Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Orleans Parish School Board Member Ira Thomas SentencedRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that IRA THOMAS, 58, of New Orleans, a former member of the Orleans Parish School Board (“OPSB”), was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced THOMAS to one year plus 1 day incarceration, followed by one year of supervised release, a $4,000 fine and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, THOMAS admitted that, beginning in September 2013 and continuing until January 2015, he and others participated in a conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. THOMAS further admitted that, in his role as an Orleans Parish School Board member, he engaged in a scheme to defraud Orleans Parish and its citizens of his honest services through bribery and a kickback scheme, whereby THOMAS used his public office and official capacity to provide favorable treatment, including attempting to facilitate the awarding of a contract, that was designed to benefit the business and financial interest of an individual who provided him with a bribe and kickback in the form of cash payment disguised as a campaign contribution.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and thanked the Metropolitan Crime Commission for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Toomey was in charge of the prosecution.
Hammond Resident Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Stolen Identity Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced to more than six years in prison for his involvement in a stolen identity tax fraud scheme, Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today.
Corey Lewis, a/k/a “Coco,” 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana to serve 75 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Zainey set a later date for ordering restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Lewis pleaded guilty on June 23rd to aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit mail fraud and theft of public money.
According to court documents, Lewis and his co-defendants conspired to prepare and file false income tax returns using stolen identities, including the victims’ names and social security numbers, to claim large tax refunds. The refund checks were mailed to addresses in Louisiana, including post office boxes that were opened by the co-conspirators. Once the checks were received, Lewis and others falsely endorsed and deposited the refund checks into bank accounts under their control. The co-conspirators then divided the proceeds of the refund checks amongst themselves.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and Dall Kammer of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Lauren M. Castaldi of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Department of Justice Awards $150,000 to the City of New Orleans to Develop and Strengthen Criminal Justice and Community Partnerships to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and StalkingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that, as part of 44 awards totaling over $26 million in funding through the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women’s Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, the City of New Orleans was awarded $150,000 grant. The City will use the grant to continue an established process to evaluate and assess the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence criminal cases and a unified agreed upon protocol that will hold accountable a system response that adheres to the six foundational principles of the Blueprint for Safety model.
The Blueprint for safety is a set of plans for interagency case processing in the criminal justice system, anchored in six foundational principles:
- Adhere to an interagency approach and collective intervention goals;
- Build attention to the context and severity of the abuse into each intervention;
- Recognize that most domestic violence is a patterned crime requiring continuing engagement with victims of abuse and offenders;
- Ensure sure and swift consequences for continued abuse;
- Use the authority of the criminal justice system to send messages of help and accountability; and
- Act in ways that reduce unintended consequences and the disparity of impact on victims and offenders.
“Sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are serious crimes that require a robust criminal justice system response in coordination with community based organizations and victim service providers,” said Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates. “This program challenges the whole community to work together to identify barriers and develop solutions that enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable.”
“I thank the Office on Violence Against Women for this grant award,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite. “It will assist the City of New Orleans in its efforts to combat domestic violence, which often appears as a root cause of the city’s larger violence issues.”
About the Office on Violence Against Women:
Created in 1995, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) provides federal leadership in developing the Nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation. OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. To learn more, visit www.justice.gov/ovw.
Gretna Woman Indicted for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DANIELLE RANDALL, 42, of Gretna, was charged today in a four-count Indictment for theft of federal funds.
According to the Indictment, on or about August 29, 2012, Hurricane Isaac struck southeastern Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) declared a major disaster in parts of southeastern Louisiana, including the Eastern District of Louisiana. To assist individuals in coping with damage to their personal property and primary residences, FEMA established an application process for temporary disaster assistance. The Indictment alleges that RANDALL submitted an application for Disaster Assistance for damage to her apartment and personal property. After she received an initial disbursement of approximately $3,000, RANDALL continued to apply for housing assistance while falsely representing her rental address and housing expenses. In total, RANDALL received four U.S. Treasury checks to which she was not entitled. RANDALL’s false submissions to FEMA allowed her to steal a total $10,951 in federal funds.
If convicted, RANDALL faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100, as to each of the four counts. She also faces mandatory restitution of at least $10,951.
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 Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.
DOJ Human Trafficking Grant for $1.5 Million Awarded to the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that, as part of more than $44 million in grant funding to combat human trafficking, the Justice Department awarded $1.5 million to the Eastern District of Louisiana to support law enforcement efforts and victim services for the next three years.
The list of this year’s grantees include:
Covenant House New Orleans $900,000
Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office $600,000
“Human traffickers prey on some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and their crimes – which are nothing short of modern-day slavery – have no place in this country,” said Attorney General Lynch. “These grants – administered by the Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the National Institute of Justice – will fund efforts across the country to fight human trafficking, to provide services for survivors and to expand research going forward.”
“These grant awards will help continue our District’s fight against human trafficking,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite. “I congratulate Jim Kelly and Sheriff Newell Normand for their work in this area. They are among a group of community leaders who are dedicated to eliminating modern-day slavery here in Southeast Louisiana.”
The grants are part of a government-wide effort to combat human trafficking and provide services to survivors, as outlined in Coordination, Collaboration, Capacity: Federal Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United States, 2013–2017, released by the White House in January 2014.
Texas Company Sentenced for Mislabeling Mexican Shrimp as Caught in United States WatersRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GARCIA SHRIMP CO., LLC, a Texas Limited Liability Company headquartered in Brownsville, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for violating the federal Lacey Act.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, pursuant to a plea agreement with the Government, sentenced GARCIA SHRIMP to pay a criminal fine of $150,000. GARCIA SHRIMP also sentenced to a three year term of probation with conditions that subject the company to increased labeling, recordkeeping, and auditing requirements. The 35,000 pounds of shrimp previously seized was later sold in a forfeiture auction for $120,800.
According to court documents, in early October 2012, GARCIA SHRIMP purchased 35,000 pounds of Mexican shrimp from Mexican businessmen. The shrimp was packaged in plastic crates typically used by Mexican supermarket wholesalers. After taking receipt of the shrimp, company personnel removed “Product of Mexico” labels from the packages containing the shrimp and attached new tags indicating that the shrimp was caught in U.S. waters. Company personnel also conducted an offloading ruse, whereby the shrimp was trucked down to GARCIA SHRIMP’s dock facility and then re-weighed and wrapped to make it appear as if the shrimp was caught by a local U.S. flagged fishing vessel. Then company personnel created false documents and bills of lading that falsely read, “Product of U.S.A., Wild Caught Gulf Shrimp.” On or about October 12, 2012, GARCIA SHRIMP sold the shrimp to a New Orleans based seafood distributor.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S Department of Commerce NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter. The case was prosecuted with the support of the Federal Interagency Seafood Fraud Task Force. Eastern District of Louisiana Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christopher L. Hale with the Environmental Crimes Section in Washington D.C. were in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Woman Charged with Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that VIRGINIA BROWN, age 22, of New Orleans, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 10, 2015, BROWN distributed a quantity of heroin. The Government is seeking to forfeit any proceeds from BROWN’s drug dealing.
If convicted, BROWN faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
Mississippi Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to New Orleans Immigration CourtRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced that MARINA ARNEDO ROJAS-ZAYED, age 34, a resident of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, pled guilty in federal court today to one count of making false statements to an agency of the United States.
According to court records, from on or about July 2012 until on or about August 2013, ROJAS-ZAYED represented before the New Orleans Immigration Court, that she was a licensed attorney in the state of Alabama, when in truth she knew she was not a licensed attorney. During hearings before the New Orleans Immigration Court, she appeared and assumed the role of attorney for aliens, albeit fraudulently. When Immigration Judges referred to ROJAS-ZAYED as “counsel,” she did not inform the judges that she was not in fact, a licensed attorney. Additionally, ROJAS-ZAYED entered her notice of appearance on behalf of aliens in approximately 42 immigration cases before at least five different Immigration Courts in the United States. Specifically, she submitted numerous documents to the Immigration Courts indicating she was a licensed attorney although she is not.
ROJAS-ZAYED faces a possible maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release following imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for January 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of this prosecution.
Mississippi Man Sentenced for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALEX BRASINGTON, age 23, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to conspiracy to possess and transport stolen firearms in interstate commerce and transportation of stolen firearms in interstate commerce.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced BRASINGTON to 33 months of incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in January and February 2013, BRASINGTON, BAUER and PARSONS, transported nine stolen firearms in interstate commerce, from Alabama to Louisiana. The investigation revealed that the firearms had been stolen during residence burglaries in Huntsville, Alabama. On February 14, 2013, agents conducted a search of BAUER’s New Orleans apartment and found five stolen firearms and approximately 1700 rounds of ammunition. Court documents reflect that agents also recovered four stolen firearms and ammunition that BRASINGTON, BAUER and PARSONS sold to individuals in New Orleans. BRASINGTON had previously been found in possession of a stolen firearm on January 31, 2013. BAUER and PARSONS previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, New Orleans Police Department, Pearl River (LA) Police Department, Pearl River County (MS) Sheriff’s Office, and Huntsville Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAROL DAVID SOSA-PALMA, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced SOSA-PALMA to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Following his incarceration, SOSA-PALMA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the Indictment, on or about May 30, 2015, SOSA-PALMA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about June 21, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis was in charge of the prosecution.
El Salvador National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RAMON ANTONIO SORIANO-CANIZALEZ, age 28, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry into the United States after having been previously deported.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SORIANO-CANIZALEZ to time served. SORIANO-CANIZALEZ will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the court documents, SORIANO-CANIZALEZ was encountered by Border Patrol agents in the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 29, 2015, after records showed he had been previously deported from the United States to El Salvador on July 26, 2010.
U.S. Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield was in charge of the prosecution.
Westbank Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLIFFORD SONNIER, age 25, of Harvey, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.
SONNIER pled guilty to one count of the Superseding Indictment, which charges twelve defendants with drug trafficking, a variety of weapons offenses, and five shootings resulting in the death of four people and the injury of two others. Count 1 charged SONNIER with conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years up to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing on December 10, 2015.
According to court documents, SONNIER was part of a drug trafficking organization that moved significant quantities of heroin and cocaine base on the Westbank. Beginning in 2012, the group engaged in a series of violent acts, beginning with a drive by shooting into a another vehicle where the driver and his front seat passenger were shot with an AK-47 while two young children, who were not hit, were in the back seat. The group is alleged to have participated in four additional shootings, two of which ended in death.
HARRY SMOOT, ISAAC SMITH, RICHARD THOMAS, TERRELL WADE, LANCE SINGLETON, CHRISTOPHER BROWN, RAY WOODRUFF, and FRANKIE HOOKFIN have previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. TERRENCE KELLEY, JOEQUELL LEWIS, and ANDRE ADDISON are scheduled for trial on November 9, 2015.
The Superseding Indictment is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the Harvey Hustler gang and its various offshoots on the Westbank. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy, David Haller, and Myles Ranier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Collin Sims, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and the Criminal Chief at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, are in charge of the prosecution.
Meth Trafficker Receives over 12 Years in Prison for Fresno-Based Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MANUEL OMAR MINJAREZ, age 27, of Fresno, California, and currently a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a three-count Indictment for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and having methamphetamine mailed to him from Fresno.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced MINJAREZ to 151 months in prison, to be followed by 6 years of supervised release. Counts 2 and 3 charged MINJAREZ with using telecommunications facilities and the U.S. Mail in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Judge Lemelle sentenced MINJAREZ to 48 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release as to each count. The judge ordered all of the sentences to run concurrent.
According to court documents, this case arose out of an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking that was being conducted by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in Fresno during the summer of 2014. In July 2014, agents learned through a court-authorized wiretap that members of a Fresno-based methamphetamine trafficking organization were mailing methamphetamine to a drug dealer in Houma. DEA agents and Postal Inspectors in Fresno coordinated with their counterparts in the New Orleans offices for the DEA and the USPIS to further investigate the Houma-based arm of this drug conspiracy. Postal Inspectors in Houma subsequently intercepted a package containing almost one pound of methamphetamine on July 18, 2014. With the assistance of the Louisiana State Police and the Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force, DEA Agents and US Postal Inspectors determined that MINJAREZ was the intended recipient of the package.
As the investigation continued, DEA Agents intercepted additional calls during July 2014 in which MINJAREZ requested more methamphetamine to be mailed from the Fresno cell of this drug trafficking conspiracy. USPS Postal Inspectors also determined that MINJAREZ had previously received another package of methamphetamine on July 10, 2014, that weighed approximately one pound and eleven ounces. MINJAREZ was arrested on July 30, 2014, by a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper in Sutton County, Texas. Through the assistance of Texas state authorities, MINJAREZ was removed to federal custody to face the federal indictment in New Orleans.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Fresno offices for the DEA and USPIS, the DEA New Orleans Office, the USPIS New Orleans Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Polite extended his thanks to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Sutton County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office for the Texas 112th Judicial District, and the DEA Office in Del Rio, Texas, for their assistance in prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and Theodore R. Carter, III, were in charge of the prosecution.
High Level International Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SERGIO GRIMALDO aged 34, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. GRIMALDO’s organization distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine throughout United States, to include Jackson, Mississippi, Pensacola, Florida, New York City, New York, and Houma, Louisiana.
According to court documents, in September 2009, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents seized cocaine hydrochloride in Houma, Louisiana and in April of 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine hydrochloride from the defendant in Beaumont, Texas.
GRIMALDO was extradited from Mexico in July 2014, based on a warrant from the Eastern District of Louisiana. EFRAIN GRIMALDO, co-defendant and the brother of SERGIO GRIMALDO, was convicted of the same offense following a jury trial and was sentenced to 405 months imprisonment.
GRIMALDO faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10 million. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for January 20, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Office, DEA Houston HIDTA Task Force, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop C, Houma Police Department and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Murphy and Theodore R. Carter III are in charge of the prosecution.
Georgia Businessman Sentenced for Participating in Kickback Scheme and for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KENNETH JOHNSON, SR., age 52, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced today after previously pleading nolo contendere (no contest) to conspiring to pay kickbacks in a federal debris removal contract and two counts of filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval sentenced JOHNSON to 3 years probation that included one year of home incarceration. In addition to the term of imprisonment, JOHNSON was also ordered to pay $113,771 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
"We are pleased with the sentence handed down against Mr. Johnson today,” said Jerome R. McDuffie, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation. “Quite often crimes of greed include more than concealing income from the IRS. This investigation is a prime example of how Special Agents of IRS Criminal Investigation work with the FBI, the Department of Defense, and the United States Attorney's Office to bring individuals involved in fraud to justice. Mr. Johnson sought to exploit the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina for personal gain. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to stop those individuals who scheme and conspire with each other to benefit themselves to the detriment of other citizens and their government. "
According to court documents, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired Phillips and Jordan, a national construction firm, to manage the removal of storm debris from the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the metro area. After they were awarded the contract, Phillips and Jordan hired Company A, a local solid waste management company to assist with the debris removal project. Shortly after securing the contract, Company A hired ANTHONY PENN, a local businessman, to manage the debris removal project for them. After some time on the job, PENN approached the owners of Company A and asked if they would consider hiring his brother-in-law, KENNETH JOHNSON, as a sub-tier subcontractor to work on the project. The owners of Company A accepted the recommendation and hired JOHNSON’s company, KCJ Enterprises, as a sub-tier subcontractor. Sometime thereafter, PENN asked JOHNSON to provide him with a cut of the revenue that KCJ Enterprises was receiving from Company A as a reward for steering the contract to him. JOHNSON agreed to the scheme and wired a total of $236,461.55 in kickback payments to PENN from July 12, 2006 to February 8, 2008.
As part of the investigation, it was determined that JOHNSON filed false tax returns with the IRS for tax years 2007 and 2008 in an effort to conceal the kickback scheme and to avoid paying taxes on his income from the debris removal work. As a result, JOHNSON avoided paying $113,771.00 in federal taxes.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the United States Department of Defense, and the Internal Revenue Service in investigating this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Theodore R. Carter, III.
Westbank Drug Dealers Plead Guilty and Admit Role in Two MurdersRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RAY WOODRUFF, age 21, and FRANKIE HOOKFIN, age 24, both of Waggaman, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and to murdering a man to further their group’s drug trafficking activities.
WOODRUFF and HOOKFIN each pled guilty to two counts of the Superseding Indictment, which charged twelve defendants with drug trafficking, a variety of weapons offenses, and six shootings resulting the death of four people and the injury of two others. Count 1 charged WOODRUFF and HOOKFIN with conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years up to life in prison. WOODRUFF and HOOKFIN also pled guilty to Count 12, charging them and two others with causing the death of a man through the use of firearms, which is punishable by any term of years up to life in prison. U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing on December 10, 2015.
“Violent offenders have no place on our streets,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite. “If you terrorize our communities through drug trafficking and gun violence, just as these defendants did, then you risk being in jail for the rest of your life.”
According to court documents, WOODRUFF and HOOKFIN were part of a drug trafficking organization that moved significant quantities of heroin and cocaine base on the West Bank. Beginning in 2012, the group engage in a series of violent acts, beginning with a drive by shooting into a another vehicle where the driver and his front seat passenger were shot with an AK-47 while two young children, who were not hit, were in the back seat. The group is alleged to have participated in five additional shootings, two of which ended in death. WOODRUFF and HOOKFIN pled guilty to the murder of Emeal Washington and admitted to their participation in the murder of Doreatha Richardson, in addition to two other shootings. In addition to the shootings, members of the group are charged with weapon and drug conspiracies, in addition to several substantive distribution counts.
HARRY SMOOT, ISAAC SMITH, RICHARD THOMAS, TERRELL WADE, LANCE SINGLETON, and CHRISTOPHER BROWN have previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. TERRENCE KELLEY and CLIFFORD SONNIER are scheduled for trial on September 28, 2015. JOEQUELL LEWIS and ANDRE ADDISON are scheduled for trial on October 26, 2015.
The Superseding Indictment is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the Harvey Hustler gang and its various offshoots on the West Bank. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Multi-Agency Gang (“MAG”), including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy, David Haller, and Myles Ranier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Collin Sims, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and the Criminal Chief at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, are in charge of the prosecution.
Justice Department Awards $232,000 to NOPD for Body-Worn Camera ProgramRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that, as part of President Obama’s commitment to building trust and transparency between law enforcement and the communities they serve, the Justice Department has awarded a $232,000 grant to the New Orleans Police Department to expand the use of body-worn cameras and explore their impact.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced that the Justice Department has awarded grants totaling more than $23.2 million to 73 local and tribal agencies in 32 states. The body-worn camera pilot program announced in May 2015 includes $19.3 million to purchase body-worn cameras, $2 million for training and technical assistance and $1.9 million to examine the impact of their use. The grants, awarded by the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), build on President Obama’s proposal to purchase 50,000 body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies within three years.
“This vital pilot program is designed to assist local jurisdictions that are interested in exploring and expanding the use of body-worn cameras in order to enhance transparency, accountability and credibility,” said Attorney General Lynch. “The impact of body-worn cameras touches on a range of outcomes that build upon efforts to mend the fabric of trust, respect and common purpose that all communities need to thrive.”
“We thank the DOJ and OJP for this grant award in support of NOPD’s reform efforts. Body-worn cameras are essential to protecting, and building trust between, our law enforcement officers and the public they serve.”
The grants, which require a 50/50 in-kind or cash match, can be used to purchase equipment and require that applicants establish a strong implementation plan and a robust training policy before purchasing cameras. Each agency awarded a grant is responsible for developing a plan for long-term storage, including the cost of storing data.
In addition to funds to help purchase body-worn cameras and train officers in their use, grants under the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA’s) Smart Policing Initiative will support police departments in Miami, Milwaukee and Phoenix as they examine the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen complaints, internal investigations, privacy, community relationships and cost effectiveness. Each of these three departments will partner with a research institution to gain insight on the merits of deploying body-worn camera programs.
U.S. Department of Justice awards law enforcement hiring grants to help build trust, reduce violence and protect schoolsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) funding awards to two cities in the Eastern District of Louisiana, aimed at creating, and in some cases protecting, 17 law enforcement positions. Over $107 million will be awarded nationally, through the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), including $2,095,846.
The list of this year’s grantees includes:
New Orleans Police Department: $1,875,000 to fund 15 officers
Bogalusa Police Department: $ 220,846 to fund 2 officers
Total Funding Awarded: $2,095,846
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “These grants are not simply about putting more officers on the street, they are about expanding the capacity of law enforcement agencies to engage in community policing.”
"I thank the COPS Office for its continued support of law enforcement efforts in our District,” state U.S. Attorney Polite. “These grant awards will help improve public safety in two important cities in Southeast Louisiana."
CHP provides grants to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
Priority consideration was given this year to agencies that selected any of the Building Trust focus areas or School Based Policing through School Resource Officers. All applicants were encouraged to refer to the report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing for suggested actions to incorporate into their proposed community policing strategy.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has invested over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 127,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2015 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Three New Orleans Area Postal Workers Charged for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced three separate criminal matters, charging United States Postal employees for theft of mail.
According to a four-count Indictment, on or about July 18, 2015, and again on or about July 22, 2015, ANISHA GALLIN, age 27, stole the contents of four first-class letters.
A second one-count Indictment alleges that, in or about December 2013, O’NEIL EDWARDS, age 27, stole two $100 gift cards from mail sent from Las Vegas to Belle Chasse.
Lastly, a three-count Bill of Information charges that, on or about July 9, 2014, JOSHUA GRESHAM, age 27, removed $370 in cash from three greeting cards while on his postal route.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, followed by three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution, as to each count.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictments and Bill of Information merely contain charges and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General for investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer is in charge of prosecuting all three matters.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ADRIAN RIVERA-MENDOZA, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry into the United States after having been previously deported.
According to the Indictment, ADRIAN RIVERA-MENDOZA was encountered by Immigration & Customs Enforcement agents in the Eastern District of Louisiana on June 29, 2015, after records showed he had been previously deported from the United States to Mexico on October 29, 2012.
If convicted, ADRIAN RIVERA-MENDOZA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that an 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 Immigration & Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield is in charge of the prosecution.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney, Kenneth A. Polite announced that ERIN PITRE, age 36, of Cut Off, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at PITRE’S residence on January 22, 2015, during which time they seized an external digital storage device that contained images and videos of child pornography. A forensic examination of the device revealed that PITRE used peer-to-peer file sharing programs on his computer to search for, download, and store images and videos of children as young as two years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The forensic examination located approximately 185 images and 7 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct that PITRE possessed.
PITRE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. PITRE can also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for December 10, 2015. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Kenner Woman Charged with Theft of Public Money and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that NISIKA WEST, age 36, of Kenner, was charged today in a six-count Indictment with theft of public money and aggravated identity theft.
According to the Indictment, between in or about March 2012 and May 2012, WEST knowingly stole money from the United States Department of the Treasury in the form of federal tax refunds by using stolen identities.
If convicted, WEST faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, followed by three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and restitution, as to each of Counts 1 through 3. As to Counts 4 through 6, the defendant faces a mandatory two years of imprisonment as to each count in addition to any sentence received for Counts 1 through 3.
United States 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JUAN VASQUEZ-ALVARADO, age 47, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to the Indictment, VASQUEZ-ALVARADO reentered the United States on or about July 2, 2015, after having been previously removed on September 5, 2002.
VASQUEZ-ALVARADO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for October 29, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
One New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty, Two Others Sentenced to over 10 Years in Prison in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TREY MITCHELL, age 23, pled guilty today to attempted distribution of heroin, while co-defendants TERRELL DAVIS, age 24, and PERCY DEPRON, age 28, all of New Orleans, were sentenced for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced DAVIS to 151 months in prison, five years of supervised release following his prison term, and a $100 special assessment. DEPRON was sentenced to 121 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, the investigation of this trafficking organization included multiple court-authorized wiretaps by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Police Department High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group, including taps of cell phones used by dealers to communicate with suppliers, other co-conspirators, and customers. DEA worked together with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct numerous undercover purchases of heroin, surveillance operations, searches, witness debriefings, records analyses, and other investigative techniques to uncover and dismantle the heroin trafficking activities of the group.
The investigation showed that the defendants had been using a residence in New Orleans East as a base of operations to meet with heroin suppliers, maintain a heroin stash, and provide heroin to other dealers.
Numerous daily heroin customers also called the ‘dope’ phones used by these defendants every day to order heroin. Typically one of the dealers would answer these calls, ask the caller how much heroin he or she wanted to buy, and direct the caller to drive to a gas station or other commercial location in the New Orleans East neighborhood. Through subsequent calls and then
visual contact between the customer and dealer, the dealer would direct the customer to rendezvous in a parking lot or on a side street near the commercial location to conduct the heroin sale.
According to the record, in July 2013, a court-authorized wiretap of the ‘dope’ phone used by defendant TERENCE TAYLOR intercepted a series of calls relating to the sale of heroin to a person who had recently been through treatment for heroin addiction, and who died later that day as a result of a heroin overdose. Intercepted calls helped to demonstrate that TAYLOR negotiated this particular sale of heroin and that defendant MALCOLM BOLDEN subsequently met with the decedent to complete the sale. Judge Engelhardt sentenced BOLDEN to 25 years in prison in June.
Court documents also show that TAYLOR’s brother, TREY MITCHELL, had been selling heroin prior to MITCHELL’s state arrest and incarceration beginning in November 2012. At that point, TAYLOR took custody of a ‘dope’ phone formerly used by MITCHELL and began serving many of MITCHELL’s heroin customers. MITCHELL also attempted to direct heroin sales from jail through the use of cellular phones that had been smuggled into the jail. Some of these telephone calls over MITCHELL’s smuggled jail cell phone were intercepted during the court-authorized wiretap investigation of TAYLOR.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the DEA New Orleans Police Department High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group, the FBI, and the ATF, with the assistance of the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael B. Redmann and Mark A. Miller are in charge of the prosecution.
Postal Worker Pleads Guilty for Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that AVA SMITH, age 21, of Harvey, pled guilty yesterday for delay or destruction of mail.
According to court records, on December 16, 2014, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (“Postal OIG”) received information that a significant amount of First Class and Standard mail had been discarded. It was determined that the mail was to be delivered on December 8, 2014, by postal carrier SMITH. A review of the discarded mail revealed 573 pieces of First Class Mail, 142 pieces of Standard Mail, and 30 pieces of Non-Profit Mail. The First Class Mail included bank and insurance statements/invoices, credit card and other bills/statements.
SMITH faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing on December 16, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Louisiana Resident Sentenced for Role in Stolen Identity Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced today to serve 33 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a triple-object conspiracy to defraud the United States, to commit theft of public money, and mail fraud, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Cedrick Mitchell, aka Skeet, 40, pleaded guilty on June 17 to one count of a triple-object conspiracy to defraud the United States, to commit theft of public money, and mail fraud. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey of the Eastern District of Louisiana imposed today’s sentence and set a later date to determine Mitchell’s the restitution amount that Mitchell will have to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
According to court documents, Mitchell and his co-defendants conspired to file false federal income tax returns using stolen identities. The conspirators used stolen names and social security numbers to prepare false tax returns that claimed tax refunds. The refund checks were mailed to addresses in Louisiana, including to post office boxes that were opened and controlled by the conspirators. The conspirators then falsely endorsed and cashed the checks. Mitchell also deposited refund checks from the U.S. Treasury into a bank account under his control.
The indictment also charged Corey Lewis, aka Coco, 37; Angela Chaney, 43; Craig Lewis, 40; Brad Lewis, aka Bird, 32; Thaddeus Richardson, 49; and Martin Jackson Sr., 48, with conspiracy. In addition, Corey Lewis, Chaney, Richardson and Jackson Sr. were charged with various counts of theft of public money. Chaney was also charged with six counts of mail fraud and five counts of aggravated identity theft. Corey Lewis was additionally charged with three counts of aggravated identity theft. All of the defendants in this case have pleaded guilty to various charges and are awaiting sentencing.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, who investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and Dall Kammer and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery of Chase BankRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LARRY WILLIAMS, age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Indictment charging him with the robbery of the CHASE Bank branch located at 201 St. Charles Avenue.
According to court records, on April 30, 2012, WILLIAMS entered the CHASE Bank branch and handed a note demanding money to a teller. The teller handed WILLIAMS a bundle of bills which included a dye pack. When WILLIAMS fled the bank, the dye pack exploded. WILLIAMS removed some clothing and discarded it along with the dye-stained money. The clothing and a plastic bag carried by WILLIAMS were recovered and examined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI lab at the FBI facility in Quantico, Virginia recovered DNA and fingerprints matching WILLIAMS.
WILLIAMS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for December 15, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Ebarb is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty in Crack Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that HERBERT COOPER, age 42, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 28 grams of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).
In pleading guilty, COOPER faces a five-year minimum term of imprisonment, a maximum term of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, a period of four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a special assessment of $100.00. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing on December 3, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Hammond Woman Charged with Making False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SHIMEKA MILTON-FLAX, age 36, of Hammond, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with making false income tax returns.
According to the Bill of Information, MILTON-FLAX knowingly prepared a materially false tax return for two individuals. The return reported business losses and expenses that were completely fictitious in order to fraudulently inflate the tax refund received from the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted, MILTON-FLAX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years incarceration, one year of supervised release after any term of imprisonment, a $100,000 fine, and payment of the costs of prosecution.
United States Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer is in charge of the prosecution.
Auto Parts Distributor Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Selling Pirated Mercedes-Benz SoftwareRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An aftermarket auto parts distributor in Harahan, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to manufacturing and selling over 800 copyright-infringing copies of Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software valued at over $17 million.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI’s New Orleans Division made the announcement.
The Brinson Company (TBC), and its owner, Rainer Wittich, 66, of River Ridge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown of the Eastern District of Louisiana to an information charging them, respectively, with conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and to violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and criminal copyright infringement. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2015. As part of its plea agreement, TBC agreed to assist Mercedes-Benz in compiling a list of all customers to whom it sold, distributed, donated or otherwise provided the pirated software.
Wittich owned TBC, which sold replacement parts and diagnostic equipment for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. According to TBC’s plea agreement, beginning in about 2001, in conjunction with two other companies, TBC began developing, manufacturing and selling non-authentic versions of the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System (SDS), a portable tablet-type computer that contains proprietary software created by Mercedes-Benz to diagnose and repair its automobiles and that requires a code or “license key” to access. TBC admitted that, without authorization, it obtained Mercedes-Benz SDS software and updates, modified and duplicated the software, and installed the software on laptop computers (which served as the SDS units).
TBC further admitted that, not later than June 2010, it began purchasing software for the non-authentic SDS units as well as updates and “patches” for the software from an individual in the United Kingdom. TBC admitted that, after Mercedes-Benz notified the United Kingdom-based individual that his conduct was in violation of the law, representatives of TBC and the co-conspirator companies discussed plans to have him “go underground and off the radar” and continue to provide assistance and support in the production of non-authentic SDS units.
A genuine SDS unit sold for up to $22,000, and purchasers of the SDS paid Mercedes-Benz several thousands of dollars per year to receive regular software updates. According to TBC’s plea agreement, a non-authentic SDS unit sold for up to $11,000. TBC admitted that, in total, it sold approximately 725 non-authentic SDS devices, and that one of its co-conspirators sold at least 95 devices.
“Today’s guilty pleas reaffirm our commitment to protecting consumer rights,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite. “Both businesses and individuals will be held accountable for their fraudulent conduct.”
The case was investigated by the Cyber Task Force of the FBI’s New Orleans Division. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Evan Williams of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Myles Ranier of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The enforcement action announced today is related to the many efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force). The IP Task Force supports prosecution priorities, promotes innovation through heightened civil enforcement, enhances coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and focuses on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce.
Auto Parts Distributor Pleads Guilty to Manufacturing and Selling Pirated Mercedes-Benz SoftwareRead the Press Release
Pirated Software Valued at Over $17 Million
An aftermarket auto parts distributor in Harahan, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to manufacturing and selling over 800 copyright-infringing copies of Mercedes-Benz diagnostic software valued at over $17 million.
Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Anderson of the FBI’s New Orleans Division made the announcement.
The Brinson Company (TBC), and its owner, Rainer Wittich, 66, of River Ridge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown of the Eastern District of Louisiana to an information charging them, respectively, with conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and to violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and criminal copyright infringement. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2016. As part of its plea agreement, TBC agreed to assist Mercedes-Benz in compiling a list of all customers to whom it sold, distributed, donated or otherwise provided the pirated software.
Wittich owned TBC, which sold replacement parts and diagnostic equipment for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. According to TBC’s plea agreement, beginning in about 2001, in conjunction with two other companies, TBC began developing, manufacturing and selling non-authentic versions of the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System (SDS), a portable tablet-type computer that contains proprietary software created by Mercedes-Benz to diagnose and repair its automobiles and that requires a code or “license key” to access. TBC admitted that, without authorization, it obtained Mercedes-Benz SDS software and updates, modified and duplicated the software, and installed the software on laptop computers (which served as the SDS units).
TBC further admitted that, not later than June 2010, it began purchasing software for the non-authentic SDS units as well as updates and “patches” for the software from an individual in the United Kingdom. TBC admitted that, after Mercedes-Benz notified the United Kingdom-based individual that his conduct was in violation of the law, representatives of TBC and the co-conspirator companies discussed plans to have him “go underground and off the radar” and continue to provide assistance and support in the production of non-authentic SDS units.
A genuine SDS unit sold for up to $22,000, and purchasers of the SDS paid Mercedes-Benz several thousands of dollars per year to receive regular software updates. According to TBC’s plea agreement, a non-authentic SDS unit sold for up to $11,000. TBC admitted that, in total, it sold approximately 725 non-authentic SDS devices, and that one of its co-conspirators sold at least 95 devices.
The case was investigated by the Cyber Task Force of the FBI’s New Orleans Division. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Evan Williams of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crimes and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Myles Ranier of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The enforcement action announced today is related to the many efforts being undertaken by the Department of Justice Task Force on Intellectual Property (IP Task Force). The IP Task Force supports prosecution priorities, promotes innovation through heightened civil enforcement, enhances coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and focuses on international enforcement efforts, including reinforcing relationships with key foreign partners and U.S. industry leaders. To learn more about the IP Task Force, go to www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce.
TBC Plea Agreement
TBC Factual Basis
Wittich Plea Agreement
Wittich Factual Basis
FnD Gang Members Plead Guilty to Racketeering and Narcotics Charges, Including Mother’s Day ShootingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that AKEIN SCOTT, a/k/a “Keemy,” age 22; SHAWN SCOTT, a/k/a “Shizzle,” age 26; and STANLEY SCOTT, a/k/a “Stizzle,” age 23, all pled guilty today in the racketeering conspiracy case involving the Frenchmen/Derbigny gang, or “FnD.”
AKEIN SCOTT pled guilty to eight counts of the Third Superseding Indictment and admitted guilt to the Mother’s Day shooting, which the Indictment alleged was a shooting that was committed in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy and the RICO conspiracy. Additionally, AKEIN SCOTT pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy, and four counts of Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Assault with Dangerous Weapons.
SHAWN SCOTT pled guilty to five counts of the Third Superseding Indictment and also admitted guilt to the Mother’s Day shooting that was committed in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy and the RICO conspiracy. Additionally, SHAWN SCOTT pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Assault with Dangerous Weapons.
STANLEY SCOTT pled guilty to six counts of the Third Superseding Indictment and admitted to committing a shooting on March 22, 2012, in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy and the RICO conspiracy. STANLEY SCOTT also pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy, and two counts of Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Assault with Dangerous Weapons.
Each defendant faces at least 20 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The drug trafficking conspiracy count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Further, for having committed a shooting in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, each defendant faces an additional mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence. Lastly, the firearms conspiracy and RICO conspiracy counts carry maximum sentences of 20 years and life imprisonment, respectively. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for January 6, 2016.
According to court documents, the FnD gang was an enterprise engaged in racketeering under federal law. AKEIN SCOTT, SHAWN SCOTT, and STANLEY SCOTT, as members of this gang, conspired to commit numerous overt acts in furtherance of the gang’s activities. These acts included the distribution of illegal narcotics, such as heroin and crack cocaine, as well as crimes of violence, including several shootings. The factual basis, signed by all three defendants, details evidence of drug dealing and shootings that occurred over the course of nearly seven years from 2006 through 2013. FnD members sold heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other illegal drugs near the intersection of Frenchmen and North Derbigny Streets in New Orleans. FnD members often sold drugs in the Frenchmen Meat Market, a convenience store located at the corner of Frenchmen and North Derbigny Streets. FnD members used intimidation, violence, and threats of violence to maintain the gang’s control over turf that extended from Elysian Fields Avenue, North Johnson Street, the I-10 Interstate Highway, St. Anthony Street, and North Claiborne Avenue.
Four other defendants previously pled guilty in the course of this prosecution. CRYSTAL SCOTT, RICHMOND SMITH, and GRALEN BENSON pled to gun and drug-related charges. The grand jury subsequently returned a superseding Indictment charging the remaining defendants with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, among other charges. Defendant JEREMIAH JACKSON pled guilty to RICO conspiracy as well as gun and drug-related charges on May 13, 2015. Defendant BRIAN BENSON pled guilty to RICO conspiracy and narcotics conspiracy on August 7, 2015.
With today’s plea, the sole remaining defendant in this case is TRAVIS SCOTT, who is alleged to be the leader of the FnD gang. TRAVIS SCOTT is scheduled for trial on October 19, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.
The Indictment is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the FnD gang. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Multi-Agency Gang (“MAG”), including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and officers of the New Orleans Police Department. Federal and local authorities also utilized tips through the Crimestoppers Program in the successful investigation of these crimes.
Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Ebarb, who is assigned from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Narcotics and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARION TINSON, age 33, of New Orleans, was charged today in a four count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the Indictment, TINSON conspired to possess and possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. In addition, TINSON faces charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking trade and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act.
If convicted on the drug charges, TINSON faces up to 20 years in prison on each charge, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the gun charges, TINSON would face an additional five years in prison that must run consecutive to any other sentence.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Convicted Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BENIAIH LEWIS, age 26, of New Orleans, was charged today in a one count Indictment for failure to register as a sex offender in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
According to court records, LEWIS was convicted of Possession of Child Pornography in violation of California Penal Code Section 311.11(a) on October 3, 2012, and, because of his conviction, LEWIS was required to register as a sex offender for life pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. LEWIS completed his last known sex offender registration form with the Fresno Police Department in California in 2013. According to today’s indictment, at some time after August 2013, LEWIS moved from California to Louisiana and failed to notify law enforcement authorities of his move to Louisiana.
If convicted of the failure to register charge, LEWIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000 and up to three years 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security-HSI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Fresno California Police Department in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Kentwood Woman Sentenced for Stealing Money from United States Post OfficeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WANDA JAMES, age 46, of Kentwood, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with making false entries and reports of money belonging to the United States, and in the care, custody and control of the United States Postal Service.
According to court documents, on or about September 10, 2013 through and including on or about February 3, 2014, JAMES, being a Postal Service officer or employee charged with the duty of receiving, holding, or paying over moneys on behalf of the United States, knowingly and willfully made false reports of such moneys. On sixteen separate occasions, JAMES falsely recorded cash purchases of money orders as debit card purchases on her daily financial reports. She did this so she could steal the cash from the money order purchases and conceal the theft by reporting sales as debit card transactions, when, in fact, she well knew that no such purchases had been made. JAMES stole approximately $2,611.61 of United States funds in the custody of the Postal Service.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JAMES to 36 months of probation, $100 special assessment, and restitution in the amount of $2,611.61.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.
One Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison, Another Pleads Guilty in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MELVIN SMITH, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Additionally, co-defendant THEODORE GRIFFIN, age 61, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to the same charge.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced SMITH to 120 months in prison, five years of supervised release following his prison term, and a $100 special assessment. Judge Engelhardt set GRIFFIN’s sentencing for December 9, 2015. The trial on the remaining defendant is currently scheduled for September 28, 2015.
According to court documents, the investigation of this trafficking organization included multiple court-authorized wiretaps by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Police Department High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group, including taps of cell phones used by dealers to communicate with suppliers, other co-conspirators, and customers. DEA worked together with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct numerous undercover purchases of heroin, surveillance operations, searches, witness debriefings, records analyses, and other investigative techniques to uncover and dismantle the heroin trafficking activities of the group.
The investigation showed that the defendants had been using GRIFFIN’s residence in New Orleans East as a base of operations to meet with heroin suppliers, maintain a heroin stash, and provide heroin to other dealers.
Numerous daily heroin customers also called the ‘dope’ phones used by these defendants every day to order heroin. Typically one of the dealers would answer these calls, ask the caller how much heroin he or she wanted to buy, and direct the caller to drive to a gas station or other commercial location in the New Orleans East neighborhood. Through subsequent calls and then visual contact between the customer and dealer, the dealer would direct the customer to rendezvous in a parking lot or on a side street near the commercial location to conduct the heroin sale.
According to the record, in July 2013, a court-authorized wiretap of the ‘dope’ phone used by defendant TERENCE TAYLOR intercepted a series of calls relating to the sale of heroin to a person who had recently been through treatment for heroin addiction, and who died later that day as a result of a heroin overdose. Intercepted calls helped to demonstrate that TAYLOR negotiated this particular sale of heroin and that defendant MALCOLM BOLDEN subsequently met with the decedent to complete the sale. Judge Engelhardt sentenced BOLDEN to 25 years in prison in June.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the DEA New Orleans Police Department High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group, the FBI, and the ATF, with the assistance of the St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office, the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael B. Redmann and Mark A. Miller are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DAVID MOREL, age 32, of New Orleans, pled guilty today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
According to court records, on June 25, 2015, MOREL was charged as a result of a child exploitation investigation conducted by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit (“LAGO”) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). HSI and LAGO agents executed a search warrant at MOREL’s residence after determining MOREL was downloading images depicting the sexual victimization of children. MOREL was arrested during the execution of the search warrant after confessing to downloading and possessing images and videos depicting child pornography. HSI computer forensic examiners conducted a search of MOREL’s seized computer equipment and located over 2,500 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children on MOREL’s electronic devices.
According to a Notice of Sentence Enhancement filed in federal court records, in 2010, MOREL was convicted in Orleans Parish Criminal Court of 536 counts of possession of pornography involving juveniles. He received a ten year suspended sentence and, instead, was placed on home incarceration for a period of five years.
MOREL faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of twenty years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for December 9, 2015.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-HSI in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that OSCAR EDUARDO PENA-TABORA, age 39, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced PENA-TABORA to time served (5 months) imprisonment followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. PENA-TABORA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on or about March 8, 2015, PENA-TABORA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about August 2, 2002.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Charged with Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANDREW HUTCHINSON, age 24, of New Orleans, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
If convicted, HUTCHINSON faces a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count. He can also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Mandeville Postal Worker Indicted for Theft of Mail and Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANGELA MITCHELL, age 40, of Mandeville, was indicted today for Theft of Mail and Misappropriation of Postal Funds.
According to the Indictment, as a result of a complaint from the Postmaster of the Mandeville Post Office regarding several suspicious transactions, the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service (“Postal OIG”) initiated an investigation into MITCHELL and determined that MITCHELL was voiding Postage Validation Imprinter (“PVI”) labels and issuing refunds without completing the proper paperwork for the PVI refunds. MITCHELL was also indicted for stealing a credit card from a post office box and using it without authorization.
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.
If convicted, MITCHELL faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Fraud Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Grand Jury Returns 31 Count Superseding Indictment including Rico Charges against Violent YMM GangRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that a Superseding Indictment was returned today charging members of a violent New Orleans street gang known as “the Young Melph Mafia” or “YMM” with violating federal racketeering statutes and committing five homicides as well as multiple violations of federal drug and firearm laws. The defendants include: JEFFERY WILSON, age 30; LIONEL ALLEN, a/k/a “Lot,” age 21; JAWAN FORTIA, a/k/a “Tittie” and “Wine,” age 22; DEDRICK KEELEN, a/k/a “Roy,” age 22; DELWIN McLAREN, a/k/a “Poo” and “Poo Stupid,” age 22; and BRYAN SCOTT, a/k/a “Killer,” age 21.
Based upon the ongoing investigation, these defendants, most of whom grew up in and around the former Melpomene Housing Development, engaged in high volume street level drug dealing over the course of several years. During the course of this investigation, it was also determined that the defendants connected to the Young Melph Mafia routinely carried firearms to protect themselves while engaged in distributing illegal narcotics.
ALLEN, KEELEN and FORTIA are facing a mandatory life sentence if convicted of committing a murder in furtherance of racketeering activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1959. Attached is a summary of charges and penalties for all defendants.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department as partners in the metro area’s Multi Agency Gang Unit. As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the Multi-Agency Gang (MAG) Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Valuable assistance to the investigation was provided by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maurice Landrieu, Jr. and Edward Rivera are in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Jury Convicts Three Members of the Ride or Die GangRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced today that a federal jury has convicted DELOYD JONES, age 23, BYRON JONES, age 24, and SIDNEY PATTERSON, age 24, all of New Orleans, following an 8-day trial.
DELOYD JONES was convicted of 11 of 13 counts. Specifically, Conspiracy to Violate RICO; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms; Murder in the Aid of Racketeering (2 counts – murders of Devin Hutton and Corey Blue); Causing Death through the Use of a Firearm (2 counts); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); Use, Carrying, and Discharge of a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and a Drug Trafficking Crime (2 counts). DELOYD JONES faces life plus 35 years in prison.
BYRON JONES was convicted of 9 of 9 counts. Specifically, Conspiracy to Violate RICO; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms; Murder in the Aid of Racketeering (murder of Travis Arnold); Causing Death through the Use of a Firearm; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); Use, Carrying, and Discharge of a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence and a Drug Trafficking Crime (2 counts). BYRON JONES faces life plus 35 years in prison.
SIDNEY PATTERSON was convicted of 7 of 11 counts, Specifically, Conspiracy to Violate RICO; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms; Murder in the Aid of Racketeering (murder of Corey Blue); Causing Death through the Use of a Firearm; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm. PATTERSON faces life plus ten years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for December 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm.
“These defendants were responsible for terrorizing the St. Roch community through drug trafficking, threats, and gun violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Polite. “As a result of the MAG Unit’s collaborative efforts, these violent defendants will now spend the rest of their lives in prison. Today’s guilty verdicts are a message to all other violent criminals in our area – like these defendants, you will soon be held accountable for your criminal actions.”
ATF Special Agent In Charge Constance Hester stated, "It is evident, based on the outcome of this trial, that ATF as well as all of our law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate and seek the prosecution of violent criminals in possession of firearms that continually plague the innocent citizens of the New Orleans Metropolitan area."
“We made a commitment to work together to go after the most violent criminals in our city and we continue to deliver on that promise,” said NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison. “Today’s verdict is the result of a strategic and organized partnership among local, state and federal law enforcement to combat violent crime. I am proud of the hard work of the NOPD-led Multi-Agency Gang Unit that led to this conviction. We will not back down. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who choose to commit acts of violence and bring them to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter. As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan Paige, Marquest Meeks and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Ebarb were in charge of the prosecution.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MARINICA MIREL COTOI, age 37, of Romania, pled guilty today to one count of bank fraud related to the use of ATM “skimming” devices.
According to court documents, in January 2015, the U.S. Secret Service and the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force began investigating the unauthorized collection of debit card numbers through the installation of “skimming devices” on various ATM machines and the subsequent illegal use of fake debit cards. In March of this year, COTOI and another man rented a hotel room in Covington. Shortly thereafter, COTOI was captured on surveillance video using fake debit cards to withdraw funds from three local bank accounts. COTOI later admitted that he illegally entered the United States.
COTOI faces a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release. COTOI also faces deportation consequences as a result of his conviction. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing on December 3, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Secret Service and the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Carter Guice are in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAROL DAVID SOSA-PALMA, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to the Indictment, JAROL DAVID SOSA-PALMA reentered the United States after having been previously deported on June 21, 2013. If convicted, JARONL DAVID SOSA-PALMA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that an 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 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Woman Charged with Lying to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite announced that TRACY C. HARTMAN, 49, of Slidell, was charged today in a Bill of Information with one count of making false statements.
According to the Bill of Information, on or about January 4, 2006, HARTMAN and her husband were approved for a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) disaster loan in the amount of $182,700.
TRACY HARTMAN and her husband defaulted on the SBA disaster loan. As a result of the loan default, in or about June 2010, the SBA began garnishment proceedings for Mr. Hartman’s payroll checks from St. Bernard Parish. In or about December 2011, the SBA stopped receiving the HARTMAN’s garnishment payments from St. Bernard Parish. A letter, purporting to be from the SBA, was received by St. Bernard Parish claiming the debt had been paid and to stop the garnishment. The letter was a forgery and was not prepared by the SBA. On or about April 20, 2012, TRACY HARTMAN made a false statement to federal authorities that she did not know the origin of the fraudulent letter which was hand delivered to the St. Bernard Parish government by her husband on or about November 29, 2011. After further investigation, it was determined that TRACY HARTMAN composed the letter.
If convicted, HARTMAN faces a possible maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that a Bill of Information 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 Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Meraux Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Conspiracy Related to Falsifying Records for Gun PurchaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RICKEY COLEMAN, age 26, of Meraux, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to falsify ATF records related to the purchase of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced COLEMAN to 60 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court records, COLEMAN enlisted the help of two other individuals to aid in the purchase of a firearm from Academy Sports in Elmwood on June 9, 2013. COLEMAN was a previously convicted felon and prohibited from buying a firearm. The female who purchased the firearm falsified an ATF form regarding the true ownership of the firearm.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in investigating this matter along with the assistance of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
Mandeville Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Stealing Gift Cards from the MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHNNY BAHAM, age 53, of Mandeville, entered a plea of guilty today to stealing the United States mail.
According to the court documents, BAHAM was employed as a contract letter carrier in Mandeville. A federal investigation revealed that in December 2014, BAHAM stole first class mail containing two $75.00 Master Card gift cards from his mail route.
BAHAM faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan set sentencing for December 2, 2015.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Stealing Money from Open WorldRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KIM CASSELL, age 42, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with stealing money from Open World Family Services, Inc. (“Open World”). Open World was a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation organized for the purpose of helping students in the greater New Orleans area grow academically.
From March 2010 until June 2012, CASSELL knowingly used federal grant money from the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program, amounting to more than $140,000, for her personal benefit, rather than for educational, grant related purposes.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CASSELL to five years of probation with six months electronic monitoring and $149,000 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Documents to the Road Home ProgramRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DEBORAH FORTNER, age 53, of New Orleans, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to one count of submitting false documents to the Road Home Program.
According to court records, FORTNER applied for a LRHP grant to renovate her home after Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Fortner was awarded a $97,899 grant from the LRHP. In 2011, the LRHP contacted FORTNER to request proof of pre-storm occupancy related to her property. As a result of the request, FORTNER faxed a copy of an altered bank statement to the LRHP. The mailing address on the bank statement had been changed by FORTNER to make it appear that FORTNER was receiving mail at that property prior to Hurricane Katrina. In 2013, the LRHP again contacted FORTNER and requested proof of occupancy related to her property. In response to LRHP’s request, FORTNER faxed a copy of a New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board (“S&WB”) statement to the LRHP. The submitted S&WB document falsely contained the address of the property. The false documents were submitted by FORTNER to the LRHP in order to prove compliance with the grant covenants and to prevent FORTNER from having to pay the funds back to the LRHP.
FORTNER faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for December 3, 2015.
The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are in charge of investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Four Defendants with Drug Trafficking via MegabusRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today the unsealing of a seventeen-count Indictment that charges THOMAS GORDON, a/k/a “Ice,” age 31, and DONALD EALY, a/k/a “Deebo,” age 37, of New Orleans, along with MARTHA QUINONES, age 50, and KEVIN GONZALES, age 24, of Houston, with numerous violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. All four defendants face the lead charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, along with other substantive drug offenses. In addition, all of the defendants were charged with using a telephone in furtherance of their drug-trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents, on August 6, 2015, QUINONES had agreed to travel by Megabus from Houston to New Orleans, while transporting narcotics which she intended to deliver to GORDON. Law enforcement intercepted QUINONES as she arrived in New Orleans and found her to be in possession of almost a half-kilogram of heroin in her duffle bag. Further, EALY and GONZALES conspired with QUINONES and GORDON to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
If convicted of the lead charge of engaging in a drug conspiracy, each defendant faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, and a minimum of five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), which includes FBI, the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is responsible for the prosecution.