Hinds Today

United States Attorney Todd W. Gee has reported a notable increase in federal prosecutions within the Southern District of Mississippi for fiscal year 2024. The district's prosecutors charged approximately 315 cases, marking a 13% rise from the previous year, and prosecuted around 451 defendants, reflecting a 28% increase.

The rise in prosecutions is attributed partly to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a key initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at reducing violent crime. This program collaborates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and communities to tackle gun violence and enhance neighborhood safety. The PSN strategy emphasizes community trust, support for violence prevention organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and outcome measurement.

Federal prosecutors involved in the PSN program regularly meet with law enforcement partners across various locations including Jackson and Meridian to review potential federal court cases and discuss strategies to curb violent crime.

In fiscal year 2024, there was also a significant increase in firearms-related cases by approximately 21%, along with a tripling of cases involving illegal machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), which transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.

"Our office is working hard with federal, state, and local partners to reduce violent crime, narcotics trafficking and other criminal activity throughout the Southern District of Mississippi," said U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee. "Violent criminals and drug traffickers need to get the message: move on to other careers or get ready to spend a large portion of your life in federal prison."

Several notable cases were highlighted under this initiative:

- In U.S. v. Kylin Russell, Russell was sentenced to two years for firearms offenses after evading police during a high-speed chase.

- U.S. v. Rosendo Gonzalez Mora et al., involved five individuals pleading guilty to drug trafficking-related charges linked to Mexico.

- Johnny Ragsdale faced charges for possessing an illegal machinegun following a police chase.

- Damonik Shemikal Robinson received a five-year sentence for firearm possession as a convicted felon.

- Over forty individuals were indicted on drug trafficking charges in Meridian under U.S. v. Marcus Powell et al.

- Jarvis Jermaine Hampton pled guilty to methamphetamine distribution charges after drugs and weapons were found at his residence.

- Ernest Quintez Clark was sentenced for firearm possession at a school event despite being a convicted felon.

- Frederick Leshun Jones awaits sentencing after being found with firearms while having an outstanding warrant.

- Koda Tye Williamson pled guilty following the discovery of firearms at his home during a search warrant execution.

- Russell David Parker faces sentencing after being caught with firearms during a traffic stop.

An indictment serves as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.