Douglas CBP Officers Seize Stolen Vehicle

Douglas, Ariz. — A pair of Sierra Vista, Ariz. women, Charlotte Shumsky and an unnamed passenger, were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers on June 28, for driving a stolen vehicle through the Douglas port of entry.

Douglas CBP officers conducting outbound inspections referred the 22-year old Sierra Vista, Ariz., resident and her passenger for inspection of the Chevy SUV she was driving. When a routine records check determined the vehicle had been stolen on June 26, officers arrested both women and Douglas Police were contacted. The subjects were arrested and turned over to DPD along with the vehicle, without further incident.

The Office of Field Operations is the primary organization within CBP tasked with an anti-terrorism mission at our nation’s ports of entry. CBP officers screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. This mission also includes border-related duties including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration and trade laws, and protecting the nation's food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Jury Convicts Orlando Man of Armed Bank Robbery

WAYCROSS, GA—After a two-day trial, a jury in federal district court returned a guilty verdict Wednesday against Tony Tyrone Webb, Jr., 21, of Orlando, Florida, for the armed bank robbery of the Southeastern Bank in Douglas, Georgia. The case was tried before Chief District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood at the U.S. Courthouse in Waycross, Georgia.

The evidence at trial showed that Tony Webb and Olajawonne Webb robbed the Southeastern Bank of over $13,000 on November 28, 2011. During the robbery, Tony Webb vaulted the bank counter, pinned one teller against the wall, and pushed another teller to the ground. Olajawonne Webb pled guilty to his role in the bank robbery and testified against Tony Webb at trial.

United States Attorney Edward J. Tarver stated, “We cannot allow this Wild Wild West mentality to prevail. Violent crimes in our communities will not be ignored. The safety and protection of American citizens is the number one priority for the United States Attorney’s Office. Whether it be in a large city like Augusta and Savannah, or in smaller communities like Douglas and Brunswick, those who commit violent crimes will be apprehended and prosecuted. Our efforts with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute violent crimes will not cease.”

Both Tony and Olajawonne Webb remain in custody pending sentencing. They each face a maximum statutory penalties of 45 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and five years’ supervised release.

The case was the result of a joint investigation by FBI Special Agents Torrance Slaughter and Tony Alig and Douglas Police Department Commander Jerome Perkins. Assistant United States Attorneys Charlie Bourne and Tania Groover prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. For additional information, please contact First Assistant United States Attorney James D. Durham at (912) 201-2547.

Border Patrol Seizes $2.3 Million in Pot, 3 Vehicles

Tucson, Ariz. – More than 4,700 pounds of marijuana valued at about $2.3 million was seized yesterday by Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents in two separate incidents.

In the first incident, Ajo Station agents spotted suspicious activity near State Route 85 south of Why, Ariz. When agents searched the area, they discovered two pick-up trucks loaded with a combined 207 bundles of marijuana weighing more than 4,400 pounds. Both vehicles, reported stolen, were turned over to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The marijuana, valued at more than $2.2 million, will be turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Later that evening, agents using thermal imaging technology observed a group of suspected drug smugglers loading marijuana into a vehicle northwest of Douglas, Ariz. Agents attempted an interdiction, but when they activated their emergency lights, the vehicle fled the scene. The Douglas Police Department took the lead in the pursuit. Two subjects were seen exiting the vehicle but one was quickly apprehended. The other is believed to have fled into Mexico. Inside the vehicle, agents discovered seven bundles of marijuana weighing 326 pounds with an estimated value of $163,000. The marijuana is pending transfer to the DEA. The subject will be presented for federal prosecution.

Customs and Border Protection regularly adapts and shifts resources to combat the flow of drugs into the United States. Coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies makes it difficult for transnational criminal organizations to operate with impunity.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure, safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection appreciates assistance from the community. Report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol toll free (877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.