ALBANY, GA – A Mexican citizen serving a sentence in a Georgia prison, pleaded guilty Thursday on a federal charge of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Jose Calderon, 40, of Mexico entered a guilty plea on January 10, 2019 before the Honorable Leslie Gardner in Albany federal court. Prior to his federal plea, Mr. Calderon was convicted in Gwinnett County Superior Court on January 22, 2004 for Trafficking in Methamphetamine. He was convicted again in Clayton County Superior Court on December 22, 2010 for Trafficking in Cocaine and Trafficking in Methamphetamine. Mr. Calderon will be sentenced by Judge Gardner on April 11, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in Albany. Mr. Calderon’s possible federal sentence will increase to a minimum of 15 years in prison as a result of his state convictions, including deportation.

According to the plea agreement, Mr. Calderon was actively serving sentences for both state offenses at the Wheeler Correctional Facility. In 2016, while an inmate, Mr. Calderon used a contraband cell phone to broker the illegal distribution of kilos of methamphetamine to known major drug dealers across the state, including Borris Fuller, of Moultrie, GA, and Antron Miles of Tifton who were each previously sentenced to 360 months in federal prison in October 2018 Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Federal agents obtained authorization to wiretap cell phones, and use visual and electronic surveillance, in order to identify Mr. Calderon’s illegal activities from prison. Several of these operations resulted in the seizure of kilos of methamphetamine before they hit the streets for distribution. Mr. Calderon directed another inmate to distribute ½ to 1 kilogram of meth, three times a week, to Mr. Fuller. Under Mr. Calderon’s orders, meth was distributed in communities across the state, including Atlanta, Moultrie and Tifton, and parts of Florida. 

“Mr. Calderon was orchestrating major meth deals behind bars, and thanks to the combined efforts of DEA, GBI and the Georgia Department of Corrections, law enforcement put an end to his illegal dealings and the illegal dealings of his distributers,” said Charles “Charlie” Peeler, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our law enforcement agencies do not tolerate illegal activities happening within our jails and prisons, and we will continue to pursue and prosecute prisoners engaging in criminal behavior while serving prison sentences.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, and Georgia Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen prosecuted the case for the United States.

Questions can be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.

MACON: Charles E. Peeler, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announces that a Grand Jury, sitting in Macon Georgia, has returned indictments against twenty-eight defendants. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.  “I want to thank our Federal and State law enforcement partners for their hard work bringing these cases before the Federal Grand Jury” said United States Attorney Peeler.

Those charged are:

NORRIS LOWE, aged 45, and KEISHA BUSSEY, aged 44, both of Atlanta, GA are charged in an indictment alleging:

Mr. Lowe is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Possession of Marijuana (Count 2), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3) and Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense (Count 4). Mr. Lowe faces a maximum sentence of 20 years, a maximum $1 million fine, or both, for Count 1; 12 months, a maximum $25,000 fine, or both, for Count 2; 10 years, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 3 and life imprisonment, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, for Count 4, if convicted.

Ms. Bussey is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine (Count 1), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Count 3), Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense (Count 4). If convicted, Ms. Bussey faces a maximum penalty of 20 years, a $1 million maximum fine, or both, on Count 1; 10 years, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, for Count 3 and life imprisonment, a maximum $250,000 fine, or both, for Count 4.

The case was investigated by the Perry Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case for the government.

JARON THOMAS, aged 26, of Eastman, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number and faces a maximum sentence of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, if convicted. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Calhoun is prosecuting the case for the government. 

SHAYANA A. TRUITT, aged 27, of Stone Mountain, GA, and JOHN ANTHONY WILLIAMS, aged 36, of Spartanburg, SC are charged as below:

 Ms. Truitt is charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Count 1) and Possession of Marijuana and Methamphetamine (Count 3).  If convicted, Ms. Truitt faces maximum sentence of 1 year, a maximum fine of $1000, or both, for Count 1 and a maximum 10 years, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 2.

Mr. Williams is charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 2) and Possession of Marijuana and Methamphetamine (Count 3). If convicted, Mr. Williams faces a maximum sentence of 1 year imprisonment, a maximum fine of $1000, or both, on Count 1; a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for Count 2; and a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, for Count 3.

The case was investigated by the Hart County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Jarrett is prosecuting the case for the government.

JOSE CALDERON A/K/A “FLACO”, aged 40, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. If convicted, Mr. Calderon faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum $10 million fine, or both.  The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Corrections and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah E. McEwen is prosecuting the case for the government.

FREDDIE LAMAR JOHNSON, aged 34, of Athens, GA, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana (Count 1), Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking (Count 2), Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (Count 3), Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana within 1000 Feet of a School (Count 4), and Possession of Oxycodone (Count 5). Mr. Johnson faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 maximum fine, or both, on Count 1; a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum sentence of $250,000, or both, on Count 2; a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, or both, on Count 3; a maximum sentence of 10 years, a maximum fine of $500,000, or both, on Count 4, and a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both, on Count 5, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe.

Four individuals were indicted for alleged Illegal Reentry after having been deported and removed from the United States.  All of the cases were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis is prosecuting the cases for the government.

DERMER DUBON-SERRANO, aged 22, a citizen of Honduras, is charged with Illegal Reentry, having been deported and removed from the United States on or about September 13, 2013 and March 4, 2016. If convicted, Mr. Dubon-Serrano faces a maximum of two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

ALEJANDRO GODINEZ-MORALES A/K/A GABRIEL VASQUEZ-TORRES, aged 31, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on or about March 13, 2008; May 23, 2011; January 30, 2012; August 14, 2014 and March 6, 2017. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

JUAN PEZA-RAMIREZ a/k/a JOSE HERNANDEZ-SALDANA, aged 44, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with Illegal Reentry having been deported and removed from the United States on or about January 19, 2007, October 21, 2011 and April 24, 2012. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

EFRAIN HERRERA-ALAS, aged 28, a citizen of El Salvador, is charged with Illegal Reentry, having been deported and removed on May 8, 2004. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

JAMES T. PARKER, aged 35 of Leary GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Albany Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.

Twelve individuals were indicted for their alleged participation in a Wire Fraud Conspiracy: 

GARLAND ALFORD, aged 75, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Counts 2-9). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

ETHELENE ALFORD, aged 75, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Counts 2-9). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

ANTONIO GARDNER, aged 34, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 17). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

VICTORIA HENRY, aged 46, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 19). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

JENNIFER JOHNSON, aged 29, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (15). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

RENEE KIMBLE, aged 40, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 16). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

CRYSTAL MAXWELL, aged 35, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 10). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

WENDY MITCHELL A/D/A WENDY PRICKETT, aged 43, of Nashville, TN, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 11). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

ROSANNA ROUPE, aged 32, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 12). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

JEANIE SHEFFIELD, aged 34, of Colquitt, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SMAP Fraud (Count 14). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

KAYLA WALLACE, aged 25, of Donalsonville, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 18). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. 

KANEESHA WOOTEN, aged 23, of Bainbridge, GA, is charged with Wire Fraud Conspiracy (Count 1) and SNAP Fraud (Count 13). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alan Dasher.

DEMETRIUS CLARK, aged 32 of Columbus, GA, is charged with Access Device Fraud (Count 1) and Aggravated Identity Theft (Counts 2-5). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both, on Count 1 and two years in prison, to be served consecutively, on Counts 2 through 5.  The case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Melvin E, Hyde, Jr. is prosecuting the case for the government.

BRYANT HOOKER, aged 29 of Athens, GA, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. Mr. Hooker faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted.  The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham A. Thorpe is prosecuting the case for the government.

ROBERT IVAN MASK, is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $10 million fine, or both, if convicted.  The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug enforcement Administration investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia C. Bowen is prosecuting the case for the government.

RYNE MICHAEL SEETO, aged 31, of Fort Washington, MD, is charged with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in Federal prison, a $250,000 fine, or both, if convicted. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. McCommon, III is prosecuting the case for the government.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.