Memphis, TN - The teamwork between the offices of District Attorney General Mike Dunavant and United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton III continues to pay dividends to the citizens of the 25th Judicial District.
Recently, Richard Dewalt, 30, of Gates, TN, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays following his guilty plea of possession with intent to distribute dihydrocodinone, a Schedule III controlled substance. Following his prison term, Dewalt must also serve three years of supervised release.
John McPeak, 34, of Drummonds, TN, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Samuel H. Mays following his guilty plea of possession of precursor materials with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Following his prison term, McPeak must also serve three years of supervised release.
“Because General Dunavant has generously loaned us a prosecutor from his office to work as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, we can more effectively target significant drug dealers and other worst-of-the-worst criminals for prosecution in federal court," said U.S. Attorney Stanton. “These successful prosecutions demonstrate the benefits of our federal-state partnership."
“Citizens have a right to be safe in their homes and on the streets of our communities," said General Dunavant. “I promise that we will use every means at our disposal to get criminals off the streets and behind bars in federal prison where there is no parole."
In addition, four other individuals were indicted yesterday on the following charges:
Mark Anthony Stephens, 41, of Brighton, TN, was indicted for one count of possession and distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than five years in prison, or not more than 10 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of using a firearm during a drug crime, which carries a penalty of at least five years in prison to be served consecutively to other prison terms; and one count of distributing marijuana within 1000 feet of a public elementary school, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or if previously convicted, up to 20 years.
Albert Dajaun White, 36, of Covington, TN, was indicted for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses; one count of possession and distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than five years in prison, or not more than 10 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; and one count of using a firearm during a drug crime, which carries a penalty of at least five years in prison to be served consecutively to other prison terms.
Freddy Reynolds, Jr., 50, and Pamela Diane Carter, 43, both of Millington, TN, were indicted for one count of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, or up to 30 years in prison if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction; one count of possession of materials to manufacture methamphetamine with intent to do so, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, or up to 20 years in prison if previously convicted; maintaining a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing and using a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine, a charge that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison; and three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a penalty of not more than 10 years in prison or a minimum of 15 years in prison if the defendant has three prior violent felonies or serious drug offenses.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stringfellow represents the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
