Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Union Financial Secretary from Franklinton Louisiana Sentenced for Stealing Union FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN GERALD, age 51, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to (5) five years of probation and (6) six months of house arrest for stealing money from a local labor union, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. The Court also ordered GERALD to pay restitution in the amount of $112,594.18.
According to court records, GERALD was the Financial Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 13-189. GERALD was responsible for organizing Local 13-189’s financial records, keeping an accounting of its income, and filing IRS forms and reports. GERALD was also responsible for maintaining Local 13-189’s debit card in a safe location. From January 2015 through September 2020, GERALD used the union’s debit card to make 493 ATM cash withdrawals totaling $107,387.90 in cash and fees. GERALD also used the union’s debit card to make payments for his personal accounts for a total of $36,589.41. GERALD misappropriated a total of $143,977.31 of union funds.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit and Troy Bell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
Meraux Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREGORY WARD, age 24, pleaded guilty on September 20, 2023 to a one-count indictment for violating the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court documents, on November 3, 2022, a St. Bernard Sheriff's Office deputy stopped a vehicle after observing a small child freely moving around the interior of the vehicle. During the stop, the deputy smelled marijuana inside the vehicle and advised WARD of his Miranda rights.
After smelling marijuana in the vehicle, the deputy searched its interior and saw marijuana. A black backpack was also seen on the seat behind the driver's seat. Located within the backpack was a Century Arms Model Mini Draco, 7.62 x 39-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock Model 19, 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol.
Deputies learned that WARD had a previous felony conviction on July 25, 2022, in the 22nd Judicial District Court, Parish of St. Tammany, Case No. 0863-F-2021, for Illegal Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of La. R.S. 40:969(c)(2).
WARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for January 18, 2024.
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 Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Lafourche Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DILLON TOUPS, age 33, a resident of Larose, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 19, 2023 to possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on December 18, 2021, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of TOUPS on Highway 1 in Raceland, Louisiana. After smelling marijuana in the vehicle, deputies searched the vehicle and found a bag containing 1,317 grams of methamphetamine on the back seat. During the investigation, deputies searched TOUPS’s residence in Larose, Louisiana and located 411 grams of methamphetamine and .91 grams of fentanyl.
TOUPS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 at least five years of supervised release after any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Houston Man Sentenced to 360 Months Imprisonment for Trafficking 13-Year-Old Female into the New Orleans Area to Perform Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RANDI LEWIS (a/k/a “Teddy,” a/k/a “Teddy P.”), age 35, from Houston, Texas, was sentenced on September 20, 2023 to 360 months in prison by United States District Judge M. Lance after previously pleading guilty to Count 2 of the indictment pending against him, charging LEWIS with sex trafficking of a child under the age of 14, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(a) and 1591(b)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Judge Africk also sentenced LEWIS to supervision after his release from prison for a term of life, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution to the victim’s guardian in the amount $620. Additionally, LEWIS will be required to register as a sex offender. The charges stem from LEWIS’s role in transporting a thirteen-year-old female from Houston to New Orleans in June 2021, to engage in commercial sex acts.
According to court documents, LEWIS met his co-conspirator, Chelsea Gee, a female born in 2003, in about late 2019 or early 2020, when Gee was a minor. LEWIS recruited Gee to engage in commercial sex acts under his direction, and she complied. LEWIS also instituted a series of rules for Gee to follow, including how to behave, what to wear, with whom she was allowed to interact (i.e., look at and speak to), as well as the amount of money she was expected to earn from engaging in daily commercial sex acts. LEWIS routinely tracked Gee’s location using a location sharing cellular phone application and regularly engaged in sexual acts with Gee.
Together, LEWIS and Gee met the thirteen-year-old victim, in the Houston, Texas area not later than June 21, 2021. At LEWIS’s direction, Gee recruited the victim to perform commercial sex acts. After the victim agreed, LEWIS arranged for he, Gee, and the victim to travel to New Orleans on a Greyhound bus so that Gee and the victim would then engage in commercial sex acts. Between June 22, 2021, and June 24, 2021, Gee and the victim performed multiple commercial sex acts in the New Orleans area. LEWIS required Minor Victim to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from commercial sex acts to LEWIS. LEWIS and Gee instructed the victim on the manner in which to successfully perform commercial sex activities. These instructions included how to behave, what to wear, how to identify and avoid law enforcement, and how to solicit and engage in commercial sex activities, all under LEWIS’s direction.
On LEWIS’s direction, Gee and the victim solicited commercial sex “dates” in several ways. First, they walked the streets soliciting customers. Additionally, LEWIS advertised using an online sexual service, classified ad service used to market sexual services for money. As a result, LEWIS received telephone calls, text messages, and messages via social media applications inquiring about, and scheduling, prostitution calls with Gee and the victim. LEWIS used sexually explicit pictures of the victim in the advertisements. Further, LEWIS and Gee drugged the victim with illicit and mood-altering drugs, including marijuana, to control her behavior, and/or to encourage her to engage in commercial sex acts. Law enforcement authorities recovered the victim at a hotel in Terrytown, Louisiana, on June 24, 2021.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On September 19, 2023, United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced JAVEN JONES, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, to (10) ten years in federal prison for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, JONES pleaded guilty to two separate counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The first count related to an April 2022 incident in which New Orleans Police Department officers found JONES asleep in a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the police found crack, fentanyl, over $2,000 in cash, and two pistols, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer Model P320, nine-millimeter pistol. The second count related to an August 2022 incident in which New Orleans Police Department officers arrested JONES while JONES was in possession of fentanyl and a Glock pistol.
Judge Vitter sentenced JONES to five years in prison on each of the two counts of conviction, to run consecutively, for a total sentence of ten years. Judge Vitter also ordered that JONES serve five years of supervised release after his release from prison. JONES also was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.
Hammond Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of More Than $44,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MELISSA KING (“KING”), age 53, of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty as charged on September 19, 2023 to a one count indictment, charging her with Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
For this crime, KING faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry set the sentencing hearing in this matter for January 9, 2024.
According to court records, beginning in or around December 2016, and continuing until in or around March 2020, KING collected approximately $44,696.00 in Social Security Administration funds to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Narcotics and Illegal Possession of Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – CALEB PUNCH, age 32 of New Orleans, was indicted on September 15, 2023 announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. In Count 1, PUNCH is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 2 charges PUNCH with Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 3 charges PUNCH with Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). Count 4 charges PUNCH with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). Count 5 charges PUNCH with Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a).
If found guilty of either Counts 1 and 2, PUNCH faces a minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. As to Count 3, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other counts, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 five years of supervised release. As to Count 4, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 5, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. All five counts also carry 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.
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.
United States Attorney Evans also praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Louisiana State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Found Guilty of Hobbs Act Robberies and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MARVIN LEGENDRE, age 40, of New Orleans, was found guilty as charged on September 13, 2023 after a three-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier.
The jury found LEGENDRE guilty as charged as to all five counts in the indictment. The indictment charged LEGENDRE, in Counts 1 and 3, with Hobbs Act robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). Counts 2 and 4 charged LEGENDRE with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). Count 5 charged LEGENDRE with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
The FBI’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force worked in conjunction with the New Orleans Police Department and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office to investigate several Hobbs Act Robberies linked to LEGENDRE. As charged in the indictment, on March 7, 2021, LEGENDRE committed an armed robbery at a Cricket Wireless in Chalmette, LA. and on March 10, 2021, LEGENDRE committed an armed robbery at a Boost Mobile in New Orleans, LA.
During the investigation, detectives and agents used both physical and video surveillance to track a distinctive vehicle that LEGENDRE, was using to travel to and from the robberies. Agents then located LEGENDRE’s residence on N. I-10 Service Rd., executed a search warrant, and arrested LEGENDRE. The search yielded the clothes LEGENDRE wore during the robberies as well as firearms. Upon further investigation, agents confirmed phone records that placed LEGENDRE at the respective scenes as well as incriminating videos, pictures, and texts sent from LEGENDRE’s phone.
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, New Orleans Police Department and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Inga Petrovich and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.
Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DAMION SMITH, age 22, of Metairie, Louisiana, was indicted on September 15, 2023, for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. Specifically, he is charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) and one count of possessing machine guns, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, SMITH was previously convicted of felony offenses in Jefferson Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. On June 29, 2023, SMITH was found in possession of two (2) firearms, both of which were equipped with a Glock auto-sear. The auto-sear devices converted the semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic machine guns.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, SMITH faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of machine guns, SMITH faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – WILLIAM LEONELL LOPEZ, age 36, was indicted on September 15, 2023, for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, WILLIAM LEONELL LOPEZ, ("LOPEZ") reentered the United States after being previously deported on June 19, 2009. If convicted, LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Washington Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – VINCENT PETERS, age 33, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 13, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to Counts 1, 3, 5, 8, and 9 of the indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), relative to his participation in a Bogalusa mass shooting on May 16, 2020. He also pled guilty to several drug distribution charges and another firearm charge stemming from a subsequent investigation by the Bogalusa Police Department and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. In Counts 3, 5, and 8, he was charged with distribution of heroin and fentanyl and with possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). In Count 9, he was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
According to court documents, on May 16, 2020, an “Unauthorized Assembly” (During Phase I of the COVID-19 Pandemic Re-Opening) occurred, resulting in several hundred people, assembling in a “Celebration of Life,” honoring a recent Bogalusa murder victim. During the celebration, an altercation between rival factions resulted in the shooting of thirteen (13) people. Four (4) victims were paralyzed due to their shooting injuries.
During a follow-up investigation, law enforcement learned that PETERS sold illegal narcotics and made several controlled purchased of illegal drugs from him. A subsequent warrant-based search of his residence also revealed additional drugs and a firearm.
Based on his guilty plea, PETERS will face the following sentences as to each count:
Count 1: Violation: Possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1);
Statutory Sentence: 0-10 yrs., up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release.
Count 3: Violation: Distribution of heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C);
Statutory Sentence: 0-20 yrs., up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release.
Count 5: Violation: Distribution of heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C);
Statutory Sentence: 0-20 yrs., up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years supervised release.
Count 8: Violation: Possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C);
Statutory Sentence: 0-20 yrs., up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release.
Count 9: Violation: Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c);
Statutory Sentence: 5 years-life, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release. Any sentence imposed in connection with this count must be served consecutive to any other sentence.
PETERS faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each charged count. PETER’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2024.
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 the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bogalusa Police Department, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.
Harvey Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison for Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FREDERICK TURNER, age 51, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 14, 2023 to 151 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
TURNER previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to court documents, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation revealed that TURNER was involved in a narcotics distribution conspiracy with several other co-conspirators between June 8, 2020, and June 5, 2021. As part of the conspiracy, TURNER regularly distributed amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine. Additionally, officers executed a search warrant at TURNER’s residence and seized an illegal shotgun from TURNER.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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 the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
Plaquemines Parish Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LESLIE PARKER, age 42, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on September 12, 2023 to 120 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $300 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
PARKER previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2; and possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to court documents, a federal Drug Enforcement Administration investigation revealed that PARKER, along with others, was involved in a narcotics distribution conspiracy. As part of the conspiracy, PARKER regularly distributed amounts of methamphetamine. On October 19, 2021, officers conducted surveillance on PARKER, which ultimately led to the seizure of a bag containing 98.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of More Than $88,000 in Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – ALINE JAMES, a/k/a “Aline Foster” (“JAMES”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday to Theft of Government Funds, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
By pleading guilty, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set the sentencing hearing in this matter for December 13, 2023.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around September 2012, and continuing until in or around December 2020, JAMES collected approximately $88,298.00 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds to which she was not entitled.
On May 17, 2021, 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 attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Yesterday, CATHY LYNN HAMILTON, age 63, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
HAMILTON faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court records, on Friday May 5, 2023, HAMILTON entered a Chase Bank in New Orleans, approached a bank teller and presented a note announcing the robbery and demanding money. The bank teller complied, giving HAMILTON $500.00 in United States currency.
United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, will sentence HAMILTON on November 15, 2023.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAWN MAJOR, JR., age 22, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 5, 2023 to a two-count superseding bill of information charging him with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), and a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a residence in New Orleans after confirming drug activity at that location. Inside the residence, agents located MAJOR, JR. between a washing machine and a bathroom toilet. On top of the washing machine was Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In and around the toilet, agents located and seized approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of crack, and 83 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
For the drug count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count.
For the firearm count, MAJOR, JR. faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 the Drug Enforcement Administration, The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Houston Woman Pleads Guilty to Cares Act Fraud and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TEMIKA SANTEMORE, age 43, a resident of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023 before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to a two-count bill of information charging her with making false statements and theft of government funds related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
In addition, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program was a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters. The CARES Act provided funding for EIDL loans for business affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to the PPP, EIDL loan amounts were determined based on the recipient businesses’ historical revenue and disbursed directly to the recipient by the SBA.
According to the charging documents, SANTEMORE made false statements to the SBA for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, which she received in the amount of approximately $13,540. SANTEMORE also applied for an EIDL from the SBA in July of 2020 and illegally received $5,000 for a dormant business that she owned.
Sentencing is set for December 12, 2023. SANTEMORE faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count. She faces up to ten years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the theft count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count due after conviction.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 that KEILEN HAWKINS, age 25, pled guilty to a one-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). HAWKINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing in this case is set for December 20, 2023.
On February 12, 2023, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force investigated complaints made in the NOPD 5th District about ongoing illegal narcotics distribution in the area. As officers conducted surveillance, they observed what was believed to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction. While officers continued their investigation, HAWKINS arrived on the scene. Officers detained HAWKINS for safety purposes while they conducted their investigation. Eventually, HAWKINS advised that he was in possession of a firearm. Officers recovered a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, bearing serial number BVCS826, from HAWKINS’s waistband. Officers learned that HAWKINS had prior felony convictions punishable by a term of imprisonment in excess of one year, which made his firearm possession illegal under federal law. Namely, HAWKINS had been convicted most recently on August 18, 2022, in the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans, Case Number 552-193 “J,” for being a felon in possession of a firearm and illegal possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of LA-R.S. 14:95.1 and LA-R.S. 14:69.1.
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 New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Drug and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL THEARD, age 26, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on October 6, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to time served, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
On July 29, 2021, New Orleans Police Officers stopped a vehicle containing three individuals, including THEARD. During this stop, THEARD fled the vehicle but was later apprehended by officers. Upon a search of the vehicle, officers discovered illegal drugs and weapons, including a machine gun.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit .
Houma Man Indicted for Trafficking Fentanyl and HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ROBERT LEE ALLEN, age 35, a resident of Houma Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count 1 of the indictment alleges that ALLEN possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin on March 20, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Houma Police Department, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN CRAWFORD, age 39, a New Orleans resident, pleaded guilty on September 6, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department started investigating CRAWFORD for his involvement in a drug distribution operation in September 2020. The investigation involved numerous controlled purchases of narcotics from CRAWFORD and DONALD MYLES, a/k/a “D-Ray.” The investigation revealed that CRAWFORD conspired with MYLES, KEVIN JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, ERNEST GREEN, and others known and unknown, to distribute heroin and cocaine.
CRAWFORD faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMANUEL ROSS, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 6, 2023 before United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Possession of a Machinegun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
The Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Fentanyl charge carries a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years supervised release. The Possession of a Machinegun charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, 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 Lemelle ordered a pre-sentence report and scheduled sentencing for December 13, 2023. ROSS will remain detained without bond.
Court documents reveal that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department began an investigation of ROSS in mid-2022 and discovered an online video of him firing a pistol that had been converted into a machine gun through the use of a device known as a “switch.” A search warrant of ROSS’s home was executed on January 27, 2023, and law enforcement officials found cocaine, fentanyl and various weapons including the machine gun seen on the online video.
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 Violent Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Violent Crime Unit is assigned the prosecution.
Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machine Gun While on Bourbon Street During Mardi GrasRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KEATON MANGHANE, age 24, a resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to possessing a machinegun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, MANGHANE was carrying a loaded handgun equipped with a Glock auto-sear in his pocket while walking on Bourbon Street just after 2:00 a.m. on February 21, 2023, Mardi Gras Day. The auto-sear device turned the semi-automatic firearm into a fully-automatic machine gun. After MANGHANE’s arrest, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives function tested the firearm and confirmed that it functioned as a machine gun.
MANGHANE faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit.
Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Dogfighting ConspiracyRead the Press Release
David Guidry III, of Independence, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison followed by three years supervised release, with the special condition that Guidry complete 30 hours of community service, for possession of animals in an animal fighting venture. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for the Eastern District of Louisiana imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, federal law enforcement – through an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation – initially discovered Guidry’s involvement in the dogfighting ring through court-authorized wiretaps investigating narcotics trafficking in the Eastern and Middle Districts of Louisiana by other individuals. In the summer of 2017, law enforcement discovered Guidry hosted at least two dogfights at his residence in Independence, at which narcotics traffickers and fellow dogfighters fought dogs and gambled on the fights.
In October 2017, federal law enforcement executed a search warrant on Guidry’s residence and found a dogfighting pit surrounded by discarded beverage containers, seven pitbulls restrained using heave chains, a device to pry open the jaws of a dog involved in a dogfight and veterinary equipment. Federal law enforcement seized the dogs and transported them to a facility in North Carolina for medical care and rehabilitation.
To date, six other defendants have been convicted for their participation in the interstate dogfighting ring. Five of the defendants have already been sentenced for their dogfighting convictions:
- Eric “EZ” Williams, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 60 months in prison;
- Corey Brown, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 50 months in prison;
- Clay Turner, of Loranger, Louisiana: 36 months in prison;
- Dangelo Dontae Cornish, of Greensburg, Louisiana: 16 months in prison; and
- Aquintas Kantrell Singleton, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana: 12 months and one day months in prison.
Antonio Damon Atkins, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to dogfighting charges in July and is awaiting sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI and U.S. Department of Agriculture investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew D. Evans of ENRD's Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Reed for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former Bank President Ashton Ryan Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Fraud that Ended First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – On September 6, 2023, United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ASHTON J. RYAN, JR., age 75, of Kenner, Louisiana, to a term of imprisonment of 170 months following RYAN’s convictions for bank fraud and making false statements in bank records, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
In February 2023, following a five-week trial, a jury convicted Ryan on all 43 counts against him. The charges related to RYAN’s tenure as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at First NBC Bank (“Bank”), a now-defunct federally insured financial institution with its main branch in New Orleans, Louisiana. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, RYAN and others conspired to defraud the Bank through a variety of schemes, including by disguising the true financial status of certain borrowers and their troubled loans, and concealing the true financial condition of the Bank from the Bank’s Board, external auditors, and federal examiners. As RYAN’s fraud grew, it included several other bank employees and businesspeople from around the Gulf South. Several of the borrowers who conspired with RYAN, used First NBC money to pay RYAN individually or fund RYAN’s own businesses. Using Bank money this way helped RYAN conceal his use of such money for his own benefit.
When the Bank’s Board, external auditors, and FDIC examiners asked about loans to these borrowers, RYAN and his fellow fraudsters lied about the borrowers and their loans, hiding the truth about the deadbeat borrowers’ inability to pay their debts without receiving new loans. As a result, the balance on the borrowers’ fraudulent loans continued to grow, resulting, ultimately, in the failure of the Bank in April 2017. This failure caused approximately $1 billion in loss to the FDIC and the loss of approximately 500 jobs.
Judge Fallon sentenced RYAN to a term of imprisonment of 170 months as to each of the 43 counts of conviction to run concurrently, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. RYAN was ordered to pay restitution totaling over $214 million to the FDIC. Judge Fallon also ordered RYAN to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.
“Ashton Ryan’s years-long deceit caused at the time, one the biggest bank failure in America in over a decade,” said United States Attorney Duane A. Evans, “and with this sentence, he rightfully takes his place as one of the most notorious white-collar criminals in our district’s history. Ryan’s intelligence and charisma were outmatched by his hubris and vanity. Ryan and his accomplices spent years hiding their tracks, by using sophisticated means, all to maintain their house of cards. But this office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, doggedly combed through the wreckage of what was First NBC to uncover the inner - workings of this complex fraud and its prime architect, RYAN. I am proud of this entire team’s work in identifying RYAN as the central figure in this years-long scheme and bringing him to justice.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that individuals who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact the security of financial institutions will be held accountable. This should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to manipulate the nation's banking system,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District, the FDIC Office of Inspector General and the Federal Reserve Board, Office of Inspector General.”
“Today’s sentencing represents the hard work of many prosecutors, agents, analysts, and other staff in investigating and prosecuting those who defraud financial institutions, specifically individuals entrusted to oversee the operations of FNBC. The FDIC-OIG thanks the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for their dedication and effort in helping to bring Mr. Ryan to justice, ”said Anand Ramlall, Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Today’s sentencing of Ashton Ryan is a warning to bank executives that if you commit fraud and deceive bank regulators you will pay a price for your actions,” said Brian Tucker, Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “We commend the hard work and dedication of all those involved in this case that ultimately led to today’s result. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who undermine the safety and soundness of our banking institutions.”
The Assistant United States Attorneys who handled the trial were Senior Litigation Counsel Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses of the Financial Crimes Unit, and J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit.
Westbank Resident Pleaded Guilty to Theft of Stolen MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYREN TYRONE SHENALL (“SHENALL”), age 19, pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023 to one count of for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2022, SHENALL along with his co-conspirators Eric Williams and Kelan Gennings, stole U.S. Mail from post office mailboxes located at the Covington Post Office using a postal arrow key to access said mailbox. At sentencing, which was scheduled by Judge Eldon Fallon for November 30, 2023, SHENALL faces a maximum prison term of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced on Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TATUM DARDAR, 26, from Terrebonne Parish, was sentenced on August 31, 2023 to 33 months imprisonment, 2 years supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after pleading guilty to a two count superseding bill of information which charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C) and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, DARDAR took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Terrebonne Parish and surrounding areas for over a year. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration recovered telephone calls between DARDAR and a known conspirator where they discussed their narcotics trafficking. Agents also arrested DARDAR after a traffic stop wherein a distributable amount of methamphetamine was located within the interior of his vehicle.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Houma Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Woman Federally Charged for Making a False Oath in a Bankruptcy MatterRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEANNINE DUKES (“DUKES”), age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a bill of information on August 30, 2023 for making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. If convicted, DUKES faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, DUKES faces a term of supervised release of no less than three (3) years after her release from prison.
According to the bill of information , on November 19, 2021, DUKES did knowingly and fraudulently make a false oath or account in or in relation to any case under Title 11 in a bankruptcy case. Specifically, DUKES failed to disclose she had applied for a COVID-19 PPP Loan on May 18, 2021, and received approximately $20,527.00 in PPP funds on June 8, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Region 5, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Woman Federally Charged for Making a False Oath in a Bankruptcy MatterRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEANNINE DUKES (“DUKES”), age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a bill of information on August 30, 2023 for making a false oath in a bankruptcy matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. If convicted, DUKES faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, DUKES faces a term of supervised release of no less than three (3) years after her release from prison.
According to the bill of information , on November 19, 2021, DUKES did knowingly and fraudulently make a false oath or account in or in relation to any case under Title 11 in a bankruptcy case. Specifically, DUKES failed to disclose she had applied for a COVID-19 PPP Loan on May 18, 2021, and received approximately $20,527.00 in PPP funds on June 8, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and the Office of the U.S. Trustee, Region 5, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – On August 31, 2023, United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced SEAN MARTIN, age 56, and GENE JACKSON, age 53, both of New Orleans, for violations of the Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records, MARTIN admitted to jointly possessing with the intent to distribute over a kilogram of heroin, over 400 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). JACKSON admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately two ounces of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Judge Lemelle sentenced MARTIN to 140 months imprisonment to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Judge Lemelle sentenced JACKSON to time served with three years of supervised release. Judge Lemelle also ordered MARTIN and JACKSON to pay a mandatory special assessment of $100.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a GunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 29, 2023, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced MORRIS SUMMERS, age 33, a resident of New Orleans, to 30 months in the Bureau of Prisons following his guilty plea for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court records and statements made in court, SUMMERS was convicted several years ago in another federal case before Judge Morgan of conspiring to distribute crack and conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. That case involved a violent gang that referred to itself as the “Ride or Die Gang”. In this case, SUMMERS admitted to being in the same area of the 8th Ward where “Ride or Die” had previously operated, while in possession of a Springfield Armory, Hellcat, 9 milli-meter caliber semi-automatic pistol. SUMMERS acknowledged his prior federal conviction as part of this guilty plea.
Judge Morgan also sentenced SUMMERS to serve three years of supervised release upon his release from imprisonment and ordered him to pay 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation , the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE SMOTHERS, age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a Federal Grand Jury on August 4, 2023, in a previously sealed three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts. The court unsealed the matter on September 1, 2023. Specifically, he is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, SMOTHERS was previously convicted of felony offenses in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing multiple firearms on May 17, 2023. He is further alleged to have possessed fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessed the firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, SMOTHERS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, SMOTHERS faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE SMOTHERS, age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a Federal Grand Jury on August 4, 2023, in a previously sealed three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts. The court unsealed the matter on September 1, 2023. Specifically, he is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, SMOTHERS was previously convicted of felony offenses in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing multiple firearms on May 17, 2023. He is further alleged to have possessed fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessed the firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute, SMOTHERS faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. For each count of conviction, SMOTHERS faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crime Unit.
Maryland Woman Charged for Role in Million Dollar Fraud at New Orleans Marine Forces Reserve FacilityRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KAMILA HORAKOVA DUDLEY (“DUDLEY”), age 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was indicted on August 17, 2023.
As charged in the indictment, DUDLEY defrauded the United States Navy by the submission of fraudulent invoices for services allegedly provided at Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) in New Orleans, Louisiana. DUDLEY was charged with one (1) count of Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. If convicted, DUDLEY faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code , Section 3571, up to three (3) years of supervised release , restitution to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and members of the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andre Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID SCOTT, age 19, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on August 24, 2023 in a previously sealed two-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Count 1 charged SCOTT with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, pursuant to Title 21 United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 2 charged SCOTT with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, pursuant to Title 18 United States Code Section 924(c).
If convicted of Count 1, SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, SCOTT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and 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 Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTIAN BICKHAM, age 59, of Slidell, pleaded guilty on August 31, 2023 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, through the investigation, BICKHAM was captured discussing the purchase of two kilograms of cocaine. Federal agents observed BICKHAM arrive at a house in New Orleans to pick up the drugs. A few days later, agents stopped BICKHAM with $60,000 in cash, which he was going to use to pay for the two kilograms he had gotten earlier.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2023. BICKHAM faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years up to forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.
Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Control Act OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on August 29, 2023, that CARLSEL ALEXANDER, age 28, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment, charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
ALEXANDER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
According to court records, on February 21, 2023, New Orleans Police Department arrested ALEXANDER for being in possession of a stolen FN Model 509, nine-millimeter firearm on a Mardi Gras parade route. ALEXANDER is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The Honorable Susie Morgan, United States District Court Judge, will sentence ALEXANDER on November 30, 2023.
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 New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crime Unit.
St. Bernard Parish Man Indicted for Violating Federal Drug and Firearms StatutesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRY BAHAM, JR., age 35, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, was charged on August 24, 2023, in a two-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and quantities of mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), as well as possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of the drug count, BAHAM faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the firearm count, BAHAM faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. BAHAM also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per 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 reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
Houma Man Sentenced for failure to Account for and Pay Federal TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RENE CLEMENT (“CLEMENT”), age 76, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 25, 2023 in United States District Court for failing to account for and pay federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, CLEMENT owned a company named Vinyl Products, LLC. Between 2014 and 2018, CLEMENT withheld taxes from employees of Vinyl Products but kept the money instead of paying it to the IRS. In total, CLEMENT failed to pay approximately $750,368.68 in taxes for Vinyl Products.
U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CLEMENT to four years of probation, during which time he must complete seventy-five hours of unpaid community service. CLEMENT was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,809.73. Judge Lemelle also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Orleans Resident Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - JOSHUA BARNES (“BARNES”), age 31, and a resident of New Orleans was sentenced on August 22, 2023 by Judge Susie Morgan to time served, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for failing to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, BARNES , who was convicted of a sex offense in Texas, failed to register as a sex offender with the State of Louisiana after he established residence in this state.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – REYNALDO DOMINICK, age 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 17, 2023, before United States District Judge Carl L. Barbier to a four-count superseding bill of information charging him in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine-base (“crack”) and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C). DOMINICK was charged in Counts 2 and 4 with being a Felon in Possession of Firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Lastly, in Count 3, DOMINICK was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide (fentanyl) in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court documents, DOMINICK was previously convicted of several felony convictions out of Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish. On December 25, 2020, DOMINICK fled from Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies during a traffic stop. After DOMINICK crashed his vehicle and was apprehended, multiple small baggies of cocaine-base and cocaine were found in DOMINICK’s pants, and two firearms were recovered from DOMINICK’s vehicle. On August 12, 2021, DOMINICK was again arrested at his home and agents located two stolen firearms and fentanyl in a bag that DOMINICK threw on top of his carport roof. Agents also located DOMINICK’s cellphone that contained several messages involving narcotics trafficking activity. In pleading guilty, DOMINICK has acknowledged he possessed fentanyl, cocaine-base, and cocaine with intent to distribute and possessed firearms to further his drug trafficking. DOMINICK is also prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history.
DOMINICK is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2023. As to Counts 1 and 3, DOMINICK faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. As to Counts 2 and 4, DOMINICK faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each count, DOMINICK faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Houma Resident Charged with Federal Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CURTIS WILLIAMSON JR., age 40, of Houma, LA, was indicted on August 10, 2023 on one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and one (1) count of Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). The indictment was previously sealed and was unsealed on August 23, 2023.
According to the indictment, following a complaint that WILLIAMSON JR. trafficked illegal narcotics, a search warrant was executed on WILLIAMSON JR.’s residence by Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office after which multiple kilograms of methamphetamine and numerous firearms were discovered.
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.
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.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Houma Man Indicted on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TREVON HARVEY, age 35, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged on August 24, 2023 in a three-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Count 1 of the indictment charges HARVEY with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and quantities of heroin and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Count 2 charges HARVEY with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For this offense, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
Count 3 charges HARVEY 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). For this offense, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release.
For each of the counts of the indictment, the defendant faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Houma Police Department Narcotics Division. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Steamboat Company and Employee Plead Guilty and Sentenced for Discharging Ballast Material into the Industrial CanalRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that the NEW ORLEANS STEAMBOAT COMPANY (“NOSC”), plead guilty to a violation of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”), Title 33, United States Code, Section 1319 (c)(2)(A), in connection with a discharge of excess ballast material into the Industrial Canal in New Orleans in 2019. The maximum penalty for this violation is five years’ probation, up to a $50,000 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571 and a mandatory $400 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, NOSC admitted to discharging, without the knowledge of the Board of Directors, a quantity of a substance into a navigable water of the United States. The discharge took place on or around February 12, 2019, in the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal (“IHNC”), more commonly known as the Industrial Canal.
Additionally, MATT DOW (“DOW”), an NOSC employee, plead guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the CWA, Title 33, United States Code, Section 1319 (c)(2)(A), punishable by up to one year in jail, up to a $100,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release and a $25 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey conducted a sentencing hearing with the consent of the parties after the guilty pleas were entered. Following the hearing, Judge Zainey sentenced NOSC to a $50,000 fine, the maximum penalty for the violation, one year probation and a $400 special assessment fee. DOW was sentenced to one year probation, forty hours of community service and a $25 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, and the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 39, a New Orleans resident, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a two-count superseding bill of information that charged him with conspiracy to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, JOHNSON regularly received half-kilogram quantities of heroin through the mail from his source of supply in California. JOHNSON then distributed the heroin in multiple ounce quantities to other co-conspirators. On June 22, 2021, agents seized 485 grams of heroin that was mailed to JOHNSON and a co-conspirator.
For the conspiracy charge, JOHNSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment,a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. For the possession with intent to distribute heroin charge, JOHNSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000.000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (New Orleans Gang Task Force), with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Couple Indicted on Drug Conspiracy and Distribution Charges and Federal Gun ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on August 18, 2023, JAVAN ROBINSON a/k/a “Diddy,” age 59, and MICHELE COLEMAN, age 57, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a seven-count indictment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, distribution of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and possession of firearms by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 924(e)(1).
After receiving information that both defendants were conducting narcotics transactions within Orleans Parish, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and members of the New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF) conducted surveillance, set up pole cameras, conducted controlled purchases, and executed search warrants on two residences associated with both defendants. Agents located multiple firearms, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a large amount of money between both residences.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, ROBINSON and COLEMAN each face a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a minimum of three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of the three distribution of cocaine charges, ROBINSON faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a minimum of three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, ROBINSON and COLEMAN each face a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, ROBINSON faces a minimum term of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each of the charged counts, ROBINSON and COLEMAN, individually, face payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Jefferson Parish Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Buyer of Personal Protective EquipmentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - CYNTHIA CARONNA, a resident of Jefferson Parish, pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023, to a bill of information for conspiring with her co-defendant, Frank LaBruzzo, and with a resident of the United Kingdom to defraud a business seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
CARONNA and the UK resident formed a business venture to offer the sale of PPE, and selected LaBruzzo to serve as the venture’s escrow agent. LaBruzzo ( an attorney employed as an investigator with the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office) was presented to would-be buyers of PPE as a trustworthy escrow agent who would safeguard purchase funds in an escrow account until the PPE was satisfactorily delivered.
According to court records, the conspirators agreed that LaBruzzo would disburse the would-be buyer’s funds despite the would-be buyers having neither received PPE nor consented to the disbursements. The conspirators also agreed that each would receive portions of the would-be buyer’s funds without the would-be buyers’ knowledge or consent.
U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry scheduled CARONNA’s sentencing for November 28, 2023. Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years imprisonment followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
On May 17, 2021, 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 attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSHUA BOGEN, age 32, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 23, 2023 to 252 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. BOGEN previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the commission of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(b).
According to court documents, on October 18, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents received information that BOGEN, a convicted felon, would be transporting approximately two pounds of crystal methamphetamine from Houma, Louisiana to a residence in New Orleans to conduct a drug deal. Upon arriving at the residence, BOGEN got out of his vehicle carrying a large bag containing 1009.9 grams of pure methamphetamine and a Glock Model 26, Gen 4, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, that had a round in the chamber. DEA agents then turned on their surveillance unit’s flashing blue lights and began to exit the vehicle. Immediately after an agent opened their door, BOGEN brandished his handgun and pointed it directly at one of the agents. Agents then moved to take cover at the rear of the unit and one shot was fired in BOGEN’s direction. BOGEN, who was not wounded, then threw the handgun and the large bag of methamphetamine over the fence that lined the driveway of the residence and surrendered.
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 the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of Narcotics Unit.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – PEDRO VAZQUEZ, age 31, of California, pled guilty on August 15, 2023, before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a two-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846, and possession with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, VAZQUEZ and others known and unknown to the U.S. Attorney, conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute approximately 49.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. In addition, VAZQUEZ drove to Metairie, Louisiana to conduct a narcotics transaction that consisted of approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine.
VAZQUEZ is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2023, and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release per count as well as a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Former Army Reservist Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – On August 15, 2023, former United States Army reservist DERRICK BRANCH pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. BRANCH stole $15,469.30 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never happened.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans. At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”
By pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, BRANCH faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. BRANCH has agreed to pay restitution to the United States Army in the amount of $15,469.30.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.