Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Man Indicted for Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that EDDIE MARTINEZ (“MARTINEZ”), age 44, of Texas, was indicted on March 13, 2025 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
According to the filed indictment, MARTINEZ allegedly possessed with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. If convicted, MARTINEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being Felon in Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on March 12, 2025, WILLIE SYLVESTER (“SYLVESTER”), age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. Following his imprisonment, SYLVESTER will be placed in supervised release for 3 years. SYLVESTER was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to filed court documents, between April and September of 2020, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives (JPSO) investigated SYLVESTER for an April 2020 shooting. In so doing, JPSO observed SYLVESTER post several social media messages with weapons. SYLVESTER also acknowledged, in a separate message, that he fired a gun during the April 2020 shooting, before sustaining a gunshot wound to his own hand.
Federal law prohibits convicted felons, such as SYLVESTER, from possessing ammunition. On May 1, 2013, SYLVESTER was convicted of simple robbery, a felony offense, in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and, on November 6, 2014, SYLVESTER was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm and controlled dangerous substances, and possession of a stolen firearm, all felony offenses in the 24th Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SHELDON SMITH SR. (“SMITH”), age 59, of New Orleans, was charged in a recently unsealed three-count indictment on March 13, 2025 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the filed indictment, on or about December 17, 2024, SMITH possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone. SMITH was also charged with possessing two firearms, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, SMITH was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in the Eastern District of Louisiana, that prohibited him from possessing those firearms.
SMITH was indicted in Count 1 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of Count 1, SMITH faces up to 30 years imprisonment ; a fine of up to $2,000,000, and up to six years of supervised release, following any term of imprisonment.
SMITH was indicted in Count 2 for Possession of a Firearm, in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 2, SMITH faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following imprisonment.
SMITH was indicted in Count 3 for possessing firearms including, a Glock 19, nine-millimeter handgun, a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber pistol, two Daniel Defense M4 Carbine, multi-caliber pistols, an Adler Silah Sanayaii Centurion BP12 12 Gauge shotgun, a Tennessee Arms .223 caliber rifle, a Ruger Mini 14 rifle, a FN 509, nine-millimeter handgun, and a Bryco 58, nine millimeter handgun, having previously been convicted of a felony. If convicted, SMITH faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran National Indicted for Re-entry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that NELSON ALEXANDER OCHOA-VEGA (“OCHOA-VEGA”), age 32, a native of Honduras, was indicted on March 13, 2025, in a recently unsealed indictment, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, OCHOA-VEGA, an illegal alien, was found in Jefferson Parish on or around March 10, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on November 6, 2019.
If convicted, OCHOA-VEGAfaces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran Guilty of Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ORLIN SAUL HERNANDEZ-TORREZ (“HERNANDEZ-TORREZ”), age 48, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, HERNANDEZ-TORREZ was previously removed from the United States on April 25, 2005, and again on November 8, 2019. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 20, 2024 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. United States District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for June 17, 2025.
HERNANDEZ-TORREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000,up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Pleads Guilty of 10,593 Gram Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, Firearm Possession by Felon, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that GREGORY SMITH (“SMITH”), age 41, of Slidell, pled guilty on March 13, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, over 400 grams of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846 (Count 1). SMITH also pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) (Count 2). Finally, SMITH pled guilty to engaging in monetary transactions derived from specified unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1957 (Counts 3-5).
According to court documents, SMITH conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. On May 4, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) searched SMITH’s residence and seized approximately 10,593.572 grams of fentanyl, 3.76 grams of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, including two digital scales with fentanyl residue, a rectangle cake pan with fentanyl residue, multiple blenders with fentanyl residue, and a vacuum sealer with fentanyl residue. Law enforcement also seized $15,520 in United States currency and a loaded Masterpiece Arms MPA Defender, nine-millimeter semi-automatic submachine gun, with an extended magazine. In July and August of 2021, SMITH structured cash deposits of his illegal narcotics proceeds into an account at a bank, then sent a wire to a credit union account using the funds to pay-off the balance on a car and purchase a $27,617.55 official check payable to a title company. This official check was used at the closing for the purchase of SMITH’s residence. SMITH also used $48,931 in illegal drug proceeds to purchase a 2018 Maserati Levante.
SMITH faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release for Count 1. SMITH also faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. SMITH faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for each count of engaging in monetary transactions derived from specified unlawful activity. He also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and André Jones of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –BRYAN SPEARS (“SPEARS”) , age 21, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on September 1, 2023, SPEARS was in the front passenger seat of a stolen car in Joe Brown Park in New Orleans. After he was ordered out of the car, New Orleans Police Department officers recovered a Glock Model 17 firearm that was partially hidden underneath SPEARS’s seat. The firearm was equipped with an extended magazine and loaded with 29 live rounds.
SPEARS faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Machinegun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –LOVON WHITE (“WHITE”), age 22, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to possession with the intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, WHITE used social media to sell drugs and machinegun conversion devices. These are devices that turn a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm. In June of 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at WHITE’s residence and recovered an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15 pistol and a Glock Model 21, .45 caliber pistol, both equipped with machinegun conversion devices; tapentadol and marijuana that WHITE intended to sell; drug trafficking supplies; and hundreds of dollars in drug sale proceeds.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, WHITE will serve 10 years in prison. WHITE also faces a term of supervised release of at least three years up to life. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Mexican National Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ENRIQUE TORRES-BEIZA, a/k/a “Enrique B. Torres,” age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on March 13, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to the filed indictment, on or about October 26, 2024, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, ENRIQUE TORRES-BEIZA, a/k/a “Enrique B. Torres,”, was found in the United States, after having been officially deported and removed therefrom, on or about December 26, 2018
ENRIQUE TORRES-BEIZA, a/k/a “Enrique B. Torres,” faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00, if convicted of re-entry of a removed alien.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 220 Months Imprisonment for Trafficking 14-Year-Old Girl to New Orleans for Commercial SexRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JEREMY TALBERT (a/k/a “J-Nasty,” a/k/a “Jay Nastie”) (“TALBERT”), age 29, from Memphis, Tenn., was sentenced on March 12, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1), 1591(b)(2), 1594(a), and 2, by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to 220 months in prison. TALBERT was also sentenced to ten (10) years of supervised release after release from prison. Judge Africk further ordered TALBERT to pay $47,000 in restitution to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. TALBERT will also have to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, TALBERT brought a fourteen-year-old female (“Minor Victim”) from Memphis to New Orleans to have her engage in commercial sex acts between in or about October 2020 and on or about December 17, 2020. During this time, TALBERT was aware of Minor Victim’s age from her mother, who informed TALBERT that Minor Victim was missing. TALBERT falsely told Minor Victim’s mother that he would help locate Minor Victim and bring her home.
Instead, TALBERT advertised Minor Victim on websites commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money. TALBERT directed and supervised Minor Victim when she performed commercial sex acts including, setting the fee sexual acts, waiting in a nearby vehicle while Minor Victim solicited “dates,” requiring Minor Victim to share her location via phone with him, and providing condoms for her use during commercial sex dates. TALBERT required Minor Victim to earn approximately $1,000 per day from commercial sex acts and, kept all or most of the money she earned.
TALBERT trafficked Minor Victim until December 17, 2020, when law enforcement officers encountered them during the execution of a search warrant at a hotel in New Orleans. During the search warrant, agents seized approximately $1,223 in United States currency, a black handgun, and TALBERT’s Phone, which connected him to the trafficking of Minor Victim.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Memphis Police Department, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit and Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, age 27, a native of Honduras, was indicted on March 13, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to the filed indictment, on or about March 7 2025, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ, was found in the United States, after having been officially deported and removed therefrom, on or about June 8, 2018.
EDGARDO AMADOR-RODRIGUEZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00, if convicted of re-entry of a removed alien.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge, and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal Use of Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSE DAVID SANCHEZ (“SANCHEZ”), age 28, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on March 13, 2025 for illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced SANCHEZ to time served (approximately 4 months), 1 year of supervised release and a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, SANCHEZ used the Social Security number of a United States citizen in an initial application to obtain employment. On September 30, 2020, SANCHEZ arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course to finalize his employment with Company “A.” On that day, SANCHEZ presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, which he represented to be his own, in order to obtain employment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that XAVION WATTS, age 22, formerly a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 12, 2025 by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk to the statutory maximum of 120 months imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to Possession of a Machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). Judge Africk ordered WATTS placed on supervised release for three (3) years following his release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Court documents reveal that NOPD officers were on patrol on October 29, 2022, in the French Quarter when they saw a firearm in WATTS‘s waistband as he walked down Bourbon Street. As officers approached WATTS, he fled on foot but was caught and arrested shortly thereafter. During the arrest, officers recovered a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter handgun with a fully automatic switch and extended magazine, containing 21 rounds and one in the chamber, from WATTS. The fully automatic switch converted the Glock into a fully automatic machine gun.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit handled the prosecution.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that MARCO GOMEZ-ARGUELLO (“GOMEZ-ARGUELLO”), age 36, a native of Mexico, was indicted for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, GOMEZ-ARGUELLO reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 28, 2013. For this offense, GOMEZ-ARGUELLO faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson 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 part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Guilty of Re-entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HIBIS TURCIO-SANCHEZ (“TURCIO-SANCHEZ”), age 45, a native of Honduras, plead guilty on March 13, 2025, to reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, TURCIO-SANCHEZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on October 17, 2016.
TURCIO-SANCHEZ faces an enhanced maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, up to a $250,00 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee because of his prior felony conviction for assaulting a federal official in 2016. Sentencing is set for June 17, 2025, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRANDIE ROWE (“ROWE”), age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 12, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. ROWE was sentenced to thirty-six months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, ROWE and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Additionally, ROWE and the co-conspirators traveled between New Orleans, and other states, in order to transport U.S. Currency and narcotics on behalf of a Drug Trafficking Organization.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being Felon in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced on March 12, 2025, that AVERY JULIEN (“JULIEN”), age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00, by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long. JULIEN had previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), on October 29, 2024.
According to court records, on September 14, 2022, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies and New Orleans Police Department officers executed a search warrant at JULIEN’s New Orleans residence after learning that JULIEN may have committed a carjacking in Jefferson Parish. During the search, two firearms, a Sig Sauer Model P229, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Sig Sauer Model P250, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, were located in JULIEN’s bedroom. JULIEN’s DNA was located on both firearms.
Federal law prohibits convicted felons, such as JULIEN, from possessing firearms. In 2018, JULIEN was convicted of felonies in two separate cases in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. JULIEN knew he had been convicted of these felonies at the time he possessed the firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
Honduran National Guilty of Re-entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that EVIN ENRIQUE FUNEZ-CRUZ (“FUNEZ-CRUZ”), age 22, a native of Honduras, plead guilty on March 12, 2025, to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, FUNEZ-CRUZ, was apprehended in St. Tammany Parish on or around January 6, 2025. He had been previously deported to Honduras on June 21, 2024.
FUNEZ-CRUZ faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $879,562,972.18 in FY 2024 Civil and Criminal ActionsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that the Eastern District of Louisiana collected $879,562,972.18 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $10,272,777.37 was collected in criminal actions and $869,292,194.81 was collected in civil actions.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
In addition to those amounts, the MPRU or U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO), working with partner agencies and divisions, also separately forfeited $2,070,396.92 in assets, and 133 firearms connected to criminal activity, in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Representative examples of the MPRU’s collection and forfeiture efforts include:
- In April 2024, the MPRU recovered $868,965,517.00 from BP Exploration & Production Inc., imposed as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
- Following a trial and guilty verdict, the MPRU collected approximately $3.7 million in restitution from hospice owner, Shiva Akula, by utilizing the All Writs Act to restrain and preserve his assets for restitution prejudgment . The MPRU subsequently filed a post-judgment motion to turn over the restrained assets, including hospice licenses, for restitution to Medicare.
- In July 2024, the MPRU collected approximately $1.2 million, by utilizing enforcement provisions of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and issuing Writs of Garnishment for several investment accounts belonging to defendant Robert Calloway. Calloway previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Additionally, he admitted signing false statements and making material omissions on dozens of loan documents, in his capacity as Senior Vice President of First NBC bank, over the course of several years.
- In October 2024, the MPRU collected approximately $1.5 million in criminal penalties for the Crime Victims Fund. This collection stemmed from an environmental crimes case in which defendants, Prive Overseas Marine and Prive Shipping, pled guilty to obstruction of justice. Specifically, the defendants admitted to illegally discharging, and causing the discharge of oil contaminated waste, into U.S. waters.
- The USAO forfeited $121,785 in cash, two firearms, and a 2020 Infiniti Q50 that was seized during the execution of a June 2024 search warrant from defendant, Wayne Handy, who had previously pled guilty to federal drug and gun violations.
- The MPRU forfeited approximately $34,570 in proceeds from defendant, Michelle Andre, who had previously pled guilty to distributing misbranded versions of injectable contraceptives to patients, in August 2024.
“These statistics demonstrate our continued commitment and dedication to crime victims and to the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana through the aggressive collection of civil judgments and criminal fines and restitution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson. “As such, our office’s Monetary Penalties and Recovery Unit (MPRU) will continue their duty to protect the public by holding accountable those who have profited from the crimes they committed in our District.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson thanks Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra Giavotella, Financial Litigation Assistant United States Attorney Churita Hansell, as well as the Office’s outstanding support professionals, Jerrilyn A. Dufauchard, Laquana Bates, Christina Garcia, Danielle Smith-Graham, Megan Snow, David Vigier, and Monica Washington for their hard work and dedication to the pursuit of justice.
Tangipahoa Parish Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – RINGO MITCHELL JR. (“MITCHELL JR.”), age 36 of Natalbany, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 27, 2025, to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, before United States District Judge Barry Ashe, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
MITCHELL JR. pleaded guilty to Counts 1, 9, and 10 of the indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged MITCHELL JR. with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(A); 841(b)(1)(B); and 846. Count 9 charged MITCHELL JR. with illegal use of communications facility, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2. Count 10 charged MITCHELL JR. with possessing, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
On Count 1, MITCHELL JR. faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Count 9, MITCHELL JR. faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 1 year of supervised release following imprisonment. On Count 10, MITCHELL JR. faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. As to each count, he also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least September 10, 2024, MITCHELL JR., and seven other individuals, conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the Tangipahoa Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.
Slidell Doctor Charged with Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ROBERT TASSIN, M.D. (“TASSIN”), age 64, of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged March 10, 2025 with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary cancer genetic (“CGx”) tests.
According to the bill of information, TASSIN worked as an independent contractor for several purported telemedicine companies. From approximately February through September of 2019, TASSIN, through the purported telemedicine companies, allegedly signed doctors’ orders for CGx tests for Medicare beneficiaries he never saw, spoke to, or otherwise treated. As a result, it is alleged that TASSIN‘s orders resulted in over $6.6 million in false and fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare, of which Medicare reimbursed over $2 million. To conceal and perpetuate the fraud, TASSIN allegedly made several false and fraudulent statements in support of the orders he submitted, including falsely certifying in medical records that the CGx tests were medically necessary for the patients’ treatment. In exchange for electronically reviewing patient charts and ordering CGx tests, it is alleged that TASSIN was paid a set fee per doctor’s order, typically $30, totaling $106,757.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, TASSIN faces up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorney Kelly Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana, are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Charged with Possessing Files Depicting Sexual Victimization of ChildrenRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ERVIN DALVECCHIO COOPER, (“COOPER”) age 23, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on February 27, 2025, by bill of information, with possession of files depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(4)(B).
COOPER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years. COOPER also faces a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and can be required to register as a sex offender. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U. S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JERAD M. BARRETT, (“BARRETT”), age 41, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 26, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fifty kilograms or more of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, fifty kilograms or more of marijuana, and maintaining a drug-involved premises, violations of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 846, and 856(a)(1), respectively, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. BARRETT was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, BARRETT, with the assistance of his mother, maintained his residence to cultivate and distribute kilogram quantities of marijuana. Agents also uncovered communications between BARRETT and his mother related to distribution, packaging, and relocation of narcotics within the Eastern District of Louisiana. During the investigation, agents recovered approximately 940 kilograms of marijuana stored in plastic bins and barrels from within BARRETT’S residence and multiple storage units associated with BARRETT.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Houston Man Guilty of Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ANACLETO SILVA-HERRERA (“SILVA-HERRERA”), age 38, a resident of Houston, Texas, pled guilty on February 26, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession, with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to court documents, SILVA-HERRERA, and other co-conspirators, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute, multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana. SILVA-HERRERA transported kilogram quantities of cocaine, and proceeds from the sale of narcotics, on behalf of a co-conspirator, a known Mexico-based source of supply.
On both counts, SILVA-HERRERA faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Thibodaux Social Worker Sentenced to 30 Months for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that JOHN CHRISTOPHER BARRILLEAUX (“BARRILLEAUX”), age 64, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 27, 2025 to 30 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347.
According to court documents, from 2008 through 2024, BARRILLEAUX submitted false claims to private insurance companies for millions of dollars of healthcare services that were not actually provided. To hide the fraud, BARRILLEAUX created fake patient notes and submitted them to the insurance companies to support his bills.
United States District Judge Barry Ashe sentenced BARRILLEAUX to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. BARRILLEAUX was also ordered to pay $4,592,650 in restitution to the victim companies, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.
St. Charles Parish Man Guilty of Being Felon with FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on February 27, 2025, DARRYL DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 30, a resident of St. Charles Parish, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to court documents, after reviewing DAVIS’s social media postings about firearms, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents began an investigation which revealed that DAVIS had been twice previously convicted of felonies and knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. DAVIS was arrested on August 14, 2024 and found in possession of a Glock Model 43X, nine- millimeter semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.
DAVIS faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised released, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 27, 2025.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.
Thibodaux Social Worker Sentenced to 30 Months for Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that JOHN CHRISTOPHER BARRILLEAUX (“BARRILLEAUX”), age 64, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 27, 2025 to 30 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347.
According to court documents, from 2008 through 2024, BARRILLEAUX submitted false claims to private insurance companies for millions of dollars of healthcare services that were not actually provided. To hide the fraud, BARRILLEAUX created fake patient notes and submitted them to the insurance companies to support his bills.
United States District Judge Barry Ashe sentenced BARRILLEAUX to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. BARRILLEAUX was also ordered to pay $4,592,650 in restitution to the victim companies, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun Control Act ViolatonRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that CHRISTOPHER PERTUIT (“PERTUIT”), age 50, of New Orleans, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The Honorable Carl J. Barbier, U.S. District Court Judge, sentenced PERTUIT to 63 months imprisonment, three years supervised release and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
St. Tammany Parish Man Guilty of Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENNETH FLOCKE (“FLOCKE”), age 24, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on February 26, 2025, before United States District Judge Sarah Vance, to three counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
For each count FLOCKE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count.
According to court documents, on April 17, May 16, and June 13, 2024, FLOCKE distributed large quantities of fentanyl pills, 1,000 pills (141.93 grams), 1,000 pills (146.01 grams) and 1,000 pills (141.81 grams), respectively, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.
Three Louisiana Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Armed Robbery of Undercover Federal AgentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL LOTT (“LOTT”), age 51, DIANTA TROPEZ (“TROPEZ”), age 30, and VERNELL WOODARD (“WOODARD”), age 23, all residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on February 18 and 19, 2025, by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle for the armed robbery of an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) special agent that resulted in the agent’s paralysis from the shoulders down, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court records, VERNELL WOODARD and three other co-defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine to an undercover ATF agent and another individual on August 29, 2023 at a Westbank, New Orleans apartment. The plan came to fruition when the conspirators sold the undercover ATF agent approximately seven grams of pure methamphetamine.
After this August 29 methamphetamine distribution deal was completed, VERNELL WOODARD arranged for the undercover ATF agent and the other individual to return to the apartment the following day to purchase more drugs. When the undercover ATF agent and the other individual arrived at the apartment complex the next day, WOODARD told them to return to the same apartment. As they were coming upstairs, MICHAEL LOTT, armed with an AR-15 style weapon,hid in a closet inside the apartment. Once the undercover ATF agent and the other individual were inside the apartment, DIANTA TROPEZ entered, pointed a Glock pistol at the undercover ATF agent and the other individual, and demanded they get down and hand over their possessions. Simultaneously, MICHAEL LOTT emerged from the closet, pointed the AR-15 style weapon at them, and demanded they turn over their possessions.
Other agents monitoring the deal, realized something was wrong and responded. Once LOTT and TROPEZ heard the law enforcement response, they stopped the robbery, and everyone in the apartment tried to flee. The undercover ATF agent and the other individual went onto the third-floor apartment balcony and began climbing down to escape. During their climb, the agent fell and sustained severe injuries, resulting in his paralysis.
As a result of this criminal conduct, MICHAEL LOTT, DIANTA TROPEZ, VERNELL WOODARD, and three others were charged in an eleven-count superseding indictment with various offense related to the drug trafficking and the armed robbery.
On September 13, 2024, DIANTA TROPEZ pleaded guilty to several crimes including, conspiring to rob a person of money belonging to the United States, armed robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 2, 2024, MICHAEL LOTT pleaded guilty to the same charges as TROPEZ. On November 22, 2024, VERNELL WOODARD pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution charges, as well as all the charges related to his participation in the armed robbery and to maintaining a drug involved premises.
During three lengthy sentencing hearings, the Court heard from the injured special agent, as well as members of his family and other special agents who had worked with the injured agent. Judge Lemelle imposed sentences on all three defendants convicted of participating in the robbery that were well above the recommended guidelines ranges. Judge Lemelle sentenced LOTT to 300 months of imprisonment. He also sentenced TROPEZ to 284 months of imprisonment, and WOODARD to 209 months of imprisonment. Each defendant was also placed on a five-year term of supervised release following release from imprisonment and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
"Following the lengthy sentences imposed on Michael Lott, Dianta Tropez, and Vernell Woodard, our community is a bit safer,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson. “We take any violence against law enforcement very seriously. Although we cannot undo the tragic events in this case ultimately, justice was achieved, not only for the ATF special agent so grievously injured by this crime, but also for, law enforcement professionals and the community at large. Violent criminals, bent on preying upon our citizens, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The substantial sentencings of Michael Lott, Dianta Tropez, and Vernell Woodard signifies that each defendant will be held accountable for engaging in violent crime in the community,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Holding accountable offenders who commit violent crimes against law enforcement, like our Special Agent in this case, and protecting the public are cornerstones of what our agency seeks to accomplish. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure accountability for those violent criminals and to remove them from the community as we are working to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The investigation giving rise to the superseding indictment was conducted primarily by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department and Crimestoppers GNO. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator, and Nolan Paige, Chief of the Narcotics Unit.
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Honduran National Pleads Guilty and Sentenced for Re-entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ALEX SAUL HERNANDEZ-PEREZ (“HERNANDEZ-PEREZ”), age 33, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on February 20, 2025, for violating Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, HERNANDEZ-PEREZ, an illegal alien, was found in St. Bernard Parish on or around October 21, 2024. He had previously been deported to Honduras on June 13, 2019.
HERNANDEZ-PEREZ was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to time served. Once HERNANDEZ-PREREZ is released from federal custody, he will be turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE), for processing and, removal to his native country.
United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey also sentenced HERNANDEZ-PEREZ to one year of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Four New Orleans Men Indicted for Selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and Multiple Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SHERWIN WHITE (“WHITE”), age 29, LIONEL WINDING, JR. (“WINDING”), age 20, LORENZO SMITH (“SMITH”), age 19, and ANDRE MILLS (“MILLS”), age 37, were indicted on February 21, 2025, in a 20-count indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
WHITE, WINDING, SMITH, and MILLS are all charged in Count 1 of the indictment with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.
WHITE, WINDING, and SMITH are each charged with distributing various quantities of fentanyl in Counts 2 and 3 and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Counts 4 and 8, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). WHITE and MILLS are also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Count 12, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). WHITE is additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in Count 16, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). WINDING is additionally charged in Count 19 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D).
As to their firearms crimes, WHITE, WINDING, and SMITH are each charged in Counts 6 and 10, and WHITE and MILLS are charged in Count 13, with carrying firearms during, and in relation to, a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). WINDING is charged in Counts 5, 9, and 20, and WHITE is charged in Count 17, with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). WHITE is also charged in Counts 7, 11, 14, and 18, and MILLS is charged in Count 15, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to the indictment, between November of 2024 and January of 2025, the defendants distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine and conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, those substances. On January 30, 2025, WHITE and WINDING possessed additional controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. The indictment also alleges that the defendants carried firearms during three of the drug distributions and that WINDING also possessed a firearm in furtherance of two of the distributions. The indictment further alleges that, on four different dates, WHITE illegally possessed firearms, after previously being convicted of distribution of heroin, and, on one of those dates, MILLS also illegally possessed firearms, after previously being convicted of distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In total, the indictment alleges that the defendants committed federal crimes involving 17 firearms.
As to the conspiracy charge in Count 1, all four defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison up to life, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release up to life. WHITE also faces the same penalties for his possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of methamphetamine charge in Count 16.
As to the fentanyl distribution charge in Count 2, WHITE, WINDING, and SMITH face up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. WINDING faces the same penalties for his possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana charge in Count 19.
As to the charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl in Count 3, and each of the charges of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Counts 4, 8, and 12, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to 40 years, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release up to life.
As to each of the charges of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in Counts 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17, and 20, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to each other and all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
As to each of the felon in possession charges in Counts 7, 11, 14, 15, and 18, WHITE and MILLS face up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
WHITE is also charged with a sentencing enhancement based on his prior convictions for distributing heroin that raises his mandatory minimum sentence for Count 1 to 15 years in prison.
Altogether, WHITE faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in prison; WINDING faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison; SMITH faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison; and MILLS faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KEVIN TYLER, II a/k/a “City,” (“TYLER”) age 48, a New Orleans resident, pled guilty on February 12, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine (Count 1) and possession with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine (Count 2), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, TYLER, and other co-conspirators, distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
For Counts 1 and 2, TYLER faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – AMANDO ANTONIO VELASQUEZ-GUEVARA (“VELASQUEZ-GUEVARA”), age 29, was indicted on February 14, 2025 for reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to the indictment, VELASQUEZ-GUEVARA, reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 28, 2019. If convicted, VELASQUEZ-GUEVARA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Man Indicted for Violations of Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on February 14, 2025, MIGUEL ANGEL SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ (“SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ”), age 37, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in Count One of the indictment, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in Count Two, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon in Count Three and, reentry of a removed alien in Count Four, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c),924(a)(2), 922(g), and Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a), and 1326(b)(2), respectively.
According to the indictment, on or about January 29, 2025 SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ possessed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; possessed a firearm, a Taurus Model G2C, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; knowingly, unlawfully possessed a firearm, having been previously convicted of a felony in the State of Mississippi, and was officially deported and removed from the United States on or about July 9, 2010.
If convicted of Count One, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ faces up to twenty years imprisonment , a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count Two, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ faces a minimum term of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of Count Three, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ faces up to fifteen years imprisonment , a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. If convicted of Count Four, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ faces up to twenty years imprisonment , a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. As to each count, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson 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 part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Border Patrol, Kenner Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –RENARD SANTIAGO (“SANTIAGO”), age 19, pleaded guilty on February 18, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, SANTIAGO was wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department for an armed robbery and a separate shooting. During the course of the investigation into his whereabouts, law enforcement officers observed stories on SANTIAGO’s Instagram account showing SANTIAGO in possession of a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device, posing with large amounts of cash, and advertising the sale of marijuana. The next day, officers executed a search warrant at SANTIAGO’s residence. SANTIAGO hid in the attic for four hours before he was finally forced out of the house. Inside the attic, officers found SANTIAGO’s handgun, with the machinegun conversion device still attached, a distributable quantity of marijuana, and over $400 in cash.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, SANTIAGO will serve 15 years in prison. The Court took SANTIAGO’s guilty plea but deferred its decision on whether to accept or reject the negotiated plea until sentencing. SANTIAGO also faces a term of supervised release of at least two years and up to life. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Metairie Man Indicted for Possessing Materials Involving Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Federal Gun Control Act ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today the Indictment of ROBERT ANTHONY MARSH, JR. (“MARSH”), age 59, of Metairie, was indicted on February 14, 2025, with Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). If convicted of the possession of sexual exploitation materials, MARSH faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of firearm possession by a convicted felon, MARSH faces a maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, MARSH’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on December 19, 2024. At the time of this search, MARSH was on state supervised release for a previous state conviction of Pornography Involving Juveniles. On December 19, 2024, following the search of his home, MARSH was arrested by Louisiana State Probation and Parole for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of child pornography. Thereafter, MARSH was transferred from state to federal custody in connection with this federal indictment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Jefferson Parish Police Department; and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Probation and Parole. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Honduran National Sentenced for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOAN E. ESCOBAR-REYES (“ESCOBAR-REYES”), age 26, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on February 20, 2025 by United States District Judge Susie Morgan. Judge Morgan sentenced ESCOBAR-REYES to thirty months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and the payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2024, ESCOBAR-REYES, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock Model 32, .357 SIG caliber, semi-automatic pistol and a H&R Model 92, .22 LR caliber revolver.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
Former NOPD Sergeant Sentenced to 5 Years Probation After Pleading Guilty to Six Counts of Wire Fraud tor Double Billing and Billing for Time Not WorkedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced former New Orleans Police Department Sergeant TODD F. MORRELL, age 57, a resident of New Orleans, to 5 years of probation, 8 months of home confinement, 150 hours of community service, a $5,000 fine, and payment of a mandatory $600 special assessment fee after he previously pleaded guilty to six (6) counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to defraud NOPD and the New Orleans Fair Grounds, an entity that paid him to provide off-duty police details. A restitution hearing is set for April 29, 2025.
According to court documents, MORRELLwas a NOPD Sergeant with NOPD’s Special Operations Division, serving both on a Tactical Platoon and the Bomb Disposal Unit. He supplemented his NOPD income with security-oriented secondary employment (i.e., “police details”) while off-duty, including a detail with the New Orleans Fair Grounds Neighborhood Patrol (“Fair Grounds Patrol”). The Fair Grounds Patrol was created by city ordinance to enhance police service around the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racecourse. The Fair Grounds Patrol consisted of two patrol cars operating 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, with one off-duty NOPD officer per car. MORRELL signed annual certifications attesting to his understanding of NOPD policies, including the secondary employment policy, and acknowledging that he would “actively monitor my hours” and would “not engage in activities or personal business which would cause them to neglect or be inattentive to duty.”
Notwithstanding these annual certifications, on numerous occasions between early 2017 and November 30, 2021, MORRELL submitted and certified timecards to NOPD and time sheets to the Fair Grounds Patrol,falsely claiming to have been on duty (for NOPD) and on detail (for the Fair Grounds Patrol) when, in actuality, MORRELL was not present for duty. Instead, MORRELL engaged in personal, recreational activities unrelated to his work duties. Often, MORRELL was engaged in recreational race car driving in Avondale, Louisiana, and Austin, Texas, while claiming to be on duty and on detail. Additionally, MORRELL “double billed” NOPD and the Fair Grounds Patrol by submitting time sheets to both entities reflecting that he was working for both entities simultaneously. The six counts to which MORRELL pled guilty, are representative examples of his scheme. These counts related to individual payments MORRELL received for submitting false and fraudulent time sheets for on duty and secondary employment shifts while a part of the Fair Grounds Patrol. The various dates he falsely claimed to work that constituted the six counts were: July 1, 2019, December 21, 2020, January 23, 2021, March 13, 2021, March 14, 2021, April 25, 2021, April 30, 2021, and October 23, 2021.
“When anyone willfully commits fraud, our office will investigate, and if warranted, prosecute,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “Mr. Morrell’s sentencing is an acknowledgment of the betrayal, and breach of public trust, as well as the resultant harm stemming therefrom, that his serial fraudulent acts have caused the New Orleans Police Department, and the citizens of New Orleans. This successful investigation and prosecution, exemplify the strong partnership between our office, the FBI, the New Orleans Office of Inspector General and the New Orleans Public Integrity Bureau.”
“The FBI will continue to investigate fraud and corruption at all levels of government and individuals like Mr. Morrell who exploit the public's trust for personal gain,” said FBI New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Cyrus. “We thank the New Orleans Inspector General's Office and the New Orleans Public Integrity Bureau for their assistance in bringing this misconduct to light.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General and the New Orleans Public Integrity Bureau. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Brittany L. Reed also of the Public Integrity Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Companies That Own and Operate Bulk Carrier Guilty, Sentenced for Environmental CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that two companies that owned and operated the bulk carrier M/V ASL Singapore—ASL Singapore Shipping Limited and Jia Feng Shipping (Fuzhou) Limited — pled guilty on February 20, 2025 to knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), and obstruction of justice related to the falsification of the vessel’s Oil Record Book, a required log.
The guilty pleas occurred before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. The companies were sentenced during the same proceeding. Pursuant to the court approved plea agreement, the companies were fined a total of $1.85 million and are banned from operating in the United States in the future. Separate charges were filed against Fei Wang, a Chinese national who was the ship’s Chief Engineer. Wang pled guilty and was sentenced on January 24, 2025.
The criminal case stems from a routine U.S. Coast Guard inspection, which revealed that the crew had been using a portable pump and flexible hose—a so-called magic pipe—to dispose of oily bilge water. This action constituted a violation of MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, coupled with the vessel’s failure to use the appropriate pollution prevention equipment and monitoring. Crew members presented the vessel’s Oil Record Books to the Coast Guard knowing they contained fraudulent entries and omitted information about discharging oily bilge water directly overboard before arriving in the United States. The falsified logs were intended to conceal that since at least June 2023, the crew had dumped oily bilge water overboard directly from the bilge holding tank and was non- compliant with international treaties regulating oil pollution from ships.
ASL Singapore Shipping Limited is based in The Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Jia Feng is based in China. The corporations were each charged with two felonies: an APPS violation and obstruction of justice.
The Coast Guard Investigative Service and the EPA Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine M. Calogero and G. Dall Kammer of the General Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Machinegun PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LADONTE RICHARDSON (“RICHARDSON”), age 22, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 13, 2025, to possession of a machinegun, announced Acting U. S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
RICHARDSON faces a maximum term of 10 years of imprisonment, and/or a fine up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, on August 29, 2023, RICHARDSON posted a photo on his Instagram page with three train emojis, along with an emoji of a cellphone. Investigators believed this to be an advertisement for selling Tapentadol pills, which are commonly referred to as “trains.” On September 7, 2023, RICHARDSON posted another advertisement for drugs. Based upon these posts, on September 8, 2023, a Federal Bureau Investigation (“FBI”) Task Force Officer (“TFO”) obtained a search warrant for RICHARDSON’s Instagram account that showed RICHARDSON possessing firearms. Specifically, on September 17, 2023, RICHARDSON live streamed himself on a video brandishing a firearm with a laser sight. On September 21, 2023, an arrest warrant was issued for RICHARDSON for two counts of second-degree murder that occurred on December 7, 2022. U.S. Marshals located and arrested RICHARSON in New Orleans. A search of his residence revealed the same firearm brandished by RICHARDSON on his Instagram page, in a bedroom dresser. The firearm was equipped with a switch. The firearm was also stolen.
RICHARDSON admits possessing and knowing it was a machine gun.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ARMOND BURNETTE (“BURNETTE”), age 35, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 11, 2025 to a three-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
BURNETTE faces a maximum penalty of (20) years imprisonment, at least three (3) years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000, for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; and a maximum penalty of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. BURNETTE also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers observed BURNETTE who was wanted for multiple attachments, walking in the French Quarter. NOPD officers approached BURNETTE but he fled and was arrested a short time later. BURNETTE was found in possession of a plastic bag with twenty-one (21) individually wrapped baggies containing fentanyl, and 3.39 grams of cocaine. On April 25, 2024, NOPD officers conducting a drug investigation, observed BURNETTE exit a silver BMW in the 600 block of Iberville and enter a bar wearing a backpack. Officers met BURNETTE as he was exiting the bar without the backpack. Officers located the bag, that contained a firearm, near a poker machine inside the bar.
Officers opened the bag and found a firearm. Thereafter, officers searched the silver BMW and recovered one bag containing seven bags of fentanyl, a digital scale, and a small amount of methamphetamine.
After searching the backpack , officers also recovered six dosages of Tapentadol, ecstasy pills, approximately 4 grams of cocaine, and a stolen .40 caliber Smith & Wesson firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Kenner Man Enters Guilty of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOAH TORRES (“TORRES”), age 47, of Kenner, pled guilty on February 20, 2025, to Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Abuse of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
TORRES faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, after release from prison, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on Monday, July 24, 2023, TORRES was arrested at his Kenner residence by Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, after the execution of a federal search warrant. TORRES admitted to possessing 219 images and 340 videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for May 22, 2025, before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.
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 Attorney’s 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.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, including the Portland, Oregon and New Orleans, Louisiana offices; the Kenner Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.
Honduran Guilty of Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that CESAR ALVAREZ-ESPINAL (“ALVAREZ-ESPINAL”), a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on February 20, 2025 to illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
ALVAREZ-ESPINAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, in November 2024, Homeland Security Investigations received information that certain individuals had used fraudulent Social Security cards in an initial application to obtain employment. Prior to finalizing employment with their prospective company, the individuals were required to report to the Gulf Coast Safety Council. The Gulf Coast Safety Council provides safety courses to applicants applying for work with companies that service petrochemical processing plants. On November 13, 2024, ALVAREZ-ESPINAL arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course. On that day, ALVAREZ-ESPINAL presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, that he represented to be his own in order to obtain employment.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Army Reservist Sentenced for Conspiracy to Steal Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – CODY FRANCIS (“FRANCIS”), age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 13, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. FRANCIS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, having stolen $11,378.27 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”
Chief Judge Brown sentenced FRANCIS to one year probation, 100 hours of unpaid community service, the payment of $11,378.27 in restitution to the Department of the Army, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Bogalusa Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FERNANDO BRISTER (“BRISTER”), age 35, and resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana was indicted on January 31, 2025, announced Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Count One of the indictment charged him with distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count Two charged him with being a felon in possession of firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e).
If convicted, BRISTER faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release for Count One. For Count Two, BRISTER faces not less than 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. BRISTER also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to both counts.
According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, BRISTER knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, to an undisclosed person. On February 6, 2023, BRISTER was a felon and knowingly possessed a Glock Model 43, nine--millimeter caliber pistol and ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington Parish Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced today that DAVID KELLUP JR., (“KELLUP”), age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 13, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Counts 2, 4, 5, and 8 of the indictment pending against him. Sentencing is scheduled for May 24, 2025.
KELLUP was charged in Count 2 with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). At sentencing, he faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.
KELLUP was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1). At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. Any sentence on Count 4 must run consecutive to any other sentence.
KELLUP was charged in Count 5 with possessing firearms after being convicted of certain felonies, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). At sentencing, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.
KELLUP was charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2. Count 8 carries up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment. All four counts also carry a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals, maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Attempted Carjacking and Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that WARREN ROLAND (“ROLAND”), age 33, was sentenced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, after previously pleading guilty to the indictment pending against him. Count 1 of the indictment charged ROLAND with attempted carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119(1). Count 2 charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
ROLAND was sentenced to 137 months imprisonment as to Count 1 and 120 months as to Count 2, both counts to run concurrently. Judge Long also ordered that ROLAND be placed on supervised release for 3 years and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
On March 24, 2022, a concerned citizen called 9-1-1 after seeing a person acting suspiciously and openly carrying a firearm in his hand on Read Boulevard, in New Orleans East. The caller described the suspect and New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers saw a man matching that description, who was later identified as ROLAND. The officers attempted to stop ROLAND for questioning, but he fled on foot. A NOPD officer chased ROLAND on foot and saw him grab a black firearm from his waistband while running.
ROLAND ran into traffic on Read Boulevard, grabbed the front passenger side doorhandle of a stopped Toyota SUV, and tried to open the door while brandishing the firearm. The driver of the SUV attempted to drive away, but ROLAND held the handle and discharged a round from his firearm.
ROLAND eventually let go and was arrested. The firearm, a nine-millimeter Smith and Wesson Model SD9 pistol, loaded with 14 live rounds, was recovered at the scene. One spent shell casing was also found in the chamber of the weapon.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.
Florida Men Indicted for Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TAVARISS DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 44, and TOBEY FITCHETT (“FITCHETT”), age 45, of Perry, Florida, were charged in a four-count indictment on February 14, 2025 with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the filed indictment, on or about August 1, 2024, DAVIS allegedly possessed with intent to distribute, five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and possessed a firearm, a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun, in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, DAVIS was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in Florida, that prohibited him from possessing that firearm.
On or about August 1, 2024 FITCHETT was previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year in Florida, that, likewise, prohibited FITCHETT from possessing a firearm.
DAVIS was indicted in Count 1 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(B). If convicted of Count 1, DAVIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
DAVIS was also indicted in Count 2 for Possession of a Firearm, in furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 2, DAVIS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
FITCHETT was indicted in Count 3 for possessing a firearm, having previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, FITCHETT is accused of possessing a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun. If convicted, FITCHETT faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
DAVIS was also indicted in Count 4 for possessing a firearm having previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, DAVIS is accused of possessing a Taurus Model GC3, nine-millimeter handgun. If convicted, DAVIS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The defendants also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.
St. John the Baptist Parish Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
Correction: Continued investigation by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that FREYRE-SOTO conspired with co-conspirators to conduct large-scale cocaine transactions utilizing a boat off the coast of the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico).
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDEL FREYRE-SOTO (“FREYRE-SOTO”), age 54, a resident of Laplace, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 18, 2025, to conspiracy to possess, and possession with intent to distribute, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 846, as well as possession, with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
For each of the counts, FREYRE-SOTO faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2023, members of the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office seized 69 kilograms of cocaine from FREYRE-SOTO at his residence in Laplace, LA. Continued investigation by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revealed that FREYRE-SOTO conspired with co-conspirators to conduct large-scale cocaine transactions utilizing a boat off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. On March 19, 2024, Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized 85 kilograms of cocaine from a co-conspirator’s residence in Laplace that had been smuggled in through the Grand Isle marina.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.