U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia

09/14/2026

We are honored to be featured in the recent WSJ article spotlighting the proactive work underway to disrupt scams originating from Georgia prisons.

Protecting the public from fraud and holding perpetrators accountable remains one of our highest priorities.

We are grateful for the tireless commitment of our law enforcement partners at every level to track down fraudsters and help us bring the offenders to justice.

Together, we are working to make our communities safer for everyone.

WSJ🔗 https://www.wsj.com/us-news/inmates-phone-scams-prisons-784f6c2c?st=qANKXy&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

U.S. v. Jackson et al🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-inmates-found-guilty-nationwide-jury-duty-call-scheme

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Georgia Department of Corrections
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr
Richland County Sheriff's Department

U.S. cybercrime complaints topped $20.9 billion in reported losses last year. A surprising number of fraudulent calls come from inside American prisons.

09/11/2026

Today, we solemnly remember the nearly 3,000 people who perished on September 11, 2001. On this 25th anniversary, we honor the brave first responders, the dedicated members of our military, and the ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary courage and compassion during one of our nation’s darkest days.
We remain deeply grateful for their sacrifice—and for the resilience and unity our nation demonstrated in the days, months, and years that followed.

09/09/2026

State Inmate with Child Sexual Abuse Material Faces 20 Years in Federal Prison

Defendant was Incarcerated at Central State Prison for Child Molestation Conviction

MACON, Ga. – A former inmate at Central State Prison in Macon who was serving a sentence for child molestation is facing up to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material on an altered J-pay tablet while behind bars.

Timothy Jock Knight, 45, formerly of Central State Prison, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child po*******hy before U.S. District Judge Mark Treadwell on September 3. Knight faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by a maximum lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Dec. 1, 2026. There is no parole in the federal system.

“It is deeply troubling that, even while serving time for child molestation, this individual continued to seek out and view child sexual abuse material and research ways to harm children,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of state and federal authorities, the defendant was identified and will be held accountable.”

"There are few crimes more egregious than those perpetrated against children, and in this case the defendant proved he remains a danger to the community, even from a prison cell," said Rob Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Atlanta Field Office. "We will take every opportunity to leverage our digital forensic technology to thwart the activity of distributors and consumers of child sexual abuse materials, no matter their location."

“Child sexual abuse material is a horrific form of exploitation that continues to victimize children long after the abuse itself occurs. Those responsible must be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The GBI will never back down in the fight against this crime, and remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal partners to protect our children and hold criminals accountable.”

“Any type of criminal activity perpetrated from behind the walls of our facilities will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our federal and state partners for their assistance in bringing this case to a close,” said Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation received a Cybertip generated by Instagram in reference to the distribution of child sexual abuse material in 2021. Instagram reported that a subject account named “timknight444,” uploaded two images depicting CSAM. The tip included Knight’s profile picture and his driver’s license. GBI found Knight was serving a state sentence for attempted child molestation out of the Superior Court of Columbia County, Georgia, and was housed at Central State Prison, scheduled for release in January 2027.

The GBI obtained search warrant results for Knight’s Instagram account and collected two J-Pay tablets at Central State Prison. One tablet was found in Knight’s locker and had been altered but did not contain CSAM. Investigators found the second tablet with Knight when they confiscated it. Investigators confirmed that the tablet was altered and that it contained CSAM. Also, the device contained Google search histories for information on abusing, trafficking, and ra**ng children. Investigators found 3,410 unique artifacts of CSAM material that include images of prepubescent children. Most images came from five different video series.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The GBI, the Georgia Department of Corrections, and the United States Secret Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Brown and Julius Jefferson are prosecuting the case for the Government.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
United States Secret Service
Georgia Department of Corrections

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/state-inmate-child-sexual-abuse-material-faces-20-years-federal-prison

09/04/2026

Final Defendants Convicted in Macon’s Operation Mobile Order Sentenced

Dozen Convicted in Armed Drug Ring; Kilos of Co***ne, 25 Guns, Machine Gun, Ballistic Vest Seized

MACON, Ga. – The final two defendants involved in an armed drug trafficking network affiliated with a criminal street gang were sentenced to federal prison because of Operation Mobile Order, an investigation led by the FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in the seizure of dozens of fi****ms, including a machine gun.

“This heavily armed drug trafficking organization was a major threat in Macon, and our region is now safer because every member has been brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Targeting dangerous criminal organizations like those dismantled in Operation Mobile Order remains a top priority for our office and law enforcement partners at every level. These offenders have been held accountable for the harm they caused to our community.”

“Operation Mobile Order dismantled a violent drug trafficking organization that treated a Macon neighborhood like a retail storefront for co***ne, backed by an arsenal of fi****ms,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta’s Macon office. “This investigation shows the FBI’s commitment to targeting criminal networks that fuel addiction, violence, and fear in our communities. We will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners to make Central Georgia a safer place to live.”

“Operation Mobile Order represents the best in local and federal law enforcement partnerships,” said Bibb County Sheriff David Davis. “Together, FBI agents and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigators worked tirelessly to bring this cadre of criminals to justice. Our community is much better off with these peddlers of poison off our streets.”

The following defendants were sentenced today, on September 3:

Eddie Reese, 54, of Atlanta, was sentenced to serve 200 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 18, 2025.

Alton Oliver, aka “Alo,” aka “Lo,” 43, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Jan. 8.

The following defendant was sentenced on August 10:

Tanya Card, 51, of Macon, was sentenced to serve six months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute co***ne base on Dec. 2, 2025.

The following defendant was sentenced on June 4:

Roddreckious Williams, 33, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 151 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of co***ne base and one count of distribution of co***ne on Jan. 21.

The following defendants were sentenced on May 19:

Roosevelt Cole, aka “Froball,” 52, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 170 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6.

Marvin Huff, aka “Black,” 50, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 125 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8.

Trayvon Simmons, aka “Abo,” 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6.

The following defendant was sentenced to prison on April 2:

Antonyo Daniels, aka “Tony,” 31, of Warner Robins, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 250 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8.

The following defendants were sentenced to prison on March 2:

Devonta Jackson, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 155 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

Laderion Jacobs, aka “Johnny,” aka “Johnny Cain,” 30, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

Ladarrious King, 31, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 70 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025.

The following defendant was sentenced to prison on Feb. 5:

Leroy Mintz, aka “Booman,” 29, of Macon, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Nov. 20, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Marc Treadwell is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents and statements in court, in 2022 and 2023, the FBI conducted Operation Mobile Order, a Macon-centered investigation targeting an armed drug trafficking organization led by Reese. Many members of the organization are validated Blue Band Gang (BBG) members who affiliate with the Crips criminal organization. During the investigation, the FBI ran nine controlled purchases of co***ne and crack co***ne and intercepted phone calls and text messages, detailing transactions involving kilograms of co***ne from an Atlanta supplier.

The main drug distribution site, also known as a trap house, was located on Richard Street in Macon. This busy location functioned similarly to a restaurant, with members of the organization assigned shifts to distribute drugs. Recorded calls captured Reese discussing drug overdoses in the community, claiming that if the drugs causing those overdoses had come from his Richard Street operation, “everyone in Macon would be dead.”

The FBI executed 11 federal search warrants in Macon, Warner Robins, and Atlanta on Nov. 20, 2023, including at the Richard Street trap house, seizing co***ne, 26 fi****ms, a ballistic vest, and $93,247. One of the locations searched included Oliver’s home on Williamson Road in Macon. There, agents found a machine gun plus five fi****ms. In addition, agents found quantities of co***ne and methamphetamine at Oliver’s. The ballistic vest belonged to Daniels.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

U.S. Attorney Will Keyes prosecuted the case for the Government.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
Macon Regional Crimestoppers

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/final-defendants-convicted-macons-operation-mobile-order-sentenced

09/01/2026

We’re taking bold, decisive action to disrupt organized crime, hold the most violent offenders accountable, and stop the spread of the deadliest drugs in our communities, especially fentanyl. We are:

• Prioritizing cases involving organized crime and violent offenders.

• Collaborating closely with local, state, and federal partners to share intelligence and maximize impact.

• Aggressively prosecuting those distributing fentanyl and other deadly substances.

Our commitment is unwavering: we will use every tool available to make our neighborhoods safer, protect families, and hold those who threaten our communities fully accountable.

Learn more about our work and recent successes in the article just published in James Magazine: https://james-magazine.paperturn-view.com/james-september-october-2026-web?pid=ODk8959743&p=71

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
FBI - Atlanta
Drug Enforcement Administration
ATF
Department of Homeland Security
United States Marshals Service
United States Secret Service
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Macon Regional Crimestoppers

08/26/2026

We are thrilled to announce the addition of three outstanding, highly-experienced Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to the Albany Criminal Division!

Please join us in welcoming Christian Bryant, Whitney Bradford, and Brad Rigby. All former state prosecutors from Cordele, they each bring a wealth of experience handling the most complex cases, including murders, child exploitation, gang violence, fraud, and public corruption, with a combined 150 jury trials under their belts.

Together, this highly skilled team will enhance our efforts to ensure public safety in Southwest Georgia and across the Middle District of Georgia, as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law.

Welcome to the Middle District of Georgia!

Photo: U.S. Attorney Will Keyes stands with AUSAs Christian Bryant, Whitney Bradford, and Brad Rigby, and Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Abrams Gardner following their swearings-in at the federal courthouse in Albany, Georgia, on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices

08/24/2026

We are excited to welcome five talented law clerks from Mercer University Law School to the USAO MDGA team!

Caine Bagley, Abby “Rose” Baker, Madeleine “Maddy” Bertz, Carter Pannell, and Henry Pastel stand with U.S. Attorney Will Keyes and our leadership team.

All 3Ls, they will work in the Criminal and Civil Divisions, supporting our commitment to justice.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices

08/20/2026

Former Georgia Correctional Officer Cadet Sentenced for M**h Smuggling

GDC Officers Found Half Kilo+ of 100% Pure M**h on Defendant During Entry Shakedown

MACON, Ga. – A former Georgia correctional officer cadet who attempted to bring more than a half kilogram of unadulterated methamphetamine into Dooly State Prison for an inmate was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for his crime.

"The penalties are steep when trusted members of the prison system smuggle contraband behind bars, as this exponentially increases the danger for everyone both inside and outside the prison walls," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We are grateful to the dedicated correctional officers who protect the safety and security of our prisons each day, often under challenging circumstances. Their commitment and professionalism are essential to maintaining order and upholding justice.”

“The GDC does not tolerate actions of individuals who choose to bring discredit to the values of our agency and jeopardize our non-negotiable mission of public safety,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “We appreciate the support of our federal partners in ensuring that justice will be served on this former cadet, and we are proud of those officers involved who were diligent in stopping the introduction of dangerous contraband into one of our facilities.”

“This case is a clear example of why accountability matters. A person entrusted with becoming a correctional officer chose instead to participate in the smuggling of methamphetamine into a prison,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “That conduct threatens the safety and security of the entire correctional system. Working together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to identify those who attempt to bring dangerous drugs behind prison walls and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.”

Julius Deshawn Williams Jr., 29, of Bonaire, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Aug. 19, after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec.1, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to statements referenced in court, Williams was a cadet undergoing training to become a correctional officer at Dooly State Prison. On June 24, 2024, when Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers conducted the security check and shake-down required of every person attempting to enter the facility, they found four packages containing methamphetamine wrapped in black tape and hidden in the defendant’s pants. Next, his vehicle was searched, and GDC officers found four more packages of methamphetamine wrapped in black electrical tape and a pistol. Williams admitted he was attempting to bring the drugs into the prison to give to an inmate. The packages contained 640 grams of methamphetamine with 100% purity.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Lynes prosecuted the case for the Government.

The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
Georgia Department of Corrections

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/former-georgia-correctional-officer-cadet-sentenced-meth-smuggling

08/19/2026

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is this Friday, August 21. Fentanyl is devastating communities across Georgia and the nation—just 2 milligrams can kill. We all have a role to play in saving lives.

Join the movement:
• Learn about the dangers of fentanyl
• Talk with your family and friends
• Share resources and support those at risk

Let’s unite for a . Watch and share the new PSA and help spread the word.

Together, we can make a difference.

PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwYRvWUjcH8

Learn more: https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness



The United States Department of Justice
United States Attorneys' Offices
Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA
FBI - Atlanta
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
ATF

Fighting for a Fentanyl-Free Middle District of Georgia

08/14/2026

Georgia Woman Charged in Alleged Tax Fraud Targeting Truck Drivers

Potential Victims Can Contact FBI in Ongoing Nationwide Tax Fraud Investigation

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced a 54-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week charging a Georgia woman with allegedly defrauding at least 26 people, mostly self-employed truck drivers, in a tax scheme as part of an ongoing National Fraud Enforcement Division investigation led by the FBI and the IRS.

Diane Marie Poe, 62, of Loganville, Georgia, is charged by federal indictment in Case No. 3:26-CR-14, filed on Aug. 12, with 32 counts of bank fraud; 14 counts of failure to account for and pay over withholding and F**A taxes; four counts of failure to file a corporate tax return; two counts of making and subscribing a false return; and two counts of federal program theft. Poe faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment per count of bank fraud; five years imprisonment per count of failure to pay over taxes; one year imprisonment per count of failure to file a corporate return; three years imprisonment per count of making a false return; and 10 years imprisonment per count of federal program theft. There is no parole in the federal system. The defendant's initial appearance will occur at a time determined by the Court.

According to the indictment, Poe is the owner of Genuine Financial Services, Inc. (GFS), an accounting and tax preparation service in Walton County, Georgia, that employed several people. The company provided bookkeeping, payroll, and payroll tax services, as well as business and personal tax preparation and filing, mostly for individuals employed in the trucking industry. As part of their services, clients would pay over to GFS their estimated payroll taxes.

Poe allegedly defrauded at least 26 individuals, mostly self-employed truck drivers, by accepting payments for tax and filing services she did not deliver, including collecting estimated payroll or trust fund taxes but failing to remit them to the IRS. She is also accused of failing to file her personal and business taxes properly and of failing to pay payroll taxes for her employees.

Many of Poe’s clients in the truck business came from word of mouth. If any individuals used GFS tax services or employed Poe for tax services and believe they might be victims of fraud, please call the FBI Atlanta at (770) 216-3000. In addition, anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the FBI.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The FBI and the IRS are investigating the case, with assistance from the Loganville Police Department, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Walton County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.

An indictment and criminal complaint are merely allegations of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

🔗 https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-woman-charged-alleged-tax-fraud-targeting-truck-drivers

The United States Department of Justice
FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI - Atlanta
IRS
Walton County GA Sheriff's Office

MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced a 54-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week charging a Georgia woman with allegedly defrauding at least 26 people, mostly self-employed truck drivers, in a tax scheme as part of an ongoing National Fraud En...