US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia
Recent News About US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia
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Gainesville man arraigned on federal charges for fentanyl distribution
GAINESVILLE, Ga.- Bobby Joe Holloman has been arraigned on federal charges for distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Holloman’s alleged fentanyl distribution led to two overdoses, resulting in the death of one victim. Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug that too often leads to overdosing or death when used in even miniscule amounts. We are committed to prosecuting those who callously peddle this dangerous drug in our communities.”
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Former Facebook and Nike executive sentenced for $5 million fraud
Barbara Furlow-Smiles, a former diversity program manager at Facebook and Nike, has been sentenced for defrauding her employers of more than $5 million through an elaborate scheme involving fraudulent vendors, fictitious paperwork, and cash kickbacks.
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U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan recognizes National Police Week
In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan has recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. The week is observed from Sunday, May 12, 2024, through Saturday, May 18, 2024.
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Duluth man convicted for methamphetamine trafficking in metro-Atlanta area
Jorge Rodriguez Martinez, a resident of Duluth, Georgia, has been convicted by a federal jury for his involvement in a scheme to distribute multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in the metro-Atlanta area. The charges against Martinez included one count of conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. After a three-day trial, Rodriguez Martinez was found guilty on both counts.
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Cobb County settles race discrimination lawsuit over firefighter hiring process
A settlement has been reached with Cobb County, Georgia, through a consent decree, resolving the United States’ claims that Cobb County’s use of certain screening devices in its hiring process for entry-level firefighters resulted in a pattern or practice of discrimination against African Americans. This was deemed to be in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, and religion. It prohibits not only intentional discrimination but also employment...
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Multi-agency operation seizes illegal drugs and firearms in Georgia
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia has announced the results of a two-week, multi-agency parcel interdiction operation that resulted in multiple seizures of illegal drugs and firearms being shipped through the district.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office and Georgia Department of Public Health to Host Opioid Prevention and Recovery Fair
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, is set to host a community event focused on opioid prevention and recovery. The "Spring Into Wellness: An Opioid Prevention and Recovery Community Resource Fair" will take place on May 14, 2024, in Emmerson, Georgia.According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan, the event aims to address the ongoing opioid epidemic and provide support to those in need. Buchanan emphasized the importance of collaboration with law...
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Man Indicted for Threatening Fulton County District Attorney
Marc Shultz, a 66-year-old resident of Chula Vista, California, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to her prosecution of Former President Donald Trump. The indictment, presented in court, states that on October 4 and 5, 2023, Shultz posted violent threats towards District Attorney Willis on YouTube live stream videos, including a statement that she "will be killed like a dog."U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized, “Sending death threats to a public official is a criminal offense that will not be...
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Cartersville Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography
Ian Alicea Prewett has pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. In connection with his guilty plea, Prewett admitted he engaged in sex acts with minors under the age of 18 and enticed a child under the age of eight to produce sexually explicit images.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Prewett preyed upon innocent children by enticing them to send him sexually explicit images and then victimized two minors, including during an out-of-state trip, by sexually assaulting those children."Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, Anthony J. Patrone,...
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Four Defendants in Firearms Trafficking Ring Sentenced
Four individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a firearms trafficking ring that operated in the metro Atlanta area, smuggling guns to the Dominican Republic. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the commitment to disrupting illegal firearm flows, stating, "Firearms traffickers present an immediate danger to communities within and outside our district." Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones highlighted the importance of investigating and bringing firearms traffickers to justice swiftly, stating, "This is an excellent example of such an...
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Investment Professional Indicted on Multi-Million-Dollar Investment Fraud Scheme
Craig Allen, executive officer of C.M. Allen Capital Management, Inc., has been indicted on charges related to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme that defrauded investors nationwide, as reported by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan and FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Keri Farley.Buchanan stated, “Allen abused his clients’ trust by allegedly stealing millions of dollars to support his lavish lifestyle. The defendant deceived and falsified documents to conceal his thefts to provide his investors with a false sense of financial security. We will continue to prosecute...
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Dog Broker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns
The recent sentencing of Justin Daniels for filing false tax returns in connection with his dog-brokering business has sent a strong message to those who seek to exploit the tax system for personal gain.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed, “Rather than pay his fair share of taxes, Daniels spent years submitting fraudulent returns in the name of personal greed. This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and prosecute those who exploit our tax system at the expense of law-abiding taxpayers.”Assistant Special Agent in Charge, IRS...
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts HBCU Regional Forum
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, organized the first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Regional Forum at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. The event aimed to introduce HBCU students, faculty, and staff to the various programs and initiatives offered by the Department.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed the significance of HBCUs in nurturing future leaders, stating, “Historically Black Colleges and Universities provide students with an environment for achieving...
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Man Arrested for Crashing into FBI Gate
Erving Lee Bolling, 48, of Easley, South Carolina, faced his initial appearance on April 3, 2024, for the federal charge of depredation of federal property after he tried to breach security at the FBI Atlanta’s Headquarters by ramming his vehicle into a security barrier. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized, “The safety of our law enforcement partners is one of the highest priorities of this office.”Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, Keri Farley, highlighted the importance of employee safety, stating, “The safety of our employees is of paramount concern for us...
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Former Office Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Over $8.5 Million
Sonya Hesenius, a former office manager and executive assistant, has been sentenced to federal prison for embezzling over $8.5 million from her employer. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed, “Hesenius will now be held accountable for her flagrant theft of millions of dollars from her employer to support a lavish lifestyle.” The former office manager was entrusted with financial responsibilities but chose to use company funds for personal gain, as noted by Buchanan.Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, commented on Hesenius' breach of trust, stating,...
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Atlanta’s Former Chief Financial Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Funds and Tax Obstruction
The City of Atlanta’s former Chief Financial Officer, Jimmie “Jim” A. Beard, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and obstructing federal tax laws. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “Jim Beard abused his power as the CFO for the City of Atlanta to steal tens of thousands of dollars from taxpayers to fund personal trips, luxuries, and even custom-built machine guns, then lied to the IRS and submitted altered records when called to account for suspicious write-offs.”FBI Atlanta's Special Agent in Charge, Keri Farley, emphasized the impact of Beard's actions...
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Metro Atlanta Man Sentenced for Laundering Fraudulently Obtained COVID-19 Unemployment Funds
Austin Martin Siampwizi, a man from Metro Atlanta, has been sentenced for his involvement in laundering money obtained from fraudulent unemployment claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, "Siampwizi laundered proceeds from fraudulent unemployment claims filed using the stolen identities of more than 50 victims."According to Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Siampwizi engaged in a scheme to cash money orders funded with fraudulently obtained...
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Northern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney and Procurement Collision Strike Force Director Host Antitrust Summit
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed the commitment of his office to combat collusion, corruption, and fraud in government services, stating, “Our office is committed to working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that the citizens of this district receive government services free from collusion, corruption, and fraud.”Director Glad highlighted the importance of partnerships in protecting taxpayer funds, stating, “Our partnerships increase awareness and combine resources and tools that protect taxpayers’ money.”During the summit, U.S....
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California Man Sentenced for Cell Phone Trade-in Fraud Scheme
David Shemtov has been sentenced after a jury convicted him of wire fraud based on a scheme involving the fraudulent trade-ins of thousands of cell phones.“The ability to exchange electronic devices for cash value or gift cards provides users the important benefit of recovering some worth for devices they no longer need,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Shemtov chose to exploit this process to fraudulently obtain substantially inflated value for devices he traded and at great expense to the victim company. His sentence of imprisonment should serve as a warning to...
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Former Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine Pleads Guilty in Health Care Fraud Scheme
Former Georgia State Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in a scheme involving unnecessary medical tests in exchange for kickbacks. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed that Oxendine, a former state-wide insurance commissioner, knowingly conspired to order hundreds of unnecessary lab tests for personal profit, violating the public's trust.Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, condemned the scheme, stating that it not only increased healthcare costs but also betrayed the trust of patients....