Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Marrero Man Sentenced for Machine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH P. SCHWARTZ, IV (“SCHWARTZ”), age 21, of Marrero, La., was sentenced on December 17, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion after previously pleading guilty to possessing a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). SCHWARTZ was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on February 25, 2022, while patrolling Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, Louisiana State Police (LSP) troopers observed two males engaged in an altercation. One male, later determined to be SCHWARTZ, possessed a concealed firearm. As Troopers attempted to stop him, SCHWARTZ resisted and fled through the Mardi Gras crowds with the gun in his hand. Ignoring repeated law enforcement commands to stop, he discarded the weapon in a trash can. SCHWARTZ was apprehended thereafter, and the firearm recovered. It was later determined that the recovered firearm, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, with a Glock auto-sear, had been modified to enable automatic fire.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James N. Ollinger of the Violent Crime Unit.
Man Guilty of Conspiring to Steal Mail, Possession of a Postal Service Mail Key and Possession of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHAD WOODS (“WOODS”), age 29, of New Orleans, pled guilty on Thursday, December 19, 2024, to Conspiracy to Steal United States Mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 Possession of a United States Postal Service (USPS ) “arrow” key in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, and Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708. United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for March 27, 2025.
According to the indictment, on June 23, 2022, WOODS and another man stole mail from one location and attempted to steal mail from another location in Kenner, Louisiana. The co-conspirator acted as the driver and WOODS used the USPS key to steal mail from the first location . After a police chase, the pair were found in possession of 36 stolen checks, including one forged counterfeit check, six opened pieces of mail, and the USPS “arrow key” used to open the USPS mailboxes to steal mail.
WOODS faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment on the Conspiracy to Steal United States Mail and the Possession of Stolen Mail counts, and up to ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of Possession of the United States Postal Service mail key, each of these counts to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced to 25 Years Imprisonment for Producing Child Sexual Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAYDEN D. D. HALL (“HALL”), age 23, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced for federal crimes involving child sexual abuse.
HALL previously pled guilty to one count of Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); and three counts of Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1) and (b)(1). According to court documents, HALL created child sexual abuse videos and used social media accounts to distribute those videos, and other child sexual abuse material, through the internet.
United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced HALL to twenty-five years in prison for the production count. For each transportation count, HALL was sentenced to twenty years in prison, concurrent with the production count. HALL was also sentenced to five years of supervised release after his release from prison, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the following agencies in this matter: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Strategic Engagement Team; and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.
Hammond Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 19, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced TYSHON COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 28, a resident of Hammond, La., to a term of imprisonment for 106 months. COLEMAN previously pled guilty to Counts Three and Five of an indictment, charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts. In Count Three, COLEMAN is charged with possession of a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count Five, COLEMAN is charged with possession of machine guns, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sections 922(o)(1) and 924(a)(2). For Count Three, COLEMAN was sentenced to imprisonment for 60 months. For Count Five, COLEMAN was sentenced to imprisonment for 46 months. The sentences in Counts Three and Five were ordered to run consecutively.
Following imprisonment, COLEMAN also faces 3 years of supervised release and payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, on May 18, 2022, the Ponchatoula Police Department went the Walmart Supercenter after receiving a complaint that a male, later identified as COLEMAN, was in possession of a firearm. Once at the parking lot, officers saw COLEMAN and another male seated inside of a vehicle. When officers ordered COLEMAN to show his hands, he refused to comply. After removing COLEMAN from the vehicle, officers observed a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter handgun with a Glock machine gun conversion device and extended magazine, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, tucked between the passenger seat and the center console.
The officers also saw a red backpack in the front passenger seat area where COLEMAN was seated, and a green backpack on the adjoining floorboard. Upon opening the red bag, the officers found another Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter pistol, with a machine gun conversion device, as well as marijuana, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and a digital scale.
On the driver’s side floorboard, officers located a drum Model F5MFG, nine-millimeter caliber magazine, and a green backpack containing cocaine hydrochloride and marijuana.
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 Ponchatoula Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.
Hammond Man Guilty of Receipt of Materials Involving Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH AUTHEMENT (“AUTHEMENT”), age 25, of Hammond, LA, pled guilty on December 18, 2025, to Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). AUTHEMENT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years and up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or up to a fine of $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense. In addition, AUTHEMENT faces a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release and up to life, after his release from prison. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) obtained a federal search warrant to seize AUTHEMENT’s Apple iPhone. On March 12, 2024, HSI special agents (“SA”) located AUTHEMENT at his residence in Hammond, LA. The agents seized AUTHEMENT’s iPhone and located images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors on that phone. SAs later determined AUTHEMENT used Telegram to download and purchase child sex abuse materials.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Justice Department Sues State of Louisiana for Incarcerating People Beyond Their Release DatesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit today against the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) alleging that the state and LDOC maintain a pattern or practice of confining incarcerated people for weeks and months after they have fully completed their prison sentences and are legally entitled to be released, in violation of the 14th Amendment.
“Every person in the United States, whether incarcerated or otherwise, enjoys certain fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Foremost among them is the right to individual liberty. The Founders were keenly aware of the potential abuse of power when government can arbitrarily take away a person’s freedom without a lawful court order specifying the period of their confinement. In this context, the right to individual liberty includes the right to be released from incarceration on time after the term set by the court has ended. To incarcerate people indefinitely, as LDOC does here, not only intrudes on individual liberty, but also erodes public confidence in the fair and just application of our laws. The Justice Department looks forward to proving its case in court.”
The lawsuit is the result of a multi-year investigation into allegations of systemic overdetention in LDOC’s system conducted by the department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana.
As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), the department provided the state with written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions, and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them in a report issued on Jan. 25, 2023. CRIPA authorizes the department to act when it has reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to correctional facilities operated by or on behalf of state or local government.
Today’s lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to remedy deficient conditions identified by the department’s investigation. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages. While the State has made marginal efforts to address the systemic deficiencies leading to overdetention, these steps are inadequate to address the deficiencies, which are longstanding and well-known to the State.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana are handling the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department by phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at [email protected].
For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Additional information about the Eastern, Middle and Western U.S. Attorneys’ Offices is available at www.justice.gov/usao-edla, www.justice.gov/usao-mdla and www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 18, 2024, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL SOMMERS (“SOMMERS”), age 42, of Slidell, La., was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced SOMMERS to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The defendant’s sentence was subject to a sentencing enhancement of a ten-year mandatory minimum because of a conviction on December 13, 2011, in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for Receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents, the case against SOMMERS developed from an undercover online investigation by the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona into those individuals who were sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”). As a result, on April 3, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at SOMMERS’s residence in Slidell. During the execution of the search warrant, SOMMERS was found in possession of a Samsung 256 gigabyte USB thumb drive containing 950 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.
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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; The Apache Junction Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Steal Mail and Possession of Stolen Mail from New Orleans and Metairie Post Office BoxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of FREDERIC THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 24, of New Orleans, who previously pled guilty to Conspiring to Steal Mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to the indictment, on January 30, 2022, THOMPSON conspired with others to steal mail from two locations, the Lakeview Post Office in Orleans Parish and United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes located on Metairie Road in Jefferson Parish. One conspirator acted as the driver and another conspirator used a stolen USPS key to steal mail from the two locations, while THOMPSON was seated in the back of the vehicle. After a police chase, the trio were found in possession of approximately 30 pieces of stolen mail.
U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced THOMPSON to three (3) years probation and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Firearm and Narcotics ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – KERNELIUS ALFORD (“ALFORD”), age 35, of Metairie, was charged on December 13, 2024, in a six-count superseding indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D). Counts 2 and 5 charged him with 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). Count 3 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e). Count 4 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(2). Finally, Count 6 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e).
According to the indictment, ALFORD possessed a firearm on May 2, 2024. ALFORD was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his previous felony conviction(s). If convicted, ALFORD faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, at least two (2) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for Count 1; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for Counts 2 and 5; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 3; up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and up to 6 years of supervised release for Count 4; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 6. ALFORD also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all six counts.
United States Attorney Evans 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 case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUAN CARLOS MORALES-HINOJO (“MORALES-HINOJO”), age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on December 13, 2024 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to the indictment, on November 8, 2024,MORALES-HINOJO reentered the United States after being previously deported on August 15, 2019. For this offense, MORALES-HINOJO faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Sentenced for Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – VARION ROGELIO LOBO-BARAHONA (“LOBO-BARAHONA”), age 31, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. LOBO-BARAHONA was sentenced to time served, supervised release for three (3) years and payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on or about November 23, 2023, LOBO-BARAHONA, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a Smith and Wesson handgun. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies observed a vehicle without a license plate being driven carelessly at a high speed, while attempting to flee, and succeeded in pulling over the vehicle. The JPSO then noticed a handgun in the defendant’s waistband. The gun, a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson Model SD40, was manufactured out of state and had been reported stolen. JPSO learned from federal immigration authorities that the defendant was a Honduran citizen, who had been deported on July 5, 2013 and had not received permission to come back to the United States.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson 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.
Saint Charles Parish Man Sentenced for Federal Firearm and Narcotics ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 5, 2024, BRANDON D. HILL (“HILL”), age 32, of Boutte, Louisiana, was sentenced to ten years in prison by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession, with the intent to distribute, fentanyl, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base.
According to court records, on March 8, 2023, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies approached HILL in Boutte concerning an outstanding arrest warrant for a probation violation. HILL attempted to flee on foot but was subsequently detained and searched. During his arrest, HILL attempted to discard two plastic bags from his pocket. While seizing the bags, the deputies also spotted, and seized, a handgun from HILL’s waistband. The handgun was a Canik semi-automatic pistol with a round in the chamber. Deputies also found HILL in possession of a digital scale with residue and four clear plastic bags, one of which contained approximately 3.78 grams of fentanyl. The second bag contained approximately 17.44 grams of marijuana. The third bag contained approximately 1.15 grams of packaged cocaine hydrochloride, and the fourth bag contained approximately 6.25 grams of cocaine base.
In addition to the ten-year concurrent sentence as to the firearm and narcotics charges, Judge Ashe sentenced HILL to three years of supervised release, also to be served concurrently. HILL was ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each count.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) New Orleans Field Division and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for the 29th Judicial District for its assistance in this prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Orleans Parish Woman Sentenced for Embezzling Money from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAVONDA CHAMBERS, age 44, of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, for embezzling money from her employer.
According to court documents, SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was employed as a bookkeeper for a local business and was apprehended submitting false electronic payroll authorizations to an out-of-state payroll processing company. As a result of her false submissions, SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was able to steal and fraudulently divert more than $2.5 million dollars from her employer to financial accounts she controlled.
SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was sentenced to thirty-six (36) months of imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay over 2.5 million dollars in restitution, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry, Faces Enhanced Sentence for Prior Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that ALVARO LUIS ALCERRO-BANEGAS (“ALCERRO-BANEGAS”), age 38, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1).
According to court documents, ALCERRO-BANEGAS, reentered the United States after being previously deported on September 2, 2022. ALCERRO-BANEGAS, a Honduran national, came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after his arrest by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on March 2, 2024. On January 18, 2017, in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, ALCERRO-BANEGAS was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, after previously being found guilty of illegal re-entry after deportation.
ALCERRO-BANEGAS faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. However, because of his prior felony conviction, ALCERRO-BANEGAS also faces a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Six Defendants Guilty of Drug, Firearms, and Robbery Crimes Related to Robbery of Undercover ATF AgentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Over the past few months, MICHAEL LOTT, DIANTA TROPEZ, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON, all of New Orleans, pled guilty before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to charges stemming from a controlled purchase of methamphetamine as well as an attempted controlled purchase of methamphetamine, during which a Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) undercover agent, and another individual, were armed robbed, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, on August 29, 2023, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON, conspired to distribute, methamphetamine to an undercover ATF agent and another individual, at a Westbank, New Orleans apartment. The plan came to fruition when VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, and SHEENA RUDOLPH sold the undercover ATF agent approximately seven grams of pure methamphetamine.
After this 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 also demanded they turn over their possessions.
Other agents monitoring the deal, realized something was wrong and began responding. MICHAEL LOTT and DIANTA TROPEZ heard the law enforcement response, which 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.
As a result of this criminal conduct, MICHAEL LOTT, DIANTA TROPEZ, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON were indicted on eleven-counts related to the drug trafficking and armed robbery.
On August 14, 2024, SHEENA RUDOLPH pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and the distribution of methamphetamine on August 29, 2023. On August 29, 2024, CORIS ADDISON pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy. On September 13, 2024, DIANTA TROPEZ pleaded guilty to 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 the charges related to his participation in the armed robbery and to maintaining a drug involved premises. Finally, on December 5, 2024, QUINDELE ADDISON pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy, the distribution of methamphetamine, in addition to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug involved premises.
SHEENA RUDOLPH and CORIS ADDISON are set for sentencing on January 22, 2025. RUDOLPH faces at least five years up to forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a $100 per count mandatory special assessment. CORIS ADDISON faces a potential penalty of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
DIANTA TROPEZ, MICHAEL LOTT, and VERNELL WOODARD are set to be sentenced on February 18 and 19, 2025. On the drug counts, WOODARD faces at least five years up to forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. All three defendants face the following potential penalties on the armed robbery counts: for the conspiracy, a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release; for the robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States, a penalty of up to twenty-five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release; for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, a mandatory minimum of at least seven years up to life in prison, that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release; and, or the assault on a federal officer, up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. LOTT and TROPEZ also face up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release, on the felon in possession of a firearm counts.
QUINDELE ADDISON is set to be sentenced on March 26, 2025. On the drug counts, he faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, he faces a mandatory minimum of at least five years up to life in prison, that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. Finally, on the felon in possession of a firearm count, QUINDELE ADDISON faces up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
As to every charged count to which a defendant has pled guilty, that person would also face payment of a mandatory $100 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.
The investigation of this case was conducted, primarily, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, that was assisted by 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.
Ponchatoula Woman Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling from EmployerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, ANGELA C. MITCHELL (“MITCHELL”), age 49, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana was sentenced to a year and a day in prison by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry. MITCHELL had previously pleaded guilty to access device fraud in connection with her embezzlement from a Covington, Louisiana company ( “Company A” in court documents) where she worked from October 2016 to June 2018.
According to court records, MITCHELL embezzled approximately $116,998.70 from Company A by, among other things, fraudulently transferring funds from Company A’s bank accounts via electronic transfers and by drafting unauthorized checks to herself. MITCHELL committed the fraud during her employment, and continued illegally accessing Company A’s accounts after she was terminated in June 2018.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Guidry ordered MITCHELL to pay $116,998.70 in restitution to Company A. Judge Guidry also sentenced MITCHELL to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations - New Orleans Field Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, of the Financial Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty of Federal Gun Control Act ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEO TATE (“TATE”), age 31, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on December 11, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, in April 2024, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents stopped a vehicle occupied by TATE, who agents knew had a felony arrest warrant from Orleans Parish, and another man, for whom agents had a federal warrant to obtain a DNA swab. When agents stopped the vehicle, TATE and the other man attempted to flee, but were apprehended shortly after exiting the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, agents found a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber that TATE admitted was his. TATE also admitted knowing he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his numerous prior felony convictions.
Judge Milazzo set sentencing for January 30, 2025. TATE faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, 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 Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Firearm Possession to Further Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSHUA WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 21, pled guilty on December 12, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, WILLIAMS sold marijuana in the New Orleans area, including through his Instagram accounts. WILLIAMS frequently posted photos and videos to Instagram showing him in possession of firearms, marijuana, and large amounts of cash.
Law enforcement tracked a GMC Sierra pickup truck, stolen in New Orleans to WILLIAMS’s residence. Officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence and recovered the following items: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm (reported stolen), a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter firearm, and a large glass jar containing 75 grams of marijuana, some of which was packaged for distribution. Both firearms were loaded and had extended magazines. WILLIAMS possessed the firearms and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.
WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $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 theUnited States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Six Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMES WALLACE (“WALLACE”), age 25, was sentenced on December 11, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 88 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $600 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), (b)(1)(D), and 846; two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, on June 22, 2021, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) detectives were conducting surveillance in an area north of Airline Highway in Metairie, a frequent site of drug trafficking and firearms offenses. JPSO detectives observed WALLACE carrying a Glock Model 17 handgun equipped with a micro conversion kit, which places the handgun within a rifle-style platform. WALLACE is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior state drug trafficking offense.
On October 13, 2021, WALLACE led a Louisiana State Police trooper on a dangerous car chase and, while evading law enforcement, threw several blister packs of tapentadol out of the window.
Only months later, in January of 2022, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) observed WALLACE back in the same area of Metairie where he was previously observed. On January 4th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE holding two handguns and carrying an orange backpack. Two days later, on January 6th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE carrying the same orange backpack and conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions with a handgun in his waistband. WALLACE handed the backpack, that contained fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and tapentadol, to a co-conspirator who was arrested later that day. Despite the arrests of several of his co-conspirators, WALLACE continued to deal drugs in that same area and, on January 25th, he sold cocaine base to a confidential informant for the ATF.
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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Postal Employee Guilty of Delaying and Stealing Contents of U.S. MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 4, 2024, RANDY BROWN, JR. (“BROWN”), age 31, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, pled guilty to the four-count indictment filed against him. BROWN is charged with unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a), and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to court documents, between on or about July of 2022, through October 4, 2022, BROWN unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed U.S. mail, entrusted to him as a postal employee; and on September 26, 2022, September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, BROWN did knowingly embezzle, steal, abstract, and remove checks from U.S. mail, entrusted to him as a postal employee.
At sentencing, as to Counts 1-4, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. BROWN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each individual count.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
St. Tammany Parish Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Defraud Former Political Candidate and Four Other Louisiana ResidentsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH HAROLD WEST, JR. (“WEST”), a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on December 5, 2024 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
According to court documents, from as early as November 2020, and continuing through at least May 2024, WEST, and others, conspired to: defraud Candidate 1 with fake campaign services; defraud Victim 1 out of approximately $236,867 in fake real estate purchases and associated costs; defraud Victim 2 out of approximately $83,268.05 in fraudulent claims of real estate and title work; and defraud Victims 3 and 4 out of approximately $112,328.18 in connection with a fake legal defense scheme. Among other things, WEST and others utilized numerous fake aliases and occupations, “burner” numbers for text messages and calls, and fraudulent invoices, all in order to defraud their victims.
WEST faces up to five (5) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. WEST has agreed to pay restitution of approximately $446,302.23 to his victims.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.
Postal Employee Sentenced for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAKEITHA WILEY (“WILEY”), age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 5, 2024 to 3 years probation, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WILEY previously pled guilty to unauthorized opening of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(b). Additionally, WILEY was ordered to pay a $25.00 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution and fine in the amounts of $210.00 respectively.
According to court documents, on or about August 25, 2023, WILEY, a mail handler at the New Orleans Processing and Distribution Center, opened a parcel of mail not directed to her and removed two gift cards totaling $210. WILEY later used the stolen gift cards for her own benefit.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –CYRIL HOFFMAN, JR. (“HOFFMAN”), age 26, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion to two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and receipt of a firearm while under indictment, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(n) and 924(a)(1)(D).
According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at HOFFMAN’s residence on August 20, 2021. FBI personnel recovered marijuana that HOFFMAN intended to sell and six firearms from HOFFMAN’s bedroom. Specifically, the FBI recovered a Brothers LA Arms .300 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with a 60 round magazine; a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, .223/5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, loaded with a 30 round magazine; an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15, 5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with a high-capacity magazine containing live rounds; a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 20 live rounds; a Glock Model 19, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 14 live rounds; and a Glock Model 17, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 17 live rounds.
A few weeks before the execution of the search warrant, HOFFMAN was indicted in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for six felony offenses, including four counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit second degree murder. Following the search warrant, HOFFMAN was arrested on those charges but bonded out of jail in June 2022. On October 25, 2022, while still under indictment and awaiting trial in Orleans Parish, deputies with the United States Marshals Service encountered HOFFMAN inside a motel room in New Orleans East. There was a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm inside the room, which HOFFMAN denied was his. However, the FBI later found messages that HOFFMAN sent to a third-party admitting he was in possession of the gun. HOFFMAN continued to sell marijuana while on bond and on May 17, 2023, FBI personnel executed another search warrant at HOFFMAN’s new residence and recovered marijuana, digital scales, and packaging supplies for distribution.
As to each of his convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, HOFFMAN faces up to five years in prison and a minimum of two years of supervised release. As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and up to three years of supervised release. As to his conviction for receipt of a firearm while under indictment, he faces up to 5 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries up to a $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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.
Maryland Woman Sentenced for Role in Million Dollar Fraud Scheme at New Orleans Marine Forces Reserve FacilityRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 10, 2024, KAMILA HORAKOVA DUDLEY (“DUDLEY”), age 43, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced to 3 years probation, payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, and restitution in the amount of $473,702.43 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry. DUDLEY previously pled guilty to misprision of a felony, namely, wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
According to court documents, DUDLEY was employed by Company A from September 2008 through March 2023; and, from March 2017 through November 2018, she served as Company A’s office manager. As Company A’s office manager, DUDLEY, among other things, prepared and submitted Company A’s invoices for payment.
In approximately March 2017, Company A subcontracted with Company B to provide onsite support services at the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. Company A, by and through multiple employees, committed wire fraud by knowingly submitting materially false invoices to Company B, knowing that Company B would, in turn, present the false information to the United States for payment. From March 2017 through November 2018, Company A billed the United States, through Company B, for services not provided. The fraudulent invoices included the names of Company A’s executives, who performed no work at MARFORRES. The fraudulent invoices also included the names of certain individuals who worked full-time on a separate contract at a separate facility and, thus, performed no work at MARFORRES. Because neither Company B nor the United States, was aware of the fraudulent nature of the invoices, Company A was paid approximately $1,300,000 under the subcontract.
Despite having knowledge of these events, that constituted wire fraud, DUDLEY did not make known the information and, further, attempted to conceal it. For example, on or about October 31, 2017, DUDLEY was notified by one of her colleagues that Company A’s cost submissions contained the names of individuals who worked on a separate contract and who performed no work at MARFORRES. DUDLEY did not make that information known, including the fact that prior invoices containing those names were false and fraudulent. DUDLEY resumed the preparation and submission of Company A’s invoices, removed only the challenged names, and concealed the fraudulent nature of the earlier submissions.
“Ms. Dudley’s submission of false invoices to the Department of the Navy for payment represents a disservice to the U.S. Government and American taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS remains committed to conducting thorough investigations that protect service members from the threats posed by procurement fraud, safeguard the integrity of the defense acquisition process, and preserve warfighting readiness.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and members of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.
Honduran National Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CESAR ALVAREZ-ESPINAL (“ALVAREZ-ESPINAL”), age 31, a native of Honduras, was charged on December 6, 2024 in a bill of information with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to filed documents, on or about November 13, 2024 in the Eastern District of Louisiana, ALVAREZ-ESPINAL fraudulently used a social security number that was not assigned to him.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Cruise Line Employee Guilty of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 10, 2024, PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 35, a foreign national of the Republic of India, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 to Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). BOHRA faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, BOHRA was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found BOHRA in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 11, 2025 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
These cases were 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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Westwego Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PENELOPE PASSERO (“PASSERO”), age 50, of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court documents, from February 2016 to December 2020, PASSERO knowingly accessed and converted approximately $59,320.97 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.
United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced PASSERO to time served as to Count 1 of the Indictment. PASSERO was also sentenced to three (3) years supervised release, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution in the amount of $59,320.97.
On May 17, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources, and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Ten Count Indictment Unsealed Charging Eight Individuals and Two Law Firms with Offenses in Connection with Staged Automobile Collisions in the New Orleans AreaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announce the unsealing of a ten count superseding indictment charging RYAN J. HARRIS, a/k/a “Red,” (“HARRIS”), age 36, of New Orleans; SEAN D. ALFORTISH (“ALFORTISH”), age 57, of New Orleans; VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”), age 43, of New Orleans; JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), age 45, of New Orleans; LEON M. PARKER, a/k/a “Chunky,” (“PARKER”), age 51, of New Orleans; DIAMINIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), age 34, of Metairie; CARL MORGAN (“MORGAN”), age 66, of New Orleans; and TIMARA N. LAWRENCE (“LAWRENCE”), age 34, of New Orleans. Also charged are the law firms MOTTA LAW, LLC (“MOTTA LAW”) and THE KING FIRM, LLC (“THE KING FIRM”), both of New Orleans. The superseding indictment was returned on Friday, December 6, 2024, and unsealed on Monday, December 9, 2024, after PARKER was arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).
Count One charges defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW FIRM, GILES. THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT and LAWRENCE with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349. Count Two charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. Count Three charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Four charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Five charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Six charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2. Count Seven charges defendant STALBERT with Making False Statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). Count Eight charges defendant HARRIS with Witness Tampering through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 2. Count Nine charges defendant HARRIS with Retaliation Against a Witness Through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 2. Count Ten charges defendant HARRIS with Causing Death Through Use of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2.
According to the superseding indictment, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE were members of a conspiracy that engaged in a fraud scheme, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, witness tampering through murder, and retaliation against a witness through murder. The members of the conspiracy intentionally staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans metropolitan area and submitted fraudulent insurance claims based on the staged collisions. The members of the conspiracy filed fraudulent lawsuits in state and federal court based on the staged automobile collisions. The members of this conspiracy also obstructed justice and made material misrepresentations in court cases to prevent detection of their scheme by law enforcement and members of the judiciary.
The superseding indictment alleges that HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, LAWRENCE, Cornelius Garrison (“Garrison”), then attorney Danny Patrick Keating (“Keating”), Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions. Those individuals later lied as part of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove automobiles and intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, in order to stage collisions (“slammers”). After the staged collisions, the slammers would flee the scene and a passenger would falsely claim to have been driving at the time of the collision. HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman were slammers. HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions. Additionally, the scheme included individuals (“spotters”) who drove getaway cars that allowed the slammers to flee the scene after causing a collision and evade detection by law enforcement. The spotters would sometimes also pretend to be eyewitnesses and would flag down the commercial vehicles after the staged collisions, alleging that the commercial vehicles were at fault. Additionally, the scheme included individuals, including ALFORTISH, MOTTA, GILES, Keating, other attorneys and others associated with the attorneys, who pursued fraudulent claims and fraudulent lawsuits knowing they were based on staged collisions.
Garrison worked with HARRIS as a slammer and spotter. Similar to HARRIS, Garrison recruited others to participate in staged collisions. Both HARRIS and Garrison caused or attempted to cause passengers in the staged collisions to hire the attorneys who were part of the scheme. Between approximately December 12, 2011, and the date of the superseding indictment, HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, Hickman, and others caused multiple staged collisions in order to file fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions. The scheme involved the use of the mail and the use of interstate wires, including through the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits. The superseding indictment includes twenty-two (22) staged collisions perpetrated by the charged defendants.
The superseding indictment alleges that, in or around 2019, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM became aware of the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme. ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM committed various acts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering to cover-up the illegal collision scheme and to obstruct justice. These acts included ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW conspiring to 1) manipulate an individual into making a false statement, 2) offering to pay Garrison and to move Garrison outside of the United States if Garrison agreed not to cooperate with the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme, and 3) obstructing Garrison and HARRIS’s participation in civil depositions related to 18-wheeler tractor trailer collisions. Also, GILES and THE KING FIRM manipulated Labeaud and Hickman by secretly recording them, and thereby obstructing justice and committing witness tampering. GILES and THE KING FIRM also suggested that Labeaud leave town while there was increased attention on the staged collisions and convinced passengers in staged collisions to sign documents created to cover up the scheme.
In or around October 2019, Garrison began covertly cooperating with the federal government concerning staged automobile collisions. On September 18, 2020, Garrison was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, and other offenses related to the staged collisions. The superseding indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, HARRIS murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of Garrison, as part of a scheme to prevent Garrison from cooperating with the federal government and exposing the scheme to stage collisions.
In addition, the superseding indictment charges STALBERT with lying to Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 28, 2020, in connection with her involvement in staged collisions.
PARKER made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Michael B. North, on Monday, December 9, 2024. Defendant HARRIS remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on May 3, 2024. Defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE will make their initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the near future.
If convicted of Count One, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Two, defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victims. If convicted of Counts Three or Five, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Counts Four or Six, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. If convicted of Count Seven, defendant STALBERT faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. If convicted of Counts Eight, Nine, or Ten, defendant HARRIS faces a mandatory life sentence, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to each of these three counts. For each of the ten counts, any charged defendant also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for the charged conduct.
Including this superseding indictment, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
The U.S. Attorney's Office reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the FBI, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.
Nicaraguan National Indicted for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANDER ULISES ESPINOZA-RUGAMA (“ESPINOZA-RUGAMA”), age 27, a native of Nicaragua, was indicted on December 5, 2024 for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2024, ESPINOZA-RUGAMA, an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter handgun. He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations officers for violating immigration laws.
If convicted, ESPINOZA-RUGAMA faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug and Weapons OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARNELL DOUCET (“DOUCET”), age 26, was charged on December 5, 2024, in a four-count indictment, with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
DOUCET is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). He is charged in Count 4 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court documents, on September 24, 2024, DOUCET possessed cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances, and possessed four firearms in furtherance of that drug-trafficking crime: a Zastava Model ZPAP92, 7.62 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Glock Model 27, 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and a Glock Model 48, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol.
As to each of the drug trafficking charges in Counts 1 and 2, DOUCET faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Count 4, he faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 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.
Honduran National Indicted for Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALEX SAUL HERNANDEZ-PEREZ (“HERNANDEZ- PEREZ”), age 33, a native of Honduras, was indicted on December 5, 2024 for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
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.
If convicted, HERNANDEZ-PEREZ faces up to two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans 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.
Honduran National Indicted for Misuse of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANCIS OSORIO CANALES (“OSORIO CANALES”), age 44, of Honduras, was indicted on December 5, 2024 for misuse of a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
If convicted, OSORIO CANALES faces up to five years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the ICE Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit in in charge of the prosecution.
Orleans Parish Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUAN K. SIMPSON (“SIMPSON”), age 30, of New Orleans, was indicted for bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, on November 25, 2024, SIMPSON robbed a Capital One Bank located on South Claiborne Avenue, in New Orleans. If convicted, SIMPSON faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. SIMPSON also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Evans 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 investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.
Mexican National Guilty of Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on November 26, 2024, FELIPE GARCIA, (“GARCIA”), age 46, a Mexican national residing in California, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4. Judge Morgan scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2025. At sentencing, GARCIA faces up to 3 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least 1 year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court records, an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police, uncovered a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in New Orleans that was receiving methamphetamine from California via U.S. mail. Law enforcement in California, specifically the Ontario Police Department, intercepted packages, containing large amounts of methamphetamine, destined for New Orleans. Further investigation uncovered that GARCIA mailed these packages from California.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Ontario (California) Police Department, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Mexican Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evansannounced that JOSE OMAR VARGAS-DUQUE (“VARGAS”), age 39, a resident of Mexico, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to a two-count superseding indictment. Count One charged VARGAS with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and four hundred grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A). Count Two charged VARGAS with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h).
According to court documents, VARGAS, and other co-conspirators, distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana. Additionally, VARGAS, and other 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, from Louisiana to Mexico.
As to Count One, VARGAS 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. As to Count Two, VARGAS faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, up to three 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, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Georgia Woman Guilty of Money Laundering Conspiracy and Interstate Travel in Aid of RacketeeringRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evansannounced that MICHELLE ALVARADO (“ALVARADO”), age 27, a resident of Georgia, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to two counts of a superseding indictment. Count Two charged ALVARADO with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h). Count Three charged ALVARADO with interstate travel in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3)(A) and (2).
According to court documents, ALVARADO, and other 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, from Louisiana to Mexico.
As to Count Two, ALVARADO faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. As to Count Three, ALVARADO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three 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, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIAM LANG (“LANG”), age 46, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and four hundred grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to court documents, LANG, and other co-conspirators, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute, multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.
LANG 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, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Former NOPD Sergeant Guilty of Six Counts of Wire Fraud for Double Billing and Billing for Time Not WorkedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TODD F. MORRELL (“MORRELL”), age 57, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey 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 the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the New Orleans Fair Grounds, an entity that paid him to provide off-duty police details.
According to court documents, MORRELL was 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 commits fraud, our office will vet, investigate, and if warranted, prosecute,” stated United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. “By pleading guilty today, Mr. Morrell admitted that he violated the public’s trust in his agency and position. This investigation exemplified the strong partnership that exists between our office, the FBI, and the New Orleans Office of Inspector General.”
"Mr. Morrell abused his position of trust with this community and his role as a leader in the police department when he chose to steal from NOPD," said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of FBI New Orleans. "His actions served as a horrible example for other officers, but today's plea serves as a promise that the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office will pursue every single case to ensure justice is served. We thank the New Orleans Inspector General's Office for their assistance in bringing this misconduct to light."
For each count, MORRELL faces up to twenty (20) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for February 25, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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. 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.
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Plaquemines Parish Man Sentenced for Fentanyl, Heroin and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER GLASS (“GLASS”), age 46, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 21, 2024 to time served. The Court’s sentence consists of a 16-month term of imprisonment, with the defendant already having served the past 18 months in federal custody. Upon release from imprisonment, GLASS was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
GLASS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.
According to court records, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents started investigating GLASS in June 2020 as a narcotics distributor in the New Orleans area. The investigation involved the use of a court authorized, Title III, wiretap investigation. During the wiretap investigation, agents overheard dozens of recorded telephone calls that revealed GLASS was conspiring with others to distribute cocaine, as well as pills containing heroin and fentanyl.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –CHARVAN MORRIS (“MORRIS”), age 27, was sentenced on November 21, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court documents, in February of 2024, MORRIS made three sales of fentanyl to a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives at a motel on Airline Highway. Over the three sales, MORRIS distributed more than nine ounces of fentanyl. MORRIS made one of the sales from the driver’s seat of a vehicle, all while the front seat passenger was armed with an AR-style pistol.
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.
Metairie Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROOSEVELT COCKHERAN (“COCKHERAN”) , age 40, formerly a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 22, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, to Further a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C); and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). COCKHERAN also admitted that he is a prior drug offender and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties as to the conspiracy charge.
As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release. As to Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, COCKHERAN faces up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and, up to 1 year of supervised release. As to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and, at least 3 years supervised release. As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, COCKHERAN faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Judge Morgan ordered sentencing to occur on February 25, 2025.
Court documents reflect that COCKHERAN was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the cell phone by JPSO experts and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, revealed text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities.
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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.
Gonzales Man Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JULES GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 39, formerly a resident of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 21, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, 846; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). GIBSON admitted that as a prior drug offender, he is subject to enhanced penalties for the conspiracy charge.
As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute Cocaine, GIBSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release. As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, GIBSON faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Sentencing in this matter is set for February 25, 2025.
Court documents court reflect that a co-defendant, who also pled guilty, was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the co-defendant’s cell phone by the JPSO and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, uncovered text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities. Additionally, the cell phone examination identified GIBSON and revealed his own drug related purchases and payments. GIBSON was later arrested by JPSO in possession of a Taurus Model PT140 PRO, .40 caliber pistol.
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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.
Dallas Residents Sentenced for Cocaine Distribution and Possession ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –, HECTOR OMAR SEGURA-LARA (“SEGURA-LARA”) age 36, and JOSE ANTONIO ORTEGA-SILVA (“ORTEGA-SILVA”), age 33, both residents of Dallas, Texas, were sentenced by United States District Judge Susie E. Morgan on November 19, 2024, to 108 months imprisonment and 37 months imprisonment, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court documents, on August 25, 2021, near milepost 56 on Interstate 12, Louisiana, State Troopers stopped a Chrysler 200 occupied by SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA. When the vehicle’s occupants provided contradictory answers to the troopers regarding their itinerary, the troopers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle. During the search, the troopers discovered four kilograms of cocaine in an additional car battery located under the hood.
Both SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA acknowledged that they were driving to Virginia to deliver drugs. ORTEGA-SILVA admitted that, at the request of another individual, he obtained the vehicle in Dallas and drove it to Houston where another individual loaded the vehicle with drugs. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were then instructed to drive to Virginia where the drugs would be offloaded and $152,000.00 in cash placed in the car’s battery. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were to then return to Texas with the proceeds.
For the conspiracy count charged, ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA each face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN PHILLIP COLER, JR. (“COLER”), age 35, pled guilty on August 7, 2024 to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711. COLER was sentenced on November 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
According to court records, COLER, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), beginning in July 2021 and continuing until November 2021, did knowingly and willfully use money and property, totaling $62,033, belonging to the USPS.
COLER was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, mandatory restitution in the amount of $62,033 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
Romanian Group Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property from WalmartRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COSTEL ALIMAN (“ALIMAN”), SABINA MUNTEANU (“MUNTEANU”), and RAMBO HARNA (“HARNA”), citizens of Romania, were charged on November 21, 2024 in a three-count superseding indictment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ALIMAN and MUNTEANU were previously indicted in Counts 2 and 3 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to Count 1 of the superseding indictment, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA, conspired to defraud Walmart stores across the country, out of merchandise, money orders, and money transfer requests. ALIMAN would count out money in front of a Walmart cashier, while one of his co-conspirators, including MUNTEANU and HARNA, would distract the cashier. Using a sleight-of-hand technique, ALIMAN would pretend to hand the cashier the full amount while secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash. The co-conspirators would then return merchandise for a refund to other Walmart stores in a different state or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after having only paid for a fraction of the cost.
If convicted of Count 1, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA each face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Counts 2 and 3, ALIMAN and MUNTEANU each face up to 2 years of imprisonment, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Lafourche Parish Resident Guilty of Federal Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 20, 2024, FAUSTIN WILLIAMS, (“WILLIAMS”), age 46, of Thibodaux, Louisiana pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to one count of possessing, with the intent to distribute, an amount of cocaine and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Judge Africk scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025.
As to the drug count, WILLIAMS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to the firearm count, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Both counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court records, on June 5, 2024, multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants on several residences in Lafourche Parish stemming from an investigation into a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. This conspiracy operated throughout Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. WILLIAMS was found inside a residence during a search and possessed two firearms and cocaine, packaged for distribution. WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior cocaine distribution convictions.
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 effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Orleans Parish Man Sentenced for Federal Gun Control Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – JAMAUR JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 36, of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to four counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Specifically, JOHNSON was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $500 mandatory special assessment fee.
As part of “Operation Big Easy,” agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, identified individuals involved in trafficking firearms in New Orleans. Between August 30, 2023 and October 26, 2023, agents conducted multiple undercover purchases of firearms from JOHNSON.
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. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Honduran Native Pleads Guilty to Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOAN E. ESCOBAR-REYES (“ESCOBAR-REYES”), age 26, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on November 19, 2024, to 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.
ESCOBAR-REYES faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for February 20, 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of 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.
Two Honduran Men Convicted for their Role in International Human Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Two Honduran men were convicted on Monday by a federal jury for their roles in a scheme to illegally smuggle Honduran nationals into the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya, 30, and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 37, conspired with at least six others to bring Honduran nationals from Honduras to the United States. In February 2022, the defendants attempted to illegally bring 23 Honduran migrants from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, aboard the M/V Pop, a 65-foot Sportfishing vessel. Most of the migrants each paid several thousand dollars to the co-conspirators to be smuggled into the United States. At some point during the voyage, the M/V Pop developed engine trouble and lost power in the Gulf of Mexico. The co-conspirators chartered a boat to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey into the United States. Before the chartered boat reached the disabled vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted the vessel approximately 75 miles off the coast of Louisiana and towed it to shore.
For almost a year, Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez participated in the scheme to bring Honduran migrants from Honduras to the United States via two vessels: the Masita III and the M/V Pop. Once the migrants reached the United States, the co-conspirators placed some of them in factories and other businesses, knowing that the migrants lacked authorization to enter, remain, or work in the United States.
Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez were convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and two counts of attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The lead defendant in the case, Carl Allison, 47, previously pleaded guilty in December 2023 to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Three additional co-conspirators, all Honduran nationals, pleaded guilty earlier last year for their roles in the scheme. Darrel Martinez, 41, and Josue Flores-Villeda, 36, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Allison. Lenord Cooper, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The HSI Houma, Louisiana Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the HSI Pittsburgh Field Office, HSI Atlanta Field Office, and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, North Huntington Township Police, and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training in Honduras provided substantial assistance.
Deputy Chief Rami Badawy and Trial Attorney Kate Wagner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice of the General Crimes Unit for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
This case is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, Districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 272 U.S. convictions; more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband including more than a million dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; along with multiple indictments and precedent setting extraditions of foreign leadership targets.
This case is also supported by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States 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 ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI, and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
New Orleans Men Sentenced for Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LIONEL HESTER (“HESTER”), age 25, and REGINALD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 42, both residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on November 7, 2024, by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle for violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, the police targeted the 3900 Block of Ulloa Street in New Orleans due to numerous reports of drug dealing and firearms violations. Police saw JOHNSON engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction and stopped the suspected buyer to confirm the drug purchase from JOHNSON. Before the police could arrest JOHNSON for distributing drugs, JOHNSON got into an SUV driven by HESTER. JOHNSON then escaped from the back of the SUV, leaving a backpack containing a gun and paperwork with his name. HESTER was later arrested. A search of the SUV uncovered crack cocaine, tramadol, marijuana and a Glock Model 31, .357 caliber pistol, by the driver’s seat. Both JOHNSON and HESTER had several prior felony convictions and were not allowed to possess firearms.
Judge Lemelle sentenced HESTER to 176 months imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees. JOHNSON was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release, and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.
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 New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.