler, had been previously sentenced by Judge Hall to 120 months imprisonment for his role in the Southern Bank robbery. Booth stated that the evidence at the guilty plea and sentencing hearings for these defendants established that Nixon drove Hardwick and Walker to the Regions Bank branch in Louisville, Georgia on June 26, 2008 in an automobile provided by Walker, where Hardwick entered the bank wearing a mask provided by Walker, pointed a firearm at a teller, and stole $3,100. The evidence also showed that Nixon drove Hardwick and Walker to the Quick Cash payday loan store located at 4701 Jefferson Davis Highway, North Augusta, South Carolina on June 30, 2008 in an automobile provided by Walker, where Hardwick entered the store wearing a mask provided by Walker, pointed a firearm at two employees, and stole $1,800. The evidence also established that Hardwick accompanied Chandler to the Southern Bank branch in Waynesboro, Georgia on July 7, 2008 and provided him with the firearm that Chandler used to steal $16,000 from a teller. While Chandler fled the bank, he fired the revolver twice but did not strike anyone.
Booth also noted that, in addition to imprisonment, these defendants will be required to pay restitution as follows: Hardwick, $10,792; Chandler, $5,887; Nixon, $4,905; and Walker, $3,205. After their release from prison, Hardwick, Chandler, and Walker will serve five years of supervised release and Nixon will serve three years of supervised release.
Booth praised the joint efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Waynesboro Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and the efforts of Assistant United States Attorney David M. Stewart who represented the government in this prosecution.
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Georgia Loan Officer Sentenced for Mortgage Fraud
ANDREW JOHN SMITH, 29, of Cleveland, Georgia, was sentenced April 9, 2009, by United States District Judge William C. O’Kelley to serve over 3 years in prison on a federal charge of conspiracy to commit bank, wire and mail fraud arising from a mortgage fraud scheme.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “We will continue to use undercover ‘sting’ operations to stop the closing of fraudulent loans before the proceeds are disbursed, especially when a loss of over a million dollars to such frauds could seriously impact the lending banks during these difficult times. We remain committed to the prosecution of mortgage frauds, which has so devastated our local and national economy, and anyone involved in such fraud should fear that everyone else involved in the deal may be cooperating with the FBI.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Gregory Jones said, “This investigation should send a clear message to those criminals involved in mortgage fraud that the FBI may also be at the closing with cameras rolling and a set of handcuffs.”
FDIC-OIG Special Agent in Charge, Southeast Region, C. Ed Slagle said, “This investigation should serve as a warning to those who continue to attempt mortgage frauds in ever increasing amounts at a time when the community has already been so negatively impacted by such frauds.”
SMITH was sentenced to 3 years, 6 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. The court has ordered SMITH to pay restitution but has not yet set a final amount. SMITH pleaded guilty to the charge on January 9, 2009.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and information presented in court: In early 2007, SMITH was employed as a part-time Loan Officer by United International Mortgage (UIM) in Buford, Georgia, when he originated a fraudulent loan for his own residence. SMITH was later recruited by an UIM co-conspirator not named in the indictment to refinance UIM loans with other lenders, as well as to sell UIM foreclosed properties on which construction was not complete to unqualified straw borrowers funded by other lenders. SMITH’s own loan for his residence had been included in the UIM portfolio of non-performing loans facing imminent foreclosure.
On June 9, 2008, SMITH and his UIM co-conspirator were caught in an FBI/FDIC-OIG (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General) “sting” after SMITH had arranged for the sales price of a Pendergrass, Georgia, property to be inflated from $2 million to $4 million. Prior to his arrest, SMITH submitted fraudulent documents to federally insured banks to arrange a $3.2 million purchase money mortgage loan to finance the purchase of the property. SMITH then negotiated a side agreement with the sellers (who were, unbeknownst to SMITH, cooperating with the FBI) for the secret kickback of $2 million to his shell company. SMITH was arrested by federal agents at the property during a subsequent meeting to negotiate his multi-million dollar kickback for the “deal.”
Notably, the property at issue was sold for its true market value of $1.8 million immediately upon conclusion of the FBI’s sting operation.
The FBI investigation is ongoing.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Assistant United States Attorney Gale McKenzie prosecuted the case.
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Smyrna, Ga., Man Indicted for Tricking Children Into Sending Nude Pictures Over the Internet
/PRNewswire/ -- Michael Macaluso III, 37, formerly of Smyrna, Ga., and now of Marietta, Ga., has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of producing, distributing and receiving child pornography, and using a computer to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia David E. Nahmias announced today.
Macaluso was arraigned early this afternoon and a bond hearing is now scheduled for April 15, 2009, at 3 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
According to U.S. Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: In approximately June 2006, Macaluso allegedly posed online as a 15-year-old male and befriended a 15-year old male in Connecticut. Macaluso allegedly convinced the victim to send him nude pictures and videos of the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. When the victim told Macaluso he did not want to send any more pictures, Macaluso allegedly threatened to expose the victim's sexual orientation and post the explicit pictures in a widespread manner on the internet.
Relating to the second victim, in approximately March 2008, Macaluso allegedly posed as a 16-year-old female on the Web site "MySpace.com" and befriended a 14-year-old male in New Jersey. The two communicated online for a period of time, and again Macaluso allegedly convinced the victim to send him nude pictures and videos of the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Eventually, the victim expressed a desire to stop engaging in this activity, and Macaluso then allegedly threatened to post the victim's sexually explicit pictures in a widespread manner on the internet. During a search of Macaluso's computers, agents allegedly found a large number of child pornography images and videos.
The indictment charges Macaluso with two counts of production of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and two counts of using a computer to entice a child to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The production charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years. The distribution and receipt charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years, and the enticement charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000.
An 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. U.S. Attorney Nahmias said, "We warn our children that they need to know who is really on the other end of their computer, but this case drives that warning home in an unfortunately terrible way. This adult defendant was allegedly posing online as a teenager in an effort to entice other teenagers into sending him pictures and videos of themselves engaged in sexual activity, and then threatening them with widespread exposure when the victims wanted to stop. We urge any other victims to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. We also urge parents to use this case to educate their children about the dangers of internet contact with unknown persons and the loss of control involved in transmitting sexually explicit images of oneself on the internet."
GBI Director Vernon Keenan said, "Sex crimes against children have the highest priority at the GBI. We are working closely with the U. S. Attorney's Office as the federal penalties for such crimes are extremely harsh. Identifying and bringing to justice those who use the Internet to prey on children for sexual purposes is the mission of the 98 federal, state, and local agencies that participate in Georgia's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The ICAC Task Force program was created by the U.S. Department of Justice to help state and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative response to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or other computer technology to sexually exploit children. Our experience has shown that there may be other victims of this defendant. I would urge any parent who feels their child may have come in contact with Macaluso to contact the GBI's High Technology Unit."
Anyone who may have more information about the case or has had similar contact with the defendant, whose birthdate is April 7, 1972, is encouraged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's (GBI) High Technology Unit at (404) 270-8870.
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.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the GBI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Steinberg is prosecuting the case.
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
Fayette Sheriff's TNT Makes Drug Busts in Multiple Counties
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team (TNT) executed four Search Warrants simultaneously in the Shiloh mobile home community that resulted in the arrest of six persons. TNT with the assistance of the Sheriff’s office Swat team, CID, K-9 Unit, Hawk one helicopter, and uniformed patrol officers executed the warrants at 7am on Friday April 10, 2009.
The warrants were executed at 425 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, 429 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, 431 Sagebrush Trail Peachtree City, and 106 Shiloh Drive Peachtree City, Ga. As a result of the search warrants Justin M. Caldwell, 20, of Senoia, Ga., was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Drug, Possession of a Schedule IV Drug, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. Kerry Allison Lynch, 26, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged with Possession of a Schedule IV Drug, and Possession of a Dangerous Drug. Jack Daniel Wright, 28, of Sharpsburg, Ga. was charged with Possession of marijuana. Katherine Anne Hinson, 21, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged with Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Amanda Kelly Smith, 21, of Peachtree City, Ga. was charged Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Brandy Lee Brooks, 30, of Peachtree City, GA. was charged with Possession of Marijuana.
In a second incident TNT Agents arrested two persons as a result of a Buy/Bust operation on Wednesday, April 08, 2009. Nikki Marie Huckaby, 28, of Luthersville, Ga. and Michael Allen Almond, 28, of Gay, Ga. were taken into custody without incident after the two sold a quarter ounce of Methamphetamine (ICE) to an undercover agent for $445.00. During a search of their vehicle Agents recovered 10 xanax pills. Both are charged with Sale of Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Schedule IV Drug. Huckaby faces an additional charge of Possession of Methamphetamine after Agents recovered a gram of ICE from her person.
All of the persons arrested are currently incarcerated at the Fayette County Jail. Other Arrests are expected as a result of the Shiloh Investigation.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team is a multi-agency unit under the command of the Sheriff of Fayette County. The unit consists of members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Tyrone Police Department, Fayetteville Police Department and Peachtree City Police Department.
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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Help Needed to Find Brandon Patton
Brandon Patton is the Executive Chef of the Hollingsworth House in Fayetteville. He has many local ties, living in Fayette County until recently. If you know anything that could help locate Brandon, please call 911 or the Atlanta Police Department's Adult Missing Persona Squad at 404-853-4235 x 45614. The family has set up a special email address for tips, HelpFindBrandon@gmail.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Bank-Robbing 'Dracula' Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison
NATHANIEL LITTLE, JR., 43, of Decatur, Georgia, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr., to serve more than 20 years in prison on charges of armed bank robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said, “Today’s sentence drives a stake into the heart of a simple yet dangerous crime: robbing banks. This “Dracula” bandit will now spend many nights in the dark and confined cavern of a prison cell. In this scary economy, robbing banks may seem like a quick way for criminals to get money, but the real horror begins once they caught.”
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Gregory Jones said, “The FBI would like to thank the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office and the DeKalb County Police Department for their assistance in this investigation. It was with their help the FBI was able to successfully track Little and ultimately remove an armed and dangerous criminal from our community.”
LITTLE was sentenced to 20 years in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $14,669. LITTLE pleaded guilty to the charges on November 12, 2008.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: On the morning of August 23, 2006, LITTLE, wearing a Dracula mask, walked into the CDC Federal Credit Union on Brandywine Road in Atlanta with a semi-automatic gun in his hand. He placed a bag on the counter and, while pointing the gun, yelled at the tellers to fill it up. After getting the money, the defendant fled the bank. A little over a month later, on September 29, 2006, LITTLE robbed the same CDC Federal Credit Union in the same way: he walked in wearing a Dracula mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun, he placed a bag on the counter and, while pointing the gun at the tellers, he ordered them to fill up his bag. At one point during this robbery, LITTLE shouted at a teller, “Don’t make me have to shoot you.” After getting the money, he fled the bank. The FBI later tracked a car that had been parked near the robbery and, after a lengthy investigation, located key witnesses, which helped investigators identify LITTLE, who had been arrested on unrelated state charges after the robberies.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Jackson prosecuted the case.
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Former Insurance Executive Pleads Guilty in $1.2 Million Embezzlement Scheme
GEORGIANNE CARLISLE, 57, of Taylorsville, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday to a federal charge of conspiracy arising out of a scheme to embezzle $1.2 million in insurance premiums from her employer and various other companies with which her employer did business. RICHARD CALVIN COOK, 56, from Dallas, Texas, has been charged with the same crime.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “This insurance industry executive violated the trust that her employer had placed in her by embezzling insurance premiums collected from customers and converting the money to her own use. This criminal conduct harms insurance companies and their customers and undermines public confidence in the insurance industry. Such criminals will face federal prosecution and prison time.”
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and other information presented in court: CARLISLE was the President of “IUI of Georgia, Inc.,” a wholesale insurance broker in Cartersville, Georgia. Co-defendant COOK was an employee of “Trans Insurance Services, Corp.,” a retail insurance agency in Dallas, Texas, which sold insurance to trucking companies. From 2001 through 2004, COOK and CARLISLE conspired to embezzle $1.2 million in insurance premiums collected from COOK’S customers, which premiums were owed to IUI of Georgia, Insurers Unlimited, Inc., Clarendon National Insurance Company, Clarendon America Insurance Company, Transportation Insurance Services, The Connecticut Indemnity Company, and Clearwater Insurance Company. COOK paid kickbacks to CARLISLE so that CARLISLE would under-report the number of vehicles to be insured on certain accounts and the total insured value of those accounts.
COOK and CARLISLE were charged in a Criminal Information with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, to which CARLISLE pleaded guilty. CARLISLE could receive 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.
Members of the public are reminded that a Criminal Information only contains charges. Defendant COOK is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government's burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Sentencing for CARLISLE has been set for June 18, 2009, at 10 a.m. before Judge Robert L. Vining, Jr.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Alternative Medicine Clinic Operator Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charge
CHAUNSAY BECKWITH, 46, of Tucker, Georgia, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal district court to a charge of health care fraud in connection with the operation of her clinic, “International Alternative Medicine, Inc.” She was indicted on 35 counts of health care fraud by a federal grand jury on December 16, 2008.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “Hyperbaric chambers have a number of legitimate medical uses, as varied as helping burn victims and even scuba divers in their recovery. This defendant, however, turned a hyperbaric chamber into a means of generating over a million dollars in fraudulent claims. Health care fraud raises the costs of health care for everyone.”
According to Nahmias and information presented in court: Between 2003 and 2007, BECKWITH, an owner/operator who does not hold any type of medical license, provided hyperbaric oxygen therapy to numerous patients in her clinic, International Alternative Medicine, Inc., located at 4450 Hugh Howell Road, in Tucker, Georgia. None of the patients were diagnosed with medical conditions that made them eligible to receive payments from health care benefit programs. BECKWITH submitted $1,577,827 in claims to insurance companies and Medicare, which included false diagnosis codes that enabled her to fraudulently receive $1,035,144 in payments for the hyperbaric chamber treatments.
BECKWITH could receive 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.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2009, at 2 p.m., before Senior United States District Judge Marvin H. Shoob.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney David E. McClernan is prosecuting the case.
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Friday, April 3, 2009
Northwest Georgia and Tennessee Drug Distributors Sentenced to Federal Prison
JOSE HERNANDEZ, 40, originally from Mexico, VANCE ROGERS, 50, of Old Fort, Tennessee, and PAUL FAULKNER, 83, of Summerville, Georgia, were sentenced today as the last defendants in a large group now sentenced to federal prison for their roles in importing and distributing drugs in the North Georgia area, including Chattooga, Whitfield, Floyd, Gordon, and Murray Counties, as well as Polk County, Tennessee.
United States Attorney David E. Nahmias said of the case, “The arrest and prosecution of these traffickers has significantly disrupted the flow of illegal drugs in Northwest Georgia. They were responsible for much of the marijuana being distributed in Chattooga County and surrounding areas, as well as a significant quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. The lengthy sentences imposed should signal to others considering this path, or already on this path, that such criminal conduct ultimately leads to a prison cell.”
Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said of the sentencings, “This organization's marijuana trafficking activities posed a significant threat to the quality of life in rural North Georgia and in Polk County, Tennessee. These individuals will spend well-deserved time in prison and the communities that they impacted are much safer. I commend our local law enforcement counterparts who played a crucial role in the success of this investigation.”
IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Reginael McDaniel said, “Narcotics trafficking generates huge amounts of currency that must be concealed using elaborate money laundering schemes and other sophisticated means. Following the money trail takes us to the leaders of the narcotics organizations. Leaders of drug trafficking organizations often don't touch the drugs, but they always touch the money.”
GBI Director Vernon Keenan said, “Cases such as these cannot be effectively investigated without the cooperation of local, state and federal agencies working together to improve the quality of life for Georgians impacted by these poly-drug organizations. Today's marijuana distributor may be tomorrow's methamphetamine manufacturer. Whether it's in northeast Georgia or southwest Georgia, success in investigating these types of cases requires a highly skilled work force, a cooperative spirit and a common goal to seek the truth.”
HERNANDEZ was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. ROGERS was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. FAULKNER was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information in court: The Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation began investigating this drug trafficking organization in 2005, initially focusing on members of a local family who reportedly had been distributing marijuana in Chattooga County and the surrounding areas for nearly two decades. The investigation ultimately determined that those family members, including PAUL FAULKNER, his son, MICHAEL SMITH, and his grandson, JAMES FAULKNER, had distributed hundreds of kilograms of marijuana during that time, and had accumulated numerous assets with the drug sales proceeds, including nearly 40 properties with a total value of more than $1 million.
MICHAEL SMITH, the primary marijuana distributor, took elaborate steps to avoid detection by law enforcement. SMITH resided on an isolated, multi-acre property where he could observe law enforcement approaching. He buried marijuana in ammunition cans scattered on his property, which customers would unearth and replace with money. SMITH communicated with his customers by use of a pager system.
As the investigation expanded, law enforcement learned that the family was being supplied by a group having ties to Mexico. This group, headed by convicted co-conspirator GERONIMO GASTELUM, moved to North Georgia from California in approximately 2005, and began to supply multi-kilogram quantities of drugs in the area, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. The drugs were brought to North Georgia from California, Arizona, and Texas by various means, including tractor trailer. The drug organization hired individuals to pick up drugs in vehicles equipped with tires packed with marijuana. GASTELUM and several of his co-conspirators have ties to Mexico, which is believed to be the ultimate source of the drugs imported and where much of the cash proceeds were returned.
Law enforcement ultimately arrested 10 members of the organization. All pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money-laundering charges. The defendants previously sentenced in the case received the following sentences:
* GERONIMO GASTELUM, 34, of Kerman, California was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison;
* MICHAEL SMITH, 46, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced to 9 years in federal prison, and, agreed to forfeit the properties that he had purchased with drug proceeds;
* RUSSELL BRONSON, 51, of Endicott, New York, was sentenced to 7 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* BILL ALAN GARRETT, 52, of Tennga, Georgia, was sentenced to 4 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* JESUS MENDEZ, 23, of Smithfield, North Carolina, was sentenced to 6 years, 3 months in federal prison;
* MICHAEL WALLIN, 39, of LaFayette, Georgia, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison; and
* JAMES FAULKNER, 36, of Summerville, Georgia, was sentenced to 9 years, 9 months in federal prison.
All of those prison terms will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Substantial assistance was provided by the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Murray County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Alley and Scott Hulsey prosecuted the case.
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