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Editor’s Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

ROANOKE, Va. – A federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment October 2 charging Melissa Diana Simmons, 50, and James Patrick Brown, 59, with bank fraud, access device fraud, forging Treasury checks, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the indictment, Simmons, Brown, and others, attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a 75-year-old Navy and Vietnam War veteran.

According to court documents and other evidence, Simmons met the victim in May 2022, when she was assigned as his in-home care provider, pursuant to a contract between her employer and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). Beginning around December 2022, the victim began withdrawing significantly more money from his bank account than normal, sometimes through checks made out to Simmons and her boyfriend, Brown.

In June 2023, Simmons’s company fired her, and, in violation of company policy, she persuaded the victim to move in with her and Brown at their residence in Boones Mill, Virginia. Beginning in July 2023, staff at the victim’s bank became suspicious as Simmons and Brown brought the victim to the bank drive-through for frequent and increasingly large withdrawals. Court records claim staff observed the victim’s condition deteriorate over time, from upbeat to hunched over, confused, and fearful.

In mid-August 2023, Simmons had the victim add her as a signatory to the victim’s bank account. Within 30 days of being added to the victim’s account, the victim allegedly lost around $30,000 from Simmons and Brown’s continual, large withdrawals.

In mid-September 2023, bank staff demanded Simmons come inside when she attempted another large withdrawal at the drive-through. Inside, staff saw the victim’s nose was burned from smoking while using his oxygen tank.  He was confused and reeked of urine and feces.  The victim could not remember when he last bathed, ate, or visited the VA Medical Center. Bank staff persuaded him to open a new account without Simmons as joint owner. As bank staff privately questioned the victim, Simmons grew belligerent, hitting the office window, barging in, and shouting at staff until police arrived.

According to court records, days later, Brown arrived at the bank with the victim, urgently asking how to get the victim’s VA benefits and social security checks direct deposited into the victim’s account. Brown also sought to have the victim withdraw between $60,000 and $70,000 from the account. The victim appeared to be in even worse physical condition than before. Bank staff observed an overwhelming stench of urine and feces. He was confused as to why he was withdrawing the money.

Soon after the incident, Franklin County Adult Protective Services (“APS”) opened an investigation. An APS staff member administered a mental status exam on the victim, which showed the victim was suffering from dementia.

On November 18, 2023, Simmons and Brown reported to the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue that the victim was non-responsive. Emergency responders rushed him to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted with acute respiratory failure and critically low oxygen saturation. Medical records showed methamphetamine in the victim’s system, even though he had no history of methamphetamine use and had no ability to independently travel.

From January 2024 into April 2024, while the victim recovered at the hospital and later a rehab center, Simmons received four of the victim’s VA benefits checks though the United States Mail, totaling close to $8,000. The indictment claims Simmoms forged the victim’s signatures on these checks and deposited them into the victim’s new bank account. Simmons and Brown then used the victim’s debit card for their personal use, including thousands of dollars at a casino.

In May 2024, Franklin County deputies asked Simmons and Brown about the victim’s vehicles, which were still at their house. Brown told one of the investigators he thought the victim was dead, and said he felt he should get a storage fee for keeping the victim’s property. Ultimately, the victim’s next-of-kin recovered the vehicles, and found one of them inoperable and both in poor condition, uninsured, and with expired registration.

On October 22, 2024, during an interview with agents of the VA Office of the Inspector General, Simmons admitted that she forged the victim’s VA checks, and that she and Brown spent the victim’s money with his debit card while he was in the hospital.

Acting U.S. Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.

The VA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Keith A. Parrella are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Editor’s Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated but was not published at that time due to a lapse in federal appropriations. Press releases are posted and made available following the return to normal operations

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Citizen of Mexico, illegally residing in Charlottesville, Virginia, who was previously removed from the United States on at least three occasions, was sentenced this week to 24 months in federal prison for illegal reentry of a previously removed alien.

Jose Luis Saavedra-Escamirosa, 36, pled guilty recently in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville.

“Illegal reentry into the United States is a federal felony offense,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “This office will affirmatively prosecute those who violate the immigration laws of the United States.”

Saavedra-Escamirosa was arrested in April 2025 by the Virginia State Police and charged with driving under the influence. According to court documents, Saavedra-Escamirosa was in a vehicle stopped in the median on I-64 following a vehicle accident. He had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol.

Further investigation revealed that Saavedra-Escamirosa was first removed from the United States in 2011. He illegally returned to the United States and in 2014 was convicted of two drug offenses in Colorado. Immigration officials once again removed Saavedra-Escamirosa to Mexico.

He again returned to the United States. In 2016, Saavedra-Escamirosa was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas and sentenced to 20 months in prison. After serving his sentence, he was once again removed to Mexico in January 2018.

Undeterred, Saavedra-Escamirosa, returned to the United States yet again where he lived illegally until his arrest for DUI in Virginia in April 2025.

Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement- Homeland Security Investigations – Harrisonburg- investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case for the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

ATHENS, Ga. – A dozen defendants involved in a major methamphetamine ring operating between Mexico and a conversion site in Monroe, Georgia, responsible for converting and distributing thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine shipped in from Mexico and hidden in boxes of jalapeños, are being held accountable for their crimes at the federal level in an Operation Take Back America investigation.

“This Operation Take Back America case amplifies the kind of major law enforcement efforts occurring across the Middle District of Georgia, focused on breaking dangerous cartels and armed drug trafficking organizations that destroy lives,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “I commend our dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement partners who work side-by-side with our office to bring justice and make our communities safer.”

“This investigation is a prime example of the critical work being done to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations that operate with impunity, bringing dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Paul Bown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Office. “The FBI’s role in this investigation, alongside our dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement partners, has led to the disruption of a significant methamphetamine operation and the arrest of multiple individuals responsible for poisoning our communities.”

“Methamphetamine destroys families, fuels violent crime and erodes the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. By taking down this network of a dozen traffickers, we’re not just removing drugs, we’re removing the source of addiction, exploitation and tragedy in our communities.”

“This investigation underscores the power of collaboration between federal, state and local partners to dismantle large-scale drug trafficking operations that threaten our communities,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The sheer volume of methamphetamine seized in this case represents thousands of lives that could have been destroyed. The GBI remains committed to working alongside our partners to identify, investigate and stop transnational criminal networks operating in Georgia.”

“The vast amount of methamphetamine being supplied is truly alarming and serves as a strong reminder that even in safe, close-knit communities like Walton County, we must stay vigilant,” said Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks. “Collaboration at all governmental levels is essential for operational success, and we appreciate the strong partnerships.”

“This investigation is another great example of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together toward the shared goal of keeping our community safe. I’m proud of the collaboration and teamwork invested in this case, which led to the seizure of a significant amount of dangerous drugs. These substances have devastating effects on our community and far too often claim lives unnecessarily. Because of the continued dedication of these men and women, there are fewer narcotics and violent offenders on our streets, and our community is safer as a result,” said Athens Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters.

The following co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2026:

James Len Ramey, 53, of Comer, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Oct. 14, and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Kendell Cawthon, 60, of Baldwin, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Bonterris Turner, 45, of Athens, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Demetrius Appling, 38, of Crawford, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Yirla Adame Gomez, 25, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Rafael Gomez Flores, 22, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

Andrea Robinson, 42, of Cleveland, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The following co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on Feb. 11, 2026:

Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 40, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

The following co-conspirators pleaded guilty and have been sentenced:

Christopher Hyatt, 46, of LaGrange, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 292 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Aug. 5, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 1.

Uriel Garcia, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 240 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on Aug. 5, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine on May 2.

Jared Kenyatta Calhoun, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced to serve 210 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 8.

Ebony Jones-Tate, 33, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced to 90 days of home confinement and three years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 8.

According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI in Athens received information in January 2024 that Ramey was selling kilogram amounts of methamphetamine from Rapid Lube in Athens, where he worked. The FBI investigation revealed that Ramey was supplied with drugs by individuals operating a methamphetamine conversion lab inside a residence on Mountain Creek Church Road in Monroe, Georgia (Walton County). The FBI installed a pole camera outside the Mountain Creek house and frequently observed the occupants taking boxes out of the house and loading them into vehicles, which agents suspected contained kilogram amounts of methamphetamine. The FBI also used two confidential informants to make multiple purchases of methamphetamine from Ramey at his workplace, totaling more than six kilograms of pure methamphetamine and multiple ounces of cocaine between Jan. 19, 2024, and June 25, 2024.

The FBI identified Cawthon as Ramey’s courier, who he frequently directed to drive to various parking lots throughout metro Atlanta to retrieve large boxes containing multiple kilograms of methamphetamine from unidentified Hispanic males and females. After receiving the boxes, Cawthon would immediately transport them to Ramey at Rapid Lube, where the boxes were taken into the garage and stored. On the morning of Sunday, June 30, 2024, Ramey and Cawthon were observed over an FBI-installed pole camera arriving at Rapid Lube and loading boxes into the bed of Cawthon’s truck. Ramey and Cawthon left Rapid Lube driving in tandem.

FBI Task Force Agents surveilled the defendants as they drove towards Ramey’s house in Comer. GSP conducted a traffic stop on Cawthon’s truck; it was searched, and the boxes that he and Ramey had removed from Rapid Lube just minutes before and placed in the bed of his truck were found to contain approximately 20 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. Ramey was arrested on July 3, 2024, and admitted that he was being supplied multiple kilograms of methamphetamine. Ramey said he met his supplier while serving a prison sentence in Georgia. In the weeks and months following Ramey’s arrest, Rapid Lube employees found approximately six kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hidden in oil filter boxes in the Rapid Lube garage.

In August 2024, a federal search warrant was issued for the Mountain Creek House and for a Chevrolet Traverse observed by agents transporting drugs from the residence. On Aug. 13, occupants inside the Mountain Creek House were seen leaving the residence in the Traverse and travelling to a Home Depot parking lot in Monroe. An occupant in the Traverse carried a box from the Traverse to the occupants of a Chevrolet Camaro with an Alabama license plate. Certain that a drug transaction had just occurred in their presence, the FBI asked Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies to stop the Camaro. The deputy smelled marijuana inside the Camaro driven by Jones-Tate; Calhoun was a passenger. Officers found four kilograms of pure methamphetamine in the box inside the car.

Following the arrest of the Jones-Tate and Calhoun, agents stopped the Chevrolet Traverse as it left the Mountain Creek House. Inside the Traverse, agents found 983.3 grams of pure methamphetamine and $4,350 in U.S. currency. Garcia, Yuritzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez and Gomez Flores were arrested. Agents then executed the search warrant on the Mountain Creek House and found, as they suspected, an active methamphetamine conversion laboratory. Over four kilograms of “finished” crystal methamphetamine were found inside the house, while the bulk of the methamphetamine was in liquid form waiting to be converted. Based on measurements and samples obtained at the scene, the DEA estimates that the amount of seized liquid methamphetamine would produce over 300 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine.

The cell phones belonging to the occupants in the Traverse were seized and searched. The search of the phones revealed that drugs were sent to the Mountain Creek House from Mexico. concealed in truckloads of boxes of jalapeños, which explained why agents located hundreds of pounds of rotting jalapeños and discarded jalapeño boxes in the backyard of the house. More importantly, inside the residence, agents found a drug ledger which showed that from Feb. 28, 2024, until August 8, 2024, 1,546.5 kilograms of methamphetamine had been converted inside the Mountain Creek House. Approximately 3,200 kilograms of methamphetamine from four different shipments from Mexico arrived at the Mountain Creek House concealed in boxes of jalapenos.

The collaborative effort 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

This press release about a case that occurred during the 43-day government shutdown is now available after the return to normal operations.