NDTX Round-Up: April 17-23

CHARGED – WILLIAM ADAM JONATHAN SMITH aka “Detroit”

On April 22, William Adam Jonathan Smith, 30, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to engage in child sex trafficking. During an anti-human trafficking sting, agents encountered a juvenile female as well as an adult female, Charity Cantu, engage in prostitution. In a subsequent interview, Cantu admitted that at the direction of Smith she assisted grooming the minor into a commercial sex worker. Smith rented hotel rooms for commercial sex work with commercial sex clients and receive all the compensation that the minor made.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence, and like all defendants, Smith is innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Smith faces up to life in federal custody. This case was investigated by HSI, Texas Attorney General’s Office, and Denton Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Allen.

SENTENCING – MCKINNLEY BRIAN HOBBS aka “Coach”

On April 17, McKinnley Hobbs, 39, was sentenced to 77 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Hobbs helped coordinate the delivery and distribution of cocaine to persons known and unknown throughout the Northern District of Texas. This case was investigated by the Dallas Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Phelesa Guy.

SENTENCING – TROY ANYHONY PEEBLES

On April 22, Troy Anthony Peebles, 47, was sentenced via video teleconference to six months (time served) for impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States. Peebles admits that following a flight from Belize to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers conducted a routine screening, only to discover contraband in his luggage. Claiming to be a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Services, Peebles flashed a faux badge and attempted to proceed through the checkpoint. Prosecutors revealed a subsequent search of Peebles’ phone revealed photos of him dressed in a “federal agent” jacket and fraternizing with state and local law enforcement officers. This case was investigated by the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana.

SENTENCING – TARA TENISE JONES

On April 22, Tara Tenise Jones, 38, was sentenced to 15 months in federal custody for felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in a school zone. Previously convicted of a felony, Jones unlawfully possessed a .40 caliber Magnum Research Deseret Eagle. She admitted to carrying the firearm onto the grounds of Thompson Elementary school in Mesquite, Texas. This case was investigated by Mesquite Police Department and the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Boyle.