Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Anthony Penn Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Defrauding the United StatesRead the Press Release
ANTHONY PENN, age 51, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., to a one-count indictment for conspiring to defraud the United States by accepting kickback payments in connection with a disaster clean up contract administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, announced U.S Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired a national firm called Phillips and Jordan to manage the removal of storm debris from the City of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the metro area. After they were awarded the contract, Phillips and Jordan hired Company A, a local solid waste management company to assist with the debris removal project. After securing the contract, Company A hired PENN to manage the debris removal project for them. After some time on the job, PENN approached the owner of Company A and asked if he would consider hiring KCJ Enterprises as a sub-tier subcontractor. The owner of Company A accepted the recommendation and hired KCJ Enterprises to work on the project. Sometime thereafter, PENN asked Kenneth Johnson, Sr., owner of KCJ Enterprises, to provide him with a cut of the payments that KCJ Enterprises was receiving from Company A as a reward for steering the contract to him. Johnson agreed to the plan and began wiring funds to PENN’s bank account. In total, PENN received $222,261.55 in kickback payments from Johnson during the scheme.
PENN 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. Sentencing is scheduled for July 10, 2013.
Johnson is currently awaiting trial scheduled for July 29, 2013. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum term of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the United States Department of Defense. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis.
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Victor Mendez-guinto Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Transfer of Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
VICTOR MENDEZ-GUINTO, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to seven counts of unlawful transfer of identification documents announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, beginning on or about August 14, 2012 and continuing through October 4, 2012, MENDEZ-GUINTO knowingly transferred numerous counterfeit and stolen identification documents, including Social Security cards, birth certificates, and state identification cards, knowing that such documents were produced without lawful authority.
MENDEZ-GUINTO will be sentenced on July 11, 2013, and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment as to each count of the indictment.
The case was investigated by special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
Marlon Jenerro Green Pleads Guilty to Threatening Veterans Affairs EmployeesRead the Press Release
JANICE STAVES, age 57, a resident of New Orleans, and JAMES YOUNGBLOOD, age 69, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit public bribery in federal court today before United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, STAVES was employed as a Purchasing Clerk for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) from 1992 until June 1, 2009. YOUNGLOOD also had previously worked at HANO from 1972 until 2003. Upon leaving HANO, YOUNGBLOOD formed and operated YOUNGBLOOD and YOUNGBLOOD Construction, LLC.
During the conspiracy, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD figured out a way to embezzle money from HANO, which receives federal funding. In 2007, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD discussed, telephonically and in person, that STAVES could get YOUNGBLOOD paid with HANO funds, for doing no work, and in return, YOUNGBLOOD provided kickbacks to STAVES. During this time frame, YOUNGBLOOD received HANO checks totaling $661,904.11, despite having performed no work. STAVES, deposited approximately $100,448.00 in cash from YOUNGBLOOD, into accounts that she controlled. YOUNGBLOOD would deposit his checks and then bring STAVES cash at the HANO office so that she would receive her portion. YOUNGBLOOD would bring the cash to her office in an envelope. They would meet in the parking lot, or in the parking lots of gas stations or restaurants close to the HANO office.
Legitimate HANO transactions mandated that requisition orders for jobs would come from a particular department, and would be routed to STAVES, who was then supposed to create a legitimate purchase order. The purchase order would then be routed to supervisors for proper approval, and a check would be issued from Accounts Payable after receiving the required supervisor signatures. However, these procedures were not followed. Also, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD took advantage of the fact that some smaller vendors were allowed to receive prepaid checks to facilitate the payment of workers. STAVES also did not ask for nor receive any requisition orders on jobs purportedly done by YOUNGBLOOD, as no work had been done.
In order to work around HANO’s procedures, STAVES would create fake purchase orders for YOUNGBLOOD and request a prepaid check. The fraudulent purchase order was usually for debris removal and/or supplies, such as locks.
Both defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, as well as a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 2:00pm.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri.
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Marlon Jenerro Green Pleads Guilty to Threatening Veterans Affairs EmployeesRead the Press Release
MARLON JENERRO GREEN, age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to one count of making threatening communications announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, GREEN is a U.S. military veteran receiving monthly benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who called the VA office in New Orleans on May 24, 2011 and threatened to kill an employee over a dispute regarding his VA benefits.
GREEN will be sentenced on July 10, 2013, and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment as to each count of the indictment.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
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Covington Businessman, Bay E. Ingram, Sentenced in Connection with Bp Oil Spill FraudRead the Press Release
BAY E. INGRAM, age 51, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 18 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the aftermath of the BP oil spill, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. INGRAM was also ordered to pay $463,271.31 in restitution, which he paid today, to the victims of his crimes; Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC (RLC) received $314,091.77 and British Petroleum, p.l.c. (BP) received $149,179.54.
According to court documents, INGRAM was a businessman who owned and operated Southeast Recovery Group (SRG), a company which provided disaster relief services in the aftermath of the oil spill due to the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. INGRAM through his company SRG, provided a helicopter that was supposed to be used for oil spill response by representatives of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and also assisted in the construction of helipads at the Hopedale, Louisiana facility of British Petroleum, p.l.c. (BP). In the case of both the helicopter and the helipads, INGRAM through his company SRG, acted as a “middleman” between the supplier of the helicopter, and the companies responsible for the construction of the helipads, on the one hand, and BP, who was billed for cost of providing the goods and services, on the other hand. In the case of the helicopter, INGRAM was supplied the helicopter from his supplier, a company called Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC (RLC).
According to documents filed with the court, INGRAM arranged for the helicopter to be stationed at Hopedale from June through November 2010, but never had an agreement with BP to supply the helicopter after June 15, 2010. In an effort to get paid by BP, and to justify the amount of his unpaid invoices to BP totalling approximately $1.4 million, INGRAM falsified and forged documents, including a contract between his company and RLC. INGRAM also falsified flight logs and flight manifests for the helicopter.
INGRAM also caused the construction of five helipads at Hopedale at a cost of approximately $110,000. He then falsely represented to BP that his actual costs had been over $250,000, and billed BP for, and was paid, $303,000.
Throughout the period June 2010 and April 2011, court documents assert that INGRAM’s suppliers repeatedly contacted INGRAM in an effort to seek payment. Trying to dissuade his suppliers from contacting BP directly, INGRAM created false and fictitious e-mails, some in the names of real persons and some in the name of a non-existent or fictitious person.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matt Chester and Eileen Gleason.
Engineer from M/t Stolt Facto, Anselmo Capillanes, Pleads Guilty to Violating Act to Prevent Pollution from ShipsRead the Press Release
ANSELMO CAPILLANES, age 48, a citizen of the Phillipines, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to a one-count bill of information for violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships, Title 33, United States Code, Section 1908, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente today.
According to the court documents, CAPILLANES served as the Second Engineer of the M/T Stolt Facto, a 26,328 gross ton oil tanker,from September 22, 2012 until on or about January 16, 2013. CAPILLANES was responsible for the operation of the Oil Water Separator onboard the vessel. The Oil Water Separator is the principal technology utilized to detect and prevent concentrations of oil in excess of 15 ppm in the vessel’s bilge water from being discharged overboard.
Starting in October 2012, CAPILLANES directed members of the engine room crew to connect hoses from the bilge wells and bilge holding tank located on the lower deck of the engine room and pump the contents of those tanks into the sewage holding tank on the uppermost deck of the engine room. By transferring the contents of the bilge wells to the sewage holding tank the oily water by-passed the Oil Water Separator and was then discharged from the sewage holding tank into the ocean.
These transfers and discharges were not recorded in the M/T Stolt Facto’s Oil Record Book. The Oil Record Book entries indicated that the Oil Water Separator had been used. In court documents associated with his guilty plea, CAPILLANES admitted he ran fresh water or sea water through the Oil Water Separator so that he could get readings from the White Box, the data recorder on the Oil Water Separator, making it appear that the Oil Water Separator was used in a manner consistent with the statements in the Oil Record Book to conceal that not all of the ship’s oily waste water was properly treated before being dumped overboard.
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Former Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, Mark Hebert, Indicted for Civil Rights, Bank Fraud, Computer Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
An indictment against former Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy MARK HEBERT, age 48, was announced today by Roy L. Austin Jr., Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division; Dana J. Boente, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Michael J. Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI New Orleans Field Office; and Newell Normand, Jefferson Parish Sheriff.
According to the indictment, HEBERT engaged in a scheme to defraud J.P. Morgan Chase Bank from August 2, 2007, until November 21, 2007. The scheme began when HEBERT, in his capacity as a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, responded to an automobile accident involving Albert Bloch and stole, among other things, Bloch’s VISA debit card. The indictment alleges that Hebert then used that debit card to make unauthorized purchases of merchandise and to withdraw funds from Bloch’s Chase Bank account using ATMs. After Chase Bank cancelled the debit card due to Bloch filing a dispute with the bank, HEBERT continued his scheme to defraud by negotiating and attempting to negotiate forged checks drawn on Bloch’s Chase Bank account. It is also alleged that HEBERT obtained the replacement debit card that Chase Bank sent to Bloch and used that card to make unauthorized transactions at ATMs.
The indictment charges that HEBERT, while acting under color of law, deprived Bloch of his Constitutional rights by seizing and converting funds that Bloch had on deposit with Chase Bank. In addition, the indictment alleges that HEBERT committed 48 counts of bank fraud from August 2, 2007, to November 21, 2007. The indictment also charges HEBERT with four counts of computer fraud for accessing the National Crime Information Center to obtain non-public information about Bloch in furtherance of his scheme to defraud. Furthermore, HEBERT is charged with two counts of aggravated identity theft for using a means of identification of Bloch during, and in relation to, the bank fraud violations. Finally, HEBERT is charged with five counts of obstruction of justice for knowingly concealing and covering up physical evidence with the intent to impede any investigation into the underlying criminal allegations against HEBERT.
For each of the 48 counts of bank fraud, HEBERT faces a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine. For each of the five counts of obstruction of justice, HEBERT faces a statutory maximum term of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. For each of the four counts of computer fraud, HEBERT faces a statutory maximum term of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For each of the two counts of aggravated identity theft, HEBERT faces a term of imprisonment of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For the count charging a civil rights violation, HEBERT faces a statutory maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
An indictment is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective’s Bureau and the FBI with assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steve Parker and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Shan Patel.
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Fafane Daniel Pleads Guilty to Crime Aboard AircraftRead the Press Release
FAFANE DANIEL, age 32, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pled guilty before the U. S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon today to violating Title 49, United States Code, Section 46506, assault on an aircraft in flight within the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, DANIEL was a ticketed passenger traveling with her juvenile child on a Southwest Airlines flight originating in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and terminating in Las Vegas, Nevada. DANIEL verbally and physically assaulted the passenger seated beside her because she mistakenly believed that passenger injured DANIEL’s child. Due to this incident, the flight was diverted to New Orleans, Louisiana where DANIEL was taken into custody.
DANIEL will be sentenced on July 11, 2013. She faces a maximum term of 6 months imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
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Florida Men Arrested for Conspiracy to Illegally Transport Destructive Devices and Machine GunsRead the Press Release
JAIME JAUREGUI, 34, and CARLOS CABRERA, 42, both of Orlando, Florida, RUBEN JAUREGUI, 24, and FRANCISCO MALDONADO, 46, both of Dade City, Florida, were arrested last Friday (March 22, 2013) and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to transport destructive devices (M-60 Grenades) and machine guns (AK 47 fully automatic assault rifles and Colt M-4 automatic assault rifles) in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 922(a)(4), announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to previously filed court documents, agents of Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans received information in January 2012 indicating that JAIME JAUREGUI was interested in acquiring items listed on the United States Munitions List to be smuggled to end users in Mexico. On at least four occasions from January 2012 through March 21, 2013, JAIME JAUREGUI met with undercover agents in St. Tammany Parish to negotiate the purchase of more than 100 fully automatic assault rifles, grenade launchers, grenades, and night vision goggles, all of which were destined for a Mexican drug trafficking cartel. JAIME JAUREGUI provided a cash deposit of approximately $46,000.00 during those meetings. JAIME JAUREGUI hired CARLOS CABRERA, FRANCISCO MALDONADO, and RUBEN JAUREGUI to assist him with transporting the weapons to the final destinations. None of the men have federal firearms or export licenses. On March 21, 2013, all were arrested by Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations.
New Orleans Postal Employee, Chanel M. Mcginnis, Charged with Embezzlement of Mail MatterRead the Press Release
CHANEL M. MCGINNIS, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with embezzlement of mail matter by a postal employee, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, it is alleged that on or about February 7, 2011, MCGINNIS, while being an employee of the United States Postal Service, did embezzle a first class letter addressed to W.B., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, containing $450 in United States currency.
If convicted, MCGINNIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000., and three (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 United States Postal Service- Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.
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Chase M. Robichaux Pleads Guilty to Trafficking of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHASE M. ROBICHAUX, age 23, a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to being part of a conspiracy involving the trafficking of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
ROBICHAUX pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to a one-count violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The count carries a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment and a minimum of 10 years.
According to court documents, ROBICHAUX exited his residence and traveled to a Days Inn Hotel in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he collected packages of methamphetamine from individuals therein. ROBICHAUX exited the hotel with the packages, but hid the packages in a cane field after learning that authorities were looking for him. ROBICHAUX was later arrested at his residence and admitted to distributing methamphetamine he had obtained from a California source. ROBICHAUX took agents to the cane field where he had buried the packages of methamphetamine. Agents retrieved the packages, which were found to contain more than 2,000 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrebonne Narcotics Task Force, and Louisiana State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin G. Boitmann.
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Norman Toups, Jr. Sentenced for Defrauding the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
NORMAN TOUPS, JR., 63, a resident of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to two years probation by U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. TOUPS paid full restitution to the Social Security Administration prior to sentencing.
According to court documents, TOUPS pled guilty on November 28, 2012 , to making false statements in an application to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits claiming that he could no longer work as a security guard due to sever leg pain. In his application, TOUPS also claimed that he was financially destitute when, in truth and fact, he owned several valuable pieces of real estate in the New Orleans area. As a result of his false statements to Social Security, TOUPS received $53,632,79 in disability benefits to which he was not entitled.
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis.
Norman and Jami Ducre Plead Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NORMAN DUCRE, 41 and JAMI DUCRE, 44, residents of Slidell, Louisiana, each pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday before the Honorable Susie Morgan to two counts of willfully making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the factual basis, during the charged years, the DUCREs owned and operated J & J Auto Brokers, LLC, a used car dealership located in Slidell, Louisiana. NORMAN DUCRE was primarily responsible for sales and inventory acquisition and management, while JAMI DUCRE was primarily responsible for the business' bookkeeping. As part of her plea, JAMI DUCRE admitted to providing false and fraudulent monthly income and expense statements to the firm's tax preparer, knowing full well that the reports did not contain all of the business's cash sales. Likewise, NORMAN DUCRE admitted as part of his guilty plea that, on a routine basis, he would fail to report cash sales made by J & J Auto Brokers, and would further pocket the cash made from the illicit sales, instead of reporting said cash on the businesses books and records.
The fraudulent income reports that both NORMAN and JAMI DUCRE provided or caused to be provided to their tax preparer were then used to prepare income tax returns for the business and for the DUCREs individually. At their plea hearing yesterday, the DUCREs admitted to signing and filing with the IRS a false Form 1040 for tax year 2005 that substantially understated their income from J & J Auto Brokers and a false Form 1040 for tax year 2006 that substantially overstated their loss from the business. The total tax loss from the charged conduct is $69,451.
Sentencing for both defendants is set for June 19, 2013. As to each count, the DUCREs face a maximum term of three years imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, a $100 special assessment, and a one year supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter Guice and Trial Attorney Hayden Brockett of the U. S. Department of Justice, Tax Division.
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Netzahualcoyotl Guinto-ascenscio Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transferring A Fraudulent Identification DocumentRead the Press Release
NETZAHUALCOYOTL GUINTO-ASCENSCIO, age 36, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente. GUINTO pled guilty to a count one of a three-count indictment charging him with unlawful transfer of a fraudulent identification document.
According to court documents, on or about October 16, 2012, GUINTO sold a counterfeit Social Security card, knowing that the identification document was produced without lawful authority, and the false identification document appeared to have been issued by or under the authority of the United States.
GUINTO faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2013 at 10:00 A.M.
The case was investigated the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Weir.
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Nedra Bell Pleads Guilty to Katrina Related Fraud and to Making False Statements to Housing Authority of New OrleansRead the Press Release
NEDRA BELL, age 40, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk, to theft of government funds and to making false statements to an agency of the United States, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, BELL applied for a Louisiana Road Home grant for property she was renting from her brother at the time of Hurricane Katrina. BELL applied for the grant on behalf of her brother, falsely stating that he was residing in the property at the time of Hurricane Katrina. As a result of her false statements in her application, BELL fraudulently received approximately $54,372 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), an agency and department of the United States.
BELL is also charged with one count of making false statements to a federal agency on a re-certification application and HUD Income Questionnaire to the Housing Authority of New Orleans (“HANO”) for HUD rental subsidized housing under its Section 8 program. BELL denied that she received self-employment income or owned property, when in truth and in fact, she received income from her business as a hair stylist and owned property.
Upon sentencing, set for June 20, 2013, BELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years years, a $250,0000 fine, restitution to the HUD, three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $200 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.(Download Factual Basis )
Michael Page Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ViolationRead the Press Release
MICHAEL PAGE, 36, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today in federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”), announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, PAGE conspired with others, known and unknown from February of 2010 until September of 2010 to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least twenty-eight (28) grams of crack cocaine. The statutory penalties provided for the violation calls for not less than five (5) years and not more than forty (40) years of incarceration, a maximum fine of $5,000,000, and not less than four (4) years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2013.
This investigation was initiated based upon a request for assistance by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. Deputies with the Narcotics Unit of the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office have assisted Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter over the course of several months. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
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Gretna Brothers Sentenced to Five Years for Their Role in Convenience Store ArsonRead the Press Release
WAEL HAMMAD, aged 38, and ALAA HAMMAD, age 31, both residents of Gretna, Louisiana, were sentenced today by U. S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon for their involvement in the December 2011 arson of Fat City Discount, their convenience store located in Metairie, Louisiana, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. Both men plead guilty on October 4, 2012, to conspiring to and destroying by fire their convenience store. Judge Fallon sentenced both defendants to five years imprisonment, one year of supervised release following imprisonment, and ordered $94,333.52 in restitution to their insurance company.
According to court records, the HAMMADs, faked an accidental fire in the kitchen area of their store and then filed an insurance claim for damages to their merchandise.
This case was investigated jointly by Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson Parish Fire Department and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Tony Gordon Sanders of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Former Orleans Parish Deputy, Gerard J. Hoffman, Jr., Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
GERARD J. HOFFMAN, JR., 59, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to commit bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the factual basis, 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 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.
HOFFMAN faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 20, 2013.
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Alfred Coleman and Tyist Decquir Coleman Sentenced for Conspiring to Steal Money from Federal Housing ProgramsRead the Press Release
ALFRED COLEMAN, age 54, and his wife TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN, age 42, residents of Harvey, Louisiana, were sentenced today in federal court by U.S. Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon for conspiracy to steal government funds, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, on or about November 30, 2007, TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN began receiving rental assistance from the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), a program funded through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist persons renting housing following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. DHAP provided federal funds to pay for rental properties for persons for at least 18 months. However, in order to be eligible persons must have been renting their residence. TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN was not renting housing at that time. Prior to November 30, 2007, TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN had married ALFRED COLEMAN and they resided in a home in Harvey, Louisiana which was owned by ALFRED COLEMAN. From on or about January 1, 2008 until on or about March 1, 2009, TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN, continued to fraudulently receive monthly rental assistance from DHAP through the Jefferson Parish Housing Authority for rental assistance at the Harvey, Louisiana home, failing to disclose that she was not renting her residence, but that she and ALFRED COLEMAN were living at the residence which was owned by ALFRED COLEMAN.
Following the termination of DHAP assistance benefits, TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN, representing herself as Tyist Dequir, signed a Request for Tenancy Approval for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, a HUD funded program for low-income citizens renting their housing. The COLEMANs claimed that TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN was renting the home ALFRED COLEMAN owned and that ALFRED COLEMAN was her landlord. The COLEMANs fraudulently received rental payments from the federal program for the home they owned until January 1, 2012.
ALFRED COLEMAN was sentenced to three years probation. TYIST DECQUIR COLEMAN was sentenced to three years probation with an additional condition of intermittent confinement to prison for 12 weekends. The defendants are responsible for restitution in the amount of $44,013.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development–OIG and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield.
Mohammed Sameer Ahmed Charged with Selling Counterfeit Nfl JerseysRead the Press Release
MOHAMMED SAMEER AHMED, age 36, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana was charged yesterday in a Bill of Information with trafficking in counterfeit goods, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, between June and October of 2010, AHMED was found with 58 counterfeit NFL jerseys in his French Quarter shop. The counterfeit “Reebok” Saints jerseys had false “NFL” holograms on them that were likely to lead customers to believe that the jerseys were authentic New Orleans Saints jerseys.
If convicted, AHMED faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $2,000,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that a 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis.
Former Orleans Parish Deputy, John P. Sens, Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
JOHN P. SENS, 52, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt to conspiracy to commit bribery, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the factual basis, SENS, the former Director of Purchasing at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), began receiving things of value from two contractors, identified as Businessman A and Businessman B, in exchange for a rigged bidding system employed to steer OPSO work to the two contractors. In particular, from 2007 through 2011, Businessman A and Businessman B would submit bids for OPSO work in the names of their respective companies but, with the knowledge and assistance of, among others, SENS, 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 A or Businessman B and, consequently, SENS would award the work to Businessman A or Businessman B.
According to court documents, in exchange for this rigged bidding process, SENS received various things of value from Businessman A and Businessman B. From 2007 through 2011, SENS received approximately $30,000 in cash from Businessman A, as well as the construction of a pool at a residence owned by SENS, at no cost to him. Similarly, during this same period of time, Businessman B paid for the purchase, framing, and matting of several “Blue Dog” paintings for SENS.
SENS faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 12, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Boente, as well as the investigative and prosecution team, offer their thanks to the Metropolitan Crime Commission for providing valuable assistance in this case.
The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matt Chester and Jon Maestri.
(Download Factual Basis )
William Jesus Brandel-mena Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
WILLIAM JESUS BRANDEL-MENA, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Susie Morgan to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry by a removed alien, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, BRANDEL admitted to being an alien who had previously been removed from the United States, was found in the United States, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on March 26, 2012, without having obtained consent from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
The indictment charging BRANDEL with illegal re-entry also included a notice of sentencing enhancement based on his prior aggravated felony conviction. With the enhancement, the charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing for BRANDEL is scheduled for June 5, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.
The case was investigated as part of a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE) national operation known as Operation Cross Check, which targeted fugitive aliens. ICE was assisted in this investigation by the Kenner Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir and Assistant U. S. Attorney Jon Maestri.
(Download Factual Basis )
Owner of Seafood Distribution Business, Vinh Q. Tran, Sentenced for BriberyRead the Press Release
VINH Q. TRAN, age 63, a resident of Cutoff, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to six months home confinement followed by three years probation for bribing a public official, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents, on January 5, 2012, TRAN pled guilty to one count of a bill of information admitting that on or about August 2007 until on or about April 2011, he bribed a public official of the United States Internal Revenue, with the intent to influence an IRS audit being conducted of his seafood distributing business. TRAN paid $6,000 cash and other things of value to the public official.
The case was investigated by the Department of the Treasury, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans.Jose Transito Lopez Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
JOSE TRANSITO LOPEZ, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry by a removed alien, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, LOPEZ admitted to being an alien who had previously been removed from the United States, was found in the United States, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on November 14, 2012, without having obtained consent from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. LOPEZ further admitted that he was convicted of delivery of cocaine in Texas prior to his removal.
The indictment charging LOPEZ with illegal re-entry also included a notice of sentencing enhancement based on his prior aggravated felony conviction. With the enhancement, the charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing for LOPEZ is scheduled for June 13, 2013 at 10:00 A.M.
The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office as part of the Criminal Alien Removal Initiative. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir.
(Download Factual Basis )
Rafael Antonio Murillo Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
RAFAEL ANTONIO MURILLO, age 41, a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry by a removed alien, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, MURILLO admitted to being an alien who had previously been removed from the United States, was found in the United States, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on December 19, 2012, without having obtained consent from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
The indictment charging MURILLO with illegal re-entry also included a notice of sentencing enhancement based on his prior felony conviction. With the enhancement, the charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing for the defendant is scheduled for May 29, 2013 at 2:00 P.M.The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir.
(Download Factual Basis )
Superseding Indictment Returned for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and MurderRead the Press Release
DON BROOKS, age 19, and ANTOINE BROOKS, age 21, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged today in a 9-count superseding indictment. In addition to the charges brought in the original indictment, the charges the superseding indictment include an additional charge of another discharging of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and the killing of Tamira Johnson in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. The charges in the original indictment included conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute two-hundred and eighty (280) grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”) and a quantity of marijuana, conspiracy to use and discharge firearms in furtherance of crimes of violence and drug trafficking crimes, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and the murder of Harry Howard and Lamont Phillips.
Based upon the ongoing investigation, evidence was presented to the Grand Jury that on September 23, 2011, Tamira Johnson was walking to the store with her 13 year old son. As Tamira and her son were walking, DON and ANTOINE BROOKS drove by in a SUV and opened fire with a .40 caliber handgun intending to kill a rival drug dealer who was standing on the corner. DON and ANTOINE BROOKS not only shot the rival drug dealer, but also Tamira Johnson who died at the scene from her injuries.
If convicted of the new charges, DON and ANTOINE BROOKS face, as to new Count 5, a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine, and as to the new Count 6, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or death, five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $250,000 fine. The penalties for the original charges remain the same.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sean Toomey.
(Download Superseding Indictment )
Dominique Adams Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Firearm and Escape ChargesRead the Press Release
DOMINIQUE ADAMS, age 22, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U. S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to violations of the Controlled Substance Law, the National Firearms Act and for escape from a federal officer, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
ADAMS pled guilty to felonies involving distribution of crack cocaine, carrying a firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution and felony escape from federal ATF officers who had arrested him for the above crimes. ADAMS faces a maximum of 10 year imprisonment on the narcotics charge, a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment for carrying a firearm in furtherance of his drug distribution and the escape charge carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Justice Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tony Gordon Sanders of the Violent Crimes Unit.(Download Factual Basis )
15 Individuals Charged with Fraud for Filing False Claims Relating to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explosion Totaling over $300,000Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Dana J. Boente announced the filing of fourteen Bills of Information and one Indictment bringing felony charges against 15 individuals for filing fraudulent applications for relief relating to an April 20, 2010 explosion and fire which occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico where British Petroleum (BP) had been drilling a well. After the disaster, BP established the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) to administer, mediate, and settle claims of individuals and businesses for losses incurred as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. The GCCF began receiving and processing such claims in August 2010. The GCCF required any individual filing a claim to submit valid documentation as proof of loss or reduction in earnings due to the oil spill. Detailed below are the charges against the 15 individuals who were charged with submitting fraudulent claims. The loss to BP from the fraudulent claims totals $309,990 from these individuals.
TYARIANA SCOTT, age 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 16, 2010, the GCCF received SCOTT’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $17,500, wherein SCOTT falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of SCOTT’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, SCOTT had worked as a hotel supervisor earning $48,251 annually, when in fact she had not. SCOTT received approximately $17,500. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.TRACEY DANIELS, age 49 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 28, 2010, the GCCF received DANIELS’ online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $33,450, wherein DANIELS falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of DANIELS’ claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, DANIELS had worked as a restaurant manager earning $54,651.99 annually, when in fact she had not. DANIELS received approximately $32,100. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.SHANEL DANYELL BURTON, age 33 of River Ridge, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 13, 2010, the GCCF received BURTON’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $19,586, wherein BURTON falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of BURTON’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, BURTON had worked as a restaurant supervisor earning $47,820 annually when, in fact, she was never so employed. BURTON received approximately $19,600. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.TROY TOLEDANO, age 51 of Grand Prairie, Texas, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 16, 2010, the GCCF received TOLEDANO’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $23,900, wherein TOLEDANO falsely stated he lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of TOLEDANO’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, TOLEDANO had worked as a hotel supervisor earning approximately $47,000 annually when, in fact, he was never so employed. TOLEDANO received approximately $23,900. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.RANELL BOYD, age 51 of Harvey, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on November 8, 2010, the GCCF received BOYD’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $26,100, wherein BOYD falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of BOYD’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, BOYD had worked as a hotel manager earning $49,618 annually, when in fact she was not so employed. BOYD received approximately $26,100. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.ODNEY BRIMMER, age 32 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on November 17, 2010, the GCCF received BRIMMER’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $23,150, wherein BRIMMER falsely stated he lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of BRIMMER’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, BRIMMER had worked as a hotel supervisor earning approximately $43,000 annually when, in fact, he was never so employed. BRIMMER received approximately $23,200. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.TIRON KELLEY, age 49 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 18, 2010, the GCCF received KELLEY’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $18,500, wherein KELLEY falsely stated he lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of KELLEY’S claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, KELLEY had worked as a grocery manager earning approximately $45,000 annually, when in fact he had not. KELLEY received approximately $15,100. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.ARIN JONES, age 31 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 16, 2010, the GCCF received JONES’ online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $26,800, wherein JONES falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of JONES’ claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, JONES had worked as a hotel supervisor earning approximately $50,000 annually when, in fact, she was never so employed. JONES received approximately $26,800. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.ROBIN HAYES, age 41 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 19, 2010, the GCCF received HAYES’ online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment in the amount of $21,300, wherein HAYES falsely stated she lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Documentation in support of HAYES’ claim included copies of fraudulent W-2 wage statements and pay stubs indicating that prior to the oil spill, HAYES had worked as a hotel manager earning approximately $46,000 annually, when in fact she was not so employed. HAYES received approximately $21,300. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.ROY R. PARKER, age 55 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on September 30, 2010, the GCCF received PARKER’S online claim form seeking an emergency six-month payment, wherein PARKER falsely stated he lost earnings as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. PARKER had worked as the head houseman at a hotel earning approximately $35,000 annually. Documentation in support of PARKER’S claim included a letter purporting to be from his employer falsely stating that PARKER’S wages and hours were reduced as a result of the oil spill. In fact, PARKER’S wages and hours were never reduced, as a result of the oil spill. PARKER received approximately $13,890. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez.BENJAMIN BENNETT, age 23 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 12, 2010 BENNETT submitted a fraudulent 2009 Schedule C, Form 1040 federal tax return, showing that he operated a commercial fishing business in 2009 which was profitable. Additionally, he submitted other documentation indicating the defendant operated a commercial fishing business in Venice, Louisiana before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, defendant really worked as a barber in New Orleans, Louisiana before the oil spill. BENNETT received approximately $43,400. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia Evans.PIERRE WILBOURN, age 40 of Kenner, Louisiana, Mail Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that on October 4, 2010 WILBOURN submitted a fraudulent 2009 Schedule C, Form 1040 federal tax return, showing that he operated a commercial fishing business in 2009 which was profitable. Additionally, he submitted or caused to be submitted other documentation indicating the defendant operated a commercial fishing business in Venice, Louisiana before the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. However, the defendant was really employed doing concrete work before and after the oil spill. WILBOURN received approximately $20,000. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia Evans.KEISHANDRA HOUSTON, age 36 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that in September 30, 2010 HOUSTON submitted a fraudulent claim to the GCCF for lost earnings in the amount of $8,640. HOUSTON falsely represented 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. HOUSTON created two false earnings statements which incorrectly indicated that the she was employed by a seafood restaurant. HOUSTON received approximately $5,900. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Chandra Menon.RACHELL THOMAS, age 36 of Slidell, Louisiana, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud
The Bill of Information alleges that in or about September 2010 and continuing until in or about October 2010, THOMAS, agreed with other individuals to make false claims to the GCCF for lost earnings. At the direction of THOMAS, the other individuals provided THOMAS with 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. THOMAS completed a claim form for herself with the same false representation. THOMAS created false earnings statements from a fictitious restaurant and wrote letters from a fictitious supervisor of the restaurant. THOMAS transmitted approximately twenty-three claims. Each claim included a claim form, a falsified earnings statement, and a falsified letter. THOMAS and six other individuals each submitted a follow-up claim for additional funds. On November, 24, 2010, the GCCF paid THOMAS approximately $8,000 as a result of her false claim. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Chandra Menon.ALICIA WELLS, age 29 of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mail Fraud
According to the indictment returned by a Grand Jury sitting in New Orleans, on September 25, 2010 the defendant submitted an application to the GCCF seeking compensation for loss of earnings resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill by falsely and fraudulently stating that she was a line cook a local restaurant before the oil spill, when in fact, she had never worked for the business. WELLS received approximately $13,200 as a result of her fraudulent filings. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the Indictment and Bills of Information are merely charges and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The cases are being investigated by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The cases were referred to the agencies by the National Center for Disaster Fraud located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is the Disaster Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Members of the public can report fraud, waste, abuse or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations through the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Disaster Fraud Hotline at 877-NCDF-GCF (623-3423), the Disaster Fraud Fax at 225-334-4707 or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at [email protected]. Individuals can also report criminal activity to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.(Download Indictment - Alicia Wells )
(Download Bill of Information - Rachell Thomas )
(Download Bill of Information - Pierre Wilbourn )
(Download Bill of Information - Benjamin Bennett )
(Download Bill of Information - Roy Parker )
(Download Bill of Information - Robin Hayes )
(Download Bill of Information - Arin Jones )
(Download Bill of Information - Tiron Kelley )
(Download Bill of Information - Odney Brimmer )
(Download Bill of Information - Ranell Boyd )
(Download Bill of Information - Troy Toledano )
(Download Bill of Information - Shanel Burton )
(Download Bill of Information - Tracey Daniels )
(Download Bill of Information - Tyariana Scott )
(Download Bill of Information - Keishandra Houston )
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Charged with Receiving BribesRead the Press Release
JOHN P. SENS, age 52, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, and GERARD J. HOFFMAN, age 59, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, were charged today in two separate bills of information with conspiracy to commit bribery, announced U.S. Attorney
Dana J. Boente.According to court documents, SENS was employed as the Director of Purchasing at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (“OPSO”), from in or around 2006 through 2013. HOFFMAN was employed at the OPSO from in or around 1976 through 2012, rising to the rank of Colonel in charge of the maintenance department at the OPSO.
Beginning in 2007, according to the bills of information filed against them, SENS and HOFFMAN began receiving things of value from two contractors, identified as Businessman A and Businessman B in court documents, in exchange for a rigged bidding system they employed to steer OPSO work to Businessman A and Businessman B. In particular, from 2007 through 2011, Businessman A and Businessman B would submit bids for OPSO work in the names of their respective companies but, with the knowledge and participation of SENS and 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 A or Businessman B and, consequently, SENS and/or HOFFMAN would award the work to Businessman A or Businessman B.
In exchange for this rigged bidding process, SENS and HOFFMAN received various things of value from Businessman A and Businessman B, according to the bills of information. For example, from 2007 through 2011, SENS received approximately $30,000 in cash from Businessman A, as well as the digging and installation of a pool at a residence owned by SENS, at no cost to him. Similarly, during this same period of time, Businessman B paid for the purchase, framing, and matting of several paintings (so-called “Blue Dog” prints) for SENS. During this same period of time, Businessman B also provided things of value, including free electrical work and a trailer, to HOFFMAN, all at no cost to him.
If they are convicted of the conspiracy count charged against them, SENS and HOFFMAN face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that a Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Boente, as well as the investigative and prosecution team, offer their thanks to Rafael Goyeneche and the Metropolitan Crime Commission for providing valuable assistance in this case.
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.
(Download Bill of Information- SENS )
(Download Bill of Information- HOFFMAN )
Larry Moses, Jr. Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
LARRY MOSES, JR., age 31, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday before U. S. District Judge Susie Morgan to a four-count indictment for conspiring to commit two acts of arson at a gasoline station located in New Orleans, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
MOSES pled guilty to conspiring to maliciously burn a building used in interstate commerce, conspiring to use a destructive device during a crime of violence; and two separate counts of arson. The conspiracy to commit arson carries a sentence of 5 to 20 years of incarceration. The conspiracy to possess a destructive device during a crime of violence carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The two arson counts carry a sentence of 5 to 20 years incarceration. The fine potential is $250,000 for each count and the maximum term of federal supervision after the completion of his prison sentence is 5 years. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2013.
The Fuel Zone gas station/convenience store was the victim of two separate acts of arson in June of 2010. According to court documents, MOSES offered Lennie Brown $1,500.00 cash to maliciously start a fire inside the store. On the evening of June 5, 2010, MOSES and Brown purchased a plastic squeeze bottle and filled it with gasoline. MOSES and Brown then drove their vehicle to a parking lot adjacent to the Fuel Zone. Before entering the Fuel Zone store, Brown called MOSES’ cell phone so that MOSES, who remained in the getaway vehicle, could hear what was happening while Brown was inside the store. Surveillance video showed Brown, wearing a motorcycle helmet to disguise his identity, entered the store and proceeded to spray gasoline onto contents of shelves down one of the store aisles. Brown started the fire using a lighter and exited the store as the fire erupted. Brown ran back to the getaway vehicle and MOSES quickly drove away from the scene.
In the days following the June 5th arson, MOSES informed Brown that he would not be paid until he committed a second more destructive fire at the Fuel Zone store but increased his offer to $3,000.00. Brown then hired Michael Collins to assist him in a second act of arson. MOSES instructed Brown that for this second arson, the fire should be started near the store’s cash register area.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on June 22, 2010, Brown and Collins constructed three Molotov Cocktails, a destructive device, and drove to a parking lot cater-cornered from the Fuel Zone. Collins entered the Fuel Zone store, lit and tossed the three Molotov Cocktails behind the cash register area. The store clerk, armed with a pistol, fired a shot at Collins, hitting him in the leg. Collins called Brown to inform him that he had been shot. Brown, who drove away from the scene leaving Collins behind, called MOSES to inform him of what had happened. Ultimately, Collins was driven to University Hospital for his bullet wound. While at the hospital, Collins confessed to ATF agents that he had been shot while committing an arson at the Fuel Zone convenience store. Through Collins’ statements, ATF agents were able to arrest Brown who in turn confessed as to MOSES’ involvement in both crimes.
The Fuel Zone gas station suffered extensive fire damage during the second arson and had to be completely shut down for over one month.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Fire Department along with Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Veters and Edward Rivera of the Violent Crime Unit.
(Download Factual Basis )
Former Jefferson Parish President, Aaron F. Broussard, and Others Sentenced in Corruption CaseRead the Press Release
AARON F. BROUSSARD (“BROUSSARD”), age 64, a resident and former two-term President of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced today to 46 months by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Hayden Head from the Southern District of Texas, for his involvement in a Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, Wire Fraud, and Theft Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente, FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson and IRS-Criminal Investigative Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Damon Rowe.
Also sentenced today were former Jefferson Parish Attorney, THOMAS G. WILKINSON, age 54, a resident of Gretna and BROUSSARD’s ex-wife, KAREN PARKER, age 47, a resident of Kenner. WILKINSON, who pled guilty to misprision of a felony, was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $214,209.94 in restitution to Jefferson Parish. PARKER, who also pled guilty to misprision of a felony, was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to pay $160,430.15 in restitution to Jefferson Parish.
BROUSSARD was also ordered to pay $214,209.94 in restitution to Jefferson Parish and was also ordered to forfeit $280,209.94 in illegal proceeds pursuant to his plea agreement.
BROUSSARD was sentenced for his involvement in a conspiracy with Timothy Whitmer, the former CAO of Jefferson Parish, WILKINSON and PARKER to steal taxpayer funds when he and others created a sinecure Paralegal Supervisor position for PARKER. BROUSSARD knowingly and illegally diverted taxpayer funds to his ex-wife in the form of her salary for over six years, when PARKER did not even possess the most basic credentials or requisite experience to hold the position of Paralegal Supervisor and, repeatedly sought to conceal the illegal nature of her employment with Jefferson Parish by having PARKER transferred to the ID Management Office at the East Bank Regional Library in an effort to hide the fact that she was not working for the Parish Attorney’s Office as a Paralegal Supervisor and was not performing any work as a paralegal. BROUSSARD also gave pay raises to Parish Attorney, THOMAS WILKINSON, as a reward for private family matters and for continuing to approve annual pay raises for PARKER. In total BROUSSARD and PARKER improperly diverted over $323,308.00 in salary over the period of six years.
BROUSSARD was also sentenced for receiving numerous bribes totalling over $60,000.00 while parish president from William Mack in exchange for BROUSSARD’s assistance and intervention on behalf of Mack’s company.
Speaking to today’s sentencing, United States Attorney Dana J. Boente stated:
“This sad end to Aaron Broussard’s career is a self-inflicted wound resulting from his venality, corruption, and deceit. The citizens of Jefferson Parish deserved honest, effective government, and Mr. Broussard made the decision to line his own pockets. This prosecution should serve notice that this office will continue its robust and vigilant investigation of public corruption.”
Michael Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Field Office added:
"I am very proud of the investigative and prosecution team for always keeping their eye on the ball throughout this matter, which resulted in a fair and efficient resolution of this case."IRS Acting Special Agent in Charge, Damon Rowe, stated:
"IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to make fighting political corruption a top priority in our office. Elected officials must realize that they are not above the law."
The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division. The federal agencies were assisted by the Metropolitan Crime Commission.The case was prosecuted by Strike Force Chief and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Klebba, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Chester, Daniel Friel, and Mimi Nguyen.
Felisha Monet Mitchell Indicted for Threatening President ObamaRead the Press Release
FELISHA MONET MITCHELL, age 32, a resident of Palm Springs, California, was charged in a one-count indictment today for threatening the President of the United States in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 871(a) announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to the Indictment and previously filed court documents, from January 21, 2013 through January 24, 2013, MITCHELL posted numerous statements on her public Twitter feed and Facebook page threatening President Obama and the First Family. In an interview with United States Secret Service Agents, MITCHELL admitted to posting the online threats using her cell phone while in New Orleans.
If convicted, MITCHELL faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three (3) year term 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 is being investigated by Special Agents of the United States Secret Service and prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
(Download Indictment )
Sanjoy Bhattacharya Pleads Guilty to False Statements to an Agency of the United StatesRead the Press Release
SANJOY BHATTACHARYA, age 56, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to one count of making false statements to an agency of the United States, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to court documents on or about September 21, 2007, BHATTACHARYA applied for funds from the Louisiana Road Home Program claiming his primary residence at the time of the storm was at 2436-38 Joseph Street in New Orleans, a property he knew was leased to and inhabited by his tenants at time of Hurricane Katrina. As a result of his false statements in his application, BHATTACHARYA fraudulently received approximately $84,423 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), an agency and department of the United States.
Upon sentencing scheduled for May 30, 2013, BHATTACHARYA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a $250,0000 fine, restitution to the HUD, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
(Download Factual Basis )
Luis Misael Madrid-romero Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
LUIS MISAEL MADRID-ROMERO, age 42, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today in federal court by U. S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to forty-six (46) months imprisonment, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Barbier ordered that MADRID be placed on two (2) 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 his supervised release.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2012, MADRID, pled guilty to one count of an indictment admitting he was an alien who was previously removed and was knowingly and unlawfully found in the United States in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana without the Attorney General or Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, having expressly consented to his reapplication for admission into the United States. MADRID’s sentence was subject to an enhancement based on a previous aggravated felony conviction.
The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Weir.
Janice Staves and James Youngblood Charged with Defrauding HanoRead the Press Release
JANICE STAVES, age 55, a resident of New Orleans, and JAMES YOUNGBLOOD, age 69, a resident of New Orleans, were charged in a bill of information today with conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, STAVES was employed as a Purchasing Clerk for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) from 1992 until June 1, 2009. YOUNGLOOD also had previously worked at HANO from 1972 until 2003. Upon leaving HANO, YOUNGBLOOD formed and operated YOUNGBLOOD and YOUNGBLOOD Construction, LLC.
During the conspiracy, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD figured out a way to embezzle money from HANO, which receives federal funding. In 2007, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD discussed, telephonically and in person, that STAVES could get YOUNGBLOOD paid with HANO funds, for doing no work, and in return, YOUNGBLOOD provided kickbacks to STAVES. During this time frame, YOUNGBLOOD received HANO checks totaling $661,904.11, despite having performed no work. STAVES, deposited approximately $100,448.00 in cash from YOUNGBLOOD, into accounts that she controlled. YOUNGBLOOD and STAVES would meet at the HANO office and in parking lots of various businesses close to the HANO office where she would receive her portion of the cash.
Procedures for requisition orders for jobs were circumvented in connection with the elaborate scheme which allowed STAVES to generate false paperwork, which appeared legitimate, resulting in payments to YOUNGBLOOD for work never performed and payments in advance for work to be performed, which was never authorized and never performed at a late date. The fraudulent purchase orders were often designated for debris removal and/or supplies, such as locks.
If convicted, STAVES and YOUNGBLOOD face a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, as well as a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, as to each count. 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 Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri.(Download Bill of Information )
Lam Nguyen Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
LAM NGUYEN, age 40, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr., to theft of government funds, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, NGUYEN’s mother was receiving social security benefits before her death. When she died, these benefits should have terminated. However, NGUYEN continued to receive the benefit checks, which were sent to his residence. NGUYEN deposited the checks into his bank account. NGUYEN converted these funds to his personal use knowing that he was not entitled to receive those benefits.
NGUYEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for May 15, 2013.
The case was investigated by the United States Social Security Administration- Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen.
(Download Factual Basis )
Joshua Nettles Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
JOSHUA NETTLES, age 37, of Covington, Louisiana, pled guilty as charged before the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman to the indictment pending against him, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente. A federal grand jury returned a twocount indictment on December 13, 2012, charging NETTLES with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, NETTLES knowingly received and possessed digital images depicting the sexual exploitation of prepubescent minors, including images of victims younger than four (4) years old. A forensic review of NETTLES’S computer revealed that he had downloaded and saved approximately 1409 files and 14 videos depicting the sexual victimization of these children. NETTLES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. He may also be required to register as a sex offender.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Sentencing in this matter has been scheduled for June 12, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. before the Honorable Martin L.C. Feldman.
This case was investigated by special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Factual Basis )
Alberto Jose Zapata Morel Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
ALBERTO JOSE ZAPATA MOREL, age 40, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today in federal court by U. S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to twenty (20) months imprisonment, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Vance ordered that MOREL be placed on three (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 violate any terms of his supervised release.
According to court documents, on November 7, 2012, MOREL, who also goes by the name Martin de Jesus Herrera-Mayerena, pled guilty to one count of an indictment admitting he was an alien who was previously removed and was knowingly and unlawfully found in the United States in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana 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. MOREL’s sentence was subject to an enhancement based on a previous aggravated felony conviction.
The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert Weir.
Noah Contractor, Richard Hall, Sentenced for Conspiracy and Theft from A Program Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
RICHARD HALL, age 47, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced today in federal court by U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey, to 24 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of theft from a program receiving federal funds, the New Orleans Affordable Homeownership (NOAH) program, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. The Court in sentencing HALL, granted the Government’s motion for an upward variance from the sentencing guidelines. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Zainey imposed 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 his supervised release. The defendant was ordered to pay restitution in excess of $116,000 and fined $30,000.
According to court documents, HALL, a contractor for New Orleans Affordable Homeownership (NOAH), engaged in conspiracy to steal and theft from a program receiving federal funds provided by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the City of New Orleans in the form of annual Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), designed to support home remediation work on residences located in New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricane Katrina. HALL admitted to conspiring to steal such funds and being paid for multiple home remediations he did not perform. HALL received tens of thousands of dollars in funds that he was not entitled to because either he did not perform remediation work such as gutting, boarding and grass cutting; he had already been paid for work performed on residences, and subsequently received and accepted payment again for the same work; or he collected double payments for work which he did not perform.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, the U. S Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Fred P. Harper, Jr.Joseph C. Delay Pleads Guilty to Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
JOSEPH C. DELAY, 42, of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U. S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
DELAY was charged in May 2012 in an Indictment with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. DELAY will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on April 18, 2013.
Documents filed in federal court indicate that on March 9, 2012, at 2:51 a.m., a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputy pulled over the defendant for operating a motor vehicle without a license plate. The defendant drove away after the deputy exited his vehicle and approached the defendant’s vehicle. A high-speed chase ensued and other deputies located the vehicle within minutes. The defendant was no longer in the vehicle, however, a loaded .380 caliber Lorcin semi-automatic pistol was left on the driver’s side floorboard. In addition, the defendant left his cellular telephone directly outside of the vehicle.
Court records show that in1995, DELAY was convicted in Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans of Forcible Rape, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Burglary. In addition, DELAY was convicted in 2004, in the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, and in 2010, in the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson, DELAY was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
If convicted, DELAY faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment followed by a term of supervised release of three years, and a $250,000.00 fine.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
(Download Factual Basis )
Temple Inland Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Violation of Clean Water Act and Refuge Act Violation in Fish Kill CaseRead the Press Release
TIN, INC. , d/b/a/ TEMPLE INLAND, a Delaware Corporation located in Austin, Texas, pled guilty yesterday to negligently causing the discharge of a pollutant from its Bogalusa Facility into the Pearl River and to the negligent taking of fish from the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, announced United States Attorney Dana Boente.
TEMPLE INLAND pled guilty before U. S. District Court Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle to a two-count Bill of Information charging it with one misdemeanor count for the negligent violation of the Clean Water Act and one misdemeanor count for the negligent violation of the Refuge Act. The maximum penalty TEMPLE INLAND faces for the CWA violation is a fine of up to $200,000 and a term of probation up to five years. The maximum penalty for the Refuge Act violation is a fine of up to $10,000 per taking. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 1, 2013 at 2:00 PM.
The court documents reflect that the charges stem from a release of a pollutant into the Pearl River in August 2011 which resulted in a large fish kill. TEMPLE INLAND was required by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to possess and operate the Bogalusa Facility pursuant to a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The Permit imposed limitations on the amount of pollutants that could be discharged from the Bogalusa Facility into the Pearl River, a navigable water of the United States. Additionally, the Permit required that TEMPLE INLAND maintain a certain Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) level. BOD directly affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in rivers and streams. The greater the BOD, the more rapidly oxygen is depleted in rivers and streams. This means less oxygen is available to fish and higher forms of aquatic life. The consequences of high BOD are the same as those for low dissolved oxygen: aquatic organisms become stressed, suffocate, and die.
In the early morning hours of August 9, 2011, and again late on August 9, 2011, a piece of equipment called an “evaporator” became clogged. As a result of the clogged evaporator, an extremely excessive quantity of liquor overflowed from the boil-out tank. The liquor flowed out of the containment area to the wastewater treatment plant and effluent pond, and ultimately into the Pearl River. The discharge reached the Pearl River sometime beginning Wednesday, August 10, 2011, and continued to at least Saturday, August 13, 2011, when the Facility was shut down.
TEMPLE INLAND admitted today that the discharge of the liquor resulted in a fish-kill in the Pearl River of over 500,000 fish due to high level of Biological Oxyen Demand (BOD). The sample of the discharge collected on August 12, 2011, recorded the discharge as having a 5-day BOD5 of 116,000 lbs/day exceeding the daily maximum permitted limit of 35,610 lbs/day.
The Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), a federal wildlife refuge created in 1980, encompassing 36,000 acres of the Pearl River Basin, is located northeast of Slidell, Louisiana, in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The southern swampland is one of the least disturbed in the country. The Pearl River and its tributaries run through the Refuge. The National Wildlife Refuge System, comprises a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. The National Wildlife Refuge System law enacted by Congress prohibited the disturbance, injury or destruction of property and the taking of fish on a National Wildlife Refuge.
TEMPLE INLAND admitted today that it negligently caused the taking of fish from the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. On August 15, 2011, black water, dead fish, and mussels were observed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in waters on the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. All fish observed were intact and included recognizable species such as catfish, sturgeon and fresh water drum. Mussels were seen intact with their shells floating in the water. Many were floating in the center of the water and others were grouped and caught by branches in the water. The numbers of fresh dead fish and mussels seen in refuge waters within the water body known as the Government Ditch equaled 1,000 or more each.
“This plea agreement is a testament to the hard work of many agencies,” said Peggy Hatch, Secretary for the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. “From the beginning of this event when we were in emergency response phase through the investigation, the state and federal government have worked together to reach a conclusion, while also working with the company to ensure the Pearl River remains a healthy waterway.”
“This country’s environmental laws are aimed at keeping inland waterways from becoming dumping grounds for waste materials,” said Ivan Vikin, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Louisiana. “The negligent discharge of a pollutant killed a large number of fish, including a protected species of sturgeon. Today’s action is the direct result of the strong working relationship that EPA enjoys with our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level.”
“Protecting the natural resources of Louisiana for the use of sportsmen and future generations is an important mission of this office,” said United States Attorney Boente. “A corporation’s negligent behavior has serious consequences.”
This case was investigated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency- Criminal Investigative Division and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality-Criminal Investigative Division, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dorothy Manning Taylor and Spiro Latsis.(Download Factual Basis )
Benson December Coriolant Sentenced to 40 Years for Sex Trafficking A Child into the New Orleans AreaRead the Press Release
BENSON DECEMBER CORIOLANT, 30, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to 40 years in prison after he was previously convicted by a federal jury of sex trafficking of a child, conspiring with others to sex traffic a child, coercing and enticing an individual to engage in prostitution, and coercing and enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Dana J. Boente. This is the first human sex trafficking conviction in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to evidence introduced at trial, in late 2008, CORIOLANT met R.V., a 14-year-old female. Shortly thereafter, he began a sexual relationship with her. After convincing the minor that their relationship was one of boyfriend/girlfriend, CORIOLANT recruited R.V. to begin working for him as a prostitute in the Orlando area. CORIOLANT posted advertisements on multiple city-specific internet classified ad websites offering prostitution services of the minor. Over the course of the next year, CORIOLANT forced R.V. to engage in dozens of sexual acts in exchange for money throughout the state of Florida. CORIOLANT forced R.V. to turn over the money she earned from prostitution either to him or one of his associates. CORIOLANT also provided R.V. with alcohol and illicit drugs, such as Ecstasy, as a way of numbing her senses and controlling her behavior.
In March 2010, CORIOLANT drove R.V., who was then 15-years-old, to Kenner, Louisiana, to work as a prostitute. CORIOLANT used the New Orleans version of the online classified advertisement website to solicit individuals interested in paying for sex with the minor. CORIOLANT required R.V. to put the money she made from prostitution, thousands of dollars, into a bank account for his benefit. He further forced her to account for all of her expenses, including personal expenses, such as food, in a journal, daily letters, and text messages to him. CORIOLANT also instructed R.V. in what to charge for sex, how to provide him with the profits, how to attract business, how to avoid being apprehended by law enforcement, and how to perform certain sexual acts.
On April 24, 2010, R.V. was discovered by law enforcement authorities and ultimately sent back to Orlando with relatives. Once back in Orlando, CORIOLANT instructed R.V. to continue engaging in prostitution, but to have sex only with regular, familiar clients because of concerns with law enforcement finding her.In May 2010, CORIOLANT sent the minor back to New Orleans a second time to work as a prostitute. CORIOLANT again advertised sex with the minor on the online classified advertisement website. R.V. was arrested several days later.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was further brought as part of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, which was aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the nine years since its inception, the initiative has resulted in the development of 47 dedicated task forces and working groups throughout the U.S. involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working in tandem with U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Division. The Tampa Division of the FBI and the Kenner, Louisiana police department also provided critical investigative assistance. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Juliana Etland, and Sean Toomey.
Babatunde Abiola Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
BABATUNDE ABIOLA, age 26, a citizen of Nigeria, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to approximately seven months imprisonment for identity theft, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Feldman imposed 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 his supervised release
According to court documents, ABIOLA applied for an American Eagle Outfitters credit card via the internet using another person’s name and social security number. This credit card was used to purchase approximately $124 worth of merchandise.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the U.S. Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Loan “Mimi” Nguyen and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Weir.
Pedro Fernandez-garcia Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
PEDRO FERNANDEZ-GARCIA, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal re-entry by a removed alien, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, FERNANDEZ admitted to being an alien who had previously been removed from the United States, was found in the United States, in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana on December 5, 2012, without having obtained consent from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
The indictment charging FERNANDEZ with illegal re-entry also included a notice of sentencing enhancement based on his prior felony conviction. With the enhancement, the charge carries a maximum statutory penalty of ten years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing for the defendant is scheduled for May 15, 2013 at 9:30 A.M.The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir.
(Download Factual Basis )
Nedra Bell Charged with Defrauding Louisiana Road Home Program and Making False Statements to an Agency of the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEDRA BELL, age 40, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a two-count bill of information filed yesterday for theft of government funds and making false statements to an agency of the United States, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
According to the Bill of Information, BELL applied for a Louisiana Road Home grant for property she was renting from her brother at the time of Hurricane Katrina. BELL applied for the grant on behalf of her brother, falsely stating that he was residing in the property at the time of Hurricane Katrina. As a result of her false statements in her application, BELL fraudulently received approximately $54,372 from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), an agency and department of the United States.
BELL is also charged with one count of making false statements to a federal agency on a re-certification application and HUD Income Questionnaire to the Housing Authority of New Orleans (“HANO”) for HUD rental subsidized housing under its Section 8 program. BELL denied that she received self-employment income or owned property, when in truth and in fact, she received income from her business as a hair stylist and owned property.
If convicted, BELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a $250,000 fine, restitution to the HUD, three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $200 special assessment.
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 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.(Download Bill of Information )
Monterio Wiggins Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
MONTERIO WIGGINS, age 21, of Gretna, Louisiana pled guilty in federal court yesterday before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to Violations of the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act, the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.
WIGGINS pled guilty to Count 1: Conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (“RICO), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d); Count 2: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute over 280 grams of Cocaine Base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846; and Count 5: Conspiracy to Possess Firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). As part of the RICO Conspiracy, WIGGINGS admitted that both he and other Murder Squad members participated in the murder Mr. Reginald Francois on April 1, 2010. Specifically, both Dane Carson and WIGGINS shot Mr. Reginald Francois. WIGGINS pled guilty pursuant to an 11(c)(1)(C) plea agreement where he will be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 360 months. The Court may accept or reject the plea agreement.
This case arose out of a joint investigation by ATF, FBI, 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.
Sentencing for the named defendants is set for May 2, 2013 before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Duane A. Evans and Bill McSherry.
(Download Factual Basis )
Three Plead Guilty 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 pled guilty today before the U. S. District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to a one-count Bill of Information for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.
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 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 defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000 and two (2) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 15, 2013.
The case was investigated by Veterans Administration, Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer.
(Download Factual Basis )
Marvin Elcid Montes-cerrato Pleads Guilty to False Representation of A Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
MARVIN ELCID MONTES-CERRATO, age 36, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval, Jr. to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal use of a Social Security number, announced U. S. Attorney Dana Boente.
According to court documents, on July 23, 2009, MONTES-CERRATO falsely represented that a Social Security number had been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security with intent to deceive, for the purpose of obtaining a Louisiana driver’s license at a Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles located in Jefferson Parish. MONTES-CERRATO is an illegal alien who is subject to an outstanding order of removal.
MONTES-CERRATO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2013.The case was investigated by U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office as part of the Criminal Alien Removal Initiative. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U. S. Attorney Robert Weir.
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Kenneth Jones Sentenced for Federal Firearms ConvictionsRead the Press Release
KENNETH JONES, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 38 months of incarceration by U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance after he pleaded guilty to two counts of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente. In addition to incarceration, JONES received three (3) years of supervised release and a $200.00 special assessment
According to court documents, on August 24, 2011, JONES was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by New Orleans Police Officers for a routine traffic violation. During the police encounter, JONES was found to be in possession of a Glock, model 36, .45 caliber pistol.
Later, on December 9, 2011, when the New Orleans Police Department was executing an arrest warrant, JONES was found with a second firearm, a Beretta, model PX4Storm, .40 caliber pistol.
Court records revealed that JONES was convicted on or about January 22, 2008, for the possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Texas, a felony punishable by more than one year of incarceration. As such, JONES was prohibited from possession a firearm by both state and federal law.
The case was investigated by the FBI Violent Crime Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance of NOPD and was prosecuted by Assistant
U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.C. Ray Nagin, Former New Orleans Mayor, Indicted on Federal Bribery, Honest Services Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Conspiracy, and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
C. RAY NAGIN, 56, a resident of Frisco, Texas and formerly the Mayor of New Orleans, was charged in a 21-count indictment with bribery, honest service wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy, and filing false tax returns, announced U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Anderson, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge James Lee.
According to today’s federal grand jury indictment, between December 2004 and the present, NAGIN and several others participated in a conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud. The indictment alleges that NAGIN, in his role as chief executive, devised a scheme to defraud the City of New Orleans and its citizens of his honest services through bribery and a kickback scheme, whereby NAGIN used his public office and official capacity to provide favorable treatment, including awarding contracts, that benefitted business and financial interest of individuals providing him with bribes and kickbacks in the form of checks, cash, granite inventory, wire transfers, personal services, and free travel. The indictment charges NAGIN with accepting numerous bribes and payoffs from consultants and contractors, money laundering conspiracy, and filing false tax returns for the years 2005 to 2008.
“This office will continue its history of investigating and prosecuting public corruption” said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “This is an important part of the office’s mission to serve the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana and make certain they have honest public officials.”
“This indictment should serve as a reminder to current and former public officials that, in the interest of full accountability, the FBI pursues corruption even after an official leaves office,” said Michael Anderson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.“IRS will continue to do our part to hold the elected officials of New Orleans accountable for their actions,” stated Damon Rowe, IRS-CI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge. “No one is excused from obeying the laws of this country.”
According to the indictment, in January 2005, NAGIN created Stone Age LLC, a granite company based in New Orleans.
The indictment alleges, among other things, that NAGIN accepted approximately $72,250 in bribes from Rodney Williams and his company, Three Fold Consultants, LLC. The indictment also alleges NAGIN accepted bribes from Frank Fradella, including $50,000, granite inventory, and nine payoffs in the form of wire transfers from Fradella totaling $112,500. In some cases, money was deposited into NAGIN’s Stone Age corporate account, or free granite inventory was provided to Stone Age.
If convicted of conspiring with others to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud (Count 1), NAGIN faces statutory penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. If convicted of accepting a bribes (Count 2-7), NAGIN faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each count. If convicted of accepting payoffs that caused interstate wire communications to occur between Louisiana and other states (Counts 8-16), NAGIN faces statutory penalties of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each count. If convicted of conspiring to commit money laundering (Count 17), NAGIN faces statutory penalties of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. If convicted of filing false tax returns for years 2005 through 2008 (Counts 18-21), NAGIN faces statutory penalties of up to three years in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years of supervised release on each count.
The indictment also contains Notices of Forfeiture which puts the defendant on notice that the Government intends on forfeiting any and all property and profits concerned with and/or derived from any illegal activity referenced in the indictment.
U. S. Attorney Boente reiterated that today’s indictment describes allegations 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 Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division and the New Orleans Office of Inspector General. U. S. Attorney Boente would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the New Orleans Inspector General’s Office and the Metropolitan Crime Commission. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew M. Coman and Richard R. Pickens, II.
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