Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has significantly boosted federal prosecutions of violent criminals, narcotics traffickers, and other offenders across the country – particularly in Mississippi.
The project, which began in 2001, was bolstered by the Department of Justice in 2021 as part of a larger effort to reduce violent crime in the U.S., primarily by connecting federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, along with the communities they serve, to create a safer public for everyone.
The office’s Southern District of Mississippi saw an increase in prosecutions to the tune of 13% as part of the program during fiscal year 2024. According to a press release, the office charged approximately 315 cases in that span that included 451 defendants, an increase of 28% over the prior fiscal year.
Firearms-related offenses were also charged at higher rates through the PSN program in 2024, including a 21% jump in total firearms-related cases and triple the previous year’s number of cases involving illegal machinegun conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears.”
“Our office is working hard with federal, state, and local partners to reduce violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activity throughout the Southern District of Mississippi,” U.S. Attorney Todd Gee said. “Violent criminals and drug traffickers need to get the message: move on to other careers, or get ready to spend a large portion of your life in federal prison.”
A few case highlights from the PSN program in 2024 include the following:
U.S. v. Kylin Russell
A video went viral in early 2024 in the Jackson area that showed a young man repeatedly firing a high-caliber weapon from the window of a car toward another car at a very busy intersection in broad daylight. Weeks later, on February 9, 2024, a driver of that same car, Kylin Russell, evaded a roadblock and led officers with Capitol Police on a high-speed chase exceeding speeds of 120 miles per hour and lasting over 10 minutes. After the chase, he ran from the police until he was caught. He discarded an AR-style firearm as he ran, and after he was detained, two handguns equipped with machine gun conversion devices were recovered from his vehicle. Russell pled guilty to firearms offenses and was sentenced to two years in prison.
U.S. v. Rosendo Gonzalez Mora, et. al.
In July 2024, five individuals with ties to Mexico pled guilty to felony offenses related to drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and immigration offenses as a result of a law enforcement investigation involving sales of cocaine in Mississippi to purchase firearms and machine gun conversion devices for delivery to Mexico.
U.S. v. Johnny Ragsdale
On November 23, 2023, Johnny Ragsdale was found in possession of an illegal machine gun after an attempted traffic stop on a vehicle he was driving in Jackson. Ragsdale failed to yield to law enforcement and led Capitol Police on a high-speed chase. The chase ended after Ragsdale collided with a train car on Mill Street. A Glock pistol was recovered from the vehicle, and an MCD, also known as a “switch,” was attached to the pistol. Ragsdale pled guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. v. Damonik Shemikal Robinson
On January 2, 2024, Damonik Shemikal Robinson was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by Capitol Police for a traffic offense. Four firearms were in the vehicle, including three with attached MCDs. Robinson admitted to owning one of two Glocks with an attached MCD that was recovered from the center console. Robinson pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to five years in prison.
U.S. v. Marcus Powell et al.
In January 2024, over 40 people in the Meridian area were charged in 10 separate indictments with drug trafficking crimes, including distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal drugs.
U.S. v. Jarvis Jermaine Hampton
On January 12, 2024, law enforcement officers discovered methamphetamine, a machine gun, and a pill press in the Meridian residence of Jarvis Jermaine Hampton. He pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. v. Ernest Quintez Clark
On October 20, 2023, Ernest Quintez Clark, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm while attending a football game at Meridian High School. Clark had been previously convicted of aggravated assault in Louisiana. He pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and was sentenced to 60 months in prison.
U.S. v. Frederick Leshun Jones
On November 28, 2023, Frederick Jones, a convicted felon, was found in possession of three firearms when members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Fugitive Task Force went to his Meridian home to serve an outstanding arrest warrant. Jones pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. v. Koda Tye Williamson
On March 5, 2024, Koda Tye Williamson, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Simpson County. Williamson had previous convictions for manslaughter and methamphetamine possession. He pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and is awaiting sentencing.
U.S. v. Russell David Parker
On March 9, 2024, Russell David Parker, a convicted felon, was found in possession of a firearm during a traffic stop in Stone County. He pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and is awaiting sentencing.