Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Orleans Man, Michael Larrieu, Sentenced for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MICHAEL LARRIEU, age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to twelve months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr.
According to documents filed in federal court, in 2007, LARRIEU pled guilty to possession of child pornography in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. LARRIEU was sentenced to forty (40) months imprisonment followed by a life time of supervised release. As a result of LARRIEU=s conviction, he was required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
On February 27, 2013, LARRIEU absconded from the Volunteers of America Re-Entry Residential Center in New Orleans where he was completing an unrelated sentence. Approximately a month later, on March 25, 2013, the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”) located and arrested LARRIEU in Laredo, Texas. LARRIEU admitted to the USMS at the time of his arrest that he knew he had a duty to register as a sex offender. LARRIEU told the USMS he did not notify or request information on sex offender laws in Texas because he knew he was a fugitive and because he did not want to go back to prison.
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 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 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, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Strike Force Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Hammond Woman, Sandra Renee Keith, Pleads Guilty to False Statements to an Agency of the United StatesRead the Press Release
SANDRA RENEE KEITH, age 34, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval to one count of making false statements to a federal agent, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr.
According to court records, on May 6, 2013, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agents knocked on KEITH’s door with an arrest warrant for Michael D. Brumfield (“Brumfield”). KEITH informed agents that Brumfield was not at her apartment but was staying elsewhere, when in truth and fact, as KEITH well knew, Brumfield was hiding in her apartment.
Upon sentencing scheduled for January 8, 2014, KEITH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
(Download Factual Basis )
20-count Indictment Returned for Rico Violations, Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control, and Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
DELOYD JONES, age 21; BYRON JONES, age 23; SIDNEY PATTERSON, age 22; ERVIN SPOONER, age 25; ROMALIS PARKER, age 20; NYSON JONES, age 29; TRE CLEMENTS, age 22; ANDREALIE LEWIS, age 34; MORRIS SUMMERS, age 22; TYONE BURTON, age 20; TYRON BURTON, age 19; and PERRY WILSON, age 22; were charged on September 19, 2013 in a 20-count indictment for Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, Federal Gun Control Act, and Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr. The indictment was unsealed today.
This case arises out of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The investigation targeted an area which exhibited a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. During the course of the investigation, specific individuals were identified as the main perpetrators of many of the violent acts and much of the narcotics distribution which occurred in the 8th Ward of New Orleans. This group controlled narcotics distribution activities through violence and threats of violence, to include murder, attempted murder, and assaults. They were referred to as Ride or Die or “R.O.D.”
The indictment charges DELOYD JONES with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering (3 counts); Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm (3 counts); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
BYRON JONES is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (2 counts); and, Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense (2 counts).
SIDNEY PATTERSON is charged with RICO Conspiracy; Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; and, Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm.
ERVIN SPOONER is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana; Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses; and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON are all charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Heroin and Marijuana, and Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses.
BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Travis Arnold on February 24, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Rodney Coleman on November 9, 2010. DELOYD JONES is charged with murdering Devin Hutton on January 17, 2011. DELOYD JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON are charged with murdering Corey Blue on January 18, 2011. DELOYD JONES, BYRON JONES and SIDNEY PATTERSON each face a maximum term of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
ERVIN SPOONER, ROMALIS PARKER, NYSON JONES, TRE CLEMENTS, ANDREALIE LEWIS, MORRIS SUMMERS, TYONE BURTON, TYRON BURTON, and PERRY WILSON each face up to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
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.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the Multi-Agency Gang Unit led by the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian C. Ebarb on assignment from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.
(Download Indictment )
Bourg, Louisiana Man, Roddy Vizier, Sentenced for Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
RODDY VIZIER, 41, of Bourg, Louisiana, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Jane Triche Milazzo to 66 months incarceration for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. Following the term in incarceration, VIZIER will be placed on ten years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, on December 14, 2012, VIZIER was indicted by a federal grand jury for Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was arrested by federal agents with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). On March 28, 2013, VIZIER pled guilty in federal court to the indictment. According to documents filed in federal court, special agents with HSI determined VIZIER was downloading images depicting the sexual victimization of children through the use of peer-to-peer file sharing software. Federal agents learned from Customs and Border Protection officers that VIZIER was a crew member aboard the maritime vessel Harvey War Horse II which was docked in Port Fourchon, LA and was scheduled to depart for Jamaica. HSI agents boarded the vessel and searched VIZIER’s computer and determined VIZIER had downloaded 26 videos and 789 images of child pornography.
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."
This case was investigated by special agents from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, HSI. The prosecution of this case was handled by Strike Force Chief and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Two New Orleans Area Merchants Charged with Food Stamp FraudRead the Press Release
LONG T. TRINH, age 44, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today in a Bill of Information for receiving approximately $2,296,379 from the United State Department of Agriculture based upon food stamp benefits through his store Seafood Heaven, located in Gretna, Louisiana, that were not authorized, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. In a separate Bill of Information, HAI BUI aka JIMMY BUI, age 57, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was charged with over $1 million dollars in food stamp fraud through his store Theresas Seafood #2, also located in Gretna, Louisiana. BUI’s wife, TERESA THUY BUI, age 62, was charged with misprision of a felony.
If convicted, the maximum penalty LONG T. TRINH and JIMMY BUI each face is 5 years imprisonment and/or a maximum fine of $250,000. TERESA BUI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years and/or a maximum fine of $250,000.
According to the Bills of Information, grocery retailers who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal government program formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, may only accept and redeem food stamp benefits in exchange for the sale of eligible food items. Retailers may not exchange food stamp benefits for cash or any other ineligible items of value such as tobacco products or alcoholic beverages. Both store owners, LONG T. TRINH and JIMMY BUI are charged with knowingly presenting for payment and redemption SNAP benefits which had been purchased in exchange for cash money and ineligible items through their respective stores.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bills of Information are merely charges and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was investigated by the United State Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy Manning Taylor.
(Download Bill of Information - Trinh )
(Download Bill of Information - Bui )
New Orleans Woman, Rachell Thomas, Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in Aftermath of Bp Oil SpillRead the Press Release
RACHELL THOMAS, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. to 12 months and one day imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) in the aftermath of the BP oil spill, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, THOMAS was ordered to pay restitution in the amount $8,000 and be placed on three years of supervised release following her imprisonment.
The GCCF made disaster assistance money available to individuals affected by the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The GCCF required individuals to verify loss of income. According to court documents, THOMAS and approximately 22 co-conspirators created claim forms in which they falsely claimed to work for seafood restaurants and to have suffered financially through lost employment as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. To support these fraudulent claims, THOMAS created false earnings statements and letters from fictitious restaurants and faxed them to the GCCF during September and October 2010. THOMAS and the other conspirators attempted to defraud the GCCF of a total of $188,500. THOMAS obtained $8,000 as a result of the scheme.
This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at [email protected] or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon.
New Orleans Man, Davis Norman, Iii, Sentenced to 2 Years for Manufacturing and Selling Counterfeit Motion Pictures and Musical AlbumsRead the Press Release
DAVIS NORMAN, III, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today before U.S. District Court Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. to 24 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with criminal infringement of a copyright, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, an investigation revealed that NORMAN created and sold counterfeit motion pictures and musical albums using a “burner” in his home. NORMAN sold the pirated works out of the back of his car in the parking lot of 2130 North Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans for approximately $10 each. Based in part on his prior arrests for selling counterfeit goods, NORMAN was aware that his conduct was illegal. A search warrant conducted on NORMAN’S home revealed 2 CD/DVD “burners,” over 200 blank CDs and DVDs, 467 DVDs containing pirated motion pictures, and 573 CDs containing pirated music, having a total retail value of at least $12,890.53.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Thomas S. Dougherty of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
John Philip Morrill, Jr, Sentenced for Assault Upon A Federal Officer, Access Device Fraud and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
JOHN PHILIP MORRILL, JR, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to 57 months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to one count of assault upon a federal officer, two counts of access device fraud and one count of bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Lemelle ordered that MORRILL be placed on 3 years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violated any terms of the supervised release. MORRILL was also ordered to pay $20,298.69 in restitution.
According to court documents, on or about September 21, 2012, MORRILL assaulted a special agent of the United States Secret Service who, in the performance of his official duty, was trying to apprehend him. MORRILL also fraudulently obtained goods/services valued at approximately $29,853.16 by using unauthorized credit cards, and by using a PayPal account in association with a fictitious business he claimed to own. MORRILL also defrauded the ASI Federal Credit Union of approximately $2,300, in the form of a personal loan, by using fictitious pay stubs.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
Raceland Man, Johnny Smith, Charged with the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOHNNY SMITH, age 41, a resident of Raceland, Louisiana, was charged today in a two-count Bill of Information with the sexual exploitation of children and possessing images depicting the sexual victimization of children under the age of twelve-years-old, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, between May 12, 2013, and June 23, 2013, SMITH coerced a three-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Furthermore, SMITH was charged with knowingly possessing visual depictions of children under the age of twelve engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
f convicted, SMITH faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years as to Count 1, and a maximum of 20 years as to Count 2 followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 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.”
This case is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Bill of Information )
Postal Employee, Will R. Bulloch, Sentenced for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
WILL R. BULLOCH, age 27, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was sentenced today to two years of probation by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk for the theft of United States mail by a postal employee, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of probation, Judge Africk ordered BULLOCH to pay $11,227.40 in restitution to the United States Postal Service.
According to court documents, BULLOCH admitted that he was employed on March 3, 2007, as a Sales and Service Associate, at the Main Post Office, in Angie, Louisiana. One of the defendant’s jobs was to sell U.S. Postal money orders. Customers would purchase money orders and then place them in an envelope and deposit them to be mailed. BULLOCH confessed that after he sold a money order, he opened the customer’s envelope in the outgoing mail and forged the name on the money order. He admitted that he endorsed them for cash or deposit. He covered up the crime by voiding the money order in the computer system. BULLOCH further admitted that from September 16, 2011, through February 24, 2012, he removed articles from first-class mail presented for delivery. Records reflect that fifty-one money orders sold by BULLOCH had been voided and converted to cash.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dorothy Manning Taylor.
Former Postal Employee, Michael Roig, Pleads Guilty to Embezzleing MailRead the Press Release
MICHAEL ROIG, age 36, a resident of Covington, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan to embezzlement of mail matter, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the factual basis, on May 15, 2012, while working as a United States Postal Service letter carrier at a Metairie post office, ROIG removed a package addressed to a Rouses Supermarket from a delivery bin. ROIG knew from the package’s appearance that it contained postage stamps. Postal Service agents confronted ROIG after he opened the package, which contained over $600 in stamps. ROIG admitted to the agents that he intended to take the stamps.
ROIG faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2013.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon.
(Download Factual Basis )
Former Orleans Parish Deputy, Gerard J. Hoffman, Jr., Sentenced in Bribery CaseRead the Press Release
GERARD J. HOFFMAN, JR., 59, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 5 years probation by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for conspiracy to commit bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of probation, Judge Milazzo ordered HOFFMAN to pay a fine of $25,000 and a $100 special assessment.
According to court records, HOFFMAN, the former head of the maintenance department at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (“OPSO”), began receiving things of value from a contractor, identified as Businessman B in court filings, in exchange for a rigged bidding system employed to steer OPSO work to Businessman B. In particular, from 2007 through 2011, Businessman B would submit bids for OPSO work in the name of his respective company but, with the knowledge and participation of, among others, HOFFMAN, would also submit phony or fake bids for these same projects in the names of other local companies, in an effort to give the appearance of a competitive bidding process. In many cases, the phony bids would intentionally be higher than the bids from Businessman B and, consequently, the OPSO work would be awarded, with HOFFMAN’s participation and knowledge, to Businessman B.
In exchange for this rigged bidding process, according to court documents, HOFFMAN received several things of value from Businessman B. For example, from 2007 through 2011, HOFFMAN received a trailer, a storage container, and free maintenance and construction work at a house owned by HOFFMAN, all at no cost to him. In total, HOFFMAN received at least $5,000, but less than $10,000 in things of value from Businessman B in exchange for HOFFMAN’s official acts at the OPSO.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matt Chester and Jon Maestri.
Former Orleans Parish Bail Bondswoman, Tynekia Buckley, Charged with ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TYNEKIA BUCKLEY, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer today in a one-count Bill of Information, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, BUCKLEY, who worked as a licensed bail bondswoman in New Orleans from 2004 through 2012, conspired with an un-licensed bail bondsman to give cash and things of value to Lear Enclarde, a former assistant bond clerk in the Orleans Parish Criminal Clerk’s Office, in exchange for Enclarde’s permitting the unlicensed bondsman to use BUCKLEY’S name and bonding license, and to forge BUCKLEY’S signature on official court documents.
According to additional court documents, BUCKLEY conspired with that same un-named and un-licensed bail bondsman to give cash and things of value to Gilishia Garrison, a former assistant bond clerk and a former part-time employee of the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, in exchange for Garrison’s illegal and un-authorized release of criminal defendants from the Orleans Parish Prison.
Both Enclarde and Garrison have pleaded guilty to the conduct charged in the Bill of Information.
If convicted, BUCKLEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Dan Friel and Edward Rivera.
(Download Bill of Information )
Siranush Tulumdzhyan and La Medical Group, Inc. Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud ViolationsRead the Press Release
SIRANUSH TULUMDZHYAN, age 28, of Van Nuys, CA, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Eldon Fallon for her role in a health care fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. TULUMDZHYAN was sentenced to 3 years probation with 6 months in a half-way house. TULUMDZHYAN was ordered to pay restitution to Medicaid in the total amount of $31,589.
LA MEDICAL GROUP, INC., a Louisiana corporation that she operated as a medical clinic, also was also sentenced today to three 3 years supervised release. LA MEDICAL GROUP, INC. was ordered to pay restitution to Medicaid in the total amount of $494,268. The Government seized $269,057 from LA MEDICAL GROUP, INC.
According to the bill of information, the defendants participated in a criminal organization for the purpose of fraudulently billing Medicaid. Patients went to the medical clinic for medical tests that were not performed or medically necessary. Patients were moved between Metairie Health Care to LA MEDICAL to repeatedly perform the same unnecessary tests. Metairie Health care has already been sentenced for the same activity. According to the bill of information, if the patients refused the diagnostic tests at LA MEDICAL, prescriptions for narcotic drugs were withheld. Thereafter, bills for the unnecessary services were submitted to Medicaid. TULUMDZHYAN was the owner of LA MEDICAL and also an unlicensed and unqualified diagnostic technician, according to the bill of information.
The investigation was conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; and the Louisiana Department of Justice, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan.
Houma Man, Arlen B. Cenac, Jr., Sentenced for Making False Statements to the Federal Elections CommissionRead the Press Release
ARLEN B. CENAC, JR., age 57, a resident of Houma, LA, was sentenced today in federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier to one year probation, a $5,000 fine and a $100 special assessment for Making False Statements to the Federal Elections Commission, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente and Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. CENAC had previously pleaded guilty to a one-count Bill of Information.
According to court documents, between February 16, 2008 and May 24, 2008, CENAC, who is the president and owner of Cenac Towing, submitted cashier’s checks that he purchased in the names of individuals other than himself to the campaigns of two United States Senate candidates. The money CENAC used to purchase these cashier’s checks came from personal and corporate accounts. In submitting these contributions to the campaigns CENAC, neither obtained nor sought the knowledge, permission or authority of the individuals he listed as remitters on the cashier’s checks. CENAC’s provision of the cashier’s checks caused a knowing and willful “submission of a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation, that is the submission by unwitting authorized campaign committees of candidates for the United States Senate to the Federal Election Commission of a report that was materially false in reporting the source and amount of contributions to the campaigns.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Department of Justice Trial Attorney Tracee Plowell and Assistant U. S. Attorney Dan Friel.
Gretna Man, Keith Joseph Mcgee, Charged with the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
KEITH JOSEPH MCGEE, age 29, of Gretna, Louisiana, was charged today in a three-count Indictment by a federal grand jury for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente. MCGEE was charged with one count of attempting to coerce a minor to produce images of sexually explicit conduct, one count of receiving sexually explicit images of a 14-year-old boy, and one count of receiving sexually explicit images from a 15-year old boy.
MCGEE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum penalty of 70 years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Boente 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 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.”
This case is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Indictment )
New Orleans Man, George Snyder, Charged with Crimes Involving the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
GEORGE SNYDER, age 36, of New Orleans, was charged in a one-count bill of information today for crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente.
If convicted, SNYDER faces up to a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender.
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 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 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.gove/psc. For more information about internet safety, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
United States Attorney Boente reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Bill of Information )
Former Motel Owner, Anil Patel, Guilty of Tax FraudRead the Press Release
ANIL PATEL, age 46, formerly a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance to tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, on August 6, 2009, PATEL signed and filed a 2008 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (Form 1040) with the Internal Revenue Service. That tax return did not report approximately $426,744 in income, which resulted in $111,378 in tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service.
PATEL was the former owner of the Trade Winds and La Village motels that were located on Airline Drive in Metairie, Louisiana. As part of his plea agreement, PATEL agreed to accept responsibility for failing to report $1,373,076 in total unreported income for the tax years 2006 - 2009. As a result, the tax due and owing to the IRS for those years is $393,048. PATEL also previously agreed to pay taxes due and owing to both the parish and state.
Sentencing is set for December 11, 2013 at 9:30 am. PATEL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years, as well as a fine of $250,000 and 1 year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, detectives of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri.
(Download Factual Basis )
New Orleans Woman, Renata Foreman, Charged with Financial Aid FraudRead the Press Release
FOREMAN, RENATA R., age 33, a resident of New Orleans, was charged in a three count bill of information filed today with theft of government funds, mail fraud and identity theft related to her scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Education, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, FOREMAN fraudulently obtained financial aid funds in the amount of $191,617 from several Louisiana and online universities. As part of her scheme to defraud, FOREMAN applied for admission and financial aid in her name and in the name of nine individuals without their knowledge or consent. By falsifying high school graduation information and supplying forged transcripts, FOREMAN induced universities to admit her and others based on false information. FOREMAN also misrepresented her income and other applicant’s income in order to maximize the federal financial aid she illegally received.
If convicted, FOREMAN faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 1; 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 2; and 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 3. FOREMAN also faces three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $300 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.(Download Bill of Information )
Defendant Sentenced After Pleading to Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
TOREY RICHARDSON, age 22, was sentenced today before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk after pleading guilty to violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act and the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts.
TOREY RICHARDSON was sentenced to one-hundred thirty- five (135) months imprisonment and five (5) years of supervised release. RICHARDSON pled guilty to Count 1 RICO Conspiracy, Count 2 Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute over 280 grams Cocaine Base and Count 5 Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and In Relation to Crimes of Violence and Drug Trafficking Offenses.
This case arose out of a joint investigation by FBI, ATF, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This investigation targeted an area which exhibited a disproportionate amount of violent crimes and narcotics trafficking. During the course of the investigation, specific individuals were identified as the main perpetrators of many of the violent acts and much of the narcotics distribution. Federal and local law enforcement officers interviewed witnesses, confidential informants, as well as state defendants, relative to the targeted individuals. It was revealed that a group of individuals operated in various areas of Harvey Louisiana, specifically the neighborhoods known as Scottsdale and Haydel. This group controlled these areas for their narcotics distribution activities through violence and through threats of violence, to include murder, attempted murder, obstruction and assaults. They were referred to as the Harvey Hustlers and/or Murder Squad.
The “Murder Squad,” or “MS,” was a faction of the Harvey Hustlers composed primarily of individuals residing in the Harvey, Louisiana area of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. While they primarily operated on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish, members conducted business in other parts of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The “Harvey Hustlers” also referred to as “HH” originated in the Harvey area in the mid-1980s. Members of the organization “hustled” meaning they distributed illegal narcotics. The original goal of the Harvey Hustlers was to make money from sales of illegal narcotics.
Tax Preparer, Lekeith Robinson, Sentenced for Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
LEKEITH ROBINSON, age 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan for filing false claims against the United States, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. The defendant was sentenced to 21 months incarceration, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $93,804.13 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court documents, ROBINSON owned and operated a tax preparation business called Solid Rock II, Inc. Between February 2009 and May 2010, the defendant prepared fraudulent tax returns in the names of others seeking tax refunds totaling approximately $93,804.43. The tax returns were false in that they contained false dependent information and false household income.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer.
Slidell Woman, Nicole Nicholas, Guilty of ForgeryRead the Press Release
NICOLE NICHOLAS, age 39, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty today in federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to forgery, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, NICHOLAS was employed by Company "A" from 1999 until June 22, 2010. NICHOLAS was in charge of the accounting, banking and finances, including the accounts payable, of the business conducted by Company "A." On May 22, 2009, the defendant intentionally possessed a $3,398.09 counterfeit check of Company “A” and used it to pay for private school tuition.
NICHOLAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, as well as a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri.
(Download Factual Basis )
Local Man, Cristino Nunez, Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government MoneyRead the Press Release
CRISTINO NUNEZ, age 48, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan to theft of government money, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the court records, from March 2001 through July 2011, NUNEZ stole approximately $186,917.50 from the Social Security Administration by obtaining Social Security Disability Insurance payments and other benefits to which he was not entitled.
NUNEZ faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2013.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon.
(Download Factual Basis )
Florida Man, Roger Brent Churchwell, Pleads Guilty to Receiving Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
ROGER BRENT CHURCHWELL, age 38, a resident of Vero Beach, Florida, plead guilty as charged today before U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan, after previously being charged with receiving images depicting the sexual victimization of children, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, during the summer of 2012, CHURCHWELL resided in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the early morning hours of September 16, 2012, CHURCHWELL entered the Old Point Bar, located in Algiers, Louisiana. When he left the bar approximately one hour later, he left his iPhone in the bathroom. A patron found the phone and, in an attempt to identify to whom it belonged, looked at photographs on the phone. The patron saw images of child pornography, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified. After obtaining a search warrant, agents conducting a forensic examination found more than 300 images depicting children as young as 3-years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
CHURCHWELL faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years, and a maximum of 20 years in prison, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 4, 2013, before Judge Berrigan.
This case is being investigated by special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Factual Basis )
Brothers Charged with Setting Fires on the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife RefugeRead the Press Release
RYAN BURLETT, age 34, and DAMIEN BURLETT, age 39, both residents of Orleans Parish, were charged today in a one-count Bill of Information for setting fires on the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in violation of Title 16, United States Code, Section 688 dd(c), (f)(1), announced United States Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, on February 9, 2012, a pilot with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, while on aerial patrol in a Cessna over Slidell, Louisiana, spotted a column of smoke emanating from the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans East. After seeing the smoke column, the pilot flew to the refuge and observed a fire burning on a marsh patch. The pilot also observed two men in a small boat leaving the area of the fire at a high rate of speed. Suspecting that they might have started the fire, the pilot began to follow the boat in an effort to identify them and photograph their activity. As he followed their boat, the pilot witnessed the men start two more fires on marsh patches located within the Refuge. After setting those fires, the men drove their boat to a dock located behind a residence in the Venetian Isles subdivision. The pilot then turned over the photographs of the two men, their boat, and the Venetian Isles residence to agents with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services for further investigation. Through their investigation, the agents were able to identify RYAN and DAMIEN BURLETT as the two men that set the fires in the Refuge. After confirming their identities, the agents interviewed the BURLETT brothers at New Orleans Fire Department Station 31, where they both worked as firemen. During the interview, they admitted that they were the two individuals in the photographs that the pilot took the day of the incident.
If convicted, each face a maximum term of imprisonment of one year, a fine of $100,000.00, a maximum supervised release term of one year following any term of imprisonment, and a $25 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Dana Boente reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge, and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis.
(Download Bill of Information )
St. Charles Parish Man, Chad Michael Hotard, Charged with Production and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHAD MICHAEL HOTARD, age 28, a resident of Luling, Louisiana, was charged today in a Bill of Information with 2 counts of production and 1 count of distribution of child pornography, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, HOTARD knowingly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce child pornography on two separate occasions, December 13, 2012 and March 12, 2013. In addition, HOTARD was charged with distributing digital images and computer images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct on March 13, 2013.
If convicted of production of child pornography the mandatory minimum sentence is 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years as to each count. Distribution of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years. All three charges also carry a fine of $250,000, a term of supervised release for life, and sex offender registration.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bill of Information 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 launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 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, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecution of this case is being handled by Strike Force Chief and Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
(Download Bill of Information )
Union Leader, Malvin Bergeron, Sentenced for Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
MALVIN BERGERON, age 63, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, to four years of probation for embezzling assets of a local labor union, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. The Court also ordered BERGERON to pay restitution in the amount of $4,041.99 as well as a $3,000.00 fine.
According to court records, BERGERON was the president of the Local 537M Graphic Communications Union from November 2004 through May 2011. The Local 537M maintained a checking account with a local bank to hold the membership dues that were collected from the union members. As the union’s president, BERGERON was able to access the funds in the union account through checks. According to court documents, BERGERON embezzled $4,041.88 from the union account by writing, endorsing, and cashing checks made payable to himself personally that were not authorized by the Union’s by-laws.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis.
Orleans Man, Gregory R. Alexander, Pleads Guilty to Possession of Flammable Liquid BombRead the Press Release
GREGORY R. ALEXANDER, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty today in federal court before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a violation of the National Firearms Registration Act, specifically possession of a destructive device commonly known as a gasoline bomb, which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, on February 25, 2013, ALEXANDER attempted to destroy his truck with a flammable liquid (gasoline) bomb while it was parked at a local bank. ALEXANDER then filed an insurance claim claiming his truck had been stolen earlier.
ALEXANDER faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years incarceration. Sentencing has been scheduled for November 14, 2013.
This case was investigated jointly by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) along with bomb squad members and detectives from the New Orleans Police Department and Arson investigators of the New Orleans Fire Department. This case is being prosecuted by Tony Sanders of the Violent Crimes Unit.
(Download Factual Basis )
New Orleans Postal Employee, Chanel M. Mcginnis, Sentenced for Embezzlement of Mail MatterRead the Press Release
CHANEL M. MCGINNIS, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to one year probation for embezzlement of mail matter by a postal employee, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. McGINNIS was also ordered to pay $500 in restitution to the victim.
According to court documents, on or about February 7, 2011, MCGINNIS, while being an employee of the United States Postal Service, embezzled $450 in United States currency that was contained in a first class letter addressed to W.B., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.
New Orleans Man, Ronald Taylor, Indicted as Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
RONALD TAYLOR, age 20, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the indictment, TAYLOR was found in possession of two pistols and has a prior felony conviction in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for aggravated assault with a firearm.
TAYLOR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann.
(Download Indictment )
New Orleans Man, Christopher Joseph, Indicted as Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the indictment, JOSEPH was found in possession of a pistol after having been convicted in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court of possession of 200-400 grams of cocaine and distribution of marijuana.
JOSEPH faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and
3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann.
(Download Indictment )
Maryland Man, Richard Mcneal, Sentenced for Trafficking in Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
RICHARD MCNEAL, age 47, a resident of Randallstown, MD, was sentenced in federal court today by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon for Trafficking in Counterfeit Goods, announced United States Dana J. Boente. MCNEAL was sentenced to 6 months incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay full restitution in the amount of $5,650 to the victims.
According to Court documents, the defendant travelled to New Orleans on or about January 8, 2012 in order to sell counterfeit tickets to the 2012 Allstate BCS National Championship game. Because there were no available hotel rooms in New Orleans, the defendant travelled to Picayune, Mississippi and stayed at a Days Inn Motel. While staying at the Days Inn, the defendant sold four counterfeit tickets, for a total of $3,000, to victims who wanted to attend the BCS National Championship Game. When the victims tried to enter the Mercedes Benz Super Dome to attend the game, the tickets were rejected for being counterfeit. The victims then returned to Picayune, Mississippi and reported the crime to local police.
On or about February 2, 2013, the defendant travelled to New Orleans to sell counterfeit tickets to the Super Bowl. During the events leading up to the Super Bowl, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Football League (NFL) set up the NFL Ticket Reconciliation Office (TRO), as part of an effort to investigate counterfeit Super Bowl ticket sales. On February 3, 2013, at approximately 11:45 a.m., HSI Special Agents were contacted by a victim who sought to verify the authenticity of two tickets she had purchased from the defendant for a total of $1,650. After it was determined that the tickets were counterfeit, the victim provided the defendant’s contact information to HSI Special Agents.
On February 3, 2013, at approximately 12:10 p.m., HSI Special Agents, acting in an undercover capacity, arranged to meet the defendant at a local coffee shop in order to purchase Super Bowl tickets. At the coffee shop, the defendant offered to sell two Super Bowl tickets for a total of $2,600, to an undercover HSI Special Agent. Officers of the New Orleans Police Department who were working with the HSI Special Agents, then arrested the defendant after it was determined that the tickets were counterfeit.
On February 3, 2013, at approximately 2:40 p.m., a second victim entered the TRO and was in possession of two counterfeit tickets he had purchased from the defendant for a total of $1000. The victim had the defendant’s telephone number, and positively identified a photo of the defendant as the person who had sold him the counterfeit tickets.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Picayune Police Department, the Pearl River County District Attorney’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer.
Louisiana State Representative Girod Jackson Charged with Federal Tax ViolationsRead the Press Release
Louisiana State Representative GIROD JACKSON, age 41, was charged today in a three count Bill of Information for violating provisions of the United States Tax Code. Specifically, Jackson was charged with one count of Making a Fraudulent Statement on a Tax Return, a felony, and two counts of Willful Failure to File Tax Returns, misdemeanors.
According to court documents, JACKSON who represents District 87, an area that includes portions of the West Bank of Jefferson Parish, misrepresented on his federal tax return for 2006 the total income received by his company, Diversified Ventures, LLC. In 2007 and 2008, despite having earned sufficient income from Diversified Ventures and other sources and having filed requests for extensions of time to file his tax returns, JACKSON failed to file any returns at all. JACKSON was elected to office in 2007 and served his first full year as State Representative for District 87 in 2008.
If convicted, JACKSON faces the possibility of up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine for Count 1 and up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for Counts 2 and 3.
United States Attorney Dana Boente cautions that a Bill of Information is only a charge and that JACKSON’s guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was led by the Internal Revenue Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Friel.
(Download Bill of Information )
Kentwood Man, Keith J. Pendarvis, Indicted for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
KEITH J. PENDARVIS, age 38, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, was charged today in an indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for failure to register as a sex offender, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
If convicted of the failure to register charge, PENDARVIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release.
U. S. Attorney Boente 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 launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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 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, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
(Download Indictment )
Hollygrove Gang Member, Walter Conley, Pleads Guilty to Federal Rico and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
WALTER CONLEY, age 25 and a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today in federal court before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., to various federal violations stemming from a 34-count indictment which charged CONLEY and several of his associates with participating in a violent drug gang that operated in the Hollygrove area of the City of New Orleans.
As part of his plea agreement, CONLEY agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit RICO; conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and drug trafficking offense; participating in a non-fatal shooting in aid of racketeering, to wit: the assault with a dangerous weapon; using a firearm to murder Paul May on September 14, 2008; committing a carjacking in Jefferson Parish on January 15, 2010; and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Based on his guilty plea, CONLEY will face a sentence of up to life in prison plus an additional 10 years for the firearms offense.
On November 16, 2012, an indictment charged CONLEY, Tyronne Stevenson, Theron Goldston, Bernell Williams, Norman Ratcliff, and Mark Glenn with participating in a RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and several substantive acts of violence.
The indictment alleged the defendants were members and associates in fact of this criminal enterprise that operated in an area of the city that historically encompasses the Hollygrove area of New Orleans. Theron Golston pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey.
Carey Jones also pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the RICO conspiracy, two separate non-fatal shootings, and for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey.
Bernell Williams pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, gun conspiracy, and to his involvement in two separate non-fatal shootings. He will face a sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison.
Ryan Carroll pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy and to discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence. He faces a sentence of 10 years to life.
China Stewart pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and will face a sentence of not more than five years.
On August 21, 2013 co-defendants Tyronne Stevenson and Mark Glenn both pled guilty. Stevenson will receive a sentence of 30 years and Glenn will receive a sentence of 25 years.
CONLEY, Stevenson, and Glenn will be sentenced on December 11, 2013 at 9:00am. CONLEY was the last defendant in this indictment to plead guilty.
U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente stated:
“We are starting to see the results of the strong cases that are being made by the newly formed Multi-Agency Gang Unit (“MAG Unit”) as the indictments in this case were the first to be returned based on the investigations done by the members of the MAG Unit. These long sentences confirm that the agents built their investigations on solid evidence and should put other gang members on notice that the MAG Unit has the ability, the tools, and the knowledge to completely dismantle an entire criminal enterprise. This is the type of effort that the federal government will continue to put forth to combat violent crime.”
U.S. Attorney Boente would like to thank the federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who took the lead role in this investigation and who have been steadfast in their resolve to bring these violent offenders to justice.
The Multi-Agency Gang Unit is a New Orleans Police Department led division which includes federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as participants from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, State Probation and Parole, and the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
Georgia Man, Kaleb Deakle, Sentenced for Defrauding Car DealershipRead the Press Release
KALEB DEAKLE, age 24, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, to 24 months incarceration, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Milazzo ordered DEAKLE to pay $132,093.83 in restitution. DEAKLE pled guilty to wire fraud on April 16, 2013.
According to court documents, DEAKLE previously resided in New Orleans and gained access to the bank account of the management company where he had leased a condominium. DEAKLE used his computer to negotiate the online sale of a 2012 Land Rover Sport. After a series of emails with the salesman, DEAKLE arrived at Land Rover of New Orleans with a check purportedly from the management company. The check was counterfeit and written out for the total purchase price. DEAKLE led the dealership to believe that he was employed by Apple, Inc., that the check was legitimate, and took possession of the vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri.
Gang Members, Tyronne Stevenson and Mark Glenn, from Hollygrove Area Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
TYRONNE STEVENSON and MARK GLENN, both 25 years old and both from New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday in federal court before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., to various federal violations resulting from their association and participation in a violent drug gang operating in the Hollygrove area of the city. The boundaries of the area include South Carrollton Avenue, Earhart Boulevard, Interstate 10, and the Jefferson Parish line.
TYRONNE STEVENSON pled guilty to conspiracy to commit RICO; conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine; conspiracy to use firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and crimes of violence; and participating in two separate non-fatal shootings in aid of racketeering, to wit: the assault with a dangerous weapon. STEVENSON pled guilty pursuant to an 11(c)(1)( C) plea agreement where he will be sentenced to term of imprisonment of 30 years. The Court may accept or reject the plea agreement.
MARK GLENN pled guilty to conspiracy to commit RICO and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. GLENN pled guilty pursuant to an 11(c)(1)( C) plea agreement where he will be sentenced to term of imprisonment of 25 years. The Court may accept or reject the plea agreement.
In November of 2012, a Federal Grand Jury returned a 34-count second superseding indictment charging Walter Conley, Tyronne Stevenson, Theron Goldston, Bernell Williams, Norman Ratcliff, and Mark Glenn with participating in a RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy, and several substantive acts of violence.
Theron Golston pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey.
Carey Jones pled guilty to a life sentence for his participation in the RICO conspiracy, two separate non-fatal shootings, and for his participation in the murder of Ms. Eula May Ivey. .
Bernell Williams pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy, drug conspiracy, gun conspiracy, and to his involvement in two separate non-fatal shootings. He will face a sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison.
Ryan Carroll pled guilty to participating in the RICO conspiracy and to discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence. He faces a sentence of 10 years to life. He was charged in the original superseding indictment.
China Stewart pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and will face a sentence of not more than five years.
Williams, Carroll and Stewart are scheduled for sentencing on October 16, 2013.
The sole remaining defendant, WALTER CONLEY, is scheduled to stand trial on September 23, 2013. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty at trial.
The case was investigated by the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, a New Orleans Police Department led division which includes federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service, as well as participants from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, State Probation and Parole, and the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
(Download Factual Basis - Tyronne Stevenson )
(Download Factual Basis - Mark Glenn )
Three Sentenced to Defrauding the Veterans AdministrationRead the Press Release
RONALD BELL, age 41, of Gretna; REGINA DAVIS, age 63, of New Orleans; and YODONNALISA EVANS, age 45, of New Orleans were sentenced today in federal court by U. S. District Judge Martin Feldman for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. BELL was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and $563,986.47 in restitution. DAVIS was sentenced to 15.5 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and $203,007.91 in restitution. EVANS was sentenced to 17 months in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and $360,978.56 in restitution.
According to court documents, the defendants were employed by the Veterans Health Administration at the New Orleans VA Medical Center. BELL was employed as a Program Manager. His duties included supervision of employees responsible for the authorization and coordination of payment of care provided to veterans in the community at VA expense as well as the coordination of consultations ordered by VA providers. DAVIS was employed as a Program Support Assistant. Her duties included entering authorizations in conjunction with case management referrals for inpatient and outpatient fee basis programs, and entering vendors’ activity for various health care programs. EVANS was employed as a Clerk/Secretary to the Supervisor of Medical Administration Service, a Fee Clerk, and a Payroll Clerk. As a Clerk/Secretary, she was responsible for preparing correspondence, tracking action items, time keeping and various other administrative duties. As a Fee Clerk, she was responsible for verifying days of care on invoice, ensuring funds were obligated to pay invoices, and various other duties. As a Payroll Clerk, she was responsible to verify payroll output and release payroll, handle garnishments, research pay information, and handle W-2 corrections and wage verifications.
Between January 2001 and December 2008, the defendants devised a scheme to defraud the VA by creating false companies and billing patient files for fraudulent services. Defendants DAVIS and BELL created false companies called Davis Health Care Consulting, LLC and Caring Hearts Healthcare. BELL then obtained the identities of veterans registered with the Veterans Administration and submitted fraudulent bills from Davis Health Care Consulting, LLC and Caring Hearts Healthcare for health care services falsely claimed to have been provided to the veterans whose identities he had obtained. BELL then arranged for the payments associated with the fraudulently submitted bills to be sent to the custody of defendant DAVIS. Once DAVIS received the payments, she split the money with BELL. In total, DAVIS and BELL fraudulently obtained approximately $203,007.91 from the Veterans Administration.
Defendants EVANS and BELL created a false company called C&E Rehabilitation Clinic. BELL then obtained the identities of veterans registered with the Veterans Administration and submitted fraudulent bills from C&E Rehabilitation Clinic for health care services falsely claimed to have been provided to the veterans whose identities he had obtained. BELL then arranged for the payments associated with the fraudulently submitted bills to be sent to the custody of defendant EVANS. Once EVANS received the payments, she split the money with BELL. In total, EVANS and BELL fraudulently obtained approximately $360,978.56 from the Veterans Administration.
The case was investigated by Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer.
Terrytown Man, Warren Stewart, Pleads Guilty to Unauthorized Recording of A Motion Picture and Criminal Infringement of A CopyrightRead the Press Release
WARREN STEWART, age 37, a resident of Terrytown, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged today before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. to the unauthorized recording of a motion picture and criminal infringement of a copyright, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, an investigation determined that on January 27, 2013, STEWART used a digital camcorder to record the motion picture Broken City in Theater 11 of the AMC Westbank Palace 16 movie theater, located in Harvey, Louisiana, without the authorization of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). STEWART then uploaded the copy of Broken City via the Internet to servers organized and managed by individuals who collectively sought to obtain copies of the video and audio components of motion pictures currently showing in theaters that had not yet been commercially released on DVD/Blu-ray or in any other form for sale to the general public. Subsequently, the investigation determined that STEWART had recorded 8 other motion pictures at the AMC Westbank Palace 16 between November 21, 2012, and January 29, 2013, without authorization. STEWART then duplicated and sold copies of these movies.
Additionally, court documents revealed that STEWART copied and sold copyrighted musical works and motion pictures without the authorization of the copyright holders, the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) and the MPAA, respectively. After extensive surveillance, on March 6, 2012, agents executed a search warrant at STEWART’S residence, during which time they seized approximately 9,063 pirated DVDs containing copyrighted motion pictures and 3,241 pirated CDs containing copyrighted musicwhich STEWART held out for sale.
STEWART faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 8 years, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 11, 2013, at 9:00 a.m.
The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
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New Orleans Man, Jahvar Hooks, Charged with Making Threatening Phone CallsRead the Press Release
JAHVAR HOOKS, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby today after being charged by criminal complaint with making threatening telephone calls in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the criminal complaint, from August 12, 2013 through August 19, 2013, HOOKS made in excess of 40 telephonic bomb threats. Victims of these threatening phone calls include the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and the New Orleans Municipal/Traffic Court along with schools, hotels, casinos, and other government buildings. In an interview with officers of the New Orleans Police Department, HOOKS admitted to making the threatening telephone calls.
If convicted, the maximum penalty as to each charge is ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three (3) year term of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that a criminal complaint is merely a charge, which matter must be presented to a federal grand jury and thereafter, that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
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San Diego Real Estate Developer, Mark Hofmann, Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MARK HOFMANN, age 55, a real estate developer from San Diego, California was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, in late 2008, HOFMANN sought investors to invest approximately $3,000,000 for the acquisition of an approximately five-acre tract of land adjacent to the Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, Louisiana and for the development of two office buildings on that land. Ultimately, HOFMANN and his partner convinced Bolivar Investors Group, L.L.C., an investment group organized by members of the Crescent River Port Pilots’ Association, to invest the money. Together, HOFMANN, his partner, and Bolivar, created a new entity, “Newtrac West,” to facilitate the purchase and development in February 2009. Shortly thereafter, HOFMANN and his partner opened a bank account in the name of Newtrac West for which only they were listed as signatories. Between January 20, 2009, and July 14, 2009, Bolivar made six deposits, including five by wire, into the Newtrac West bank account, totaling approximately $3,000,000.
The Bill of Information further alleges that between January 26, 2009, and December 14, 2009, on at least twenty-four occasions, HOFMANN withdrew funds from the account without authorization and used them to repay his personal expenses and debts apart from and unrelated to the purchase or development of the land in Covington. In total, HOFMANN misappropriated approximately $404,000. Subsequently, HOFMANN and his partner created doctored bank statements based on the real bank statements for the Newtrac West account that were designed to hide the unauthorized withdrawal of funds for HOFMANN’S personal use, and, further, to deceive representatives of Bolivar into believing that Newtrac West was in excellent financial condition. HOFMANN provided these fraudulent statements to Bolivar’s representatives regularly.
If convicted, HOFMANN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Boente reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
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Developer, Praveen Kailas, Pled to Theft of Government Funds and Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
PRAVEEN KAILAS, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a bill of information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and one count of theft of government funds before U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. The indictment filed on June 27, 2013, and the plea filed on August 1, 2013, were unsealed today.
According to the court record, KAILAS’s charges stem from his company, Lago Construction, L.L.C.’s, overbilling its construction monitoring subcontract for the Louisiana Road Home’s Small Rental Property Program (“SRPP”). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) funds the SRPP which provides monetary assistance to property owners to repair their small scale rental properties damaged by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. In order to receive the grant, a small rental property owner has to agree to make the renovated rental units available to moderate to low-income tenants for a period of years. HUD provided the State of Louisiana Office of Community Development with federal funds to administer the SRPP. The State of Louisiana in turn subcontracted with private entities to oversee the administration of the SRPP, including the renovation of the properties.
Starting on June 6, 2011, Lago Construction, L.L.C., began its subcontract performing construction monitoring of the renovations of SRPP funded properties. KAILAS’s theft of federal funds designated for SRPP administration began from the inception of Lago Construction, L.L.C.’s subcontract when one of the Lago Construction, L.L.C., stakeholders was billed for working on the subcontract 40 hours each week, but did not spend 40 hours each week performing SRPP construction monitoring services or any other administrative services. The theft continued until on or about November 16, 2012, as KAILAS, and others approved timesheets overstating the amount of hours other individuals worked on SRPP related activities.
In court documents associated with his guilty plea, KAILAS admitted that he and other stakeholders of Lago Construction, L.L.C., solicited monitors to work on the construction of a home they owned in New Orleans, Louisiana, and/or to work at other companies owned and operated by them. Hours that these monitors spent on other projects for KAILAS and other stakeholders of Lago Construction, L.L.C., were not deducted from the hours that were billed to the SRPP contract nor were the monitors paid separately for the work they performed on other projects. KAILAS and Lago Construction, L.L.C., were paid from federal dollars for these monitors as if they had spent all the hours they billed each week performing services related to the SRPP.
KAILAS is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2013. He faces up to 5 years imprisonment on the conspiracy count and up to 10 years imprisonment on the theft of government funds count. The amount of restitution will be set by the Court.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Housing and Urban Development. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.
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California Man, Martin Vellozzi, Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
MARTIN VELLOZZI, age 56, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, pleaded guilty as charged today before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to one-count Bill of Information charging him with mail fraud for his role in creating and selling non-authentic Merceds-Benz diagnostic equipment, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the court documents, VELLOZZI owned LMV Industries, a California-based company that offered technical information and support for Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Between about 2005 and July 2012, VELLOZZI also produced and sold unauthorized and non-authentic versions of the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic System (SDS), a hand-held computer containing proprietary, confidential software. Such diagnostic devices are used by mechanics to identify problems with and assure the safety of motor vehicles employing electronic control systems. By selling non-authentic, unauthorized SDS that bore Mercedes-Benz logos and trademarks, VELLOZZI mislead purchasers into thinking that the equipment he was selling was authentic and authorized by Daimler AG, when, in fact, they were not.
Furthermore, according to court documents, the “real” SDS sold for between $8,300 and $22,000 each; VELLOZZI sold the non-authentic SDS, which contained Mercedes-Benz logos and trademarks, for approximately $6,000. VELLOZZI worked with a company in Durham, North Carolina and a company in Harahan, Louisiana to manufacture, sell, and repair the “fake” SDS, which were then sent through commercial interstate carrier, including Federal Express and the United Parcel Service, to the purchasers. On some occasions, when one of the fake SDS units VELLOZZI sold would break, the Harahan-based company would provide fixes or “patches” either to VELLOZZI or directly to the customer. VELLOZZI also used cracking software, called “keygens” to “unlock” SDS software, override Mercedes-Benz’s security protections, and make the software (and software updates) work on his unauthorized SDS. In total, VELLOZZI sold approximately ninety-five (95) non-authentic SDS, at approximately $6,000 each.
VELLOZZI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2013 at 2:00 pm.
This case is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
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Raceland Man, Ronald Breaux, Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RONALD BREAUX, age 67, of Raceland, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U. S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown for a crime involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, BREAUX used “peer-to-peer” file sharing programs on his computer to search for, download, and share videos and images of children as young as 18-months-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On August 14, 2012, BREAUX distributed at least one video involving a girl approximately 8-years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover law enforcement agent. On September 25, 2012, law enforcement officials, led by the State of Louisiana Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General, executed a search warrant at BREAUX’S residence and seized two computers and five electronic storage devices. A subsequently forensic search of the items revealed that BREAUX had used a series of search terms indicative of child pornography to search for the images and videos. After identifying files of interest, most of which had very explicit titles, BREAUX catalogued the pictures and videos in computer folders he created with names like “young,” “crime,” and “incest.” In total, BREAUX downloaded, viewed, and saved at least 1,485 images and 479 videos of children being victimized.
BREAUX faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 20 years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2013, at 10:00 am.
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.”
This case was investigated by agents from the State of Louisiana Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Matthew S. Chester.
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Slidell Woman, Keishandra Houston, Sentenced for Wire Fraud in Aftermath of Bp Oil SpillRead the Press Release
KEISHANDRA HOUSTON, age 36, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U. S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier, to one year of probation for committing wire fraud relating to an application for financial assistance in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. HOUSTON was also ordered to pay BP America restitution in the amount of $5,900.
The Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) made disaster assistance money available to individuals affected by the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The GCCF required individuals to verify loss of income. According to court documents, in September 2010, HOUSTON falsely represented to the GCCF that she worked as a cook at a seafood restaurant and suffered financially due to lost employment as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. To support this fraudulent claim, HOUSTON wired to the GCCF false earnings statements which incorrectly indicated that she was employed by a seafood restaurant. In response to the claim, the GCCF paid HOUSTON $5,900.
This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at [email protected] or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon.
Pontchatoula Man, Anthony Smith, Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ANTHONY SMITH, age 50, a resident of Pontchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 183 months (15.25 years) imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy involving the trafficking of more than five kilograms of cocaine from the Houston, Texas area, to Bogalusa, Louisiana, announced U. S Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Milazzo imposed 10 years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment. During the 10-year term the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of his supervised release.
On December 12, 2011, SMITH previously entered a guilty plea admitting to the actions he took during the conspiracy. SMITH drove to Texas on several occasions with and on behalf of co-defendant DEREK MOSS for the purposes of obtaining cocaine from LUIS COLON, a source in that area. Agents observed SMITH meet with COLON on one occasion. On a later occasion, agents followed SMITH, MOSS, and TODD MARK back from Texas to the Laplace area. SMITH was stopped as he traveled toward Pontchatoula on Interstate 55. MARK and MOSS were arrested later that day following a car chase through Metairie, which ended on the Mississippi River levee, where MARK and MOSS attempted to discard nearly four kilograms of cocaine.
After sentencing, SMITH was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal’s Service to begin his term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and Bogalusa Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin G. Boitmann.
Ponchatoula Home Elevation Company and Owner, Christopher Benson, Sentenced for Structuring Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS, L.L.C., a Ponchatoula-based home elevation and shoring company, and its owner, CHRISTOPHER BENSON, age 32, a resident of Ponchatoula, was sentenced today in federal court by U. S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. BENSON was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Barbier ordered that BENSON be placed on one year of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of supervised release. LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS was sentenced to five years probation.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2012, LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS and BENSON pled guilty to their roles in a scheme that occurred in March 2010 whereby they issued two checks each in amounts below $10,000, but together totaling in excess of $10,000, from the company’s bank account to an individual named Adolfo Hernandez, who then cashed the checks on separate days at a Central Progressive Bank branch. LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS and BENSON assisted Hernandez to engage in these structured currency transactions knowing of the bank’s obligation to report transactions in excess of $10,000, and the defendants intended to avoid those reporting requirements. Hernandez pled guilty in May 2012 to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, a scheme wherein he used the funds paid to him by LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS and BENSON to pay illegal aliens who worked at LOUISIANA HOME ELEVATIONS worksites.
The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir and Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael McMahon.
New Orleans Woman, Clarissa O. Morgan, Pleads Guilty to Mail FraudRead the Press Release
CLARISSA O. MORGAN, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today in federal court before U. S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, to a one-count indictment charging her with mail fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, MORGAN submitted a fraudulent claim to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility on September 27, 2010. In her claim application she stated that she lost income from her job at Queen and Crescent Hotel in New Orleans as a result of the oil spill. In support of her claim, MORGAN submitted a fraudulent letter from the hotel stating that her work hours had been cut due to lack of business. Shortly after submitting the claim form, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility mailed two payments totaling $10,300 to MORGAN’S home in New Orleans. After the payments were issued, an investigator with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility contacted the Queen and Crescent Hotel to discuss MORGAN’S work history. The Director of Human Resources stated that the signer of the fraudulent letter submitted by MORGAN in support of her claim was not, nor had ever been, employed at the hotel; and further, that MORGAN did not become laid off nor have her hours cut because of the oil spill. On September 26, 2012, an agent with the FBI interviewed MORGAN about the matter. MORGAN admitted that the claim she filed with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility was fraudulent.
MORGAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 14, 2013, at 9:30 am.
This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at [email protected] or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
The case was investigated by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis.
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New Orleans Woman, Alicia Wells, Sentenced for Defrauding Gulf Coast Claims FacilityRead the Press Release
ALICIA WELLS, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by U. S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 4 years probation for mail fraud relating to a fraudulent application she made to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) for financial assistance in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of probation, Judge Barbier ordered the defendant to pay restitution in the amount of $13,200 to BP America.
According to court documents, the GCCF made disaster assistance money available to individuals and businesses affected by the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion. The GCCF required individuals to verify loss of income. On September 25, 2010, WELLS applied for disaster assistance funds, representing that she was working at Center Plate before the oil spill. However, WELLS had never worked for Center Plate and that she submitted false documentation to establish that she was employed at Center Plate and to establish her false loss earnings. Based on WELLS’ fraudulent application, the GCCF issued three checks totaling $13,200 to which WELLS was not entitled.
This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at [email protected] or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.
Carlos Alberto Aguilar Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
CARLOS ALBERTO AGUILAR, age 40, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday by U. S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to 10 months imprisonment, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Feldman ordered that AGUILAR be placed on three years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment, during which time the defendant will be under federal supervision and risks an additional term of imprisonment should he violate any terms of supervised release.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2013, AGUILAR pled guilty to a one-count indictment admitting he was an alien who was previously removed and was knowingly and unlawfully found in the United States, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on December 18, 2012, without the Attorney General or Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, having expressly consented to his re-application for admission into the United States. AGUILAR’s sentence was subject to enhancement based on a previous felony conviction.
This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Weir.