Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 21, 2022, LAURANCE WILSON, age 28, of Baton Rouge, pleaded guilty as charged to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, WILSON exited a vehicle on April 29, 2020, in Slidell, Louisiana, when gun fire erupted near the vehicle. Prior to the gun shots, WILSON had placed a Del-Ton Inc. DTI-15 5.56 mm caliber rifle in the trunk of the vehicle. WILSON was prohibited from possessing the rifle, as he had been convicted of simple robbery in 2014, in the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana.
WILSON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release and 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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Slidell Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Mike Trummel handled the prosecution.
Tickfaw Tax Preparer Sentenced to One Year and a Day in Prison for Filing False IRS ReturnsRead the Press Release
Note: Cheryl Kinchen was resentenced on December 20, 2022 to 5 years probations with 6 months of home confinement.
NEW ORLEANS – CHERYL L. KINCHEN, age 39, and a resident of Tickfaw, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 29, 2022 to one year and a day after she pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false tax returns in her personal capacity by U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court records, KINCHEN, who is the owner/operator of Beyond Blessed Tax Services, prepared false tax returns in 2015 and 2017 for her own personal taxes, wherein she significantly underreported the gross income that she earned as a tax preparer for the alleged time periods.
In addition to incarceration, KINCHEN was ordered to pay the IRS $167,496 in restitution, pay a mandatory $200 special assessment fee, and she was placed on one year of supervised release.
Attorney Evans commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHNNY WALSH, age 25, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to violating the Federal Gun Control Act before United States Senior District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
WALSH pleaded guilty to two different counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one from March 2022 and the other from August 2022. On the March 2022 charge, WALSH faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, plus a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. On the August 2022 charge, WALSH faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, plus 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 New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that yesterday, SEAN ESPRIT, age 27, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty before United States Senior District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the Gun Control Act.
According to court records, ESPRIT 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), 841(b)(1)(C), 846. ESPRIT also admitted to jointly possessing a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Sentencing is set for March 8, 2023. On the drug offense, Esprit faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release. On the firearms charge, Esprit faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. Each count also carries 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 is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Charged with Failure to Account for and Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENE CLEMENT (“CLEMENT”), age 75, of Houma, Louisiana, was charged with 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.
According to court documents, CLEMENT conducted a business under the name Vinyl Products, LLC. During the fourth quarter of the year 2017, CLEMENT collected federal income taxes and FICA taxes in the approximate sum of $28,809.73 from his employees but did not account for or pay any of that money to the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted, CLEMENT faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, CLEMENT also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $10,000 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. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 is also applicable.
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.
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.
Gibson Woman Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that FLORENCE RANDLE (“F. RANDLE”), age 70, of Gibson, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 29, 2022 to Count One (1) of her indictment, charging her with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In exchange, the government agreed to dismiss four counts of Mail Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. In pleading guilty to Count 1, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; a fine up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 43.
According to court documents, F. RANDLE served as an intermediary who recruited and directed passengers to participate in staged automobile collisions with tractor-trailers on May 17, 2017 and June 6, 2017. The passengers in these collisions filed fraudulent lawsuits that falsely claimed that the tractor-trailers were at fault. F. RANDLE and her co-conspirators coordinated with others, including “slammer” Damian Labeaud and attorney Patrick Keating, to arrange the staged collisions. The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for March 1, 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
Former Louisiana Police Chief, City Councilmember, and Additional Co-Conspirator Sentenced in Vote Buying ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Washington - A former police chief in Amite City, Louisiana and a forme Amite City councilmemberwew each sentenced yesterday to one year in prison for violating federal elction laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election.
In addition to the prison sentence, the former police chief was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. Today, an additional co-conspirator was sentenced to four months in prison for his role in the scheme.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jerry Trabona, 73, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 50, a former Amite City councilmember, agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election, contests in which Trabona and Hart were candidates. Trabona and Hart’s vote buying scheme included the solicitation and hiring of individuals responsible for identifying potential voters, the transportation of those voters to the polls, and payment and offer of payment to the voters for voting. In the 2016 election, co-conspirator Sidney Smith, 69, of Amite City, paid voters with money provided by Trabona and Hart.
Two other Louisiana men who previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in the vote buying scheme, Calvin Batiste and Louis Ruffino, will be sentenced at a later date.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen T. O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Charged with International Parental KidnappingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KIDUS AWLACHEW, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with international parental kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1204. The charge stems from AWLACHEW allegedly retaining a child in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of another person’s parental rights.
If convicted, AWLACHEW faces up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 28, 2022, JOSEPH BREWTON (“BREWTON”), age 56, of Houma, Louisiana, pled guilty to a count one (1) of his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In exchange for his plea of guilty, the government has agreed to dismiss five counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. In pleading guilty to Count 1, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; and a fine up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 42.
According to court documents, BREWTON served as a passenger in a staged automobile collision in August of 2015. Thereafter, he recruited family members and friends to participate in staged automobile collisions with tractor-trailers on March 27, 2017 and May 11, 2017. The passengers in these collisions filed fraudulent lawsuits that falsely claimed that the tractor-trailers were at fault. Through this scheme, BREWTON caused a loss of approximately $392,742.77. The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for March 1, 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
New Orleans Man Convicted of Drug Trafficking Charges at TrialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 18, 2022 after a four (4) day trial before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, GEORGE BENNETT, aka “G,” 39, from the greater New Orleans area, was convicted of three counts of drug trafficking charges.
At the conclusion of the trial, the jury found BENNETT guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, distribution of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, both in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
At sentencing, BENNETT faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years supervised release. BENNETT must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count of conviction at sentencing. Sentencing in this matter is to be determined at a later date by the Court.
The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones, Melissa Bücher, and Christopher D. Usher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Slidell Woman Sentenced for FEMA FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCHSHINETIA ANDERSON, age 44, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 17, 2022 for FEMA fraud announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay $22,104 in restitution to FEMA.
According to court documents, on or about August 18, 2016, ANDERSON filed a fraudulent request for financial assistance due to a natural disaster related to the alleged loss of her primary residence. In truth and in fact, as she well knew, the house she had been renting did not sustain any damage and she prepared false records claiming that it had. She also prepared false and inflated rent lease agreements to increase the funds she received from FEMA. ANDERSON received approximately $22,104 as a result of her fraud.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.
Slidell Woman Sentenced for FEMA FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCHSHINETIA ANDERSON, age 44, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced for FEMA fraud announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay $22,104 in restitution to FEMA.
According to court documents, on or about August 18, 2016, ANDERSON filed a fraudulent request for financial assistance due to a natural disaster related to the alleged loss of her primary residence. In truth and in fact, as she well knew, the house she had been renting did not sustain any damage and she prepared false records claiming that it had. She also prepared false and inflated rent lease agreements to increase the funds she received from FEMA. ANDERSON received approximately $22,104 as a result of her fraud.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.
Mexican Man Guilty of Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARIO MATEO TOMAS JOSE, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty today to illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
MARIO MATEO TOMAS JOSE ( “TOMAS JOSE” ) faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is set for February 23, 2023.
According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information that certain individuals had used fraudulent Social Security cards in an initial application to obtain employment. Prior to finalizing employment with their prospective company, the individuals had to report to the Gulf Coast Safety Council, which provides safety courses to applicants applying for work with companies servicing petrochemical processing plants. On March 30, 2022, TOMAS JOSE arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course to finalize his employment with Company “A.” On that day, TOMAS JOSE presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, which he represented to be his own, in order to obtain employment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
California Man Sentenced for Scheme Involving over $300,000 in Fraudulent Purchases from Home DepotRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN or Pilla SINLAO, age 38, a resident of San Jose, California, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).
According to court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct approximately $340,164.49 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at Home Depot stores using Citibank credit card numbers belonging to others. During these transactions, SINLAO used temporary charge passes containing his own name with 16-digit credit card numbers belonging to other customers. These transactions occurred between February of 2019 and July of 2019 at Home Depot stores in Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, and Oklahoma. Video footage and photographic evidence from Home Depot stores captured SINLAO conducting approximately 78 unauthorized transactions.
In April of 2019, SINLAO was captured on video conducting two unauthorized transactions in Harahan, during which he purchased a Home Depot gift card. SINLAO then sold this gift card to a pawn shop in Metairie. Then, in July of 2019, after SINLAO attempted to conduct two unauthorized purchases using two different Home Depot credit card numbers that were not issued to him, law enforcement obtained a warrant to search his U-Haul vehicle. Inside, SINLAO had receipts for fraudulent Home Depot purchases; boxes containing Home Depot merchandise; and temporary charge passes containing SINLAO’s name with 16-digit credit card numbers assigned to others.
U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced SINLAO to serve 63 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Ashe also imposed restitution to be paid by SINLAO in the amount of $341,164.49 and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
Thirty-Year-Old Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Transfer Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 30, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi, pleaded guilty as charged on November 16. 2022 before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance after previously being charged with attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470.
According to court documents, DEFIORE was an adult male who was released from a federal correctional institution upon completion of his judicially imposed sentence in an unrelated matter on August 19, 2022. Days after his release, DEFIORE acquired a cellular phone and posted that he desired a really young girl on a social media application. Law enforcement authorities with the FBI saw the post and, acting in an undercover capacity by pretending to be a fourteen-year-old female (“Minor”), began corresponding with DEFIORE. During the correspondence, occurring on August 24 and 25, 2022, DEFIORE provided additional details about himself, including his age, location, and recent release from prison. He also engaged in a sexually charged conversation with Minor, during which he sent a self-taken picture of his erect penis. DEFIORE also expressed interest in meeting Minor for the purposes of engaging in sexual activity with her at her location in Slidell, Louisiana. DEFIORE also told Minor that he was attempting to obtain transportation to Slidell, Louisiana (where he believed Minor to be located) and provided Minor with directions to his location. Additionally, DEFIORE encouraged Minor to obtain transportation to his location so they could engage in sexual activity.
DEFIORE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. DEFIORE may also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for February 15, 2022 .
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 in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Thibodaux Man Charged with Failure to Account for and Pay TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CORNEL MARTIN, SR. (“MARTIN”), age 61, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was charged on November 17, 2022, with failing to account for and pay over federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.
According to the one count indictment, MARTIN conducted a business as a limited liability company under the name “Global Workforce, LLC”. During the first quarter of the year 2019, MARTIN collected federal income taxes and FICA taxes in the approximate sum of $67,211 from his employees but did not pay any of that money to the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted, MARTIN faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, MARTIN also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $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 371. MARTIN also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also 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 Brandon Long.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Civil Rights Offense for Sexually Assaulting a 15-Year-Old Crime VictimRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to sexually assaulting a 15-year-old crime victim in violation of her constitutional rights.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Rodney Vicknair, 55, while working in his capacity as an NOPD officer, escorted a then14-year-old girl, who was a victim of sexual assault, to the hospital to undergo a forensic exam, also known as a rape kit. The defendant gave the victim his cell phone number and offered to be her friend and mentor. At the time, the defendant was 53-years-old.
“The defendant’s job was to protect a child who was a victim of sexual assault but instead he exploited her vulnerabilities and abused his position of power to carry out his own sexual assault of the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officials who sexually assault children are not above the law. The Civil Rights Division will continue to hold accountable law enforcement officers who sexually assault their victims when they should have otherwise been keeping them safe.”
“The safeguarding of all of our citizens’ civil rights is an essential part of our Constitution, especially for crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Any violation of these rights, especially when committed by a law enforcement officer sworn to protect the rights of our citizens, is particularly disturbing. The public must be able to trust that law enforcement will execute their sworn duties honestly and faithfully and, if not, that they will face the consequences of their actions. Our office, along with the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation as well as state and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate and prosecute any violations of civil rights.”
“The preservation of civil rights and the investigation of Color of Law violations are of utmost priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans.” Today's guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Rodney Vicknair will be held responsible and no one is above the law. We thank our partners at the U.S. States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Department of Justice Civil Rights Division for their strong partnership and dedication to protecting the civil rights of every citizen.”
According to the court documents, in the months and weeks thereafter, Vicknair and the victim spoke on the phone and exchanged messages on Snapchat. Vicknair while in uniform, often stopped by unannounced at the victim’s residence. Over time, Vicknair made comments to the victim that were sexual in nature.
On the night of Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant arrived at the victim’s house. By that time, she had turned 15-years-old. He told her to come outside and get into his vehicle. She got into the passenger’s seat while the defendant remained in the driver’s seat. Then, the defendant locked the doors so that the victim could not leave. He leaned over toward the victim, and she feared for her physical safety. The defendant then sexually assaulted the victim when he intentionally touched her genitals under her clothing without her consent. The defendant admitted in court that he acted without a legitimate law enforcement purpose, and that he knew his actions were wrong and against the law, but that he engaged in such conduct anyway.
A sentencing hearing has been set for March 8, 2023.
The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
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Hammond Tax Preparer Sentenced to Probation and One Year of Home Confinement for Filing False IRS Returns and Making False Statements to IRS and to Department of EducationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – KENISHA R. CALLAHAN, age 45, and a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 9, 2022 to five (5) years of probation and one year of home confinement by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle after CALLAHAN had pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and one count of making a false statement to the Department of Education, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court records, count one alleges that CALLAHAN, the owner of Callahan Tax Service, prepared and filed a false 2015 U.S. Individual Tax Return Form 1040, wherein she underreported her earned income for the alleged time period. Count two charges that in 2015, CALLAHAN aided in the preparation and filing of a client’s tax return that falsely stated to the IRS that the client owned a business, and that the client had a business loss for the 2014 tax year. Count three alleges that CALLAHAN committed financial aid fraud by falsely reporting the amount of income that she earned in 2015 to the Department of Education while applying for student loan forgiveness.
In addition to the sentence, CALLAHAN was ordered to repay the IRS the amount of $353,834 and $191,738 to the Department of Education as mandatory restitution.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Education for their handling of the matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Convicted Felon Sentenced Federally for Firearm ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERNEST DUNN, age 32 of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 10, 2022 for a violation the Federal Gun Control Act. He was convicted of a single count indictment charging him with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, DUNN was in the driver seat of a parked car in an area that had recently been the location of a drive by shooting. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was conducting surveillance and observed suspicious activity of individuals near the car. When agents approached, they asked DUNN to exit the car and observed two semi-automatic handguns at his feet. DUNN was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior convictions for armed robbery and purse snatching in Orleans Parish.
DUNN was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay a mandatory $100.00 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 praised the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
Accountant Charged with Misappropriating Funds from New Orleans BandRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing, on November 10, 2022, of a one-count bill of information charging ALICE C. “SHANNON” CHABAUD, age 79, of New Orleans, with access device fraud in relation to her theft from her former accounting client, a New Orleans-based band named as “Band A” in the bill of information.
According to charging documents, CHABAUD is alleged to have illegally accessed Band A’s bank accounts after she was terminated as the band’s accountant in 2015. From the time of her firing in September 2015 until May 2020, she misappropriated $207,607.95 from Band A without band members’ knowledge or permission.
If convicted, CHABAUD could receive up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. She would also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Marrero Man Indicted for Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHRIS BAO NGUYEN (“NGUYEN”), age 30, of Marrero, Louisiana, was indicted on November 10, 2022 for receipt of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). If convicted, NGUYEN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or 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 of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, NGUYEN faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against NGUYEN began as a result of a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NEMEC”) to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”). Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents along with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and LBI executed a federal search warrant at NGUYEN’s home in Marrero. HSI’s investigation determined NGUYEN received images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Two Defendants Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Ketamine to Aid in Kidnapping of Slidell Teenager, Resulting in His DeathRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on November 9, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced WILLIAM HARRISON FARRIS (“FARRIS”), age 43, of New Orleans, and KACIE DOUCET (“DOUCET”), age 41, of Larose, Louisiana, for their participation in a scheme to drug and kidnap an 18-year-old Slidell resident, resulting in the teenager’s death. FARRIS was sentenced to serve 87 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. DOUCET was sentenced to serve 88 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Ketamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(E), and 846. According to court records, FARRIS and DOUCET conspired with co-defendant Leilani Aspuria, along with Carlos Mario Cantu-Cox and Christopher Cantu-Cox (who were charged in a separate case), to kidnap the teenage victim and transport him to Texas against his will. The Cantu-Coxes were a married couple based in the Houston area who distributed methamphetamine in New Orleans. At the time of his kidnapping, the victim owed money to the Cantu-Coxes and was deliberately trying to avoid the two men.
FARRIS, who was a drug customer of the Cantu-Coxes and was aware that the Cantu-Coxes were trying to find the victim, knew that DOUCET was connected to the victim on Facebook. At the direction of FARRIS, DOUCET contacted the victim over Facebook on multiple occasions and suggested that they meet for a sexual encounter.
FARRIS and DOUCET were aware that DOUCET’s offer of a sexual encounter with the teenage victim was a ruse, and that the real purpose of picking up the victim was to provide him with a cocktail of powerful drugs and thus render him incapacitated so he could be delivered to the Cantu-Coxes, who were staying at a hotel in downtown New Orleans. The Cantu-Coxes supplied the drug cocktail, as well as instructions on how to mix the drugs with alcohol so that it could be administered to the victim without him knowing what he was taking.
To accomplish the scheme, FARRIS and DOUCET enlisted the help of Aspuria, the only one of the three with a car. On February 23, 2016, DOUCET and Aspuria picked up the victim from his grandfather’s home in Slidell. DOUCET gave the victim the Cantu-Coxes’ drug cocktail, which the couple referred to as an “elixir.” DOUCET, Aspuria, and the victim then drove around New Orleans for a number of hours, waiting for the victim to pass out. FARRIS, who was not in the car, assisted by serving as the intermediary between DOUCET, who was texting updates of the victim’s condition, and the Cantu-Coxes, who were waiting at the hotel.
At one point, DOUCET and Aspuria drove to the back of the hotel and attempted to deliver the victim to the Cantu-Coxes and FARRIS, who were waiting outside with a wheelchair. The victim was barely awake but not yet unconscious. When the car arrived, FARRIS attempted to pull the victim out of the car, but the victim woke up and became aggressive. DOUCET and Aspuria then drove off with the victim and continued to wait for the victim to pass out.
Later, DOUCET and Aspuria again drove to the hotel with the victim, who at that point was unconscious in the back seat. The Cantu-Coxes produced two needles containing ketamine. Aspuria injected one of the needles into the victim’s body, while DOUCET and FARRIS watched without objection. The victim did not move when he was injected, and no one checked to determine whether the victim was still breathing after the injection.
At that point, the teenager’s body was transferred to the Cantu-Coxes’ car, and the Cantu-Coxes began driving back to Texas. Somewhere near the Louisiana-Texas border, the Cantu-Coxes realized that the victim was no longer breathing. The Cantu-Coxes continued driving to their home in Pasadena, Texas and parked in their driveway. Because it was still daylight, they left the victim’s body in the car. At nightfall on February 24, 2016, the Cantu-Coxes drove to a bridge over Sims Bayou in the Houston area and put the victim’s body into the bayou. The victim’s body washed to the shore a week later. The Cantu-Coxes later paid FARRIS a quantity of methamphetamine for his efforts in capturing the victim.
On February 5, 2020, Judge Milazzo sentenced Leilani Aspuria to ten years of imprisonment. On June 29, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Wendy Vitter sentenced Carlos Mario Cantu-Cox and Christopher Cantu-Cox to twenty years of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Plaquemines Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERIC METZ, age 39, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 1, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that METZ was involved in a large narcotics distribution conspiracy in Plaquemines Parish. On June 5, 2021, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by METZ in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. During the traffic stop, deputies established probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, they discovered six clear plastic bags containing crack cocaine, a fully loaded FN, nine-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun, and $3,238.00 in U.S. currency.
For the drug conspiracy charge, METZ faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, METZ faces a minimum of five years of imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and 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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Files Depicting the Sexual Victimization of ChildrenRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL GERALD MARCHESE, age 45, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on November 8, 2022 before United States District Judge Wendy Vitter after previously being charged in a one-count indictment with receiving images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately one (1) year old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents, in about July 2021, law enforcement authorities received information that an unidentified individual, subsequently determined to be MARCHESE, was using an internet-based peer-to-peer network that allows users to anonymously share files, chat on message boards, and access websites within the network, to view, download, and store computer files depicting the sexual victimization of children. FBI agents executed a search warrant on MARCHESE’S residence on December 9, 2021 and seized several electronic items, including four (4) portable external hard drives. A review of the items revealed that MARCHESE used the internet and peer-to-peer platforms numerous times throughout 2020 and 2021 to download depictions of children being sexually exploited. The review further confirmed that MARCHESE downloaded at least approximately 4,201 images and 339 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including prepubescent minors as young as less than one (1) year old, and that some of the images and videos portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.
MARCHESE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of twenty (20) years in prison. MARCHESE also faces a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and can be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Vitter is scheduled for February 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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Grand Jury Charges A Dozen New Bank Fraud Counts Against Former St. Bernard Parish Assistant District Attorney and Two AssociatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a grand jury returned a superseding indictment on November 4, 2022 against GLENN E. DIAZ, age 71, of Arabi; PETER J. “PETE” JENEVEIN, age 57, of Panama City, Florida; and MARK S. GRELLE, age 67, of Chalmette, for bank fraud and money laundering charges related to defrauding First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.
According to the 31-count superseding indictment, from at least April 2016 through December 20, 2016, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE conspired to defraud First NBC Bank through a series of false invoices for work purportedly done at a Florida warehouse owned by DIAZ. As set forth in the superseding indictment, DIAZ was a customer of First NBC Bank from 2006 through the bank’s closure in 2017. By late 2015, DIAZ had been overdrawing his checking account for purported business expenses, although DIAZ was depositing these overdrafts into his personal account at another bank. In April 2016, First NBC Bank officers were asking DIAZ for additional information about the use of the overdrafts. In June 2016, bank officers began requiring invoices as proof that DIAZ was spending bank funds on improving the Florida warehouse.
Thereafter, DIAZ had his associate JENEVEIN provide invoices for improvements on the Florida warehouse performed by GRELLE’s company, Grelle Underground Services LLC. Bank officers then approved the overdrafts based on these invoices. However, after DIAZ wrote the check to GRELLE’s company, GRELLE would then write a check back to DIAZ, which DIAZ would deposit into his personal account at JPMorgan Chase bank. DIAZ then used the money for expenditures unrelated to the Florida warehouse project. In total, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE executed a total of 17 round-trip transactions through GRELLE’s accounts. The superseding indictment adds twelve additional counts in which DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE sent fraudulent documents to First NBC Bank to support disbursements of money from the Bank that purportedly reimbursed DIAZ for additional fraudulent business costs. The defendants’ fraud resulted in a loss of over a half million dollars to First NBC Bank.
DIAZ and JENEVEIN are all charged in each of the 31 counts of the superseding indictment, and GRELLE is charged in 20 of the counts. Count 1 charges all three defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are thirty years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
In Count 2, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h). If convicted, they face a maximum of 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
In Counts 3 through 31, DIAZ and JENEVEIN are charged with bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, and GRELLE is also charged in Counts 3 to 6, 11, 14, 15, 18 to 25, and 28 to 30. As to each count, the defendants may receive a maximum of thirty years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a superseding indictment is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo has scheduled the trial in this case for April 17, 2023.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, J. Ryan McLaren, and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Felon Pleads Guilty as Charged to Gun and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DESEAN CHRISTY, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to the remaining two counts of a three-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. He had previously pleaded guilty to only Count 3 of the indictment. He was charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); in Count 2 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); and in Count 3 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).
According to court documents, CHRISTY was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin, cocaine, and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now convicted of possessing possessing a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun as a felon and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime when he was arrested while possessing cocaine base (“crack”) with the intent to distribute.
For Count 1, CHRISTY 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. For Count 2, he faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. Any sentence imposed for Count 2 shall be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. For Count 3, he faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. CHRISTY must also pay a $100.00 mandatory 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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Conspiracy, Carjacking, and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 10, 2022, TYRESE HARRIS, age 19, resident of Orleans Parish, was charged in a five-count superseding indictment for conspiracy, carjacking, and weapons violations. Count 1 charges HARRIS with conspiracy to commit carjackings beginning August 19, 2021, through February 1, 2022 in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 371. Count 2 charges HARRIS with a carjacking that occurred on August 19, 2021, in the 600 block of Washington Avenue in New Orleans, LA in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count 3 charges HARRIS with using a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). In Count 4, HARRIS is charged with an attempted carjacking at 700 block of Howard Avenue on January 18, 2022 in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Finally, in Count 5, HARRIS is charged with a carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury that occurred on February 1, 2022, at the 3800 block of S. Carrollton Avenue in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(2).
In Count 1, HARRIS faces up to maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $$250,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For Counts 2 and 4, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count. In Count 3, HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count 5, HARRIS faces a sentence of a maximum 25 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 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.
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 Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Two New Orleans Men Convicted by Federal Jury for Multiple Violent Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 31, and MARC DALTON, age 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana were found guilty as charged on November 8, 2022 after a two-day jury trial before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey. The defendants were facing two counts of carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1) and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).
Testimony at trial established that FOSTER and DALTON carjacked the driver of a white Chevrolet Equinox on April 10, 2020 at the Eastside Cash and Carry convenient store on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans. The defendants held the victim at gunpoint with a revolver in furtherance of the offense. They then forced him into his car, kidnapping him for a short time before leaving him on the side of the road.
The evidence at trial also showed that on April 12, 2020, FOSTER and DALTON were caught immediately after a second carjacking. The two victims were sitting in a Mercedes C300 on St. Peter Street in New Orleans when the defendants held them at gunpoint with a semi-automatic Taurus handgun. Like the previous offense, the defendants kidnapped the two victims and dropped them off on the side of the road after a period of time. The New Orleans Police Department located the defendants in the stolen Mercedes immediately after the carjacking and arrested them after a high-speed pursuit on Downman Road.
For each count of carjacking, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. For brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of seven years imprisonment for each count, which must run consecutive to all other counts; the maximum sentence for each of those counts is life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 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 praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, New Orleans Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles D. Strauss, David E. Haller, and J. Benjamin Myers are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Theft of Mail and Unlawful Possession of a Postal KeyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced KYLE ARMSTRONG, 20, of New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 8, 2022 to three (3) years probation for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1708 and 2 and with unlawful possession of a postal key in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1704 and 2, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
In July, 2022, ARMSTONG was indicted for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter and unlawful possession of a postal key
District Judge Morgan sentenced ARMSTRONG to three (3) years probation. She also ordered that ARMSTRONG pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Dall Kammer.
Jefferson Parish Felons Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY PITTMAN, age 33, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 1, 2022. His co-defendant, JOSEPH WOODS, age 31, of Metairie Louisiana, was sentenced on November 7, 2022. They both previously pleaded guilty as charged to a three-count indictment. Count 1 charged the defendants with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); Count 2 charged them with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and Count 3 charged them with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, PITTMAN and WOODS were both previously convicted of drug trafficking, among other felony firearm and drug offenses in Jefferson Parish. Due to these convictions, it is unlawful for either of them to possess a firearm. They are now convicted of possessing multiple firearms and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and heroin. The two were apprehended after a high-speed chase during an attempted traffic stop on October 4, 2020 in Westwego, Louisiana. The drugs were found in two camouflage bags which were originally seen by officers inside the car but thrown on the side of the road as the defendants tried to escape. Additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking was found in the center console of the vehicle.
PITTMAN was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 322 months. This consists of 240 months for Count 1, 262 months for Count 2, and 60 months for Count 3. Counts 1 and 2 are to run concurrently, while Count 3 will run consecutively. Upon release from prison, he will serve a term of three years of supervised release.
WOODS was sentenced to a total term of imprisonment of 262 months. This consists of 202 months for Count 1, 120 months for Count 2, and 60 months for Count 3. Counts 1 and 2 are to run concurrently, while Count 3 will run consecutively. Upon release from prison, he will serve a term of three years of supervised release.
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 Westwego Police department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Sentenced to Seventeen and a Half Years for Enticing Teen Boys to Create Sexually Explicit Images and VideosRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STEVE C. MERGEY (“MERGEY”), age 52, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 8, 2022 for Production of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e).
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against MERGEY developed as a result of a complaint to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”) Tip Line. On June 4, 2020, HSI Agents executed a federal search warrant at MERGEY’S residence located in Houma, LA. HSI’s investigation revealed that MERGEY groomed and coerced young male victims, as young as ten years old, who were living in Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan to create and send sexually explicit images of themselves to MERGEY.
U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced MERGEY to 210 months imprisonment, a life-term of supervised release and registration as a sex offender.
“The sentence is a gratifying outcome for the HSI special agents and law enforcement partners who are committed to protecting our nations’ innocense,” said Special Agent in Charge Dave Denton, HSI New Orleans. “We hope this serves as part of the healing process for the victims, and a reminder to those who harm children - HSI will not stop pursuing and bringing you to justice.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Houma RAC and Pittsburg Office; Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office; Houma Police Department; Louisiana State Police, Criminal Investigative Division; and Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, NY with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
November 8, 2022 ElectionsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) M. Irene González will coordinate her Office’s efforts in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA González serves as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Evans said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Evans stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO González will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number – (504) 680-3041.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (504) 816-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
United States Attorney Evans said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant DEAMONTE BROWN, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on October 27, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Barry Ashe to 60 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on Count One of a one-count indictment.
Count One of the indictment charged BROWN with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(g)(1) and 18 United States Code Section 924(a)(2). As to Count One, on June 10, 2021, investigators arrested BROWN and his co-defendant for being felons in possession of firearms. The defendants were observed on crime camera footage carrying guns near the intersection of North Derbigny Street and Mandeville Street in New Orleans, LA. Louisiana State Police elected to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, at which point the vehicle fled eastbound reaching a speed of 110 miles per hour. Officers observed BROWN throw firearms out of the vehicle. Officers were later able to locate those firearms, which were both loaded with ammunition. The vehicle eventually stopped in the 13000 block of Dwyer Street in New Orleans East. Both individuals exited the vehicle, fled on foot and were apprehended by the Louisiana State Police.
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 Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on October 25, 2022, that defendant CHRISTOPHER SMITH, age 31, resident of New Orleans, LA, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to a federal weapons violation of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In Count 1 of the indictment, SMITH is charged with possessing three firearms on April 10, 2022, as a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). SMITH faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. SMITH’S sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Kentwood Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Defrauding Employer and Filing False TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL J. GOLL, age 47, of Kentwood, was sentenced on November 2, 2022, to three years in prison on charges of wire fraud and filing false federal tax returns by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.
According to court documents, GOLL was the New Orleans branch manager of Company A, which provides material handling equipment to businesses. From January 2013 through September 2017, GOLL defrauded Company A of approximately $549,667.39. GOLL is alleged to have executed the scheme by sending Company A false invoices from shell companies that he had created, when in fact the work was either done by Company A’s own employees or the work was not done at all. Also, as part of the scheme, GOLL had a contractor who did personal work for GOLL inflate his bills to Company A to cover the work done for GOLL. GOLL justified the overbilling by telling the contractor that he planned on buying Company A in the future, although GOLL never did purchase Company A, and GOLL never told his employer about the overbilling.
Additionally, GOLL pleaded guilty to filing false federal tax returns. According to court documents, GOLL filed false personal income tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 in which he which he failed to accurately report his income, including the money that he embezzled from Company A. Moreover, GOLL also counseled three other people, all of whom personally knew GOLL, to file false tax returns. GOLL told each of them that he had graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Orleans with a Ph.D. in business administration, a degree that the University of New Orleans does not actually offer. GOLL persuaded the victims to become his business partners in a fake restaurant enterprise. GOLL then instructed them to file tax returns claiming false business losses, and then GOLL had them each pay to him a portion of their tax refund. Through his own false tax returns and those of the three others that he aided, GOLL caused a tax loss to the United States of $188,694.00.
As to the charge of wire fraud, GOLL was sentenced to three years in prison and three years of supervised release. For filing false tax returns, GOLL was sentenced to three years in prison and one year of supervised release, to be served concurrently with the wire fraud charge. Additionally, GOLL was ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessment fees. No fine was issued. A hearing regarding restitution will be held on a later date.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, which investigated this case jointly. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
Thirty-Four-Year-Old Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking 13-Year-Old Female into the New Orleans Area to Perform Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDI LEWIS (a/k/a “Teddy,” a/k/a “Teddy P.”), age 34, from Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on November 2, 2022 before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk 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). The charges stem from LEWIS’S role in bringing a thirteen-year-old female from Houston to New Orleans for the purpose of her engaging in commercial sex acts in June 2021.
According to court documents, LEWIS met his co-conspirator, Chelsea Gee, a female born in 2003, in about late 2019 or early 2020. LEWIS recruited Gee to engage in commercial sex acts under his direction, and she complied. LEWIS also instituted a series of rules Gee was to follow, including how to behave, what to wear, with whom she was allowed to interact (i.e., look at and speak to), and how much she was expected to earn from engaging in commercial sex acts daily. LEWIS routinely tracked Gee’s location using a location sharing cellular phone application. LEWIS also regularly engaged in sexual acts with Gee.
Together, LEWIS and Gee met the minor victim, who was thirteen years old, in the Houston, Texas area not later than June 21, 2021. At LEWIS’s direction, Gee recruited the minor victim to perform commercial sex acts also under LEWIS’s direction. Soon thereafter, Gee introduced the victim to LEWIS. After the victim agreed, LEWIS arranged for he, Gee, and the victim to travel to New Orleans on a Greyhound bus for the purpose of his co-conspirator and the victim to 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 the minor victim to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from commercial sex acts to LEWIS. LEWIS and Gee gave the minor victim instruction and guidance on matters related to the successful performance of commercial sex activities, including ways to behave, what to wear, how to identify and avoid law enforcement, and how to best solicit and engage in commercial sex activities under LEWIS’S direction.
Acting at LEWIS’S direction, Gee and the minor victim solicited commercial sex “dates” in several ways. First, they walked along streets soliciting customers. Additionally, LEWIS created and caused to be created advertisements on an online classified ad service commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which LEWIS received telephone calls, text messages, and messages via social media applications inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution calls with his co-conspirator and the minor victim. LEWIS arranged for sexually explicit pictures of the minor victim to be used in the advertisements. LEWIS and his co-conspirator also gave the minor victim illicit and mood-altering drugs, including marijuana, to numb her senses, control her behavior, and/or to encourage her to engage in commercial sex acts. Law enforcement authorities recovered the minor victim at a hotel in Terrytown, Louisiana, on June 24, 2021.
LEWIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and up to a maximum term of life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. LEWIS may also be required to register as a sex offender and make restitution payments to the minor victim. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 8, 2023, at 2:00 pm before Judge Africk.
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 is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud Spanning More Than Three DecadesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on November 2, 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced BETTY ARRINGTON, a/k/a “Betty Callie Arrington,” a/k/a “Betty Francis C Miller,” a/k/a “Betty Miller” (“ARRINGTON”), age 73, to three years’ probation, of which she must serve six months of home detention. ARRINGTON was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $164,270.90.
ARRINGTON had pleaded guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. According to court records, ARRINGTON engaged in a 35-year multifaceted scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). From 1984 through 2019, ARRINGTON intentionally used a Social Security number (“SSN”) not assigned to her by the Commissioner of the SSA in order to conceal her employment and earnings. In 1997, ARRINGTON applied for and began receiving disability payments through the SSA. ARRINGTON’s use of another person’s SSN to conceal her ongoing work, along with her false statements to the SSA attesting that she qualified for disability benefits, allowed her to fraudulently obtain benefits totaling approximately $164,270.90.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General for its work in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long.
Texas Man Sentenced to 12 Months and 1 Day for His Role as Executive National Marketing Director in Operating Sham Medical Reimbursement Account ProgramRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH ANTHONY BORINO, age 65, a resident of Spring Hill, Texas, was sentenced on November 1, 2022 to 12 months and 1 day in prison by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after previously pleading guilty to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with misprision of a felony, namely, wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4, for his role in a wide-ranging scheme that defrauded thousands of individuals and companies across the United States. Judge Vitter also sentenced BORINO to one (1) year of supervised release after his release from prison and ordered that he pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Judge Vitter scheduled a restitution hearing for February 13, 2023 at 10:00 am.
According to court documents, The Total Financial Group (TTFG) was a Louisiana business incorporated by Denis and Donna Joachim with the Louisiana Secretary of State on about January 6, 2005. TTFG was most recently located in Covington, Louisiana and had at least 13 employees and 56 independent sales agents. BORINO, employed with TTFG since 2012, served as its National Executive Marketing Director. In that capacity, BORINO supervised, trained, and instructed TTFG’s regional sales personnel. BORINO primarily handled and resolved issues that agents, prospective clients, and enrolled clients encountered.
TTFG and its owners, along with BORINO and others, created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105.” Classic 105 claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan to reimburse their employees for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles. Participants in Classic 105 were required to have a primary health insurance plan unrelated to and in addition to Classic 105. Classic 105 claimed to be comprised of several components: a tax-exempt contribution of between $1,000 and $1,600 per month made by an employee (which reduced the employee’s taxable income), a loan from a lender back to the employee to make up for the contribution, an insurance policy payable to the lender at the employee’s death to repay the loan, and fees paid by the employee and the employer directly to TTFG. TTFG told prospective employer-clients that participants would never have to make out-of-pocket payments to repay the loan and that as a result of the tax savings, most participants would receive an increase in their net take home pay. TTFG’s marketing program told prospective employer-clients that the contributions would be stored in a unique account for each employee-participant and that any money not used by the end of each calendar year would revert to TTFG. TTFG also charged employee-participants a fee of between $150 and $250 per month and the employer a fee of five percent of each employee’s contribution amount. At its peak, over 350 employer-clients and 4,400 employee-participants nationwide were enrolled in TTFG’s Classic 105 program.
According to court documents, TTFG committed wire fraud by virtue of how it actually operated Classic 105. TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions. The only money tendered to TTFG by employer-clients and employee-participants were fees. As a result, employee-participants and employer-clients were defrauded into enrolling in, and paying fees for, the Classic 105 program by means of fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Additionally, participants and employers were exposed to potential adverse financial consequences, including not only unpaid taxes, fees, and penalties, but also ineligibility from certain government programs, including unemployment payments, and reduced Social Security payments.
Despite having knowledge of these events, which constituted wire fraud, on multiple occasions, BORINO did not make known the information and attempted to conceal it. For example, in September 2014, BORINO was told that “TTFG has not made any deals with any banks in any state” and also had “not solicited nor [sic] received any pooling of funds from a group of individuals.” In the subsequent months, when subordinates asked BORINO specific questions about the loan component and passed along concerns that Classic 105 was “a scam and likely an illegal tax dodge,” BORINO failed to disclose what he had been told: that there were no entities providing loans. In subsequent years, BORINO continued to represent to subordinates and prospective customers that loans from “Wall Street banks,” community banks, and various “investing vehicles” funded the loan component. During her sentencing of BORINO, Judge Vitter noted his senior level at TTFG, an organization that “was based on nothing but fraud.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and Employment Benefits Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and IRS-Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Andre Lagarde, and Maria Carboni were in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Two Carjacking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 25, 2022, MERVIN BAILEY, age 20, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a three-count superseding bill of information. The charges include Count 1, carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1); Count 2, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924 (c)(1)(A)(ii); and Count 3, attempted carjacking in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1).
According to court documents, Counts 1 and 2 arose from the carjacking of a BMW X7 SUV in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 3, 2021. As the victim was pulling out of her driveway, BAILEY jumped out of a white truck while brandishing a firearm. He forced the victim out of her car, demanding her keys and drove off in her vehicle. The victim immediately flagged down a pedestrian and used their cell phone to call the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”). BAILEY initially evaded NOPD on a high-speed chase, but officers later located the abandoned SUV and the K-9 unit found him hiding nearby. A black CZ-PF10F 9mm Luger handgun with an obliterated serial number was found in the area and personal property belonging to the victim was found on BAILEY.
Court documents also reveal BAILEY committed an attempted carjacking on October 4, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. In that instance, BAILEY used a cellular phone to request a ride on the Lyft ride-sharing application. When the victim arrived in her Kia Optima, BAILEY and an accomplice attempted to carjack the vehicle while brandishing a firearm.
The maximum penalty BAILEY faces for Counts 1 and 3 is up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, as to each count. The maximum penalty he faces for Count 2 is a mandatory minimum of 7 years imprisonment up to a maximum of life, to run consecutive to all other sentences, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Admits to Using Stolen Identity at Local StoresRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY THOMAS, age 49, from New Orleans, pled guilty to wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges he made in someone else’s name at local stores.
According to court documents, THOMAS used a victim’s personal identifying information to make fraudulent charges at Best Buy and several Lowe’s Home Improvement stores in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. THOMAS attempted the purchases on behalf of other actual customers, offering to charge the goods on a store credit card in exchange for a cash payment that was less than the purchase price. Under the terms of the plea agreement, THOMAS agreed to repay a total of $77,781.98 to Synchrony Bank, which issued the Lowe’s credit cards that THOMAS used in his scheme.
At sentencing, THOMAS faces up to twenty years in prison. Following any term of imprisonment, THOMAS faces up to three years of supervised release, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for February 15, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today, that BROCK MELANCON, age 35 from Terrebonne Parish, was sentenced on October 27, 2022 to 262 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine as well as for federal firearms violations.
Earlier this year MELANCON pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the superseding indictment pending against him.
Count 1 charged MELANCON with participating in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 3 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Count 2 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. At his sentencing hearing, United States District Judge Barry Ashe found that MELANCON was a “career offender” and imposed a sentence of 262 months as to Counts 1 and 2 and 120 months as to Count 3, all to run concurrently with each other. He was also placed on supervised release for a term of five years after his release from prison.
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 Houma Police Department, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.). Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Convicted of Federal Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOEY J. STEVENSON, age 40, from New Orleans, pled guilty on October 25, 2022 for failing to pay the IRS employment taxes for his business, Community Care Solutions, Inc.
STEVENSON was indicted for failure to pay over employment taxes due to the IRS, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7202. According to court documents, STEVENSON owned and operated Community Care Solutions, Inc., and from 2015 through 2019, he withheld over $500,000 in Medicare, Social Security, and income taxes from his employees’ paychecks, but STEVENSON did not pay that money to the IRS. STEVENSON also failed to pay an additional $254,181.21 in taxes for the employer’s share of Medicare and Social Security taxes. In total, STEVENSON failed to pay $796,077.41 in taxes owed to IRS in connection with Community Care’s employees. STEVENSON agreed to repay that amount to the IRS as restitution.
STEVENSON faces up to five years in prison. STEVENSON also faces up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to STEVENSON or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count. The Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for February 15, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Washington Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAKARI BROWN, a/k/a “Jakari Lemar,” age 24, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 25, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a superseding bill of information which charged him with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on April 25, 2019, BROWN, a convicted felon, possessed an Iberia Firearm (HiPoint) Model JPC, .40 caliber pistol that he used during a shootout near the corner of Hickory and South Columbia Streets in Bogalusa. BROWN was again found to be in possession of a gun on December 27, 2021, when police discovered a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, 9 millimeter pistol under the driver’s seat in the vehicle BROWN was driving.
The maximum punishment BROWN faces for each offense is ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years supervised release, and 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.
This case was investigated by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Benjamin Myers and Maurice Landrieu.
Two Former Coast Guard Employees Sentenced in Test-Fixing CaseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that former United States Coast Guard employees DOROTHY SMITH and ELDRIDGE JOHNSON were sentenced today for engaging in a bribery scheme at a U.S. Coast Guard exam center.
United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced SMITH, age 67, to five years imprisonment for the crime of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Judge Ashe sentenced JOHNSON, age 70, to concurrent sentences of six years imprisonment for Bribery and five years for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. After completing their prison terms, the defendants will be placed on supervised release for three years.
The defendants had been employed at a Mandeville, Louisiana Coast Guard exam center known as Regional Exam Center (REC) New Orleans, which administered examinations that merchant mariners were legally required to pass in order to obtain licenses to serve in various positions on vessels. The examinations tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of the licenses. SMITH was a credentialing specialist and JOHNSON was an examination administrator.
As admitted during her plea of guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, SMITH accepted bribes to fix exam scores in a scheme that began prior to April 2012. Mariners participating in SMITH’S scheme would usually not appear for the examinations. SMITH would create Coast Guard records and data entries to make it appear to the Coast Guard that the mariners had appeared and tested. SMITH would make up passing scores and enter them in a Coast Guard computer system. SMITH would then send emails to a Coast Guard office falsely stating that the mariners had passed the examinations and should receive the desired licenses. While SMITH would at times directly interact with credential applicants (for example, by soliciting bribes from them when they came to the exam center), she primarily relied on intermediaries. By using intermediaries, SMITH typically avoided having any contact with the mariners to whom she sold passing scores.
One of Smith’s intermediaries was former Coast Guard employee Beverly McCrary, who pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Ashe on December 8, 2022. McCrary had her own network of intermediaries, which included mariners Alexis Bell, Micheal Wooten, and Sharron Robinson, who each pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and who collectively admitted to having obtained false scores for a total of 31 mariners, including themselves. Earlier this year, Bell was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment and Wooten and Robinson were each sentenced to 54 months imprisonment. In December 2021, another intermediary in the scheme, Alonzo Williams, received a 40-month sentence for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States.
JOHNSON pleaded guilty to two crimes—one count of Bribery and one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. The Bribery conviction relates to JOHNSON’S conduct as an examination administrator at REC New Orleans. Beginning no later than 2011 and continuing until around the time of his January 2018 retirement, JOHNSON engaged in a scheme to receive bribes from mariners who had applied for licenses. JOHNSON offered and sold various forms of improper assistance including reporting false information to the Coast Guard and, more commonly, selling examination questions and answers to mariners before they took the tests. JOHNSON recruited mariners by approaching them when they appeared at REC New Orleans and by calling their telephone contact numbers listed in United States Coast Guard records.
JOHNSON’S conspiracy conviction relates to him having acted as an intermediary for SMITH after his Coast Guard retirement. JOHNSON recruited mariners to engage in SMITH’S scheme in various ways, including by soliciting mariners who had bribed him when he was a Coast Guard employee and by encouraging those mariners to refer others to JOHNSON.
In addition to the three former Coast Guard employees and the four intermediaries mentioned above, 32 mariners were charged with, and pleaded guilty to, the felony offense of unlawful receipt of a mariner license. Some of these defendants were charged in the case presided over by Judge Ashe while others were charged in a separate case assigned to United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon, who sentenced the last of these defendants, Derrick Ward, to probation and community service in August 2022.
The wide range of fraudulently obtained licenses included the Master Unlimited Oceans endorsement, which authorizes the holder to serve as the captain of vessels of any tonnage in any waters, as well as licenses for other high-level positions such as Chief Mate and Chief Engineer.
“These former Coast Guard exam center employees risked public safety for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Evans. “Today’s sentencings hold them accountable for their egregious breaches of trust.”
“Credentialed mariners are entrusted with the safety and security of commercial vessels, and the vast majority are dedicated, safety-conscious individuals who work hard to earn their professional credentials and endorsements. By enabling a group of mariners to circumvent the Coast Guard’s credentialing protocols through fraud, these individuals undermined our credentialing system and threatened our waterways,” said Rear Admiral Wayne R. Arguin, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy. “These sentences demonstrate the tireless efforts of the Coast Guard and Department of Justice, and ensures the United States’ Marine Transportation System remains one of the safest in the world. We are confident this ruling sends a strong message that the U.S. government will not tolerate these types of acts and will vigorously take action against such misconduct.”
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the work of the Coast Guard Investigative Service Gulf Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
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Terrebonne Parish Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERECK CELESTIN, JR., age 37, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 25, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to a two-count indictment which charged him with distribution of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that CELESTIN was a methamphetamine distributor in Terrebonne Parish. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arranged two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from CELESTIN. On July 13, 2021, agents coordinated the purchase of 48.73 grams of methamphetamine from CELESTIN. On August 9, 2021, agents arranged the purchase of 130.35 grams of methamphetamine from CELESTIN.
CELESTIN is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2023.
For Count 1, CELESTIN faces a 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. For Count 2, CELESTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For both counts of the indictment, CELESTIN faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Laplace Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LENDELL WALLACE, age 38, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 13, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a two-count indictment which charged him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute tramadol and possession with intent to distribute tramadol in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(E), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, 800 dosage units of tramadol were seized from WALLACE’s residence pursuant to a search warrant. The investigation revealed that on multiple occasions WALLACE had tramadol mailed to his home from Singapore. He then distributed and conspired with others to distribute the tramadol.
WALLACE is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19, 2023. The maximum punishment WALLACE faces for each offense is five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, at least one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank Robbery, Hobbs Act RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that, on October 25, 2022, DEVIN CHANEY (“CHANEY”), age 32, agreed to plead guilty to one count of Armed Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (d) (Count 9); and one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a) (Count 3). In pleading guilty to the Armed Bank Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty-five (25) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In pleading guilty to the Hobbs Act Robbery, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; a fine of up to $250,000.00; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In exchange for pleading guilty, the government has agreed to dismiss the remaining counts in the superseding indictment.
As part of his plea, CHANEY admitted that on Christmas Eve 2021, he entered the Capital One Bank located on Carondelet St. in New Orleans. He presented a demand note to one teller and received some money but was disappointed in the amount. CHANEY then approached a second teller, pointed a firearm at the teller, and received additional money before leaving the bank. In total, CHANEY robbed the Capital One of approximately $2,506.00. Additionally, on December 12, 2021, CHANEY entered the Subway sandwich shop located on North Broad Street, New Orleans, pointed a firearm at the cashier, and demanded the money in the register. The cashier handed over approximately $600.00 to CHANEY.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 21, 2023, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.
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 Violent Crimes Task Force and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Charles Strauss.
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Lutcher Man Sentenced to for Failure to Report International Travel as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIE WALKER, age 56, was sentenced on October 14, 2022 by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a probationary term of five years for failure to report international travel as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents, WALKER was convicted in Washington State in 2002 of a sex offense that required him to register as a sex offender for life. In addition to registering as a sex offender, WALKER was also required to timely notify law enforcement at least 21 days prior to any travel outside of the United States. In February 2020 and April 2021, WALKER traveled to Ethiopia without informing law enforcement of either trip in violation of SORNA.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service for their investigation of the matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that IVAN MARTINEZ-ESTRADA, “a/k/a “Julio Martinez-Estrada”, a/k/a “Julio Martinez”, age 51, was charged in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, IVAN MARTINEZ-ESTRADA (“MARTINEZ ESTRADA”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on February 13, 2017. If convicted, MARTINEZ-ESTRADA 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. He faces sentencing enhancement of 20 years because of prior felony convictions.
U. S. Attorney Duane Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Northshore Man for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a four-count indictment on October 20, 2022 charging a man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to court documents, CODY SHAUGHNESSY, age 38, is charged in Counts 1, 2 and 3 with distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). In Count 4, SHAUGHNESSY is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
If convicted, SHAUGHNESSY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
According to the indictment, SHAUGHNESSY distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine during August and September 2022. SHAUGHNESSY also possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on August 25, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. 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, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman.