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

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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Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison on Federal Drug Charges

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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Credit Union Teller Sentenced for Embezzlement Scheme

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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Georgia Doctor Convicted of Making False Statements to a Federal Officer

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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Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for His Role in a Three-Year Drug Conspiracy

A Georgia resident was sentenced today for his role in a three-year drug conspiracy. Thomaas “30” Redding, 21, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to 69 months in prison. Redding previously pleaded guilty in April 2010, admitting he conspired with other dealers to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base in and around the Huntington, West Virginia area. A federal investigation revealed that from 2006 through 2009, Redding and several others participated in a drug conspiracy responsible for distributing quantities of crack cocaine. According to court documents, during this time Redding sold cocaine base and shared in profits made by the conspiracy.

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Huntington Police Department, West Virginia State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lawrence County (Ohio) Drug Task Force, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the proceedings.

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Bank Robber Sentenced

Merkuri Stanback, age 28, was sentenced December 17, 2009, by the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia to a total sentence of 480 months (40 years) without parole. Stanback had been previously convicted of Armed Bank Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon on September 17, 2009 in connection with the robbery of Park Community Federal Credit Union located on Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia.

On December 28, 2007, Stanback, along with two co-defendants entered the Park Community Federal Credit Union located on Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia brandishing a firearm. Stanback and his co-defendants restrained employees and ransacked the teller area. Stanback and the co-defendants robbed the contents of the bank vault and stole approximately $198,439.00. While in the process of fleeing, the robbers lost approximately $49,000 which was recovered in an adjoining parking lot. Macon Police Officers arrived and processed the crime scene.

A tip to the FBI lead to the search of a residence located at 1032 Main Street where the Defendant was residing. Macon Police Officers and FBI Agents recovered a majority of the stolen money as well as the firearms and clothing used in the robbery. Warrants were issued for Stanback who was later arrested in Pensacola, Florida by the United States Marshals Service.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia G.F. Peterman, III stated: “The sentence handed down by the Court sends a clear message that violent gun crime will not be tolerated in the Middle District of Georgia. Anyone who commits a federal crime with a firearm will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A sentence of 40 years' imprisonment without parole means that Stanback will not be released from federal prison well past his 65th birthday.”

The case as investigated by the Macon Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshals Service. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2602.

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Perry Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Illegal Drugs, Attempting to Influence a Juror

G.F. “Pete” Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces the conviction in the United States District Court in Macon of WENDELL DOUGLAS WALKER age 39 of Perry, Georgia. Walker entered a plea of guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and one count of Endeavoring to Influence a Juror on December 3, 2009, before the Honorable C. Ashley Royal, Chief United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia. The charge of Endeavoring to Influence a Juror resulted from Walker’s contact with and efforts to corruptly influence a trial juror selected in May, 2009, to try the crack cocaine charge against him.

Walker admitted to selling a confidential informant more than 50 grams of crack cocaine in November, 2007. He further admitted that he had a relative contact the trial juror, who was asked to call a cellular telephone number because someone wanted to speak with her. When the juror called that number, Walker answered, identified himself and asked to meet with the juror, who then hung up on him. Walker admitted that he made the contact in an effort to wrongfully and corruptly influence the juror in exercising her duties as a juror at his trial.

Walker faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison on the Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base count and up to an additional 10 years in prison for Endeavoring to Influence a Juror.

Acting United States Attorney Peterman said that trafficking illegal drugs is a crime whose prosecution is a priority of the United States Attorney’s Office, adding that, “with regard to the jury influencing charge, attempts to corrupt the jury trial process, which is the very heart of this country’s criminal justice system, will always be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible by this office.”

The crack cocaine case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Perry Police Department. The case of juror influencing was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation office in Macon. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. McCullers prosecuted the case for the government. For additional information contact Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, at 478-621-2602.

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Bank Robber Convicted

G.F. Peterman, III, Acting United States Attorney, announced that Merkuri Stanback was convicted September 17, 2009, after a three-day trial before the Honorable Hugh Lawson, United States District Judge for the Middle District of Georgia. Stanback was convicted of Armed Bank Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Stanback faces a maximum sentence of twenty-five (25) years' imprisonment on the bank robbery, a minimum mandatory consecutive sentence of seven (7) years' up to life imprisonment for Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and a maximum sentence of ten (10) years' imprisonment for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

On December 28, 2007, Stanback, along with two co-defendants, entered the Park Community Federal Credit Union located on Riverside Drive, Macon, Georgia brandishing a firearm. Stanback and his co-defendants restrained employees and ransacked the teller area. Stanback and cohorts then robbed the contents of the bank vault and stole approximately $198,439.00. While in the process of fleeing, the robbers lost approximately $49,000 which was recovered in an adjoining parking lot.

A tip to the FBI lead to the search of a residence located at 1032 Main Street, where the defendant was residing. Macon Police Officers and FBI agents recovered a majority of the stolen money as well as the firearms and clothing used in the robbery. Warrants were issued for Stanback, who was later arrested in Pensacola, Florida by the United States Marshals Service.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, G.F. Peterman, III, stated that “Mr. Stanback will be subject to a long prison sentence under the federal robbery and firearms laws. Bank robbers should be put on notice that they will serve the full term of years imposed because there is no parole in the federal system.”

The case as investigated by the Macon Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Solis. Questions concerning this case should be directed to Sue McKinney, Public Affairs Specialist, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2602.

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FBI Safe Child Task Force Arrest in Georgia

Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Gregory Jones, FBI Atlanta, announces the arrest of 42 year-old RUSSELL EDWARD WORSHAM. Worsham was arrested by Agents of the FBI’s Safe Child Task Force (SCTF) on Friday afternoon, January 23, 2009, for using an interstate telecommunications device (a computer) to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. A criminal complaint issued in the Northern District of Georgia charges Worsham with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b).

Worsham, an appliance repairman from Macon, Georgia, allegedly engaged in a series of internet conversations with what he believed was the mother of girl under the age of 10. During these conversations, Worsham allegedly made plans with the mother to travel from Macon to Atlanta in order to engage in sexual behavior with the child. In fact, both the mother and daughter were fictional, and Worsham was having the aforementioned conversations with an SCTF Agent acting in an undercover capacity. Worsham was arrested without incident upon his arrival at the agreed upon meeting place.

Worsham is expected to make an initial appearance before a United States Magistrate later today.

The Safe Child Task Force is comprised of FBI Agents working alongside Task Force Agents from the Sandy Springs Police Department, Lawrenceville Police Department, Tyrone Police Department, Roswell Police Department, Rome Police Department, Alpharetta Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, Duluth Police Department, and the Henry County Police Department.

The public is reminded that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Eddie Milton Garey, Jr. Sentencing Affirmed

Maxwell Wood, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced today that on October 31, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the prison sentence of Eddie Milton Garey, Jr.

In early September 2003, the Macon - Bibb County 911 Center received a series of disturbing calls from the same unidentified caller. Using several different cellular telephones and a computer generated voice, the caller tried to extort money by threatening to bomb and gas various locations throughout Macon, Georgia. On September 11, 2003, agents traced the calls to a local residence, and found themselves at the home of Garey.

Garey was tried in December 2004. On December 17, 2004, a jury in Columbus, Georgia found the defendant guilty of twenty-seven (27) charges arising from the bomb threats. On August 10, 2005, the Honorable Clay D. United States District Judge, imposed a sentence of 360 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

On August 20, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, sitting en banc, found that Garey properly waived his right to counsel when Garey announced that he represent himself.

The October 31 decision affirmed Garey's 360 month sentence. A panel of the appellate court found that Garey was appropriately sentenced under the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and that the district court properly found that Garey's offensive conduct was a federal crime of terrorism.

Agencies involved in the investigation included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Macon Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriffs Office. The appeals were handled by Elizabeth A. Olson and Elizabeth D. Collery, United States Department of Justice, Criminal Appellate Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Dean S. Daskal. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tracia M. King, Jennifer Kolman and Harry J. Fox, Jr.

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