Latest News
United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia Revises Local Rules for Administration of Criminal Cases
By GA News Gazette | Feb 12, 2024
The United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia has recently announced revisions to the Local Rules for Administration of Criminal Cases. The updated rules will go into effect on February 12, 2024.The court, which is responsible for overseeing criminal cases within its jurisdiction, has made these changes to ensure the smooth and efficient administration of justice. The revised rules aim to provide clarity and guidance to all parties involved in criminal proceedings.One of the notable changes in the revised rules is the introduction of new...
Atlanta Man Convicted in Fatal Valentine's Day Shooting
By GA News Gazette | Feb 9, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the conviction of Jamaar Bracey, a 39-year-old man from Atlanta, in a jury trial. Bracey has been found guilty of charges including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 14, 2021, where Bracey shot and killed another man while they were driving along a south DeKalb road.The tragic incident came to light when the DeKalb County Police Department and the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department...
Russian Mobster Extradited and Sentenced in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme
By GA News Gazette | Feb 9, 2024
Mani Chulpayev, the leader of a luxury car leasing scheme that operated in the Atlanta and Miami areas from 2009 to 2016, has been sentenced to prison and ordered to pay more than $4.6 million in restitution. Chulpayev was arrested in October 2020 while hiding in Ukraine, using a fake identity, and working as a movie producer. His conviction marks the end of a multi-agency collaboration known as “Operation Riding Dirty,” which targeted a web of drug traffickers utilizing multiple, hard-to-trace cars, the fraudsters who laundered drug money for the traffickers and left banks...
International cybercrime malware service dismantled by federal authorities: key malware sales and support actors in Malta and Nigeria charged in federal indictments
By GA News Gazette | Feb 9, 2024
Federal authorities have successfully dismantled an international cybercrime malware service, seizing internet domains used to sell computer malware and charging individuals in Malta and Nigeria for their alleged involvement in selling the malware and supporting cybercriminals.One of the key actors in this operation is Daniel Meli, who was arrested in Malta. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, "Daniel Meli will no longer escape accountability for his actions selling malware. This alleged cybercriminal facilitated the takeover and infection of computers worldwide." Meli...
Chattanooga Man Convicted of Murdering Atlanta Man He Met Through Online Gaming
By GA News Gazette | Feb 9, 2024
A Chattanooga man has been convicted of burglarizing and murdering an Atlanta man whom he had met through online gaming. Jonathan Wesley "Wes" Mansfield, 26, was found guilty on charges of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Burglary in the First Degree.The incident took place on February 1, 2019, when German "Lee" Castillo, 42, called 911 to report a burglary at his home. Castillo informed the authorities that his back door was open and two Xboxes were missing. He also discovered a bag belonging to Mansfield in his living room. Concerned for his safety,...
Final defendants sentenced to prison for roles in conspiracy to steal aircraft design secrets
By GA News Gazette | Feb 8, 2024
Two California men, Juan Martinez and Joseph Pascua, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a conspiracy to steal aircraft design and testing information. The aim of this conspiracy was to expedite the regulatory approval process for a competing company's technology. Martinez, 53, of Brea, California, has been sentenced to 63 months in prison, while Pascua, 61, of Escondido, California, has been sentenced to 86 months in prison.Martinez was convicted in August 2023 on one count of Conspiracy to Steal Trade Secrets, while Pascua was convicted in...
Former investment advisor sentenced for decade-long Ponzi scheme
By GA News Gazette | Feb 8, 2024
John J. Woods, a former investment advisor, has been sentenced to nearly eight years in federal prison for operating a 13-year Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 400 investors and resulted in a loss of more than $49 million. Woods, who promised investors profitable returns, used the funds raised from new investors to pay Ponzi profits to earlier investors. This scheme caused financial ruin to retirees, seniors, and military veterans who lost their life savings and retirement accounts.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan condemned Woods' actions, stating, "Woods abused the trust...
Atlanta-area Doctor and Medical Staff Indicted for Running Illegal Pill-Mill
By GA News Gazette | Feb 7, 2024
Atlanta-area physician, Dr. Isaac Sved, and his associates have been indicted on federal charges related to running an illegal pill-mill. The charges include conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan expressed concern about physicians abusing their positions of trust and illegally prescribing excessive amounts of narcotics. He stated, "Those who abuse the power of...
Gang member found guilty in assault on correctional officer
By GA News Gazette | Feb 7, 2024
Cody Ryan Todd, a member of the Ghost Face Gangsters, has been found guilty by a federal jury of assaulting a correctional officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia. The assault took place on January 28, 2021, when Todd, a pretrial detainee at USP-Atlanta, attacked the officer, leaving him with significant injuries.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the importance of holding inmates accountable for their actions, stating, "Detainees and inmates cannot commit crimes with impunity while they are behind bars." He also recognized the vital role correctional...
Key figure in international cocaine trafficking operation sentenced to 20 years in federal prison
By GA News Gazette | Feb 5, 2024
Agim Cerma, also known as "Jimmy," a key conspirator in a Colombian drug trafficking operation, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Cerma, a citizen of Albania living in Colombia, pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to transport cocaine aboard U.S.-registered aircraft. The sentencing was announced by Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker ordered Cerma to serve 240 months in prison and three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Cerma will also be deported...
CARROLL COUNTY JURY FINDS DEFENDANT KENNETH PHILLIPS GUILTY IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE
By GA News Gazette | Feb 5, 2024
On January 25, 2024, a Carroll County jury convicted Kenneth Lee Phillips, 43, of Carrollton, of Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault – Family Violence, and Battery – Family Violence for strangling and beating a woman who was then his girlfriend. Superior Court Judge Dennis Blackmon sentenced Phillips to 40 years in prison without the possibility of parole. The Defendant was sentenced without parole because of his substantial criminal history, which includes over 30 arrests since 1998 and 5 prior felony convictions.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys...
New Grief Support Group Formed to Help Homicide Victims and Survivors
By GA News Gazette | Feb 2, 2024
The Metro Atlanta Chapter for the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. has announced the formation of a new grief support group aimed at helping victims and survivors of homicide. The chapter will hold its first meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Cobb Family Advocacy Center in Marietta.Cobb District Attorney Flynn Broady and Victim Witness Unit Director Kim McCoy have been instrumental in supporting the formation of the chapter, providing administrative assistance and a venue for the meetings. District Attorney Flynn Broady emphasized the importance...
Atlanta Man Convicted in Home Invasion Robbery, Murder of Elderly Veteran
By GA News Gazette | Feb 2, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the conviction of Deonte Denard Sills, a 30-year-old Atlanta man, in a violent home invasion that resulted in the murder of an elderly man. Sills was found guilty on multiple charges, including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Home Invasion in the First Degree, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children in the First Degree, Battery, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.The incident took place on March 19, 2020, when three masked men entered a home on River Road in Ellenwood. The...
Stone Mountain Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole Plus 40 Years for Rape, Kidnapping
By GA News Gazette | Feb 1, 2024
A Stone Mountain man has been sentenced to life without parole plus 40 years after being convicted of rape, kidnapping, and other charges. Michael Tish Mingo Richard, 45, was found guilty by a jury of raping a woman and then kidnapping her and her mother. The incident occurred on March 6, 2020, and the verdict was returned on January 12.According to the investigation, the victim arrived home to find Richard outside her apartment. She agreed to help him with his car trouble, but when she went inside to change, Richard followed her. He then held a knife to her throat, zip...
Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office Receives Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service
By GA News Gazette | Jan 31, 2024
The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office has been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the enforcement of our nation's laws. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients of the 70th and 71st Attorney General's Awards, honoring Justice Department employees and others for their extraordinary service.Among the recipients were First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons, Paralegal Tracy Long, and Victim Witness Coordinators Kellie Wiggins and Iverna Campbell from the Southern District of Georgia. They received the 70th Attorney...
Cobb County man sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping 12-year-old from Barrow County
By GA News Gazette | Jan 31, 2024
A Cobb County man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl from Barrow County, Georgia. James Anthony Reynolds drove the young girl to Acworth, Georgia, and then abandoned her in a Walmart parking lot in Chattanooga, Tennessee.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the increasing use of social media platforms by child sexual predators to target vulnerable minors. He urged parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children's internet activity and use of apps on electronic devices.FBI Atlanta...
Woman, Two Brothers Convicted in Armed Robbery at Stone Mountain Condominium
By GA News Gazette | Jan 30, 2024
DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Jan 30, 2024, that three defendants have been convicted in an armed robbery case at a condominium in Stone Mountain. The defendants, Darnell Reed, 30, Donnell Reed, 30, and Christin Scales, 24, were found guilty on multiple charges stemming from an incident on October 6, 2021.According to the investigation, the male victim had met Defendant Scales online and they had arranged to meet up for a payment in exchange for sex. However, when the victim arrived at the address, Defendant Scales instructed him to park away...
Cobb District Attorney to Address Community Initiatives in Town Hall Meeting
By GA News Gazette | Jan 29, 2024
Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. will be hosting a town hall meeting on February 6th in Austell, Georgia. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss enhancing community safety and supporting victims within Cobb County. The event will be held at Destiny World Church and is open to the public.During the town hall meeting, Broady will be addressing various initiatives and programs aimed at improving the criminal justice system and providing support to victims. One of the initiatives that will be highlighted is the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, which recently...
Owner of tax preparation business sentenced to prison for defrauding pandemic relief funding programs
By GA News Gazette | Jan 29, 2024
A Georgia woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding COVID-19 small business relief programs. Gladys Harun, a 44-year-old tax preparer from Byron, Georgia, pleaded guilty to lying to a federal investigator and was ordered to repay over half a million dollars she fraudulently obtained from the programs.Harun used her knowledge as a tax preparer to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds intended for struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg stated, "Such greed-fueled theft from government...
Reappointment of Chief Bankruptcy Judge Laurel Myerson Isicoff, Southern District of Florida
By GA News Gazette | Jun 7, 2019
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit is currently considering whether to reappoint Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge Laurel Myerson Isicoff for a new 14-year term of office in the Southern District of Florida at Miami. The current term of Judge Isicoff is set to expire on February 12, 2020.If reappointed, Judge Isicoff would continue to exercise the jurisdiction of a bankruptcy judge as outlined in various statutes, including United States Code title 28, United States Code title 11, and the Bankruptcy Amendment and Federal Judgeship Act of 1984....