Mississippi Man Charged in Murder-for-Hire Scheme

U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JEFFERY HOWARD, age 35, of Nicholson, Mississippi, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958(a).

According to court documents, as a result of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Domestic Terrorism investigation, the New Orleans Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”) became aware of HOWARD, a known member of the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacy prison gang. HOWARD, who was allegedly involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine, sold drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer on numerous occasions. During one of the sales of drugs, HOWARD volunteered that he would be willing to commit a murder in exchange for money.  HOWARD later accepted payment to commit a murder.

If convicted, HOWARD faces up to ten years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three year term of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Division JTTF for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.