Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 6 Individuals

MACON— A grand jury has returned indictments during the month of October. Charles E. Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced Wednesday, October 31, 2018, that the grand jury true billed indictments charging 6 individuals. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct. All of the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The successful collaboration between law enforcement at every level helped bring these cases before a federal grand jury,” said U.S. Attorney Peeler. “I want to thank our local, state and federal law enforcement for their dedication and hard work.”

Indictment #1

JONATHAN M. JENSEN, age 32, of Springfield, Minnesota, is charged with the following:

1) Coercion and Enticement

2) Travel with Intent to engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct

If convicted on Count 1, Mr. Jensen faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum life sentence in prison, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release. If convicted on Count 2, Mr. Jensen faces a maximum 30 year prison sentence, a $250,000 fine and 5 years-to-life supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany, Georgia, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Crane.

Indictment #2

MIGUEL BALTAZAR-PABLO, age 25, of Mexico, is charged with the following:

1) Illegal Reentry into the United States

If convicted, Mr. Baltazar-Pablo faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.

Indictment #3

ANTONIO VEGA-HERNANDEZ, age 32, of Mexico, is charged with the following:

1) Illegal Reentry into the United States

If convicted,  Mr. Vega-Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amelia G. Helmick.

In addition, to the above indictments, the following individuals were indicted for firearms offenses. All of these cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Indictment #4

TRACY MITCHELL, JR., age 30, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with the following:

1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

If convicted, Tracy Mitchell, Jr. faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly S. Easterling.

Indictment #5

ERIC DAMON GRIER, age 38, of Sparta, Georgia, is charged with the following:

1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

If convicted, Eric Damon Grier faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both, on each count. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), Georgia Department of Community Supervision and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.

Indictment #6

JOHNNY FARROW, aged 62, of Macon, Georgia, is charged with the following:

1) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

If convicted, Mr. Farrow faces a maximum sentence of ten 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, or both.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) and Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Solis.

Questions concerning this release should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603 or Melissa Hodges, Public Affairs Director (Contractor), United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 765-2362.