Investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Marshals Result in 13 Defendants Charged in Federal Indictments

MEMPHIS—Investigations into prison drug dealing, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Marshals Service, have resulted in 13 defendants being indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee, announced United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2012, the grand jury returned indictments in the following cases:

The first case involved the indictment of Margaret Middlebrook, 55, of Mason, Tennessee; Tina Ward, 26, of Memphis, Tenneessee; and Antonio Mosley, 29, and Antonio Stewart, 37, both inmates of the Bureau of Prisons. These charges relate to a drug trafficking conspiracy that occurred within the federal detention facility in Mason, Tennessee. The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and United States Marshals Service, with the cooperation of CCA-Mason (Corrections Corporation of America), during 2011.

The second case involved the indictment of Denise Lewis, 46, of Memphis, Tennessee; Juankeshia Gilliam, 23, of Memphis, Tennessee; and Joshua Street, 24, an inmate with the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections. These charges relate to a drug trafficking conspiracy that occurred within the federal detention facility in Mason, Tennessee. The charges are the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and United States Marshals Service, with the cooperation of CCA-Mason, during 2011.

The third case involved the indictment of Shemika Gilbert, 28, of Brighton, Tennessee; and Danny Green, 28, an inmate currently residing at the federal detention facility in Mason, Tennessee. The charges relate to the introduction of contraband into the federal detention facility. This case was jointly investigated by the FBI and United States Marshals Service during 2011, with the cooperation of CCA-Mason.

The fourth case involved the indictment of Thema Harden, 34, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and James Fletcher, 31, an inmate of the Bureau of Prisons. The charges relate to the introduction of narcotics into the federal prison in Memphis, Tennessee. The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI, along with the cooperation of Bureau of Prisons investigators.

The fifth case involved the indictment of Diane Jordan, 55, of Nashville, Tennessee; and Kenneth Jordan, 45, an inmate of the Bureau of Prisons. The charges relate to the introduction of narcotics into the federal prison in Memphis, Tennessee. The charges are the result of an investigation by the FBI, along with the cooperation of Bureau of Prisons investigators.

United States Attorney Edward L. Stanton, III stated: “Trafficking of drugs and other contraband within prison facilities is an especially brash and offensive crime. These indictments show that we and our law enforcement partners will hold accountable everyone involved in these criminal schemes—be they inmates, correctional officers, or community members.”

“These indictments represent the successful, cooperative efforts of the FBI and its partners to target those who would attempt to smuggle contraband into the federal prison system and the corrupt corrections officers who assist them,” said Aaron T. Ford, Special Agent in Charge of the Memphis Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He continued, “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue those who choose to break the law, no matter where that may occur.”

“The introduction of contraband into a custodial facility compromises the safety and security of law enforcement, correctional staff, as well as the general public,” stated Marshal Jeff Holt. “This type of criminal activity will not be tolerated and the United States Marshals Service will continue to work with our federal partners in the investigation and prosecution of those who willfully make the choice to violate federal law.”

“The Federal Bureau of Prisons has a zero tolerance policy related to the introduction of contraband into our institution,” stated Warden D. R. Stephens. “Here at the Federal Correctional Institution Memphis, we have been working diligently with our partners, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney, to eliminate the introduction of contraband into our facilities. As a result of our combined efforts, we have made and will continue to make great strides in this area”.

Michael Donahue, the Warden at CCA-Mason, the federal detention facility in Mason, Tennessee, stated, “Our top priority is safety and security. To that end, we have a zero tolerance policy for contraband in our facilities, as our actions in these matters reflect. CCA management and staff have cooperated fully with federal investigators and support prosecution for any identified criminal violation.”

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Price on behalf of the government.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.