http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases en mshir@ago.state.ms.us Copyright 2012 2012-05-08T15:46:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/deadbeat_dad_pleads_guilty_for_failing_to_pay_child_support/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/deadbeat_dad_pleads_guilty_for_failing_to_pay_child_support/#When:15:46:00Z A Mississippi father has been sentenced for failing to support his child in Chickasaw County, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Earl Elliott, age 46, of Houston, MS, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday for felony non-support of a child before Chickasaw County Circuit Court Judge John Gregory.  The Judge sentenced Elliott to five years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspended, non-adjudication. Jackson, MS – A Mississippi father has been sentenced for failing to support his child in Chickasaw County, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Earl Elliott, age 46, of Houston, MS, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday for felony non-support of a child before Chickasaw County Circuit Court Judge John Gregory.  The Judge sentenced Elliott to five years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspended, non-adjudication. During the five years of probation, Elliott is to pay an additional $150 a month on top of his regular child support obligation until his arrearage amount of $17,000 is paid in full. He has paid over $3,000 toward his child support arrearage amount since indictment. “This case is from my home county and I know if this guy does not pay what he agreed to, Judge Gregory will hold him accountable,” said Attorney General Hood. Special Assistant Attorney General Deshun T. Martin, Director of the Attorney General’s Child Desertion Unit, prosecuted this case. Crime, Featured, Press Releases 2012-05-08T15:46:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/meridian_resident_going_to_prison_for_possession_of_child_porn/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/meridian_resident_going_to_prison_for_possession_of_child_porn/#When:10:49:00Z A Meridian resident is going to prison for possession of child porn, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Roy Lynn Ellis, age 56, of Meridian pleaded guilty to four counts possession of child porn before Judge Lester Williamson today.  The Judge sentenced him to ten years, with five to serve, five suspended and five years of post-release supervision.  Ellis must also pay $1,000 to the Children’s Trust Fund and register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Jackson, MS—A Meridian resident is going to prison for possession of child porn, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Roy Lynn Ellis, age 56, of Meridian pleaded guilty to four counts possession of child porn before Judge Lester Williamson today.  The Judge sentenced him to ten years, with five to serve, five suspended and five years of post-release supervision.  Ellis must also pay $1,000 to the Children’s Trust Fund and register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. “We used technology to catch this defendant and we are using technology to track others committing the same crime,” said Attorney General Hood.  The case was investigated by the Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.  Prosecution was handled by Special Assistant Attorneys General Brandon Ogburn and Tina Herron. Crime, CyberCrime, Sex Offenders, Featured, Press Releases 2012-05-08T10:49:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/nurse_going_to_prison_for_felony_abuse_of_vulnerable_person/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/nurse_going_to_prison_for_felony_abuse_of_vulnerable_person/#When:15:45:00Z A Columbus resident will go to prison after being convicted of felony abuse of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Sherrill Culpepper, age 53, appeared before Judge Lee S. Coleman in Lowndes County Circuit Court today to face a charge of Felonious Abuse of a Vulnerable Person (Miss. Code Ann. 43-47-19(3)).  Culpepper admitted that, while working as an LPN, she willfully inflicted physical pain or injury upon a vulnerable person left in her care by heating a flat iron and then putting it in contact with the vulnerable person’s skin.  Jackson, MS--A Columbus resident will go to prison after being convicted of felony abuse of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Sherrill Culpepper, age 53, appeared before Judge Lee S. Coleman in Lowndes County Circuit Court today to face a charge of Felonious Abuse of a Vulnerable Person (Miss. Code Ann. 43-47-19(3)).  Culpepper admitted that, while working as an LPN, she willfully inflicted physical pain or injury upon a vulnerable person left in her care by heating a flat iron and then putting it in contact with the vulnerable person’s skin.  As a result, Judge Coleman sentenced her to 10 years behind bars, 10 years to serve with five years post release supervision and a $5,000 fine.  Culpepper was immediately taken into custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. “This case should not serve as a reflection of the majority of our caregivers, but it should serve as a reminder that there are consequences for anyone acting outside of the law,” said Attorney General Hood.  The case was investigated by Eddie Boyd and Joe Sanderson and prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Pat McNamara of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Attorney General’s Office.  Crime, Featured, Press Releases 2012-05-07T15:45:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/statement_from_attorney_general_jim_hood_on_hb211/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/statement_from_attorney_general_jim_hood_on_hb211/#When:16:12:00Z If HB 211 becomes law, the more than 200 men and women of the Attorney General’s Office who now help shield our residents from corporate wrongdoers will no longer be able to protect them. And that’s why every effort must be made to put down this short-sighted attempt to strip the people of a constitutionally empowered Attorney General and instead hire a barrel full of hand-picked lawyers doing the bidding of a few politically minded individuals. Not only is it a recipe for disaster legally and ethically, it will cost taxpayers millions of extra dollars each year . If HB 211 becomes law, the more than 200 men and women of the Attorney General’s Office who now help shield our residents from corporate wrongdoers will no longer be able to protect them. And that’s why every effort must be made to put down this short-sighted attempt to strip the people of a constitutionally empowered Attorney General and instead hire a barrel full of hand-picked lawyers doing the bidding of a few politically minded individuals. Not only is it a recipe for disaster legally and ethically, it will cost taxpayers millions of extra dollars each year . Most frightening is that House Bill 211 prevents Mississippi from speaking in one, united legal voice. When facing corporate wrongdoers, like BP, Mississippi’s best chance for full recovery of the state’s damages is to fight BP together. House Bill 211 could allow any agency allegedly affected by the BP spill to hire lawyers, go to court and settle claims, thereby fracturing Mississippi’s united defense against corporate wrongdoing.  The legislators pushing this bill should heed our Supreme Court, which has repeatedly said that “the Attorney General alone has the right to represent the state.” Think about this: If HB 211 were now law, the state would have received only $3.5 million from the MCI Worldcom lawsuit because the State Tax Commision would have settled the case. But because the Attorney General’s Office had the authority and good sense to pursue the lawsuit, we collected $100 million for our taxpayers. That’s just one example of what would happen if this misguided effort succeeds. There would be no healthcare trust fund or $4 billion tobacco settlement because the then-governor and the Division of Medicaid would have overridden the AG’s efforts to secure that money for our state. The fact is that the current system works well. Over the past seven years, the Attorney General’s Office has recovered more than $500 million for our taxpayers from wrongdoers and it did not cost the taxpayers one dime.  The law already allows state agencies to take legal action on their own if the Attorney General’s Office declines or even opposes such action. But our law is clear—the state of Mississippi speaks with one voice in the courtroom and it comes through your Attorney General. I urge every citizen to call their legislator at 601-359-3770 and ask them to vote no on the conference report for House Bill 211. Attorney General Jim Hood State of Mississippi Featured, Press Releases 2012-05-01T16:12:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/attorney_general_hood_joins_inaugural_stop_the_texts_day/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/attorney_general_hood_joins_inaugural_stop_the_texts_day/#When:11:30:00Z Sixty percent of young adult drivers (16-24) said they have texted while driving, according to a national survey released by the Ad Council.  To educate young adult drivers about the dangers of texting while driving, Attorney General Jim Hood, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection Agencies, and the Ad Council today revealed new public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne.  The new PSAs are being unveiled today to coincide with the first nationwide Stop the Texts Day, and the start of National Youth Traffic Safety Month. Jackson,MS-- Sixty percent of young adult drivers (16-24) said they have texted while driving, according to a national survey released by the Ad Council.  To educate young adult drivers about the dangers of texting while driving, Attorney General Jim Hood, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the State Attorneys General and Consumer Protection Agencies, and the Ad Council today revealed new public service advertisements (PSAs) featuring NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne.  The new PSAs are being unveiled today to coincide with the first nationwide Stop the Texts Day, and the start of National Youth Traffic Safety Month. NHTSA reports that distracted driving is the number one killer of American teens. In 2010, more than 3,000 people were killed and an additional 416,000 were injured due to distracted driving, which includes texting while driving. “We know the dangers of texting and driving and we hope through awareness campaigns like this to remind Mississippians that the consequence is not worth the risk,” said Attorney General Hood. “I am glad that I was able to be a part of this project. The Ad Council folks do a good job of bringing awareness to causes such as this. Hopefully this will help people realize how dangerous texting while driving can be,” said Kasey Kahne, NASCAR driver. The goal of Stop the Texts Day is to extend the message of the “Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.” texting and driving prevention PSA campaign via social media in an effort to educate young drivers about the risks of texting while driving. Friends and parents of young adult drivers, and other safe driving advocates, are invited to share status updates from the Attorney General’s and the campaign’s Facebook (Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and stopthetexts) and Twitter (MississippiAGO and stopthetexts) pages throughout the day on why texting while driving is such a risky behavior. “While teen drivers often feel invincible, the reality is that texting and driving too often leads to terrible injuries and even death,” said Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, president of NAAG. “No text message is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Texting while driving should be as socially unacceptable as driving without a seat belt.” Created pro bono by advertising agency RPA, the television, radio and digital PSAs remind young adult drivers that it is dangerous to do anything that takes your attention away from the road and serve as a reminder to leave the risky driving to the professionals. The PSAs direct audiences to stoptextsstopwrecks.org, a website where teens and young adults can find facts about the impact of texting while driving and tips for how to curb the behavior. The Ad Council’s national survey released today also found that forty-four percent of young adult drivers (16 – 24) say that friends are the most influential source to encourage them to curb their texting and driving habits, followed by their parents (33 percent). Most notably, eighty-eight percent of texting drivers said a law against the behavior would encourage them to completely stop or be less likely to text while driving. Additionally, ninety-six percent, of young adult drivers said large fines, a suspended license and/or jail time, higher insurance rates and other financial and legal consequences would encourage them not to text while driving. “Our latest research shows that young adult drivers continue to text and drive even with the knowledge that the act can seriously injure or kill others or themselves,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “With the help of NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, we are sending a wake-up call to young adult drivers that if you take your eyes off the road to read or respond to text messages there can be unfortunate consequences. We would encourage everyone to participate in Stop the Text Day to help us end the dangerous act of texting and driving.” Since 2006, the Ad Council has partnered with the State Attorneys General to address reckless driving among teens. To date, the campaign has received more than $98.2 million in donated media support. For more than twenty-five years, the Ad Council and NHTSA have worked together on consumer safety PSA campaigns. Per the Ad Council’s model; all of the new PSAs will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media. The online survey, commissioned by the Ad Council, was conducted in partnership with ORC International’s Online CARAVAN® Youth Omnibus. Research was conducted nationwide from April 3 to 6, 2012. The sample consisted of 862 teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24.  All respondents were required to have a valid driver’s license, junior license or learner’s permit. Featured, Press Releases 2012-05-01T11:30:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ago_releases_public_information_concerning_greenwood_shooting/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ago_releases_public_information_concerning_greenwood_shooting/#When:11:29:00Z The Greenwood Police Department, Leflore County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office are continuing the investigation of the shooting death of Keaira Byrd that occured April 28, 2012 at the Law Office of Lee Abraham located in Greenwood, MS.  Keaira Byrd had established a meeting with Lee Abraham at Abraham’s Law office. When Byrd entered Abraham’s office wearing a ski mask, he pointed an assault weapon at one of the AG Investigators who was wearing a protective vest labeled “POLICE”. Jackson, MS--The Greenwood Police Department, Leflore County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office are continuing the investigation of the shooting death of Keaira Byrd that occured April 28, 2012 at the Law Office of Lee Abraham located in Greenwood, MS. Keaira Byrd had established a meeting with Lee Abraham at Abraham’s Law office. When Byrd entered Abraham’s office wearing a ski mask, he pointed an assault weapon at one of the AG Investigators who was wearing a protective vest labeled “POLICE”.  Byrd was killed and his accomplice, Derrick Lacy was shot several times. A bullet grazed one of the AG investigator’s legs.  He was treated at the hospital and released. Based on interviews and evidence, Dr. Ralph Arnold Smith, Jr. and Derrick Lacy have been charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder, as a result of conspiring, along with Keaira Byrd, to murder Lee Abraham. Smith and Lacy have also been charged with capital/felony murder as a result of the killing of Keaira Byrd during the commission of the felony crime of burglary. See attached Affidavit and Search Warrant. Crime, Featured, Press Releases 2012-04-30T11:29:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ag_investigation_leads_to_arrest_for_exploitation_of_vulnerable_person/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ag_investigation_leads_to_arrest_for_exploitation_of_vulnerable_person/#When:09:39:00Z A Tupelo resident faces up to 95 years in prison for exploitation of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Lucy Judon, age 54, of Tupelo, turned herself in to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office yesterday and Investigator Joe Sanderson of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after being indicted by a Lee County grand jury on seven counts felony exploitation of a vulnerable person and five counts of use of a social security number or identifying information to obtain goods.  Jackson, MS—A Tupelo resident faces up to 95 years in prison for exploitation of a vulnerable person, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Lucy Judon, age 54, of Tupelo, turned herself in to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office yesterday and Investigator Joe Sanderson of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after being indicted by a Lee County grand jury on seven counts felony exploitation of a vulnerable person and five counts of use of a social security number or identifying information to obtain goods.  Her bond was set at $5,000.  At the time the crimes are alleged to have been committed, Judon was providing private sitter services to the 90 year old victim who suffers from dementia. Judon is charged with taking approximately $25,000 from the victim through withdrawals from the victim’s bank accounts and also by opening up credit card accounts using the victim’s personal information.  If convicted, Judon faces up to 95 years in prison and $95,000 in fines, as well as $25,000 restitution to the victim. As with all cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is being investigated by Investigator Joe Sanderson and Auditor Gilda Holbrook of the Attorney General’s MFCU.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Sue Perry. Crime, Fraud, Featured, Press Releases 2012-04-25T09:39:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ags_medicaid_fraud_unit_investigations_lead_to_two_arrests/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ags_medicaid_fraud_unit_investigations_lead_to_two_arrests/#When:09:36:00Z Attorney General Jim Hood today announced two arrests following investigations by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Denise Sinquefield, age 41, of Hernando, MS, turned herself into the Desoto County Sheriffs Department after being indicted by a Desoto County Grand Jury on one count of acquiring or obtaining possession of controlled substance or prescription by misrepresentation, fraud and the like. She was released on a $10,000 bond.  At the time of the alleged crime, Sinquefield was working as an RN at Desoto County Baptist Hospital.  Jackson, MS—Attorney General Jim Hood today announced two arrests following investigations by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Denise Sinquefield, age 41, of Hernando, MS, turned herself into the Desoto County Sheriffs Department after being indicted by a Desoto County Grand Jury on one count of acquiring or obtaining possession of controlled substance or prescription by misrepresentation, fraud and the like. She was released on a $10,000 bond.  At the time of the alleged crime, Sinquefield was working as an RN at Desoto County Baptist Hospital. She is alleged to have signed out, without dispensing to the patient, approximately 3 to 7 mg of Dilaudid, a schedule 2 controlled substance, which she converted to her own use.  If convicted Sinquefield faces a maximum of five years in prison and up to a $1,000 fine. This case is being investigated by Eddie Boyd of the Attorney General’s MFCU and will be prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Sue Perry. In a separate case, LaDerrick Rencher, age 36, of Meridian, MS, was arrested by Lauderdale County SO after being indicted by a Lauderdale County grand jury on one count of felony sexual battery of a mentally defective person and one count of knowingly exposing another person to HIV. He is being held without bond and, if convicted, faces up to 40 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. This case is being investigated by Trey Rodgers of the Attorney General’s MFCU and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney General Sue Perry. As with all cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Crime, Fraud, Featured, Press Releases 2012-04-24T09:36:00-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/deadbeat_dad_sentenced_for_failing_to_pay_child_support3/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/deadbeat_dad_sentenced_for_failing_to_pay_child_support3/#When:09:35:03Z A Brookhaven Man has answered in court for his failure to support his child, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today.  Doyce Nevada Walley, age 43, of Brookhaven, MS, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday (April 20) for felony non-support of a child before Pearl River County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Mozingo.  Judge Mozingo sentenced Walley to two years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspended, post release supervision, non-adjudication. Jackson, MS - A Brookhaven Man has answered in court for his failure to support his child, announced Attorney General Jim Hood today. Doyce Nevada Walley, age 43, of Brookhaven, MS, pleaded guilty and was sentenced Friday (April 20) for felony non-support of a child before Pearl River County Circuit Court Judge Anthony Mozingo.  Judge Mozingo sentenced Walley to two years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, suspended, post release supervision, non-adjudication. Since being indicted by the Attorney General’s Office, Walley has paid over $16,000 toward his $26,000 child support arrearage.  The Judge ordered him to pay an extra $250 a month toward his back child support plus court costs until the remaining arrearage is paid in full. “This defendant had good jobs, and there is simply no reason for his failure to support his child,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.  “We will hope the threat of jail time hanging over his head will help him do the right thing.” The Attorney General’s Child Desertion Unit under the leadership of Director and Special Assistant Attorney General Deshun T. Martin prosecuted this case. Families, Featured, Press Releases 2012-04-23T09:35:03-06:00 http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ag_hosts_event_observing_crime_victims_rights_week/ http://www.ago.state.ms.us/index.php/press/releases/ag_hosts_event_observing_crime_victims_rights_week/#When:09:33:08Z Attorney General Jim Hood and his Crime Prevention and Victim Services and Domestic Violence Divisions are hosting an event tonight in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 22-28,2012).  This year’s event will be held at the Salvation Army, 570 E. Beasley Road in Jackson tonight at 6:00.  The theme is Extending the Vision, Reaching Every Victim.  “We want to show our crime victims that we are here for them and that they do have a support system as they pursue justice,” said Attorney General Hood.  Jackson, MS—Attorney General Jim Hood and his Crime Prevention and Victim Services and Domestic Violence Divisions are hosting an event tonight in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 22-28,2012). This year’s event will be held at the Salvation Army, 570 E. Beasley Road in Jackson tonight at 6:00.  The theme is Extending the Vision, Reaching Every Victim. “We want to show our crime victims that we are here for them and that they do have a support system as they pursue justice,” said Attorney General Hood. The event is hosted by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and co-sponsored by the Mississippi Coalition for Survivors of Homicide, The Mississippi Department of Public Safety through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and Mississippi Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Department of Corrections, the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Featured speakers are Attorney General Jim Hood and retired Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice, Ed Pittman.  Awards will be presented to Mississippians who have gone above and beyond to serve violent crime victims during the past year.  A reception will follow. Featured, Press Releases, Victims 2012-04-23T09:33:08-06:00