In Memphis, Tennessee, a federal grand jury has issued indictments against ten individuals for federal firearm and violent crime offenses. Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren announced the indictments, emphasizing the commitment to addressing violent crime in Western Tennessee. Among those charged is Lavaughn Gilmore, 26, who faces charges for the illegal possession of a machine-gun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch.”
“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority,” stated Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren. “These indictments reflect our commitment to tackling violent crime and sending a strong message: if you break federal gun laws, you will face significant penalties.”
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The following individuals face various firearm and violent crime charges:
– Colton Sisco, 30, is charged with making and possessing a firearm, specifically a pipe bomb, violating the National Firearms Act.
– Anthony Wells, 33, is indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
– Derrico Childs, 21, Exavier Spivey, 25, and James Howard, 22, face charges in a superseding indictment for four counts of armed carjacking and four counts of using a firearm during a violent crime.
– Derrion Turner, 19, is indicted for two armed carjackings and an attempted armed carjacking in Memphis over a span of ten days in August and September 2023.
– Justin Bobo, 33, is charged with possession of a firearm after having at least three prior convictions for serious drug offenses or violent felonies.
– Keihdra Bledsoe, 28, faces charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
– Mike Alex Burks Jr., 46, is indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
These cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force; the Project Safe Neighborhoods Gun Task Force; the Memphis Police Department; and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
The charges and allegations in the indictments are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the court will determine each defendant’s sentence based on specific case factors, including previous criminal records, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
These indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community efforts. More information about the program can be found at the [Department of Justice website](https://www.justice.gov/psn).
Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude to the Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting these cases and the law enforcement partners involved in the investigations.
Source: Read Original Release
Pharmacy Owners Face Healthcare Fraud Charges
Anne Warren and Tiffany Haney, co-owners of Rocky Hill Pharmacy, LLC, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Knoxville for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, making false statements, and aggravated identity theft. The charges include altering or forging prescriptions to submit false claims for reimbursement. They appeared in court on November 1, 2024, and face significant penalties if found guilty. The indictment follows investigations by multiple federal and state agencies, and the case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy S. Dykes. All charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.