Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Postal Service Letter Carrier Pleads Guilty to Stealing MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAVONTE RICHARD, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to 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.
RICHARD faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown has set sentencing for July 21, 2022.
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.
Morgan City Woman Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that GILDA HENDERSON (“HENDERSON”), age 69, of Morgan City, pled guilty on April 13, 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 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 of 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 thirty-six (36).
According to court documents, HENDERSON falsely claimed that she was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, the defendant conspired with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. After the intentional collision, HENDERSON filed a fraudulent lawsuit claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault and lied in a deposition. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds for the May 11, 2017 collision. The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for July 27, 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.
Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOSEPH REED, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to 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 in New Orleans, Louisiana. REED entered the bank on foot and slipped a note underneath the protective glass. 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.
REED faces a maximum of twenty (20) years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown has set sentencing for July 21, 2022.
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 Convicted at Trial on Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that PALMA JEFFERSON, JR., from the greater New Orleans area, was found guilty as charged of five (5) counts of drug trafficking and gun charges. United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on April 30, 2019, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (“JPSO”) detectives executed a search warrant at JEFFERSON, JR.’s residence in Metairie, Louisiana. The previous day, detectives received an anonymous tip that an individual would be transporting multiple kilograms of cocaine from Baton Rouge to JEFFERSON, JR.’s residence. The detectives corroborated the tipster’s information and approached JEFFERSON, JR. outside his home, where he admitted to possessing a large amount of cocaine and a firearm inside his residence.
Detectives then executed a search warrant for the residence. Inside the residence, JPSO detectives seized more than 100 grams of heroin, 900 grams of cocaine, 1,900 grams of methamphetamine, and 600 grams of marijuana. Detectives also located a Lorcin, model L380, .380 caliber firearm. The firearm contained seven live cartridges, including one in the chamber.
In a post-arrest interview, JEFFERSON, JR. claimed ownership of all the seized contraband, including the firearm, from his apartment.
At the conclusion of a three (3) day trial, the jury found PALMA JEFFERSON, JR. guilty as charged of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of marijuana, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)(i), 841(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II), 841(b)(1)(A)(viii), 841(b)(1)(D), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), respectively.
At sentencing, PALMA JEFFERSON, JR. faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years supervised release. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for July 13, 2022.
This case was 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.
The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andre Jones and Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Three Years Imprisonment for Dog Fighting VenturesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to three years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $1000 fine for possession of an animal in an animal fighting venture.
Clay Turner, 61, of Loranger, pleaded guilty to possession of an animal for use in an animal fighting venture on June 30, 2021. According to court documents, Turner possessed and trained dogs for the purpose of having them participate in animal fighting ventures. On telephone calls obtained via court-authorized wiretaps, Turner and others discussed gambling on dog fights, arranging and participating in dog fights, sponsoring and exhibiting dogs in dog fights, training and housing dogs for the purposes of dog fighting, commerce in and transport of fighting dogs, and the promotion of dog fights.
In October 2017, a federal law enforcement team consisting of agents from the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies executed a search warrant on Turner’s residence in Loranger. During the search, 33 dogs were found on the property, many of which had injuries, scarring and fresh wounds. Law enforcement also discovered a large collection of dog fighting paraphernalia, including:
- a water tank equipped to force dogs to swim to condition them for fighting;
- an electrified prod used in conjunction with the water tank;
- two treadmills equipped to force dogs to run to condition them for fighting;
- ledgers containing the weights and prices of dogs;
- “break sticks” and “flirt poles,” training equipment intended to enhance dogs’ jaw strength;
- pedigrees for the fighting dogs Turner bred; and
- photographs of dogs in inhumane conditions.
“Dog fighting is a particularly cruel form of animal abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Turner bred dogs solely to abuse them, through inhumane training methods and violent fights that left them scarred, severely injured, or dead. These dogs deserved better. As this prosecution demonstrates, those who engage in this abhorrent conduct will be brought to justice.”
“This case lifts the veil on the brutal realities associated with this heinous activity,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana. “This federal crime exploits animals for the sake of human entertainment and ill-gotten financial gains. Collectively, local, state and federal law enforcement partners are actively engaged in ending this criminal industry by holding accountable perpetrators who engage in dog fighting and rescuing victimized dogs from this appalling pastime.”
“The provisions of the Animal Welfare Act were designed to protect animals from being used in illegal fighting ventures, which often entail other forms of criminal activity involving drugs, firearms, and gambling,” said Special Agent-in-Charge, Dax Roberson of USDA-OIG. Together with the Department of Justice, animal fighting is an investigative priority for USDA-OIG, and we will work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and assist in the criminal prosecution of those who participate in animal fighting ventures.”
“Animal cruelty is a heinous crime that deserves our ultimate condemnation and serious legal consequences for those who engage in it for ‘sport’ and/or profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Division. “Today’s sentencing should serveas a reminder to those like Mr. Clay Turner who commit such criminal activity, that they will be held accountable. For their outstanding cooperation and great work, we thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana, the Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, and the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section in the criminal prosecution of those who participated in animal fighting ventures.”
Trial Attorneys Matthew D. Evans, Christopher Hale and former Senior Trial Attorney Jennifer L. Blackwell of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.
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Orleans Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL GILMER, JR., age 41, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 6, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk 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)(B), and being a felon in possession of firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on October 18, 2021, after conducting surveillance on GILMER, Drug Enforcement Administration agents and New Orleans Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on GILMER, who was driving on North Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. A search of GILMER’s vehicle revealed 80.3 grams of methamphetamine, 10.69 grams of a mixture and substance containing heroin and fentanyl, and two semi-automatic handguns.
For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, GILMER faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For being a felon in possession of firearms, GILMER faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For both counts, GILMER faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced to 151 Months Imprisonment for Heroin and Cocaine Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHNNY TRIPLETT (“TRIPLETT”), age 33 of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 7, 2022 by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride and 100 grams of heroin.
According to court records, TRIPLETT and others conspired to transport multiple kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and heroin between Texas and New Orleans.
The court sentenced TRIPLETT to 151 months of imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release. TRIPLETT must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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 Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.
Metairie Man Sentenced to Three Years of Probationfor Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Duane A. Evans, announced that MARIO DELUCA (“DELUCA”) has been sentenced on April 6, 2022 to 36 months of probation after pleading guilty in federal court relating to his role in a health care fraud conspiracy.
DELUCA, age 39, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 24, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to Count One of a bill of information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349.
According to the bill of information, in or around March 2014, continuing through in or around October 2016, co-defendants conspired to knowingly and willfully execute a scheme and artifice to defraud TRICARE, a federal health care benefit program affecting commerce, and other health care benefit programs.
Prime Pharmacy contracted with various entities, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (“PBMs”), obligating Prime Pharmacy to collect copayments from beneficiaries in order to be reimbursed by various health care benefit programs, including TRICARE. Deluca worked with codefendants to market the compounded medications produced by Prime Pharmacy. Deluca and coconspirators worked with marketers outside of the state to find beneficiaries that were willing to receive medically unnecessary compounds and doctors willing to prescribe compounds without medical necessity.
Beginning in or around March 2014, and continuing through in or around April 2016, Prime Pharmacy dispensed prescriptions for High-Yield Compounded Medications to beneficiaries of TRICARE and other health care benefit programs that were not medically necessary, induced by kickback payments, or where copayments were either waived or credited by Prime Pharmacy, and accordingly, submitted or caused to be submitted false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to TRICARE, other health care benefit programs, and PBMs.
DELUCA was also ordered to repay TRICARE $777,000 in restitution.
“Individuals involved in this scheme illegally billed TRICARE out of close to $15 million and I am pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is requiring justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office. “There are no victimless crimes and DCIS agents will continue to pursue unscrupulous greedy individuals who steal from our military health care system and all taxpayers.”
“Those entrusted with providing health care services to veterans and their family members will be held accountable should they violate that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Breen of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.
The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
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Covington Woman Sentenced to 21 Months for Fake Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RITCHEL MOREHEAD, age 41, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 7, 2022 to 21 months in prison for committing wire fraud in connection with a fake investment scheme.
The government charged MOREHEAD in a superseding bill of information with committing wire fraud from December 2018 through February 2019. According to court documents, MOREHEAD used a corporation, Chel Corporation, to defraud six victims by embezzling a total of $460,000 that was supposed to cover fees, costs, and down payments for multi-million-dollar loans, when in fact MOREHEAD spent the funds on personal expenses, such as jewelry and a vehicle, and transferred cash to accounts overseas. After MOREHEAD was charged, two additional individuals came forward as victims of the same scheme. Under the terms of the plea agreement, MOREHEAD pled guilty as charged to the superseding bill of information and agreed to pay at $460,000 in restitution to the victims of her scheme, plus amounts owed to any additional victims. The government has already seized $190,784.90 in cash and assets from MOREHEAD, and MOREHEAD pre-paid over $310,000 in restitution in advance of sentencing, for a total of approximately $501,000.
The Honorable Eldon E. Fallon sentenced MOREHEAD to 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Judge Fallon set a restitution hearing for June 16, 2022, to determine the final amount of restitution that MOREHEAD will owe and the schedule for those payments.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses oversees the prosecution.
Postal Worker Sentenced for Issuing Money Orders Without Receiving Full PaymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced SHANNEL SMITH, age 41, of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to three (3) years of probation for issuing money orders without receiving full payment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentencing occurred on April 6, 2022.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2019 and continuing until August 2019, SMITH, being an employee of the Postal Service, for the purpose of fraudulently enabling herself to obtain and receive, directly and indirectly, a sum of money from the United States, issued eight (8) postal money orders with face amounts of $150.00, $110.71, $100.00, $125.00, $80.00, $140.00, $100.00, and $150.00 without having previously received the full amount payable to the United States for these money orders, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 500.
Judge Africk sentenced SMITH to serve three (3) years of probation, to pay $955.74 in restitution, and ordered that she pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
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Kenner Man Sentenced to 87 Months Imprisonment After Pleading Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER KINZY, age 40, of Kenner, was sentenced on April 5, 2022 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
According to court documents, KINZY possessed a Glock Model 34, 9x19mm caliber firearm on or about January 25, 2021.
Judge Guidry sentenced KINZY to a term of imprisonment of 87 months followed by three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Making False StatementRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on April 6, 2022, TIANNA HART, age 32, of LaPlace pled guilty to making a false statement to the United States Small Business Administration, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2). In pleading guilty to Count 1 of the bill of information, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of five years, up to three years of supervised release, a restitution order, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
As part of the plea, HART admitted to submitting false information in order to obtain a $20,832.00 Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan from the United States Small Business Administration. HART falsely attested that she was the owner/sole proprietor of a nail salon that was started on January 1, 2018. In truth, the business was owned by a third party and was not formed until on or about March 26, 2021.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for July 13, 2022, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde is in charge of the prosecution.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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Another Defendant in Staged Automobile Collision Scheme Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LERTRICE JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 45, has pled guilty on April 6, 2022 to Count one (1) of her indictment, which charged her with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. 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, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to thirty-four (34).
As part of her plea, JOHNSON admitted her involvement in a scheme to falsely claim she was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on June 8, 2016. In fact, the government’s evidence showed that the defendant conspired with Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Keishira Robinson (“K. Robinson”), and others to intentionally collide K. Robinson’s Mazda with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chickasaw Street and Louisa Street in New Orleans. JOHNSON later lied in her civil deposition, falsely claiming that K. Robinson was driving the Mazda and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. In fact, Labeaud was driving the car and intentionally hit the tractor-trailer. JOHNSON also claimed that Ashley McGowan (“McGOWAN”) was in the car at the time of the collision when in fact McGowan was not. Moreover, JOHNSON falsely alleged that she had gone to the hospital after the collision. JOHNSON hoped that, through her false statements, she would secure lucrative monetary settlements from the owner, driver, and insurer of the tractor-trailer.
Sentencing in this matter is set for July 13, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would 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 Brandon S. Long; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera.
Another Defendant from New Orleans Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DAVIENQUE JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 28; pled guilty to Count one (1) of her indictment, charging Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. 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, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to thirty-five (35).
As part of her plea, JOHNSON admitted her involvement in a scheme to falsely claim she was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on June 8, 2016. In fact, the government’s evidence showed that the defendant conspired with Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Keishira Robinson (“K. Robinson”), and others to intentionally collide K. Robinson’s Mazda with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chickasaw Street and Louisa Street in New Orleans. JOHNSON later lied in her civil deposition, falsely claiming that K. Robinson was driving the car that collided with the tractor-trailer, when in fact Labeaud was driving the car and intentionally hit the tractor-trailer. JOHNSON had relocated from the back row of the Mazda to the front passenger seat after the collision. JOHNSON hoped that, through her false statements, she would secure lucrative monetary settlements from the owner, driver, and insurer of the tractor-trailer. Her case was later settled, which resulted in the mailing of a settlement check.
Sentencing in this matter is set for July 13, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would 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 Brandon S. Long; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Drug Trafficking Charges Stemming from His Participation in New Orleans Hotel ShootoutRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on April 5, 2022, CLARENCE SANTIAGO, age 22 from New Orleans, pled guilty to various firearm and drug charges stemming from his participation in a December 28, 2020, shootout at the Jung Hotel on Canal Street.
Earlier this year, a federal grand jury handed down two related indictments charging a total of seven individuals with various violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Acts for participating in this shootout. Today, SANTIAGO pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the indictment, charging him with participating in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 1) pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o); using, carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime (Count 2) pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 942(c); conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana (Count 3) pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(D); and, illegally maintaining a drug involved premises (Count 4) pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Section 856.
SANTIAGO will be sentenced on July 12, 2022. Based on his guilty plea, he faces the following sentences:
For Count 1, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, not more than 3 years of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000.00 fine;
For Count 2, he will face a mandatory minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, not more than 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. Any prison sentence imposed in connection with this count must be served consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed in connection with this case;
For Count 3, he will face up to a maximum of 5 years in prison, not less than two years of supervised release, and not more than a $250,000.00 fine; and
For Count 4, he will face a sentence of not more than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised released, a fine of not more than $500,000.00.
SANTIAGO must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count of conviction.
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.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu and Elizabeth Privitera are in charge of the prosecution.
Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain Sentenced to 120 Months Imprisonment After Previously Pleading Guilty to Soliciting and Receiving Bribes Involving Contract for Privatization of Work Release Program in St. Tammany ParishRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that former long-time St. Tammany Parish Sheriff RODNEY J. STRAIN (a/k/a Jack Strain), age 56, from Abita Springs, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 120 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo after previously pleading guilty to Count 15 of the indictment returned in August 2019, charging him with soliciting and receiving bribes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B) for his role in the privatization and operation of a work release program that operated in Slidell, Louisiana between 2013 and 2016. As part of the sentence, Judge Milazzo ordered a $10,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. A forfeiture hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2022. Judge Milazzo also ordered STRAIN to serve his federal sentence concurrently with the sentence he is currently serving based on his conviction in the 22nd Judicial District.
According to court documents, STRAIN, who was the Sheriff of St. Tammany Parish from about 1996 to 2016, had the authority both to decide unilaterally the Parish-run work release programs (i.e., halfway houses) that would be by the Sheriff’s Office or private entities and to decide the private entities to which he would grant the right to operate such privately-run halfway houses. In about early 2013, STRAIN decided to privatize a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana. He discussed with his two close associates and Captains with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, David Hanson and Clifford “Skip” Keen, the plan to have Hanson and Keen become joint owners of the Slidell work release program. Individuals then employed with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, advised STRAIN that state law prohibited Hanson and Keen from owning and operating the Slidell work release program while remaining employed at STPSO. Additionally, because law prohibited employees from “participating in a transaction in which he has a personal substantial economic interest of which he may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity,” Hanson and Keen would have had to resign from STPSO if they wanted to assume ownership and control of the Slidell work release program. Resignation meant they would have lost their salaries and pension increases from continued employment.
STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen discussed ways to allow Hanson and Keen to maintain their employment and still profit from the Slidell work release program. To conceal their scheme, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen agreed to make Keen’s adult son (J.K.) and Hanson’s adult daughter (B.H.) owners of the Slidell work release program, with the understanding that J.K. and B.H. would funnel much of the profits to Hanson and Keen. Hanson and Keen agreed to give regular payoffs to STRAIN and his selected family members from the funds they received. This understanding was partly based on STRAIN having previously required Keen to kickback to STRAIN half of the money Keen earned from an earlier place of employment.
STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen agreed that they needed to find another individual to actually operate the Slidell work release program because J.K. and B.H. lacked the education, training, experience, and funding to do so. They decided on Person 2, to whom Hanson presented a series of non-negotiable pre-conditions, including the following: J.K. and B.H. would each own forty-five (45) percent of the Slidell work release program and would each receive forty-five (45) percent of the profits, while Person 2 would only own ten (10) percent, receive ten (10) percent of the profits, and receive a salary. Person 2 would be responsible operating the Slidell work release program and for providing the capital necessary to initiate the program. On or about May 1, 2013, J.K., B.H., and Person 2 entered into an operating agreement that created St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, in which J.K. and B.H. each had a forty-five percent ownership interest and Person 2 had only a ten percent ownership interest.
On June 4, 2013, STRAIN entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, a corporation designed to operate the Slidell work release program. Thereafter, Person 2 was directed to make additional unnecessary financial expenditures. For example, although J.K. and B.H. were merely straw owners who neither operated, oversaw, or administered the Slidell work release program, Person 2 was required to pay J.K. and B.H. salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements. Person 2 was also directed to pay Person 3, who was an employee at STPSO and STRAIN’S relative, approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.
During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, from July 1, 2013, through July 1, 2016, J.K. and B.H. received not less than $1,384,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments. J.K. received at least 148 payments totaling at over $676,000, while B.H. received at least 133 payments totaling over $708,000. J.K. and B.H. converted the majority of the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to cash, much of which they transferred to their fathers, Keen and Hanson.
Additionally, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen understood that STRAIN and his family members would receive payoffs from Hanson and Keen in exchange for STRAIN’s conferring the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. The bribes took multiple forms. The ways Hanson and Keen funneled bribe money to STRAIN included giving STRAIN regular cash payments in amounts greater than $1,000 from the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, through B.H. and J.K. Second, as part of the scheme, Hanson arranged for STRAIN’s relative, Person 1, to receive a check in the amount of $4,000. Third, STRAIN received campaign money from Hanson and Keen with money from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, including a $2,500 payment in November 2015. Further, STRAIN’s relative received a no-show job from the Slidell work release program that effectively doubled his annual salary.
STRAIN, Hanson, Keen, and others attempted to conceal the scheme by, among other things, (a) hiding Hanson’s and Keen’s involvement in and benefit from the Slidell work release program, (b) excluding from the cooperative endeavor agreement the fact that STRAIN would receive cash bribes and other financial compensation in exchange for signing the cooperative endeavor agreement, and (c) providing most of the money to STRAIN in the form of cash.
“Mr. Strain broke the law and must now face the consequences for his actions, “stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “His crime was a breach of the public trust owed to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish. Similarly, because the trust between our law enforcement agencies and the citizens they protect is precious, it is imperative that collectively, we assure the public of our unwavering commitment to identify and prosecute anyone who engages in public corruption.”
“The FBI is committed to aggressively pursuing those who violate the trust placed in them by the public and holding them accountable for their actions, even if they come from within the ranks of law enforcement. Today's sentencing sends a clear message that individuals like Jack Strain will be held responsible and no one is above the law," said Douglas A. Williams, Jr. Special Agent in Charge FBI New Orleans "We thank our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission, for their collaborative efforts in holding our public servants accountable.”
“The sentence handed down today highlights the seriousness of former sheriff Jack Strain’s conduct,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS-CI will remain vigilant in identifying and investigating public officials who seek to defraud the American taxpayers by failing to faithfully discharge the duties of their offices.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit, J. Ryan McLaren, and Alexandra Giavotella, Asset Forfeiture Coordinator, were in charge of the prosecution.
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Texas Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JORGE OMAR JIMINEZ, age 24, a resident of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced on March 31, 2022 to eighteen (18) months’ imprisonment, three (3) months of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute one-hundred (100) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, in February 2020, a Mexican drug trafficker contacted a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) confidential source and offered to supply the source with a half-kilogram of heroin by way of a courier. On February 9, 2020, the courier, JIMINEZ, arrived in New Orleans and checked into a hotel on Canal Street. The following day, under the direction of HSI agents, the source arranged a meeting with JIMINEZ to conduct the transaction. As JIMINEZ left the hotel to meet the source, agents approached JIMINEZ who was in possession of a black bag. After obtaining consent from JIMINEZ, agents searched the bag and located a pair of black tennis shoes inside a separate back pack. Concealed in the soles of each shoe was a black tar substance. Laboratory analysis confirmed the substance as heroin and the total weight was approximately one half-kilogram. In a post-arrest interview, JIMINEZ told agents an unknown man provided him with the shoes in McAllen, Texas and instructed him to travel to New Orleans and sell the drugs to the source for $11,000.00.
This case was investigated by the Office of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Oil Company Worker Guilty of Negligent Discharge of Hazardous Substances into the Gulf of MexicoRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK HUSE, age 40, of Perkinston, Mississippi, pled guilty today to a violation of Title 33, United States Code, Section 1321(b)(3) and 1319(c)(1)(A).
According to today’s guilty plea, HUSE was employed as a “Person-in-Charge” ( “PIC”) on Main Pass 310A (“MP-310A”), an oil and gas production platform. In July 2015, workers on MP-310A noticed a sheen on the surface of the surface of the water surrounding the platform. The sheen meant that the platform was discharging oil or other hazardous substances into the Gulf of Mexico. The workers alerted HUSE, a PIC on MP-310A. The workers told HUSE that they believed the sheen to be the result of sand buildup in filtration equipment on MP-310A. HUSE ordered the workers to remove the sand buildup from the filtration equipment in lieu of a complete shut-in, hoping the sheen would dissipate. These measures failed to stop the platform from sheening, so the workers shut down the platform through an emergency shutdown of the entire platform.
HUSE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one year, a fine of $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a $25 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing has been scheduled by District Judge Barry Ashe for July 7, 2022.
United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General, Energy Investigations Unit, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – STEPHONE BRIDGES, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 31, 2022 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count 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 August 15, 2021, a Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force Officer conducted surveillance in the area of the 2200 block of North Galvez Street in New Orleans. The detective observed the handle of a firearm in BRIDGES’s front waistband as BRIDGES exited the steps and began to loiter on the sidewalk. The detective summoned marked units to the scene, and BRIDGES made sure his shirt was covering the object in his waistband before sitting down on the steps of the residence. Officers arrived in the area and approached BRIDGES. A Glock Model 49x, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, bearing serial number BMDZ792 was removed from BRIDGES’s front waistband. The firearm was equipped with a red transparent magazine. The magazine contained 18 live rounds and one live round in the chamber of the firearm. BRIDGES was also in possession of Ecstasy and approximately three grams of crack cocaine. Prior to this, BRIDGES knew he had been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
BRIDGES 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.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that PALMA JEFFERSON, SR., 64, from Orleans Parish, pled guilty on March 31, 2022 to a one-count superseding bill of information, pursuant to a plea agreement with the government. JEFFERSON, SR. was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on August 29, 2019.
During a surveillance operation, officers saw JEFFERSON, SR. conduct multiple narcotics transactions. When police encountered him, he was in possession of a stolen firearm and cocaine. Also, JEFFERSON, SR. admitted to being a cocaine addict.
JEFFERSON, SR. pled guilty to possession of a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(3). At sentencing, JEFFERSON, SR. faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(a)(2).
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.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher.
Former Coast Guard Employee Charged with Additional Crime in Test-Fixing CaseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that former United States Coast Guard employee ELDRIDGE JOHNSON has been charged on March 30, 2022 with bribery in a superseding bill of information.
JOHNSON was previously charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in an indictment that pertained to JOHNSON’S conduct after he retired from the Coast Guard. The superseding bill of information includes that conspiracy charge and adds the new allegation of bribery, which relates to JOHNSON’S conduct as an examination administrator at a Coast Guard exam center Mandeville, Louisiana.
As alleged in the superseding bill of information’s bribery charge, beginning no later than 2011 and continuing until about the time of his retirement in January 2018, JOHNSON engaged in a scheme to receive bribes from merchant mariners who had applied for Coast Guard-issued licenses. JOHNSON offered and sold various forms of improper assistance, including reporting false information to the Coast Guard and, more commonly, selling examination questions and answers to mariners before they took the tests. To conduct the scheme, JOHNSON, without authorization, removed confidential examination and answer documents from the exam center. To recruit participants, JOHNSON approached mariners when they appeared at the exam center, called mariners using contact information found in Coast Guard records, and encouraged past participants to refer other mariners to JOHNSON.
The conspiracy charge, which was included in the previously filed indictment, alleges that JOHNSON, following his retirement, acted as an intermediary for Coast Guard exam center employee Dorothy Smith in a scheme in which Smith entered false exam scores in exchange for money. Smith pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2022.
The exams at issue were ones that merchant mariners were legally required to pass in order to obtain licenses to serve in various positions on vessels. The examinations tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of licenses.
The maximum terms of imprisonment are fifteen years for bribery and five years for conspiracy. Each offense is also punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
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Eight Tangipahoa Parish Residents Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL ALEXANDER, SR., a/k/a “Monsta,” a/k/a “Jamond,” age 39, ATTREL ANDERSON, a/k/a “Trey,” a/k/a “Trel,” a/k/a “Da Boi,” age 30, TERRELL HAYNES, a/k/a “Redman,”age 43, STAR ROBICHAUX, age 42, JOSHUA PRINE, age 41, MICHAEL ALEXANDER, JR., a/k/a “Mike Mike," age 21, BRANDON BAKER, age 36, and LOUIS BELLS, JR., age 21, residents of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, were charged on March 25, 2022, in a sealed twenty-count superseding indictment by a federal grand jury. The superseding indictment was unsealed on March 31, 2022. Charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
ALEXANDER, SR. is charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, on December 2, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents executed a federal search warrant on ALEXANDER, SR.’s home in Ponchatoula. During the search, Agents discovered approximately eleven ounces of heroin and fentanyl and five firearms. Additionally, agents seized $289,224.70 in U.S. currency.
If convicted of the conspiracy count, ALEXANDER, SR. faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, ALEXANDER, SR. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, ALEXANDER, SR. faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, ALEXANDER, SR. faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.
ANDERSON is charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 100 grams or more of heroin. He’s also charged with distribution of methamphetamine and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. For both the conspiracy count and the distribution count, ANDERSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, ANDERSON faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.
HAYNES is charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram or more of heroin. He’s also charged with distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. For the conspiracy count, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For distribution, HAYNES faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, HAYNES faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.
PRINE and ROBICHAUX are charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin. They are also charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of heroin. They each face a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. ROBICHAUX is also charged with using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, for which she faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one-year supervised release.
ALEXANDER, JR. is charged with conspiring to distribute quantities of heroin and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking. For both the conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute counts, ALEXANDER, JR. 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 possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, ALEXANDER, JR. faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year supervised release.
BAKER is charged with conspiring to distribute quantities of heroin and methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine. For both the conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute counts, BAKER 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.
BELLS is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, BELLS faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release.
For each of the counts, the defendants face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
“The indictments and subsequent arrests made in this investigation are part of DEA’s continuing effort to target violent drug traffickers at all levels, as part of Operation Overdrive. Illicit drug trafficking and related violent criminal activity takes a tremendous toll on our communities. We will continue to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners, leveraging our respective resources, in order to enhance the quality of life for the citizens in this region and beyond,” said Brad L. Byerley, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Division.
“The Hammond Police Department has demonstrated repeatedly that criminals and their criminal activity will not be tolerated in The City of Hammond. This is a great example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together,” stated Chief Edwin Bergeron Jr.
“This is law enforcement working together at every level, to hold people accountable for the crimes they commit and the havoc they bring to our community. The importance of collaboration at the federal, state and local levels is critical to ensuring the best outcome is reached in any case. This is yet another reminder of the ongoing need for strong relationships with our law enforcement partners to help protect the citizens of Tangipahoa Parish,” said Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Jimmy Travis.
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 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.
Defendant Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ASHLEY McGOWAN (“McGOWAN”), age 35, agreed to plead guilty on March 31, 2022 to Count One (1) in 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 Count Two (2), charging 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; a fine up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571; and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to thirty-three (33).
As part of her plea, McGOWAN admitted to being in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged automobile collision. In the scheme, McGOWAN falsely claimed that she was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on June 8, 2016. In fact, the government’s evidence showed that the defendants conspired with Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Keishira Robinson (“K. Robinson”), and others to intentionally collide K. Robinson’s Mazda with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chickasaw Street and Louisa Street in New Orleans. McGOWAN later lied in her civil deposition, falsely claiming that K. Robinson was driving the car that collided with the tractor-trailer, when in fact Labeaud was driving the car and intentionally hit the tractor-trailer. McGOWAN also falsely claimed that she was in the car at the time of the collision, even though she had been riding in a separate “spotter” or getaway car and entered the “slammer” car only after the collision occurred. McGOWAN hoped that, through her false statements, she would secure lucrative monetary settlements from the owner, driver, and insurer of the tractor-trailer.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for June 14, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would 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 Brandon S. Long; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera.
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Registered Sex Offender Charged 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 charged on March 28, 2022 in a one-count bill of information 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). If convicted, WIEBELT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, WIEBELT faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison. According to documents filed in federal court, WIEBELT was previously convicted in 2011 for Receipt of Child Pornography and sentenced to five (5) years in federal prison. WIEBELT was on supervised release when he committed this new offense.
Additionally, 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Federal Trial Jury Returns Guilty Verdicts Against New Orleans Man in Connection with the 2013 Murder of Loomis Armored Guard Hector TrochezRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CURTIS JOHNSON, JR., 30, of New Orleans, was found guilty today after a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
The jury found JOHNSON guilty as charged in the second superseding indictment for Conspiracy to Obstruct and Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery, Murder, and Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. He will be sentenced on July 13, 2022. JOHNSON faces a maximum term of life imprisonment.
In November 2019, co-defendants Jeremy Esteves and Robert Brumfield III were found guilty by a jury at trial, while co-defendants Lilbear George, Chukwudi Ofomata, and Jasmine Theophile previously pleaded guilty. George and Ofomata were sentenced to a 480-month term of imprisonment. Esteves, Brumfield and Theophile will be sentenced on April 6, 2022.
According to court documents, on the morning of December 18, 2013, CURTIS JOHNSON, JR., along with co-defendants, George, Ofomata, and Jeremy Esteves, robbed a Loomis armored vehicle as it was making a delivery of approximately $265,000 to the Chase Bank at the intersection of S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Avenues. As the Loomis guard, Hector Trochez, prepared to make the delivery, George and Ofomata, both armed, exited the vehicle (a Chevy Tahoe stolen by George in preparation for the robbery), and ordered Trochez to give up the money. Trochez pulled his weapon and fired at the robbers. Ofomata and George fired their weapons in Trochez’s direction. JOHNSON fired at the Loomis truck to keep the driver inside. Trochez was fatally struck on the left side of his forehead and suffered a graze wound to his elbow. One of the robbers ran towards the rear of the Loomis truck and took possession of the money bag before re-entering the Tahoe. The robbers fled the Chase Bank parking lot.
A witness seated in a vehicle at the corner of S. Claiborne and S. Carrollton Avenues observed the shooting and provided a description of the shooters and the vehicle they occupied. That witness followed the Chevy Tahoe as it fled the location of the shooting/robbery. During the vehicle’s flight, one of the shooters fired at the witness’s vehicle in an attempt to deter the witness from following. The witness observed the Chevy Tahoe arrive in the 1700 block of Adams Street and saw the four robbers exit the Chevy Tahoe and enter the awaiting Honda Accord driven by Brumfield. The Honda Accord fled the Adams Street location, leaving the Chevy Tahoe behind.
The Tahoe was recovered by the New Orleans Police Department and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant. During the search, FBI agents observed that the steering wheel column of the vehicle had been breached. Agents located two screwdrivers on the floorboard and a bandana on the console. The items were collected and submitted for DNA testing at the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory. An unknown DNA profile, later confirmed to be that of George, was recovered from one of the screwdrivers. Likewise, the DNA recovered from the bandana was confirmed to be that of CURTIS JOHNSON, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the New Orleans Police Department and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany L. Reed, Gregory M. Kennedy, and Inga Petrovich prosecuted the matter.
Orleans Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on March 29, 2022 ANDREW PAYTON, age 48, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to Count 1 of a grand jury indictment, charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of federal law.
These charges stem from an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office into the illegal distribution of drugs that were being brought into both Orleans and St. Tammany Parishes back in 2019 from the Houston area.
Based on his guilty plea, PAYTON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years and not more than forty years in prison, up to a fine of $5,000,000.00 in fines, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. PAYTON is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2022.
The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
Marrero Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DEWAYNE COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 22, of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to documents filed in federal court, COLEMAN, along with his co-defendants, conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident occurring on September 6, 2017. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-two (32).
COLEMAN admitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, he was a passenger in co-defendant Erica Lee’s 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashed into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express. After the staged accident, the driver exited the RAV4 and told Erica Lee to get behind the wheel of the RAV4 to make it appear that Erica Lee was driving the vehicle at the time of the staged accident. The defendants contacted the NOPD and falsely claimed that Erica Lee was the driver at the time of the collision. COLEMAN retained counsel and made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.
On March 26, 2019, COLEMAN provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit. In his deposition, COLEMAN lied about the September 6, 2017 accident including, but not limited to, who was driving the RAV4 and the extent of their injuries.
United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced COLEMAN to (12) twelve months of incarceration, followed by (3) three years supervised release, $ 121,076 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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 Edward J. Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
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Houma Woman Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NICOLE COCKERHAM (“COCKERHAM”), age 42, of Houma, Louisiana, was charged on March 28, 2022 by a bill of information for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the bill of information, from March 2019 to July 2020, COCKERHAM knowingly converted approximately $38,851.00 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and the Treasury Inspection General for Tax Administration 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.
Saint Tammany Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Connection with Postal “Blue Box” TheftsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RONALD S. RILEY, JR., (“RILEY’), age 26, of Slidell, Louisiana plead guilty on March 28 to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft charged in a bill of information filed February 7, 2022 in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to documents filed in federal court and signed by RILEY, RILEY was involved in stealing mail from postal receptacles located in the Greater New Orleans area. Items stolen from the mail included monetary instruments and banking information that RILEY used to create fraudulent checks. These fraudulent checks were then used to defraud a number of federally insured financial institutions. RILEY also stole and used the identity of other persons to execute the scheme to defraud.
The crime of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of up to five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. RILEY also faces the potential for the payment of restitution to his victims. The penalty for aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two-year term of imprisonment that runs consecutive to any term of imprisonment imposed on the underlying offense, followed by up to one year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. RILEY is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the Louisiana State Police, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. and Richard R. Pickens, II are in charge of the prosecution.
Hammond Tax Preparer Charged with Filing False IRS Returns and Making False Statements to IRS and to Department of EducationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – KENISHA R. CALLAHAN, age 44, and a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on March 25, 2022, by the U.S. Attorney for filing a false tax return, aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and making a false statement to the Department of Education, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans .
As charged in the bill of information, count one alleges that CALLAHAN, the owner of Callahan Tax Service, prepared and filed a false 2015 U.S. Individual Tax Return Form 1040, wherein she underreported her earned income for the alleged time period. Count two alleges that in 2015, CALLAHAN aided in the preparation and filing of a client’s tax return that falsely stated to the IRS that the client owned a business and that the client had a business loss for the 2014 tax year. Count three alleges that CALLAHAN committed financial aid fraud by falsely reporting the amount of income that she earned in 2015 to the Department of Education while applying for student loan forgiveness.
A bill of information merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, CALLAHAN faces a maximum sentence of up to three years, up to one year of supervised release, and up to a $100,000 fine per tax count. The Department of Education count calls for a maximum sentence of up to five years, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. If convicted, CALLAHAN will be required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count of conviction.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Department of Education for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Laplace Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, Heroin and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced ELLIS BATISTE SR., age 50, of LaPlace, Louisiana, on March 24, 2022, to 72 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, in Count One, BATISTE conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, fentanyl, cocaine base, heroin, and methamphetamine.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 15 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and over 1 kilogram of fentanyl. The majority of this cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl which were being transported from Houston, Texas into the Eastern District of Louisiana.
District Judge Lemmon sentenced BATISTE to the 72 months imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release as to Count One of the sSuperseding Bbill of Iinformation. Judge Lemmon also ordered that BATISTE pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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.
Honduran Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain Louisiana Identification CardRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HENRY EDGARDO ORTIZ, age 42, a native of Honduras, was charged on March 25, 2022 in a one-count bill of information with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
ORTIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Felon Indicted for Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID COULTER, age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on March 25, 2022 by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. Specifically, he is charged in a two-count indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, COULTER has a prior conviction for possessing cocaine and multiple convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm or weapon in Orleans Parish. Due to this criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a Glock Model 34, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun on January 16 and January 18, 2022.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, COULTER faces a maximum sentence on each count of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant 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.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
Orleans Parish Man Sentenced on Weapons and Narcotic ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KIRK THOMPSON, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 23rd by U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk to 117 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment on Counts One and Two of a two-count superseding bill of information.
Count One of the bill charged THOMPSON with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). As to Count Two, the superseding bill of information charged him with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, that is, possession with intent to distribute both fentanyl and cocaine; all in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section, 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
On October 3, 2019, the New Orleans Police Department responded to call of a wanted subject, THOMPSON, seen in the 3000 block of Grand Route St. John in New Orleans, LA. Upon the officers’ arrival, an individual in an apartment complex directed officers to the apartment where THOMPSON was seen. Officers knocked on the apartment at which time a person answered the door who matched the description of THOMPSON and identified himself as “Kirk Thompson.” Officers advised him of his right to remain silent. THOMPSON eventually admitted to officers that there was a shotgun inside of the residence, and he had smoked narcotics inside the residence. Officers elected to obtain a search warrant for the apartment based on THOMPSON’s statement about the narcotics and the firearm. Inside the residence, officers located 11 firearms, including two assault rifles. Officers also located approximately 89 grams of fentanyl and 300 grams of cocaine.
This case was 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 Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Hollygrove Man Sentenced to Term Federal ProbationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Kintrell WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Trell,” age 43, was sentenced in federal court on March 23, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 3 years of probation for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D) and 846.
On October 17, 2019, WILLIAMS and his co-conspirators were named in a six-count second superseding indictment filed in this district, charging him with violations of the Federal Control Substances Act. On December 3, 2020, WILLIAMS pleaded guilty to count one of the second superseding indictment.
According to court documents, WILLIAMS and his co-conspirators sold drugs in the Hollygrove neighborhood in and around a corner-store in 2017 and 2018.
.U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Myles Ranier.
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New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to 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 today that on March 23, 2022 ISHAIS PRICE (“PRICE”), age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance, arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, PRICE, along with her co-defendants, Doniesha Gibson (Gibson), of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Chandrika Brown (Brown), of Harvey, and a co-defendant driver conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident with a co-defendant driver. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to thirty-two (32).
PRICE claimed that on October 15, 2015, she was a passenger in a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned and driven by Gibson that was hit by a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510. Also in the vehicle was defendant Brown. In truth, a co-defendant asked Gibson to recruit Brown and PRICE to ride along as a passenger and he then intentionally sought out a commercial vehicle to intentionally hit. After the staged accident, the co-defendant driver switched seats with Gibson, and they called the N.O.P.D. Gibson, along with the passengers, falsely stated that the Hotard bus illegally changed lanes and caused the accident. Thereafter, Brown, Gibson, PRICE, and the co-defendant driver each retained counsel and made demands against Hotard’s owner and insurer for personal injury damages. As a result of the claims, the insurer utilized the U.S. mails to send the settlement drafts to Brown, Gibson, PRICE, and the co-defendant driver’s counsel. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.
PRICE faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years of incarceration. Upon release from prison, PRICE also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for June 14, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
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 Edward J. Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
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Mississippi Man Sentenced for Violation of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 TRAVIS LEON MOORE, age 39, was sentenced in the United States District Court after pleading guilty to a one count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
MOORE was arrested by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies after they were notified that he had threatened two individuals with a sawed-off shotgun. The notification stemmed from a domestic dispute that involved MOORE’s partner and her family member. Authorities retrieved the firearm after MOORE discarded the weapon out of a window. After his arrest, MOORE admitted that he possessed the firearm.
United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle imposed a sentence of 100 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons. Following his term of imprisonment, MOORE will be placed on supervised release for a period of 3 years. MOORE must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. The court did not impose a fine.
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, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
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Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Travis CARTER, a/k/a “Tree,” age 42, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 17, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on January 7, 2021, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search of CARTER’s residence in Metairie. During the search, they discovered a digital scale with white powder residue, approximately one gram of suspected crack cocaine, a box of clear plastic bags, and $2,398.00 in U.S. currency. Detectives then transported CARTER to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. Correctional officers conducted a search of CARTER’s person, which resulted in the discovery of six clear plastic bags containing approximately 165.27 grams of cocaine located in CARTER’s shoes.
CARTER faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three (3) 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, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
New Orleans Woman Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison for Bank Larceny of over $200,000 Using Patient Information Stolen from Metairie Medical ClinicRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ASHLEY GREEN, age 39, was sentenced on March 16, 2022 to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty as charged, to a one count Bank Larceny Bill of Information in August 2021. Earlier, her co-defendants, BRANDON LIVAS, age 37 and ROYALE LASSAI, age 32, both from New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty as charged to a one-count bill of information with Bank Larceny, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b).
In papers filed with the court, GREEN admitted that LASSAI was employed in a Metairie, Louisiana medical clinic. LASSAI, without authority, obtained personal information of patients including dates of birth, social security numbers and addresses. LASSAI sold the information to her cousin, GREEN, who used this information to fraudulently obtain debit cards issued by the victim banks, Capital One and Whitney. These fraudulently obtained cards were mailed to an address controlled by GREEN. GREEN and LIVAS then used the cards to withdraw at least $200,000 from the victim’s accounts. LASSAI was paid at least $1,000 to pilfer the patient’s information from the Metairie clinic.
The court ordered GREEN to pay $205,863 in restitution. Also, she must serve three years of supervised release after she gets out of prison.
U.S. Attorney Duane Evans praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in investigating the matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 41, of Jayess, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on March 16, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of money laundering before U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
As charged in the now unsealed indictment, MULLEN and a co-conspirator, Duane Dufrene, utilized fictitious entities, falsified tax returns, fraudulent financial statements, and fraudulent appraisals to orchestrate their scheme to defraud the lenders for the purchases of a residence in Jayess, MS (State Bank and Trust), The Briars bed and breakfast in Natchez, MS (Keesler Federal Credit Union) and two other Natchez hotels (Red Oak Capital Group, LLC). The sale of the Jayess residence was premised on false financial information provided by Dufrene to MULLEN, who then gave it to State Bank and Trust. The sales of The Briars and the two hotels were not only premised upon false information prepared by Dufrene and given to the financial institutions by MULLEN but also on inflated appraisals based upon side sales agreements between MULLEN and Dufrene. After the sales of the bed and breakfast and hotel properties, MULLEN paid Dufrene the sum of $90,000. MULLEN pocketed over $3 million from the overvalued loans and he used the proceeds to buy at least 20 high-end luxury cars, a number of which have been seized by the United States.
Sentencing for MULLEN is set for July 13, 2022. At that time, he faces a maximum sentence of up to thirty years as to the bank fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of up to ten years on the money laundering conspiracy. After imprisonment, the defendant faces up to five years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the bank fraud count, and up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count. Each count also has a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
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.
Marrero Man Sentenced for Straw Purchase of FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BORIS GORDON, age 27 of Marrero, was sentenced on March 17, 2022 after pleading guilty to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2) on August 19, 2021.
According to court documents, on December 30, 2015, GORDON falsely stated to a federally licensed firearm dealer that he was the actual purchaser of a Glock Model 21, .45 caliber pistol, when he knew that he was not the actual buyer.
United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced GORDON to 6 months of home confinement to be followed by 1 year of probation. The court also ordered GORDON to pay a $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.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Man Sentenced to 46 Months Imprisonment for Trafficking Heroin Between Texas and LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILSON ROMERO, age 55, of Katy, Texas, was sentenced on March 17, 2022 by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Specifically, WILSON ROMERO previously pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
According to court documents, during a traffic stop on May 6, 2019, ROMERO was found with 994 grams of heroin hidden in a vacuum cleaner in the trunk of his vehicle. ROMERO subsequently admitted that he had paid $32,000 for the heroin and was trafficking it from Houston to New Orleans.
Judge Ashe sentenced ROMERO to a term of imprisonment of 46 months, followed by 2 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Louisiana State Police in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih.
Former Postal Employee Pled Guilty to Unlawfully Opening the MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE DILLING, age 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana pleaded guilty on March 17, 2022, to unlawfully opening the mail before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe, District Court Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to documents filed in federal court, TYRONE DILLING was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in New Orleans when he was apprehended opening and tampering with the content of mail items he 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 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.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Opening the MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE DILLING, age 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana pleaded guilty on March 17, 2022, to unlawfully opening the mail before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe, District Court Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to documents filed in federal court, TYRONE DILLING was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in New Orleans when he was apprehended opening and tampering with the content of mail items he 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 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.
Florida Resident Indicted for Possessing with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DANTE BOWMAN, age 22, and a resident of Lake Worth, Florida, was charged in a one count indictment by a federal grand jury with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to the indictment, on October 19, 2021, BOWMAN possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted of Count One, BOWMAN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman.
Architects of $48 Million Dollar Medical Reimbursement Account Program Fraud Scheme SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that that DENIS J. JOACHIM, age 55, DONNA K. JOACHIM, age 55, residents of Covington, Louisiana, and their company, The Total Financial Group, Inc. (“TTFG”), having previously pled guilty, were sentenced on March 17, 2022 by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier, for their roles in creating, marketing, and operating what it claimed to be a Medical Reimbursement Program. After characterizing their conduct as a “massive fraud scheme”, Judge Barbier sentenced DENIS J. JOACHIM to 97 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee, DONNA K. JOACHIM to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee, and TTFG to 1 year of probation and a $2,400 special assessment fee. As part of the guilty plea, the defendants have agreed to forfeit assets previously seized with a collective value of approximately $6,300,000. A hearing to determine the amount and apportionment of restitution was scheduled for June 9, 2022, at 9:30 am.
As a condition of their pleas, DENIS and DONNA JOACHIM also agreed to be barred from serving as consultants or advisors to any labor organization or employee benefit plan for a period of thirteen (13) years from the end of their terms of imprisonment. Additionally, TTFG’s Executive National Marketing Director, JOSEPH ANTHONY BORINO, is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on June 30, 2022.
According to court documents, TTFG was a Louisiana business incorporated by DENIS and DONNA JOACHIM with the Louisiana Secretary of State on about January 6, 2005, that was most recently located at 406 N. Florida Street, Covington, Louisiana. TTFG and its owners created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105.” Classic 105 claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan to reimburse their employees for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles. Participants in Classic 105 were required to have a primary health insurance plan unrelated to and in addition to Classic 105. Classic 105 claimed to be comprised of several components: a tax-exempt contribution of between $1,000 and $1,600 per month made by an employee (which reduced the employee’s taxable income), a loan from a lender back to the employee to make up for the contribution, an insurance policy payable to the lender at the employee’s death to repay the loan, and fees paid by the employee and the employer directly to TTFG. TTFG told prospective employer-clients that participants would never have to make out-of-pocket payments to repay the loan and that as a result of the tax savings, most participants would receive an increase in their net take home pay. TTFG also told prospective employer- clients that the contributions would be stored in a unique account for each employee-participant and that any money not used by the end of each calendar year would revert to TTFG. TTFG also charged employee-participants a fee of between $150 and $250 per month and the employer a fee of five percent of each employee’s contribution amount. At its peak, over 350 employer-clients and 4,400 employee-participants nationwide were enrolled in TTFG’s Classic 105 program. In total, TTFG took in not less than at least $25,543,340.70 in fees from the employer-clients and employee-participants.
In fact, TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions. Rather, TTFG arranged for the contribution, loan, and insurance policy to appear as a series of “paper transactions” that, in effect, did nothing more than reduce participants’ taxable wages and employers’ FICA payments improperly, without their knowledge of the impropriety. Consequently, TTFG and the JOACHIMS caused the underpayment of at least $23,343,442.70 in federal FICA taxes, as well as the underreporting and underpayment of personal federal income taxes, federal unemployment taxes, and state unemployment taxes—amounts for which the employer-clients and employee-participants may be individually responsible.
In truth, the only money actually paid to TTFG were the fees, which the JOACHIMS for personal expenses, including the purchase of a 26-foot boat, a 2016 Grand Design Solitude recreational trailer, a Chevrolet Corvette, a Jeep Wrangler, a Dodge Ram truck, a Mercedes-Benz CL 550 automobile, a GMC Yukon XL Denali, multiple CAN-AM Maverick 1000R off-road vehicles, jet skis, their Covington residence, real property located adjacent to their Covington residence, two (2) residences located in Madisonville, Louisiana, 40 acres of property in Bush, Louisiana, and 125 acres of property in Spring City, Tennessee.
The Court’s previous forfeiture orders were made part of the defendants’ sentences. Consequently, TTFG and the JOACHIMS have forfeited all right, title, and interest in the following assets to the United States of America: $791,304.83 from seized bank accounts, 2013 Chaparral Boat, 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, 2016 Jeep Wrangler, 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Truck, 2012 Mercedes Benz CL550, 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali, 2016 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Turbo XDS, 2016 Can-Am Outlander 1000R XMR, 2016 Grand Design Reflection Recreational Trailer, (2) 2016 Sea-Doo RXT-X-300 Jet Skis, 2015 Sea-Doo GTX-LTD IS 260, (3) Boat Trailers, 23185 Highway 1084, Covington, LA, 26169 Highway 40, Bush, LA, acreage in Rhea County, Tennessee, and 41 Rue Du Sud, Madisonville, LA.
“The defendants targeted unsuspecting employers luring them into this fraudulent scheme that caused severe tax issues for both employers and their employees,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Schemes such as these have a profound effect on their victims, not only by the monies lost in the scheme, and the time and effort to repair the adverse effects of the fraudulent plot, but also by stoking public distrust. Our office, along with our investigative partners, remains committed to investigate these crimes and prosecute all those that are intent in defrauding the American public."
"This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast work of the FBI and our partners in bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Dennis Joachim and Mrs. Donna Joachim who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact our health care programs,” said, Douglas A. Williams, FBI New Orleans. "We thank our partners at United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Division, Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Employee Benefits Security Administration, for their collaborative efforts in disrupting criminal actors who cause damage to the American healthcare system.”
“The Total Financial Group, Inc. and its’ owner Denis and Dona Joachim, fraudulently used a multiple employee welfare arrangement plan to defraud participants and unjustly enrich themselves in complete disregard of the fiduciary duty they owed to the plan employers and their workers. The successful prosecution of these defendants reinforces the OIG’s continued commitment to working with our partner federal agencies to safeguard American workers from organizations and individuals engaged in these types of illicit fraud schemes,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Grell of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Region.
"Defendants illegally enriched themselves at the expense of hard-working employees and their employers, and today they were held accountable,” said Mark Underwood, Acting Regional Director for the U. S. Department of Labor Employee Benefit Security Administration. “This case demonstrates how federal agencies work together to vigorously enforce criminal violations committed against employee benefit plans and their participants.”
“The defendants sentenced today share one trait in common – greed,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Their desire for money, power and material items, drove them to perpetrate crimes against our tax system and prey upon many of the vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the financial expertise and diligence of IRS-CI special agents, who worked side-by-side with other federal and state law enforcement officers to uncover these schemes, these criminals now face the consequences of their actions.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and Employment Benefits Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and expressed appreciation for the support provided by Senior Trial Attorney Rebecca Pyne, Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, Labor-Management Racketeering Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, Maria M. Carboni, and Andre Lagarde were in charge of the prosecutions.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LATRELL JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 30, of New Orleans, pled guilty on March 16, 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 two 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 up to five (5) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; and a fine of up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 31.
According to court documents, JOHNSON falsely claimed that she was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, the defendant conspired with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. After the intentional collision, JOHNSON filed a fraudulent lawsuit claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault and lied in a deposition. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds for the May 11, 2017 collision. The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for July 13, 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.
Garyville Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRYANT DAIGRE, age 33, of Garyville, Louisiana, pled to one count of 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.
DAIGRE faces a sentence of between 5 years and 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. Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for June 23, 2022.
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.
Bogalusa Rapper Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAVORIOUS SCOTT, aka JAYDAYOUNGAN, age 23, a Bogalusa resident and rapper pled guilty on March 16, 2022 before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to a one-count indictment charging him with possession of a firearm while under indictment or felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(n)(1) and 924(a)(1)(D), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on October 29, 2021, Officers with the Bogalusa Police Department executed a traffic stop on a silver-colored Audi bearing a Virginia license plate traveling south on South Columbia Street in Bogalusa, Louisiana because the vehicle possessed a switched license plate. SCOTT, the driver of the vehicle, failed to provide his license or vehicle registration. While speaking to SCOTT and the passenger, officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle. The officers also observed a black handgun on the driver’s side floorboard directly beneath SCOTT’S legs. Officers removed SCOTT from the vehicle and observed a small amount of suspected marijuana in the driver’s seat. Officers then recovered a loaded Ruger Model Security-9, nine-millimeter, pistol, bearing serial Number 384-77996 from the driver’s side floorboard.
At the time that the officers located and seized the firearm from the floorboard, SCOTT was under indictment for felony crimes. On March 31st, 2020, a grand jury in Harris County, Texas returned two indictments for possession of a controlled substance weighing more than 4 grams and less than 200 grams. Also, the grand jury charged SCOTT with assault of a pregnant person.
SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100.00 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 case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bogalusa Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Bank Teller Sentenced for Embezzling Customer FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEMETRIA MYERS SILVIO, age 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 15, 2022 for Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. SILVIO pled guilty to this offense on October 12, 2021.
According to court documents, between December 3, 2018 and December 6, 2019, SILVIO forged approximately 66 checks that were drawn on IberiaBank accounts belonging to five customers. SILVIO deposited the fraudulent checks into her own bank accounts with Chase Bank and Capital One. Through this scheme, SILVIO embezzled over $63,000.00.
U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced SILVIO to three (3) years probation. In addition, SILVIO was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $63,486.18 to IberiaBank and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni.