Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Six Individuals Charged with Conspiring to Commit Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 41, a resident of Jayess, Mississippi, DUANE A. DUFRENE, age 55, a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, DILLON J. ARCENEAUX, age 31, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, LANCE M. VALLO, age 37, a resident of Gueydan, Louisiana, GRANT C. MENARD, age 35, a resident of Kaplan, Louisiana, and ZEB O. SARTIN, age 35, a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, were indicted on Friday, August 26, 2022, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
As charged in the indictment, MULLEN and DUFRENE conspired with ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN to use a number of shell Louisiana companies with no assets to defraud a merchant cash company based in Georgia. MULLEN and DUFRENE helped establish ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN as the owners of existing corporations, MULLEN and DUFRENE then created fake vendor accounts for the corporations, and MULLEN, with the aid of another person, created falsified bank records for the companies. MULLEN then used an alias to hold himself out to be a broker for the companies he helped create.
Through the aid of another broker, MULLEN supplied the victim merchant cash advance company with the fake vendor accounts and false bank records in order to obtain funding. The victim cash advance company approved the advances and began to electronically wire ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN millions of dollars in advances. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN laundered a portion of the funds by paying MULLEN and DUFRENE percentages of the funds. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN then closed their non-existent businesses before fully repaying the victim merchant cash advance company, resulting in losses of approximately $6.4 million.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, MULLEN, DUFRENE, ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN face a maximum sentence of five years on the wire fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of up to twenty years on the money laundering conspiracy. Each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud counts. For the money laundering counts, each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release and up to a $500,000 fine. Each count also has a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. A notice of fraud forfeiture filed by the government seeks to forfeit a number of Rolls Royces and Bentleys bought by MULLEN.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Andre Lagarde.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that the defendant RICHARD JONES, age 22, resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 23, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a federal weapons violation of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In Count 1 of the indictment, JONES is charged with possessing a firearm on November 21, 2021, as a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). JONES faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. JONES’s sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2022.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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Meraux Woman Charged with Aiding in Filing False TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CYNTHIA BOWLEY, age 67, of Meraux, was indicted on August 26, 2022 with one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2).
The indictment alleges that in June 2017, BOWLEY assisted in preparing a false tax return for a taxpayer in which BOWLEY included false business losses and false charitable deductions. The resulting refund was more than $18,000.00 in excess of the amount of the legitimate taxpayer refund.
If convicted, BOWLEY faces a maximum sentence of three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being handled by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OSCAR NOEL DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ, age 48, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on August 24, 2022 to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to a document signed in open court, DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ presented a fraudulent driver’s license and social security card while attempting to take a safety class necessary to obtain employment at a critical infrastructure facility in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He purchased the fraudulent documents in Lumberton, Mississippi.
DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is set for November 29, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Harvey Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Videos of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAYDEN D. D. HALL, age 21, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty to federal crimes involving child exploitation.
HALL pled guilty to one count of Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); and three counts of Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1) and (b)(1). According to court documents, HALL created new child sexual abuse videos and then used several social media accounts to distribute both those videos and other child sexual abuse material through the internet.
For the production count, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of thirty years of imprisonment. For each transportation count, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of twenty years of imprisonment. HALL also faces a term of supervised release of no less than five years and up to life after his release from prison. HALL faces a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person as a result of these offenses, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for November 6, 2022.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the following agencies in this matter: the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Strategic Engagement Team; and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft from Kenner Post OfficeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSHUA ADAMS, age 30, from Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 24, 2022 after being charged in a one count bill of information with Mail Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
The bill of information charged ADAMS with stealing an Express Mail Package from the North Kenner Postal Station on December 31, 2020. In papers signed in open court, ADAMS admitted to stealing the package from a secured steel cage in the post office and hiding it under his shirt when he exited the building to the parking lot.
ADAMS faces up to five (5) years incarceration, up to a $250,000 fine, restitution, up to three (3) years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is set for November 30, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service in investigating the matter. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
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New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft RingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON THIBODEAUX, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).
According to the indictment, THIBODEAUX and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants then would resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.
At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, THIBODEAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft RingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN BUSH, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).
According to the indictment, BUSH and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.
At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, BUSH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft RingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREGORY BUTLER, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).
According to the indictment, BUTLER and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.
At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, BUTLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.
Marrero Resident Pleads Guilty to Role in Interstate Car Theft RingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAWUAN SYLVESTER, age 47, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).
According to the indictment, SYLVESTER and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.
At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, SYLVESTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant, DARIUS WILLIAMS a/k/a “D-Nice,” of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 10, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to a prison term of eighty (80) months for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, 922(g)(1). Judge Africk also ordered that WILLIAMS be placed on supervised release for a term of three (3) years following his release from imprisonment. WILLIAMS was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to documents filed in federal court, on October 30, 2020, WILLIAMS was observed openly brandishing a weapon while walking through the Pigeon Town neighborhood of New Orleans by New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) detectives. In 2019, WILLIAMS was convicted of drug possession in Jefferson Parish, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year. As such, WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted NOPD in the arrest of WILLIAMS on October 30, 2020.
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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Texas Man Sentenced for Domestic Violence on New Orleans Based Cruise Ship After Guilty Verdict in Jury TrialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERONIMO FLORES, age 30, of Abilene, Texas, was sentenced on August 18, 2022 to serve 54 months imprisonment, to be followed by three-years of supervised release on each count, to run concurrently. He is also obligated to pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee for each count. FLORES was found guilty as charged of two felony offenses after a three-day federal jury trial. The jury found FLORES guilty of domestic violence by strangulation and suffocation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(8) and 7(8) and interstate domestic violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261(a)(1), 2261(b)(5), and 7(8).
FLORES intentionally assaulted his intimate and dating partner while aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship on December 2, 2021. The Glory was within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States during a voyage that departed from and returned to the Port of New Orleans. During trial, the victim testified that FLORES became physically violent with her after an argument in their cabin aboard the Glory. The argument culminated in FLORES striking her in the head and strangling her using a choke hold. Three of the Glory crew’s security members testified regarding her injuries. The Glory’s medical officer, that examined the victim, testified that in her expert opinion, the victim’s bruising, swelling, and other symptoms were consistent with the described attack.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. He also gave special thanks for the assistance provided by agents and staff with the Department of Homeland Security during the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles D. Strauss and Christopher D. Usher II prosecuted the case.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO , age 47, pleaded guilty on August 18, 2022 after being charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) in 2021.
According to papers signed in open court, RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO (“CABRERA”), admitted to reentering the United States after he was previously deported on May 15, 2009. CABRERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee as well as being deported again. Sentencing is set for November 10, 2022.
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.
California Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme Involving over $300,000 in Fraudulent Purchases from the Home DepotRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN ORPILLA SINLAO, age 37, a resident of San Jose, California, pled guilty on August 18, 2022 to Count One of his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2). In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss seven (7) counts of Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(5).
In pleading guilty to Count One, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of seven-and-a-half (7.5) 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.
According to court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct approximately $340,164.49 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at The Home Depot stores using customers’ Citibank credit card numbers. 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. The Honorable Barry W. Ashe set sentencing in this matter for November 10, 2022.
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.
Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to FEMA FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCHSHINETIA ANDERSON, age 44, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 11, 2022 to FEMA fraud announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Mary Ann Vial Lemmon on November 10, 2022. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
Nicaraguan Citizen Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGAR CRUZ-MATUTE (CRUZ-MATUTE), age 29, a citizen of Nicaragua, pled guilty and was sentenced on August 17, 2022, for illegally using a social security number to enroll in a safety class to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42 United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CRUZ-MATUTE to time served and one year supervised release.
According to court documents, CRUZ-MATUTE, a citizen of Nicaragua, presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana. CRUZ-MATUTE falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him when in fact, the social security number had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to an another individual.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
LaPlace Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced OCTAVIUS NARCISSE, age 54, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, on August 11, 2022, to 37 months in the Bureau of Prisons for: 1)possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a quantity of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and cocaine hydrochloride pursuant to 21 U.S.C §841(a)(1), 21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(C), and 18 U.S.C. § 2; and 2) knowingly and intentionally using a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the possession with intent to distribute pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §843(b) and 18 U.S.C. §2 announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, in April 2019, NARCISSE was stopped and arrested by law enforcement shortly after picking up 1.015 kilograms of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propenamide (fentanyl) and 4.995 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride on behalf of co-conspirator, Ellis Batiste, Sr.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 15 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and over 1 kilogram of fentanyl. The majority of these controlled substanceswere being transported from Houston, Texas into the Eastern District of Louisiana.
NARCISSE’s sentence will be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Lemmon also ordered that NARCISSE pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETF”) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher prosecuted the matter.
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Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Luis Ramirez,” a/k/a “Luis Danny Lezame-Ramirez,” a/k/a “Luis Silva-Sanchez,” a/k/a “Luis Silva,” age 45, was charged in a one-count indictment on August 12, 2022 with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ (“LEZAMA-RAMIREZ”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 8, 2018. If convicted, LEZAMA-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney 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.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on August 12, 2022 MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN, “a/k/a “Jose Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “Jose G. Hernandez,” a/k/a “Daniel Enrique-Polanco,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Enrique,” age 49, 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, MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN (“HERNANDEZ-MARIN”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 23, 2011. If convicted, HERNANDEZ-MARIN 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 a prior felony conviction.
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.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Accessory After the Fact to MurderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, BRIYAN LOVE, an Orleans Parish resident, pled guilty as charged to a violation of Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
LOVE pled guilty to Count One of the indictment, charging her with Accessory After the Fact to Murder, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 3. At sentencing, LOVE faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $125,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, Inga Petrovich, and David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JACOB WIEBELT (“WIEBELT”), age 39, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (B)(2).
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against WIEBELT developed as a result of a lead to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) that a user uploaded child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) to the Discord messenger service. Specifically, the lead reflected that the user uploaded sexually explicit videos of children who were prepubescent in age. On November 1, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents along with the LBI executed a federal search warrant at WIEBELT’s home in Ponchatoula. Agents advised WIEBELT of his Miranda rights and, after waiving his rights, he confessed to possessing, sharing, and uploading CSAM. WIEBELT admitted he created a Discord account and stated that other Discord users would share CSAM on the website and he would save the CSAM to his cellular telephone. WIEBELT would then upload the saved CSAM from his phone to other Discord users.
United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced WIEBELT to one hundred twenty-one (121) months imprisonment, followed by ten (10) years of supervised release, continued sex offender registration, and pay a $100.00 special assessment fee.
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 Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations 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.
California Resident Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation and Ordered to Pay Restitution After Pleading Guilty for Role in SIM Swap Scam Targeting at Least 40 People, Including New Orleans ResidentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICHARD YUAN LI, age 21, a resident of Hercules, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service for his role in a SIM Swap scam that targeted at least forty people, including a New Orleans-area physician (Victim A). Additionally, Judge Guidry sentenced LI to pay restitution in the amount of $61,117,50 and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, a SIM Swap scam is a cellular phone account takeover fraud that results in the routing of a victim’s incoming calls and text messages to a different phone. Once a perpetrator is able to swap the SIM card, it is likely he is able to obtain access to a victim’s various personal accounts, including email accounts, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency accounts, as well as any other accounts that use two-factor authentication.
LI participated in a scheme that involved multiple parts. First, in January 2018, they defrauded Apple, Inc. into providing a second Apple iPhone without paying for it by convincing an Apple customer service representative that they had not received an Apple iPhone 8 they ordered (hereinafter “the Apple iPhone 8”). LI took possession of the Apple iPhone 8. LI and his co-conspirators then arranged for victims’ telephone numbers to be swapped to SIM cards contained in cellular phones in their possession, including the Apple iPhone 8. Between July 2018 and December 2018, LI participated in unauthorized SIM Swaps with his co-conspirators that targeted at least forty phone numbers.
On November 10, 2018, Victim A’s telephone number was swapped to the Apple iPhone 8, which LI kept in his dorm room at a university in California. The SIM swap caused the transmission of a series of writings, signs, signals, and sounds that traveled in interstate commerce, including between the States of Florida, Louisiana, and California. Thereafter, LI and his co-conspirators gained access to Victim A’s email accounts and cryptocurrency accounts. Thereafter, one or more members of the conspiracy called Victim A and threatened to release contents of his email account unless Victim A paid a 100 Bitcoin ransom. Ultimately, they were able to steal approximately $57,117.50 worth of cryptocurrency before Victim A was able to regain control of his accounts. LI’s participation in a SIM Swap of another individual on December 4, 2018, caused that victim to lose approximately $4,000. In total, between July 19, 2018, and December 6, 2018, LI participated in unauthorized SIM Swaps with his co-conspirators that targeted at least forty victims. In about March 2019, LI sold his Apple iPhone 8 to a friend, E.W; law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on LI’s dorm room in the San Diego, California area on about June 14, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 64 Months for Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 4, 2022, United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced STEPHONE BRIDGES to 64 months in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
BRIDGES was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment with possessing a Glock 49x 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a red transparent magazine with 18 live rounds while being a convicted felon. BRIDGES’s term of imprisonment will be followed by three (3) years of supervised release and the court ordered him to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THEODORE KURZ, age 72, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 4, 2022 for mortgage fraud by the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. KURZ was sentenced to time served, 5 years of supervised release, $751,900 in restitution, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, KURZ obtained mortgages for three properties through the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Office of Community Development. He then forged mortgage cancellations that he filed with the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court to falsely make it appear that the loans had been satisfied. KURZ then obtained mortgages through a different lender, falsely claiming that there were no outstanding mortgages or liens on the properties.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of General Crimes Unit.
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Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA, a/k/a “Fernando A. Lopez”, a/k/a “Juan C. Martinez”, a/k/a “Oscar Flores”, a/k/a “Martin Peralta”, a/k/a “Juan Castaneda”, age 54, was charged on August 4, 2022 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, JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA (“MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on February 3, 2003. If convicted, MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of 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.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that SANTOS RAMOS-CASTILLO, a/k/a “Santos Ramos-Espinoza”, age 36, was charged on August 4, 2022 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, SANTOS RAMOS-CASTILLO (“RAMOS-CASTILLO”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 16, 2015. If convicted, RAMOS-CASTILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. 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.
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Former Postal Employee Charged with Embezzling the MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEISHAN WILSON, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on August 4, 2022 for embezzling the mail.
According to documents filed in federal court, WILSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler at the processing center in New Orleans when she was apprehended stealing the content of mail items she was entrusted to handle for the Postal Service.
The maximum penalty for the offense is five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a GunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 JOSHUA REED, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a gun after having been convicted of a felony offense before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.
According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers approached REED at a gas station in New Orleans East. During a search of his vehicle, the officers found a Glock pistol, which REED admitted that he possessed. REED also acknowledged that he had previously been convicted of burglary, which is a felony offense.
REED faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Tangipahoa Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LOUIS BELLS, JR., age 21, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 2, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 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, BELLS was arrested by law enforcement officers on November 11, 2021, after they witnessed him point a nine-millimeter pistol at a victim and then place the gun against the victim’s head. When BELLS was arrested, the gun had a round in the chamber, was off safe and in the firing position, with the firing hammer locked back.
BELLS was previously convicted of felonies for aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of heroin. BELLS faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Hammond Police Department, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARRETT SCURTO, age 35, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 3, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on April 28, 2021, SCURTO, a known methamphetamine distributor in Terrebonne Parish, was stopped by law enforcement while traveling on Louisiana Highway 182. A subsequent search of SCURTO’s vehicle revealed that he had 58 grams of pure methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in his trunk.
SCURTO faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and 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.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Items from the Mail He Was Entrusted to Deliver as a Letter CarrierRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK EZELL, age 51, of Bogalusa, Louisiana pleaded guilty on August 2, 2022 before the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana, to stealing items from the mail he was entrusted to deliver as a postal employee. Sentencing is set for November 1, 2022.
According to documents filed in federal court, PATRICK EZELL was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Bogalusa when he was apprehended stealing items from the mail he was entrusted to deliver for the U.S. Postal Service.
The maximum penalty for the offense is up to five years imprisonment and/or up to a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
Bank Executive Vice President Admits to Conspiracy to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT B. CALLOWAY, age 62, of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017. CALLOWAY served as Executive Vice President of the bank.
According to court documents, CALLOWAY and other bank officers, including Bank President Ashton Ryan Jr. and Chief Credit Officer William Burnell, conspired together to conceal the financial condition of bank borrower Gary R. Gibbs from the First NBC Bank Board of Directors, auditors, and examiners. They falsely stated in loan documents that Gibbs was able to pay his loans with cash generated by his businesses, and they hid from the First NBC Bank Board of Directors, auditors, and examiners that Gibbs was only making his existing loan payments by getting new loans from First NBC Bank. Ryan, Burnell, and CALLOWAY also concealed the fact that they made loans to Gibbs to keep him and his companies off of month-end reports that went to the Board, auditors, and examiners. These month-end reports listed borrowers who were not paying their loans or whose accounts were overdrawn. By keeping Gibbs and his entities off of those reports, Ryan, Burnell, and CALLOWAY were able to conceal their scheme and thereby allowing them to continue lending to Gibbs despite his inability to pay his loans. CALLOWAY also completed loan review forms that were sent to external auditors in which CALLOWAY omitted material information about Gibbs and his inability to pay his loans.
CALLOWAY pleaded guilty to a superseding bill of information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 371. The maximum penalty that may be imposed at sentencing for this charge is up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gain to CALLOWAY or twice the loss to any victim; and up to three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set CALLOWAY’s sentencing for March 16, 2023.
CALLOWAY had been previously charged in this case with codefendants Ashton Ryan, Jr., William J. Burnell, First NBC Bank Senior Vice President Fred V. Beebe, and bank borrower Frank J. Adolph. Ryan, Burnell, Beebe, and Adolph are scheduled for trial before Judge Fallon on January 3, 2023. Gibbs pleaded guilty in August 2020 to a bill of information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that individuals like Mr. Robert B. Calloway who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact the security of financial institutions will be held accountable,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans. “We thank our partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General for their strong partnerships in protecting the integrity of the American banking system.”
“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that the FDIC OIG and our law enforcement partners continue to investigate and hold accountable criminals who defraud our insured financial institutions and cause harm to our nation’s banking industry,” said Anand Ramlall, Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
“Today’s plea sends a clear message that bank executives who commit fraud and deliberately deceive regulators will be brought to justice for their actions. I commend our agent and their federal law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence, which ultimately led to this outcome,” said Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 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.
Former Louisiana State Senator and Chair of a State Political Party Pleads Guilty for Role in Nearly Seven-Year Scheme to Defraud Campaign Entity, Donors, and Political Party OrganizationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that former Louisiana State Senator and Chair of State Political Party “A”, KAREN CARTER PETERSON, age 52, from New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged today before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to a one-count bill of information charging her with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2.
According to court documents, PETERSON served as a Louisiana State Senator for the 5th District from about 2010 until about April 8, 2022, and as the Chair of State Political Party A between about 2012 and 2020. As a Louisiana State Senator, PETERSON formed and maintained a campaign organization, the “Karen Carter Peterson Campaign Fund (“KCPCF”),” to solicit and raise campaign funds from individual and corporate donors. The campaign funds were solicited based upon the representations and premise that the funds would be used to facilitate PETERSON’S reelection for the position of State Senator. In the course of soliciting campaign donations, PETERSON failed to disclose to potential contributors that she had already used prior contributions for her personal benefit.
In furtherance of her scheme, PETERSON diverted, and caused her friends and associates to divert, campaign funds from the KCPCF to PETERSON’S personal use for the purpose of obtaining and using money and property from contributors to the KCPCF by means of materially false and fraudulent representations and promises for nearly seven (7) years. She did so by writing checks drawn on the KCPCF account to her friends and associates and directing them to cash the checks at financial institutions in the New Orleans, Louisiana area and then to give PETERSON the proceeds. Occasionally she allowed the individuals cashing the checks to keep a small portion of the proceeds. PETERSON used the funds to pay for personal expenses unrelated to her campaign or the holding of public office, including to pay gambling-related expenses. Further, PETERSON caused the public filing of false and misleading campaign finance reports that mischaracterized expenditures as being for legitimate purposes related to her campaign or the holding of public office, but were, in fact, unrelated to such purposes and, instead, were diverted to PETERSON’S personal use. In total, between about November 25, 2013, and March 5, 2020, PETERSON fraudulently employed the scheme to divert and convert to her personal use approximately $94,250 that had been donated by contributors to her campaign.
Additionally, in her role as Chair of State Political Party A, PETERSON oversaw the strategic decision-making, operations, outreach, and direction of Party A and supervised its permanent staff, including individuals who had signatory authority of State Political Party A’s financial accounts. PETERSON exploited her position to choose entities (“ Companies”) operated by her associates, purportedly to provide campaign-related services to State Political Party A, and to determine the amount that Party A would pay each of the Companies. PETERSON represented to State Political Party A that the payments were for a campaign purpose. In reality, the Companies provided either no or minimal services for State Political Party A. PETERSON then willfully and wrongfully directed the Companies to remit a portion of the funds paid to them by State Political Party A to PETERSON through either checks drawn on the accounts of the Companies or in cash. In total, between about October 7, 2019, and April 4, 2020, PETERSON received approximately $53,106.93 of funds from State Political Party A through this fraudulent scheme.
PETERSON faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for December 7, 2022.
The United States Attorney’s Office stated, “Since public trust is essential for a healthy, functioning government, it is likewise essential that any breaches of this trust be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Our office will continue to assure the public of our unwavering commitment to identify and prosecute anyone who engages in public corruption.”
“Candidates for public office must be held to the highest standards of conduct, especially when they seek funds from the public for their campaigns. Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message to elected officials like former Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson that those who misuse campaign contributions and steal money from a political party organization for personal gain, will be held accountable,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Metropolitan Crime Commission for their strong partnerships in helping the FBI disrupt public corruption in Louisiana."
The United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Forensic Accountant Josephine M. Beninati, CPA, CFE in this matter and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.
Garyville Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRYANT DAIGRE, age 33, of Garyville, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 28, 2022 to 120 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.
According to court documents, DAIGRE conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Additionally, on August 15, 2020, DAIGRE possessed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in St. John the Baptist Parish.
United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DAIGRE to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.
Dallas Based Financial Manager Pleads Guilty to Embezzling over $200,000 from ClientRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KATIE LAROCHE, age 54, a resident of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty as charged on July 27, 2022 to a one-count bill of information charging her with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
According to court documents, LAROCHE created, owned, and operated a business, Capital City Consulting Firm, that purported to provide financial management services. Victim 1 was a client of LAROCHE’s, and LAROCHE was responsible for performing bookkeeping, accounting, and other financial services for Victim 1 and Victim 1’s businesses. LAROCHE had signatory authority and access to Victim 1’s bank accounts.
From about February 2015 through March 2021, LAROCHE engaged in a scheme to defraud Victim 1 and Victim 1’s businesses by withdrawing funds from Victim 1’s accounts under false pretenses and using the funds for her own benefit. Specifically, LAROCHE falsely represented that the funds were being used to pay federal income taxes. When Victim 1 asked LAROCHE about the status of Victim 1’s tax obligations, LAROCHE lied to Victim 1 as a means of hiding her scheme. LAROCHE also arranged for monthly payments to pay for an automobile insurance policy benefitting someone other than Victim 1 to be automatically withdrawn from Victim 1’s account without Victim 1’s knowledge or consent. In total, LAROCHE embezzled $233,363.53 from Victim 1.
LAROCHE faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Judge Sarah S. Vance scheduled the sentencing hearing for October 19, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and Jordan Ginsberg are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Shooting at Woman and ChildRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STERLING ROBINSON, also known as “Scooter,” age 31, a resident of New Orleans , was sentenced to twenty years imprisonment on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Ten years of the sentence was for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), to be run consecutive to another ten years imprisonment for obstruction of justice in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c)(2). ROBINSON is also required to pay a total of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.
ROBINSON was convicted after a federal jury trial. Testimony and evidence at trial proved that he possessed a firearm and ammunition on March 13, 2020 when he fired five rounds at a vehicle his girlfriend was driving with her young son in the backseat. He then obstructed justice on recorded phone calls from jail where he tried to influence the victim, his girlfriend, to change her story and tell authorities someone else shot at her.
According to court records, ROBINSON was previously convicted of a federal felony charge for being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the time of the current offense, ROBINSON was still on supervised release with U.S. Probation after having served a five-year sentence for that previous conviction.
ROBINSON faced up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. For obstruction of justice, he faced up to twenty years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The Honorable U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon presided over the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. and Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.
Laplace Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from ChurchRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANITA WILLENE HOBDY, age 68, from LaPlace, pled guilty on July 21, 2022 to wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges made from First Baptist Church of LaPlace.
The government previously charged HOBDY in a one-count bill of information with wire fraud involving conduct from 2015 through 2021. According to court documents, HOBDY worked as a bookkeeper for a church’s daycare and embezzled over $175,000 from church accounts during that period.
HOBDY faces up to twenty years in prison. HOBDY 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 HOBDY or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee .
The Honorable Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for October 27, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Postal Service Letter Carrier Sentenced for Stealing MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAVONTE RICHARD, age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2022 to (1) year of probation for Theft of Mail by a Postal Service employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) received complaints from the public concerning missing parcels received by the Johnson Post Office in Metairie, that were later determined to be entrusted to RICHARD. On November 14, 2019, USPS-OIG Special Agents placed a package in the mail to be processed and delivered by RICHARD while on her route. The item was a mail package addressed to a fictitious person and address from another fictitious person and address. While on her route, RICHARD opened the package. Shortly after, USPS-OIG Special Agents stopped RICHARD and observed her retaping the package. RICHARD later admitted to opening the package and removing it from the mail.
United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced RICHARD to (1) year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Bank Robber SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOSEPH REED, age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2022 to one (1) year and a day in the Bureau of Prisons for committing Attempted Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to court documents, on October 9, 2021, REED attempted to rob the Chase Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana. REED entered the bank on foot and slipped a note underneath the protective glass. The note stated the following: “I only want $3,000 all in hundreds don’t take long or try anything on my way out cause someone will be here for you Tuesday.” The victim teller was unable to dispense the cash requested by the suspect. The suspect then removed his phone from his pocket and appeared to try and take a photograph of the victim teller. The Jefferson Parish Crime Laboratory matched fingerprints recovered from the demand note to that of REED.
United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced REED to one (1) year and a day in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. REED was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force as well as officers with the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri is handling the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Selling Narcotics and Gun Possession in Furtherance of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JOSH TAPP, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, to 130 months in the Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846, and possessing an AK-47 in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). TAPP will be on supervised release for three years following his release from prison and must pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
TAPP pleaded guilty on October 19, 2021. In his factual basis, TAPP admitted to regularly supplying heroin to another member of his drug trafficking conspiracy who would then sell the heroin in Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans
Pursuant to an indictment in this case, law enforcement agents attempted to arrest TAPP at his home in Slidell, Louisiana, on February 26, 2019. Upon learning of the police presence, TAPP barricaded the front door, forcing agents to enter through the rear of the house. After detaining TAPP, agents located an AK-47, scales, baggies, multiple pressing devices, blenders, and substances used to cut heroin.
TAPP was already on federal supervised release for a previous drug conviction at the time of his arrest in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Kathryn McHugh.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accident in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 49, of New Orleans, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-eight (38).
According to documents filed in federal court, WILLIAMS admitted he conspired with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and Genetta Isreal (“Isreal”) to stage an accident on June 12, 2017, that occurred on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaud and WILLIAMS planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told WILLIAMS that he had an attorney who would handle everything. WILLIAMS recruited Isreal and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme. WILLIAMS then borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Labeaud operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and WILLIAMS got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. WILLIAMS told the New Orleans Police Department that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, Labeaud introduced WILLIAMS and Isreal to Attorney A.
WILLIAMS and Isreal were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Attorney A. Attorney A told WILLIAMS that he would get more money if he had shoulder surgery. On June 12, 2018, Attorney A’s law partner, Attorney B, filed the Larry Williams lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Attorney B demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for Isreal. After the suit was filed, WILLIAMS and Isreal each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Attorney B.
United States District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced WILLIAMS to 3 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, WILLIAMS was ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and restitution of $28,816.64. Restitution was imposed jointly and severally with the other co-conspirators.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission 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; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KAREEM MADISON, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with being a convicted 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 December 9, 2021, MADISON and co-defendant Kyle Armstrong were stopped by law enforcement after using a United States Postal Service (“USPS”) “Arrow Key” to make unlawful entry into three blue collection boxes at the Metairie Main Post Office located in Metairie, LA. Armstrong removed the U.S. mail articles from the boxes and placed them into a duffel bag while MADISON stood near the corner of a nearby strip mall. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement observed a black Glock Model 26 handgun with an extended magazine lying on the ground just below the driver's door of the vehicle where MADISON was sitting. Investigators also observed a black Adidas duffel bag containing a significant amount of U.S. mail matter on the floorboard of the vehicle. A search of the black duffel bag led to the discovery of approximately 424 pieces of stolen U.S. mail and approximately 20 checks stolen from the Greater New Orleans area and Metairie. Prior to this, MADISON knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
MADISON faces a maximum term of (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Mail and Unlawful Possession of a Postal KeyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KYLE ARMSTRONG, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 20, 2022 before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with 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.
According to court documents, on December 9, 2021, ARMSTRONG and co-defendant Kareem Madison were stopped by law enforcement after using a United States Postal Service (“USPS”) “Arrow Key” to make unlawful entry into three blue collection boxes at the Metairie Main Post Office located in Metairie, LA. ARMSTRONG removed the U.S. mail articles from the boxes and placed them into a duffel bag while Madison stood near the corner of a nearby strip mall. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement observed a black Adidas duffel bag containing a significant amount of U.S. mail matter on the floorboard of the vehicle. A search of the black duffel bag led to the discovery of approximately 424 pieces of stolen U.S. mail and approximately 20 checks stolen from the Greater New Orleans area and Metairie.
For count 1, ARMSTRONG faces a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For count 2, ARMSTRONG faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STACIE WHEATEN (“S. WHEATEN”), age 51, of Fairburn, Georgia, pled guilty on July 21, 2022 to count one (1) of her indictment, charging Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss four 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 bring the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 38.
According to court documents, S. WHEATEN 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. S. WHEATEN coordinated with co-conspirators including “slammer” Damian Labeaud and attorney Patrick Keating to arrange the staged collisions.
The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for October 26, 2022.
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.
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Former Louisiana Police Chief and City Councilmember Plead Guilty in Vote-Buying ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A former police chief in Amite City and current Amite City councilmember pleaded guilty yesterday in New Orleans, Louisiana, to criminally violating federal election laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election.
According to court documents, Jerry Trabona, 72, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 49, a current Amite City councilmember, pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay and offering to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting in the 2016 open primary election and the 2016 open general election. Trabona and Hart admitted that they agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters during contests in which the defendants were candidates, and in which federal candidates appeared on the same ballot.
In addition to the conspiracy with Trabona, Hart pleaded guilty to three counts of paying and offering to pay voters during both the 2016 and 2020 elections. In both elections, Hart was running for the seat he currently holds on the Amite City Council.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that illegal voting, including vote buying, has no place in our nation’s electoral system,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“We must have fair elections, free from the taint of corruption, to ensure a fully functional government,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Safeguarding the voting process is of paramount importance to our office and the Department of Justice.”
“Providing a voter with money or something of value in exchange for voting is a federal crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s guilty pleas sends a clear message that individuals like former Amite Chief of Police Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kris Hart, who engaged in voter fraud, will be held accountable. We thank our partners at the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana for helping disrupt voter fraud and continuing to protect the right to vote.”
Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 and face up to five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael N. Lang and Rosaleen T. O’Gara of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former Louisiana Police Chief and City Councilmember Plead Guilty in Vote-Buying ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former police chief in Amite City and a current Amite City Councilmember pleaded guilty yesterday in New Orleans, Louisiana, to criminally violating federal election laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election.
According to court documents, Jerry Trabona, 72, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 49, a current Amite City Councilmember, pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay and offering to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting in the 2016 open primary election and the 2016 open general election. Trabona and Hart admitted that they agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters during contests in which the defendants were candidates, and in which federal candidates appeared on the same ballot.
In addition to the conspiracy with Trabona, Hart pleaded guilty to three counts of paying and offering to pay voters during both the 2016 and 2020 elections. In both elections, Hart was running for the seat he currently holds on the Amite City Council.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that illegal voting, including vote buying, has no place in our nation’s electoral system,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
“We must have fair elections, free from the taint of corruption, to ensure a fully functional government,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Safeguarding the voting process is of paramount importance to our office and the Department of Justice.”
“Providing a voter with money or something of value in exchange for voting is a federal crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s guilty pleas sends a clear message that individuals like former Amite Chief of Police Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kris Hart, who engaged in voter fraud, will be held accountable. We thank our partners at the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana for helping disrupt voter fraud and continuing to protect the right to vote.”
Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 and face up to five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.
Trial Attorneys Michael N. Lang and Rosaleen T. O’Gara 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.
Four Orleans Parish Residents and One Jefferson Parish Resident Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN GUILLORY III, a/k/a “Tunie,” age 51, JOHN PETRIE, age 38, DEVIN JOHNSON, age 36, and SHAWN MAJOR, JR., a/k/a “G-Shawn,” age 22, residents of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, and LARRY MOSES, age 37, a resident of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana were charged on July 14, 2022, in a fourteen-count indictment by a federal grand jury. Charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; distribution of fentanyl and crack; possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana; felon in possession of firearms; and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
GUILLORY III is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of marijuana , in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). He’s also charged with distribution of 28 grams or more of crack and fentanyl, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); and being a felon in possession of a firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted of the conspiracy count, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, GUILLORY III faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of 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 each count. For the distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, GUILLORY III faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
PETRIE is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana; and being a felon in possession of a firearms.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, PETRIE faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of 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 each count. For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine count, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, PETRIE faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
JOHNSON is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, JOHNSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to a maximum of 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 each count. For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code, or $250,000 on each count. For each count he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
MAJOR, JR. is charged with conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin counts, MAJOR, JR. faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of 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 each count. For the possession with intent to distribute crack, and methamphetamine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count. For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, MAJOR, JR. faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release on each count. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
MOSES is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. If convicted, MOSES faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, and U.S. Border Patrol. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty then Sentenced to Probation and Community Service for Obstruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIERRA HUDSON, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to obstruction of mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1701 on July 15, 2022. HUDSON was sentenced to five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service, a $1,000.00 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.
According to court documents, HUDSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and was assigned to work at the Central Carrier Station, New Orleans, LA 70122. From May 2020 through July 2020, HUDSON knowingly and willfully obstructed the passage of mail in that she unlawfully secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 640 First Class postcards and 573 pieces of political mail that were recovered from a residential trash can. HUDSON also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately two First Class letters, 535 advertising flyers, and 20 nonprofit small parcels in the trunk of her personal vehicle.
This case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”). The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.
Mount Airy Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs, Obstruction of Justice and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RAYDELL SCOTT, age 45, of Mount Airy, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 14, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine, obstruction of justice, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Specifically, on July 13, 2022, SCOTT pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, one count of obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1512(c)(1), and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
According to court documents, SCOTT conspired with others to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. On April 12, 2019, SCOTT attempted to destroy a quantity of heroin, although the heroin was later seized by law enforcement. Additionally, on May 30, 2019, SCOTT possessed a Ruger P89 9 mm caliber firearm.
On the drug count, SCOTT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. On the obstruction of justice count, SCOTT faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Finally, on the felon in possession count, SCOTT 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 $100 special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LUIS ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO, a/k/a “Armando Luis Gutierrez”, a/k/a “Luis Gutierrez”, a/k/a “Enrique Sausedo”, and a/k/a “Luis E. Sausedo”, age 41, 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, LUIS ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO (“GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on July 25, 2013. If convicted, GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.