Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Resident Charged with Five Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 30, 2026, JESSICA LACOUR (“LACOUR”), age 38, currently of Texas and formerly of the Eastern District of Louisiana, was charged with participating in multiple acts of fraudulent conduct, including generating fake evidence for a lawsuit, stealing from two COVID-19 assistance programs, creating over $200,000 in fake store receipts, and misusing persons’ identities, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. The bill of information charges LACOUR with five counts of wire fraud, with each count alleging a different fraud scheme.
As alleged in the first count, LACOUR used a fake tax return to obtain a forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan, which was a type of assistance authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic. As alleged in the second count, LACOURused the identities of other people to obtain emergency rental assistance, which was another type of COVID-19 aid. As alleged in the third count, LACOUR created hundreds of fake Walmart receipts purporting to have been issued by at least 10 stores totaling at least $228,114. It is alleged that the receipts were used by an accomplice to steal merchandise, which was then sold. As alleged in the fourth count, LACOUR helped generate false evidence for a lawsuit filed in Orleans Parish Civil District Court. As alleged in the fifth count, LACOUR misused people’s identities to open accounts, such as utility and financial accounts. As part of that scheme, LACOUR allegedly used her job at a French Quarter hotel to take pictures of a hotel guest’s driver’s license and credit card, which she then sent to an accomplice.
Each of the five wire fraud charges is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment, which may be followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran Citizen Guilty of Illegally Re-entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that JULIO VALERIO-SENTENO (“VALERIO-SENTENO”), age 39, pled guilty on March 30, 2026 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, VALERIO-SENTENO was previously removed from the United States on July 1, 2011, February 27 2012, and October 2, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 15, 2025 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States. United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe accepted the guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing date of May 21, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 138 Months Imprisonment for Possession of over 100 Glock and AR-15 Machine Gun Conversion Devices, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Attempted Obstruction of Justice, and Receiving ExplosivesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on March 26, 2026, the U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced KODY SEVERIN (“SEVERIN”), age 28, a resident of New Orleans, to 138 months imprisonment.
SEVERIN pled guilty to the following offenses:
Count 1-Possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D);
Count 2-Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1);
Count 3-Felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8);
Count 4-Possession of machine guns, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2);
Count 5-Possession of an unregistered firearm, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871;
Count 6-Felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8);
Count 7-Attempt to obstruct justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(b)(1); and
Count 8-Receiving explosive materials, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(a)(3)(A) and 844(a).
The Court sentenced SEVERIN as follows:
Count 1: Sixty (60) months imprisonment, two (2) years supervised release, $100 special assessment fee;
Count 2: Sixty (60) months imprisonment, five (5) years supervised release, $100 special assessment fee; and
Counts 3-8: Seventy-eight (78) months imprisonment, three (3) years supervised release, $600 special assessment fee.
The Court ordered that Counts 1, 3-8 be served concurrently. However, Count 2 must be served consecutive to all counts.
According to court documents, on December 12, 2022, law enforcement received consent to search an apartment in the 1400 block of Milan Street. Inside, law enforcement located and seized the following items: (1) Glock Model 17L, nine-millimeter caliber pistol; (2) Glock Model 24, .40 caliber pistol; (3) Ruger model Security-6, .357 magnum caliber pistol; (4) Glock Model 21, .45 caliber pistol equipped with a device to convert this pistol to a fully automatic machinegun (more commonly referred to as a “Glock switch”); (5) Masterpiece Arms Model Mac 11, nine-millimeter caliber pistol; (6) Privately Made Firearm (“PMF”) semi-automatic handgun, .40/.357 caliber (more commonly referred to as a “Ghost Gun”); (7) upper receiver with bolt carrier group of a rifle; (8) Several PMF parts; (9) Approximately one hundred (100) machinegun conversion devices in various stages of completion, to include drop-in auto sears to convert AR-Type firearms to fully automatic machineguns and “Glock switches;” (10). One clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana with a total package weight of approximately 81.2 grams; (11) One clear plastic bag with the word “Politics” containing suspected marijuana with a total package weight of approximately 339.8 grams; (12) Multiple completed silencers; (13) Several silencers in various stages of completion; (14) One industrial milling machine covered in metal shavings; (15) Two explosive devices; (16) Quantities of various caliber ammunition; (17) Several extended magazines; (18) SEVERIN’s mail, clothing; and several cellphones.
On December 13, 2022, law enforcement encountered SEVERIN at the apartment. After establishing verbal and visual contact with SEVERIN, law enforcement observed SEVERIN throw a black Smith and Wesson Model 36, .38 special caliber revolver from the apartment’s second floor balcony. SEVERIN eventually opened the door to the apartment and was taken into custody without further incident. Law enforcement booked SEVERIN on active NOPD warrants and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement verified that SEVERIN had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Specifically, on February 25, 2019, SEVERIN pled guilty to the felony charge of possession of methamphetamine in the 24th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Jefferson.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit and Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit are responsible for the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHARLES WHITE (“WHITE”), age 34, a resident of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 12, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to time served, three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, in June 2022, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents initiated a joint investigation into WHITE as a member of a cocaine distribution organization with co-conspirators. As part of the investigation, agents utilized multiple controlled purchases of cocaine through an intermediary WHITE believed was a legitimate seller.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.
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Georgia Man Guilty of Misprision of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ELDER CAMACHO (“CAMACHO”), age 36, a resident of Georgia, pled guilty on March 25, 2026, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2022, CAMACHO, drove a codefendant from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, in order to launder bulk cash drug proceeds from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas. CAMACHO also assisted in purchasing packaging materials to conceal the bulk cash.
CAMACHO faces up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Honduran Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS RENE MEDINA-AYALA (“MEDINA-AYALA”), age 49, was sentenced on March 12, 2026, after pleading guilty on January 29, 2026, to illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on June 2, 2025, MEDINA-AYALA was found to have reentered the United States after being previously deported on or about November 7, 2013. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced MEDINA-AYALA to an imprisonment term of time served and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. MEDINA-AYALA was also ordered to be transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement immediately following his sentencing for removal to Honduras.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Postal Employee Charged with Mail TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AHMAD BANKS, age 26, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on March 24, 2026 with mail theft by a United States Postal Employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1709, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, at the time of the offense, AHMAD BANKS was employed as a letter carrier, delivering U.S. mail in Metairie, Louisiana. On or about January 26, 2024, he took a letter from the mail on his delivery route that he was entrusted to deliver that day, intending to remove and keep the contents for himself.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit.
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Thibodaux Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that on March 17, 2026, LINEZ GREEN, (“GREEN”), age 32, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced to 66 months imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, 4 years of supervise release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Brandon Long on March 17, 2026.
GREEN previously pled guilty to Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); § 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, to Distribution of a quantity of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(C), and Illegal use of communications facility, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2.
According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 4, 2024, GREEN conspired with several individuals to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting the narcotics to Thibodaux, Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications. On numerous occasions, GREEN used his cell phone to further this conspiracy and distributed methamphetamine to numerous customers in Thibodaux.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, Thibodaux Police Department, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.New Orleans Men Indicted for Fentanyl, Heroin Distribution Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 19, 2026, YANCY MATIRNE (“MATIRNE”) and ERROL POINTS (“POINTS”), both from New Orleans, were charged on Marchs 19, 2026 in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, MATIRNE and POINTS conspired and possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana in New Orleans in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
MATIRNE was charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C) (b)(1)(D) and 846. In Count 2 MATIRNE was charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), (b)(1)(D) and 846. Lastly, in Count 3 MATIRNE was charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). MATIRNE faces a mandatory minimum sentence for each of the violations in Counts 1, 2, and 3. The sentences imposed in Counts 1 and 2 may be run concurrently but must run consecutively to the §924(c) violation.
POINTS was charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C) (b)(1)(D) and 846. In Count 2 POINTS was charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), (b)(1)(D) and 846. Based on a prior conviction, POINTS is subject to a sentencing enhancement. POINTS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life as it relates to Counts 1and 2.
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case is a part of the NOLA Safe initiative and was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
Operation NOLA Safe is a comprehensive, multi-pronged, and data driven law enforcement initiative designed to reduce violent crime in the Greater New Orleans area. This initiative brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to strategically align efforts and deploy targeted enforcement resources where they are most needed and effective.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Arson ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RICKY WILSON (“WILSON”), age 31, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 19, 2026 by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, for his role in a Conspiracy to Commit Arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. to five years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, payment of full victim restitution, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Court documents revealed that WILSON purchased a vehicle from a dealership, but later placed three live Molotov cocktails next to vehicles on the dealership’s lot, damaging them. He also fired several shots into other vehicles, as well as the dealership’s offices. No one was injured during the course of these criminal acts.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller handled the prosecution.
Indian National Guilty of Transportation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 18, 2026, ASHISH KAPOOR, a/k/a “Romy Kapoor,” (“KAPOOR”) age 28, a national of India, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 to Transportation of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1), (a)(4)(B), (b)(1), and (b)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the factual basis, KAPOOR traveled from Bombay, India to New Orleans, Louisiana on or about February 21, 2024, with a cellular phone containing digital videos and computer images containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on April 11, 2024, KAPOOR downloaded a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child from an Internet Protocol address at his residence in New Orleans. On December 20, 2024, Special Agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and officers with the New Orleans Police Department arrested KAPOOR. In a recorded statement, KAPOOR confessed that he had seen and received child pornography using WhatsApp on his cellular phone.
In his factual basis, KAPOOR admitted that he possessed more than 600 images depicting the sexual abuse of minors and further admitted that these items contained sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse infants and toddlers.
As to Count One, KAPOOR faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, and as to Count Two, KAPOOR faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years. As to each count, KAPOOR also faces a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release for up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. KAPOOR will also be required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry presided over and set KAPOOR’s sentencing for June 17, 2026.
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 Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSCAR FRANCISCO AVILA-NORALES (“AVILA-NORALES”), age 47, was sentenced on March 24, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry of a Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 (a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the charging document, AVILA-NORALES was found in Texas in 2012, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on October 3, 2012.
United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced AVILA-NORALES to time served, one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. AVILA-NORALES was also ordered removed back to Honduras.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – UBALDO YASIR AMAYA-COLINDRES, age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was charged on March 16, 2026 by bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the bill of information, UBALDO YASIR AMAYA-COLINDRES reentered the United States sometime prior to March 1, 2026, after having been previously removed on or about June 13, 2024.
If convicted, UBALDO YASIR AMAYA-COLINDRES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Illegal Alien Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS ROBERTO GUARDADO-RAMIREZ (“GUARDADO-RAMIREZ”), age 46, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2026, to re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. His sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry on April 22, 2026.
According to court records, GUARDADO-RAMIREZ was found in the United States on December 3, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States after being previously deported on May 4, 2006.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans received information that GUARDADO-RAMIREZ, had been previously removed from the United States and had returned. GUARDADO-RAMIREZ was encountered by ICE Enforcement and Removal Officers in LaPlace, Louisiana on December 3, 2025. GUARDADO-RAMIREZ was arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Officers in LaPlace, Louisiana for re-entering the United States after removal.
GUARDADO-RAMIREZ faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Arson of Property in Interstate CommerceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KYLE THOMSEN (“THOMSEN”), from New Orleans, was indicted on March 19, 2026 for arson of property used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about January 19, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, THOMSEN, damaged and destroyed by means of fire, a vehicle used by a commercial business in interstate commerce.
THOMSEN faces from five to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is a part of the NOLA Safe initiative and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
Houma Man Guilty of Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – VAN VESSEL, (“VESSEL”), age 50, of Houma, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2026.
At sentencing, VESSEL faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by VESSEL for lacking operational headlights and taillights. VESSEL attempted to flee but ultimately crashed his vehicle and was arrested. A search of the vehicle VESSEL crashed revealed over seven (7) pounds of methamphetamine on the passenger floorboard packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag. VESSEL later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and he possessed the methamphetamine for distribution purposes.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Guatemalan Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMNER ISAIAS NAJERA-NAJERA (“NAJERA-NAJERA”), age 41, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on March 19, 2026, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the charging document, the defendant was found in the United States on March 12, 2026, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States after being previously deported on June 22, 2017.
NAJERA-NAJERA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Illegal Alien Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS ALBERTO ESCOBAR-LOZA (“ESCOBAR-LOZA”), age 47, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2026, to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. The sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Guidry on April 22, 2026.
According to court records, the defendant was found in the United States on December 26, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 2, 2012. ESCOBAR-LOZA was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana after being arrested by local law enforcement. Immigration officials subsequently confirmed his identity through biometric data and records checks and determined that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States after having previously been removed.
On multiple occasions beginning in or about 2002, ESCOBAR-LOZA was encountered by U.S. immigration authorities after entering the United States without being admitted or paroled. He was placed in removal proceedings and, on or about October 27, 2003, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the United States after he failed to appear for his scheduled hearing.
On multiple occasions between approximately 2005 and 2012, ESCOBAR-LOZA was again encountered by immigration authorities following arrests by local law enforcement. Immigration records reflect that his prior removal order was reinstated, and he was removed from the United States to Honduras on at least three occasions.
ESCOBAR-LOZA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Trial Jury Convicts New Orleans Personal Injury Attorneys in Staged Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced that on Friday, March 20, 2026, VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”), age 44, and JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), age 47, were found guilty of all charges pending against them, following a three-week jury trial presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. The jury also convicted law firms MOTTA LAW LLC and THE KING FIRM LLC and co-conspirator DIAMANIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), age 35.
The jury found MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM guilty of all counts against them. STALBERT was found guilty of making false statements to federal agents.
Count 1 charged all five defendants with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1349. Count 2 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, and counts 4 and 5 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW with mail fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 2. Count 6 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW, and count 8 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, with obstruction of justice, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1503(a), 2. Count 7 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW, and count 9 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, with witness tampering in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(b)(1), 2. Count 10 charged STALBERT with making false statements to federal agents, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).
According to court documents, the defendants participated in a long-running scheme to defraud insurance companies and commercial trucking companies by staging and litigating fraudulent automobile collisions to collect insurance company payouts. That scheme began approximately in December 2011 and continued until December 2024, and it involved New Orleans area personal injury attorneys (including MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM) paying “slammers” to recruit passengers to participate in purposeful collisions with automobiles, especially 18-wheeler trucks with large commercial insurance policies. The attorneys would then litigate those cases on behalf of the passengers, often encouraging those passengers to seek medically unnecessary neck and back surgeries to incur medical costs and increase the size of future insurance company settlements. Along with slammers, attorneys, and passengers, the scheme also included “spotters,” who drove getaway cars for the slammers, and “recruiters” like STALBERT, who facilitated numerous staged collisions by bringing new passengers into the scheme.
The jury also found MOTTA and MOTTA LAW guilty of obstruction of justice and witness tampering relating to an effort to pay a witness to move to the Bahamas to impede any cooperation with federal authorities. The jury likewise found GILES and THE KING FIRM guilty of obstruction of justice and witness tampering for secretly recording a charged individual in October 2020 in an effort to manufacture exculpatory evidence. STALBERT was acquitted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
“Today’s verdict was the culmination of a lengthy investigation that amassed overwhelming evidence proving the defendants’ roles in a years-long scheme to defraud, as well as their subsequent efforts to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM successfully launched a fraudulent scheme of epic proportions that both victimized the judicial system, and exploited the auto insurance industry, all to enrich themselves with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.” This prosecution, and today’s verdict, makes clear that no one is above the law. I commend the trial team, and our law enforcement partners for their relentless and meticulous work to shine a light on this scourge and hold those involved responsible.”
"The defendants in this case pursued personal fortune through lies and deception, that potentially impacted every auto insurance policy holder in Louisiana," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI along with our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission have worked for the last seven years to uncover every instance of fraud, resulting in successful cases against more than fifty individuals. We will continue that pursuit as long as it takes."
Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will sentence the defendants MOTTA and MOTTA LAW on July 7, 2026, GILES and THE KING FIRM on July 14, 2026, and STALBERT on July 21, 2026. The maximum penalty for mail fraud, mail and wire fraud conspiracy, and witness tampering is twenty years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice is ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. The maximum penalty for making false statements to a federal agent is up to five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The Court may also impose restitution. Additionally, each defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count of conviction.
Including this jury trial, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter, as well as extending thanks to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Crime Commission for their assistance.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, Senior Litigation Counsel; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman; and Trial Attorneys J. Ryan McLaren and Samir Paul of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.
Man Sentenced for Stealing Mail from Gretna Post Office and Possessing Postal Service Key Used to Steal MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –TERRENCE THOMPSON, JR. (“THOMPSON”), age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 18, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Unlawful Possession and Use of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key used by Postal Service employees to access authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, and Theft of approximately 232 pieces of United States Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on September 12, 2021, and September 20, 2021, THOMPSON stole mail from the Gretna Post Office in Gretna, Louisiana. He was also found in possession of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key on October 5, 2021. U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced THOMPSON to fifteen (15) months in the Bureau of Prisons, 2 years of supervised release and a mandatory $300 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General, the Gretna Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran Illegal Indicted for Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that ELVIN LEONARDO OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ (“OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ”), age 37, a native of Honduras, was indicted on March 13, 2026, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ was apprehended during a traffic stop on I-12 travelling westbound. During the traffic stop, the Border Patrol Officer who conducted the stop learned that OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ was a national of Honduras, that he was in the United States illegally and that he had been previously deported on February 28, 2014, after being arrested in McAllen, Texas.
If convicted, OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs Enforcement Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Honduran Illegal Alien Sentenced for Impeding and Obstructing Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 12, 2026, JOSE WALTER NIETO-CASTELLANOS (“NIETO-CASTELLANOS”), age 31, was sentenced on March 12, 2026, after previously pleading guilty, for Assault Against Law Enforcement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, NIETO-CASTELLANOS forcibly obstructed and impeded a United States Border Patrol Agent, with Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol, while that agent was engaged in the performance of his official duties. During enforcement operations in Gretna, Louisiana federal law enforcement officers identified a vehicle associated with an individual believed to at the time to be unlawfully present in the United States. The officers initiated a traffic stop for immigration-related enforcement purposes. NIETO-CASTELLANOS did not immediately yield and attempted to evade the officers. Ultimately, the was stopped by the officers. NIETO-CASTELLANOS refused commands to the vehicle and physically resisted officers during the removal from the vehicle and the application of handcuffs before being restrained.
United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced NIETO-CASTELLANOS to time served, a total of four (4) and ½ months imprisonment, 1-year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. NIETO-CASTELLANOS has now been transferred into the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection after which he will be removed from the United States, and sent back to Honduras.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Honduran Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegal Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MIGUEL ANGEL LOPEZ-MEJIA (“LOPEZ-MEJIA”), age 34, was sentenced on March 17, 2026 after pleading guilty on January 20, 2026, to illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the charging document, LOPEZ-MEJIA, a Honduran national, was found in the United States on October 16, 2025, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 15, 2022. U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion sentenced LOPEZ-MEJIA to an imprisonment term of time served, (1) year of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. LOPEZ-MEJIA was also ordered to be transferred into the custody of United States Customs and Border Protection for removal to Honduras.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick Veters, Jr., of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Gun Controlled Act and Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, ERIN ALONZO (“ALONZO”), age 28, of New Orleans, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machinegun, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 922(o), 924(a)(2), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court records, on or about December 8, 2025, ALONZO allegedly possessed, with the intent to distribute, forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine; possessed firearms including a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi caliber AR pistol, and an Imez Makarov Model K.B.I. nine milli-meter pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possessed a machinegun, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol with an attached conversion device. Additionally, ALONZO is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, due to a prior felony conviction for obstruction of justice related to a homicide investigation.
If convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, ALONZO faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, ALONZO faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of a machinegun, ALONZO faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, ALONZO faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each charged offense.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution, Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition during Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, KENTRELL WILLIAMS (WILLIAMS), a/k/a “Fire,” age 43, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by superseding indictment on March 5, 2026 for distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on or about August 13, 2025, WILLIAMS allegedly distributed 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl in New Orleans. On or about February 3, 2026, WILLIAMS allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.; allegedly possessed a firearm, a Glock Model 21 GEN, .45 caliber pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Finally, WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior felony convictions in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.
If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of five (5) years, up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least (3) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each charged offense, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, the Major Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Lafourche Parish Resident Guilty of Furthering Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – MICHAEL LEWIS, (“LEWIS”), age 44, of Thibodaux, pled guilty on March 13, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long , to a superseding bill of information charging him with illegal use of communications facility to further a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2. At the sentencing, scheduled for June 16, 2026, he faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to the charging document, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least June 5, 2024, LEWIS conspired with other individuals, mainly Linez Green and John Paul Gage Jr., to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting narcotics to Thibodaux, Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications, and the use of multiple vehicles. On multiple occasions, LEWIS used his cell phone to further this conspiracy and helped others distribute methamphetamine to numerous customers in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Both Green and Gage Jr. have also previously pled guilty in this case.
The United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
Orleans Parish Resident Guilty of Maintaining Residence for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – RONALD KELLUP, (“KELLUP”), age 77, of New Orleans, pled guilty on March 12, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 856, announced Attorney David I. Courcelle.
At the sentencing, scheduled for June 18, 2026, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl. Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Lawyer Indicted for Defrauding Client’s FamilyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Friday, March 13, 2026, a Federal Grand Jury indicted TANZANIKA RUFFIN (“RUFFIN”), age 48, for wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, RUFFIN defrauded approximately $250,000 from her clients’ family. RUFFIN made numerous misrepresentations to the family regarding the $250,000. RUFFIN falsely told her client and his family that they had to compensate a New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officer for various fictitious injuries and harms that the officer had allegedly suffered. RUFFIN also falsely represented that she had confected a “Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement” (“NDA”) with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and the NOPD officer. According to RUFFIN, this fabricated NDA required her client’s family to keep confidential any discussions about a financial settlement. In truth and in fact, no such NDA existed. Instead, RUFFIN spent all the money on personal and unauthorized expenditures and did not give any funds to the NOPD officer.
If convicted, RUFFIN faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States Attorney David I. Courcelle of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
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Nine-Time Felon Sentenced for Firearms Violation After Participating in ShootoutRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GERARD CARR (“CARR”), age 27, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan on January 22, 2026 to 137 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), his ninth felony conviction.
According to court documents, in April of 2025, CARR was involved in a shootout in front of a convenience store on North Galvez Street in New Orleans. One week later, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence associated with CARR and found the gun he used during the shootout. Prior to possessing the firearm, CARR was convicted in Orleans Parish of several felony offenses, including conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to possess a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and illegally possessing a stolen firearm.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Resident Sentenced for Making Ransom Demand for Release of Kidnapping VictimRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –JANETTE RAMIREZ (“RAMIREZ”), age 34, was sentenced on January 15, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to interstate transmission of a ransom demand, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, the victim was kidnapped by RAMIREZ’s co-defendants, Hector Mondragon-Flores and Edwin Salgado-Nunez. They bound the victim’s hands and legs together, held him at gunpoint in Mondragon-Flores’s apartment, and demanded the payment of $7,000 ransom from the victim’s father for the victim’s release. Salgado-Nunez was arrested by New Orleans Police Department officers during a ransom exchange after the victim’s father paid Salgado-Nunez’s associate $3,000 in cash.
Following Salgado-Nunez’s arrest, Mondragon-Flores took the victim to RAMIREZ’s apartment. Mondragon-Flores then instructed the victim to facilitate a payment from the victim’s girlfriend for the victim’s release. RAMIREZ translated a conversation between the victim and his girlfriend in English, concerning the ransom payment, to Spanish for Mondragon-Flores, so that he could monitor the conversation. RAMIREZ also agreed to use her CashApp account to receive the ransom payment and sent the victim’s girlfriend CashApp payment requests knowing that they would be viewed as a request for ransom for the victim’s release.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David Berman and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Being Felon in Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CORTEZ JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 42, was indicted on January 9, 2026, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, JOHNSON possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of human trafficking in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and aggravated assault on a family member in Harris County, Texas.
As to each count, JOHNSON faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Felons Indicted for Federal Drug-Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DONELL BARTHELEMY (“BARTHELEMEY”), age 22, and MICHAEL BROOKS (“BROOKS”), age 30, were charged in a recently unsealed eight-count indictment with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act on February 6, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
BARTHELEMEY and BROOKS are each charged with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a), (b)(1)(C), and 846; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(o); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). BROOKS is additionally charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). BARTHELEMY is additionally charged with possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(B)(ii), and possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
According to the indictment, on August 13, 2025, BARTHELEMY and BROOKS possessed marijuana and tapentadol, with the intent to distribute those substances, and possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. One of the firearms was a Glock handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device, making it a fully automatic machinegun.
BARTHELEMY has a prior felony conviction for negligent homicide in Orleans Parish, and BROOKS has prior felony convictions for first degree robbery, aggravated battery, and unauthorized use of a movable in Orleans Parish.
As to each of the drug-trafficking counts, BARTHELMEY and BROOKS face up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. They face up to 20 years in prison for the firearms conspiracy and up to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, along with up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for each of those counts.
As to the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, BROOKS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
As to the charge of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, BARTHELEMY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to the possession of a machinegun charge, he faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
Each of the eight counts also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Guatemalan Illegal Alien Indicted for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JACOBO EDUARDO US-REAL (“US-REAL”), age 18, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on March 5, 2026, for assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on or about January 14, 2026, US-REAL assaulted an Officer of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), during the performance of her official duties, inflicting bodily injury upon the federal officer. While conducting illegal immigration field operations in Metairie, Louisiana, ICE-ERO approached a vehicle owned by a known alien with a prior order of removal. The occupants of the vehicle refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to flee in the vehicle. One of the occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. A scuffle ensued between law enforcement officers and the remaining two occupants during which pepper spray was deployed. The driver fled on foot but was ultimately caught and arrested. US-REAL was handcuffed and placed in the rear of a law enforcement vehicle. While an ICE-ERO agent was assisting US-REAL by flushing his eyes with water, he headbutted the agent, bit her, and fled on foot while handcuffed behind his back. US-REAL was later apprehended by ICE agents.
If convicted, US-REAL faces up to eight (8) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Veters, Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit.
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Tangipahoa Parish Man Sentenced for PPP Fraud, Drug Trafficking, and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DEQUARIUS HAMLER (“HAMLER”), age 38, of Tangipahoa Parish, was sentenced on March 6, 2026 to 135 months imprisonment by U. S. District Judge Greg Guidry on March 5, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to: conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, over 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(B), § 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(A), and § 841(b)(1)(C); making false statements to the Small Business Administration, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1001; and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began a drug trafficking investigation into HAMLER. On three separate occasions in 2023, HAMLER sold a quantity of cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual he thought was a legitimate buyer. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials began to suspect HAMLER was having his girlfriend, Latijeria Martin, deposit his illegal drug trafficking proceeds into a local bank to launder this drug money as legitimate funds. Bank records and financial documents showed that between January 1, 2021, through September 9, 2023, Martin and HAMLER made numerous cash deposits totaling $454,589.10 through seven different bank accounts. Martin’s deposits to and from bank accounts operating under her name totaled $328,159.10 while deposits to and from back accounts operating under HAMLER’S name totaled $126,430. Martin would make these bank deposits and withdrawals at the direction and instruction of HAMLER, whom Martin knew to be a drug dealer, and that these funds came from HAMLER’S drug dealing. Bank employees confirmed Martin visited the bank numerous times, sometimes multiple times a day, to make cash deposits and withdrawals. Frequently, the cash money Martin deposited smelled of marijuana. At some point, a bank employee informed Martin that the deposit and withdrawal actions amounted to criminal structuring and money laundering, and that the bank would no longer allow such deposits. Despite Martin’s warning and notice to HAMLER that their actions were considered criminal by the bank, HAMLER told Martin to keep laundering his drug proceeds through their bank accounts. Through investigation, it was determined that the amount of cash Martin and HAMLER deposited, and withdrew, greatly exceeded any legitimate income they reported on their tax returns.
As part of this investigation, a search warrant was ultimately executed on HAMLER’S residence. Large amounts of illegal narcotics and financial documents were located in the residence. In a post-Miranda interview, HAMLER confessed to distributing kilogram amounts of cocaine and marijuana over the past decade.
A review of HAMLER’S bank records uncovered that during the Covid-19 pandemic, HAMLER submitted fraudulent IRS records to the Small Business Administration in hopes of obtaining a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. Through these fraudulent documents, HAMLER ultimately obtained over $19,000 for a small business he claimed to operate, but in fact did not exist. HAMLER later shared this money with Martin.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
New Orleans Woman Guilty of False Statements to the IRS and Cares Act FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – MYIESHA ROBERTSON (“ROBERTSON”), age 35, of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a three-count Bill of Information that charged her with making false statements to the IRS on behalf of a client, and in her own tax filings, and false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, ROBERTSON admitted, in Count 1, making false statements to the IRS in 2022 when she falsely claimed credits for a tax customer, resulting in a refund to which the customer was not entitled in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). As to Count 2, ROBERTSON admitted her failure to report the correct amount of her own taxable income of approximately $116,000 for 2022 in her 1040 IRS tax form in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2). Finally, as to Count 3, ROBERTSON made false statements to the SBA in order to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related, federal government funded, relief loans of approximately $60,900, including PPP funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
Sentencing will be on June 10, 2026. As to Counts 1 and 2, ROBERTSON faces up to three years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements to the IRS. As to Count 3, she faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count due after conviction.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Woman Guilty of Aiding Preparation of False Tax Return, Aiding in Making False Statements to Small Business Administration and Making False Statements to Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ASHLEY COOPER (“COOPER”), age 41 of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a three-count Bill of Information that charged her with aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, aiding and abetting in making false statements to the Small Business Administration, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, as to Count 1, COOPER admitted that she aided and assisted with the preparation of a false tax return on behalf of a client by claiming false fuel tax credits in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). This false tax return resulted in a fraudulently obtained refund from the IRS for the 2022 tax year. As to Count 2, COOPER admitted that she also aided and abetted a person in filing a false Paycheck Protection Program loan through the CARES Act, resulting in a fraudulently obtained loan of approximately $20,832.00 in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 2. Finally, as to with regard to Count 3, COOPER made false statements to the SBA to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, for which she received approximately $19,790.00, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.
Sentencing will be on June 10, 2026. For Count 1, COOPER faces up to three years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release, for her false statements to the IRS. For Counts 2 and 3, she faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for her false statements. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, per count, due after conviction.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Federal Drug-Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –ROBERT POLK (“POLK”), age 23, was indicted on February 6, 2026, for two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C); two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); and one count of possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(j) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on May 20, 2024 and December 30, 2025, POLK possessed tapentadol with the intent to distribute same and possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, including a firearm that POLK knew was stolen. POLK is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions in Arkansas for aggravated assault on a family or household member, and terroristic threatening in the first degree.
As to each of the drug-trafficking counts, POLK faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to each of the counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, POLK faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to each other and any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each of the charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, POLK faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a stolen firearm, POLK faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each of the seven counts also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiracy and Interstate Transport of Stolen VehiclesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 24, 2026, CHRISTOPHER MYERS (“MYERS”), age 33, a resident of Slidell, was sentenced on February 26, 2026 by United Stated District Judge Susie Morgan, after previously pleading guilty, to six months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. A $100 mandatory special assessment fee was also imposed.
According to the indictment, MYERS, and others, devised a scheme to create fake credit profiles to secure funding for auto loans. The credit profiles used both stolen and fake social security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, and dates of birth. Once they secured the loan they would purchase vehicles from local car dealerships. Once the group took possession of the vehicles, they would never pay back the auto loan, sell the vehicles for their personal enrichment, or use the vehicles for their personal enjoyment.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Pearl River County Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Palestine National Indicted for Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MOHAMED H.M. ZEIDAN, a/k/a “Sebastian Marcello, a/k/a “Sebastian York,” age 33, a native of Palestine, was indicted on March 5, 2026, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to the indictment, on or about August 3, 2023, ZEIDAN, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a MC9 semi-automatic pistol and a RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.
ZEIDAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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Slidell Man Charged with Cares Act FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 27, 2026, MARCEL GROSS, age 51, of Slidell, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
A bill of information alleges that GROSS fraudulently obtained a $350,272 Paycheck Protection Program loan, which was a form of assistance authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such loans were forgivable and designed to enable businesses to meet payroll expenses. It is alleged that GROSS complied with a coconspirator’s instructions to pay the coconspirator 40 percent of the loan amount in the form of numerous checks that would be negotiated over multiple weeks so as not to “flag.”
If convicted, GROSS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, which may be followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form
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New Orleans Tax Preparer Indicted for $2 Million Covid Fraud Conspiracy and Making False Statements to AgentsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 27, 2026, DENISE DIXON, age 52, was indicted on multiple counts for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and false statements to federal agents, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
Count One of the Indictment charged DIXON with conspiring to commit wire fraud between 2020 and 2022, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1343. In Counts Two through Seven, DIXON was charged with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Count Eight charged DIXON with making false statements to federal agents in April 2023, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.
According to the Indictment, DIXON owned a tax preparation business in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Indictment alleges that DIXON caused the submission of numerous applications seeking over two million dollars in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program on behalf of herself, her family members, and clients. DIXON and her co-conspirators made false representations on the applications and attached falsified tax documentation.
If convicted of Counts One through Seven, DIXON faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, per count. As to Count Eight, DIXON faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count is also applicable.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Cares Act Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – IRVIN C. FRANCOIS, III (“FRANCOIS”), age 54, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to making false statements, and money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One of the primary sources of funding for small businesses was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to court records, on or about March 24, 2021, FRANCOIS, on behalf of a business that he owned, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain approximately $144,790 for a PPP loan. FRANCOIS then committed money laundering by using these ill-gotten funds to buy an automobile from a dealership in Kenner, Louisiana.
In addition to three years of probation, FRANCOIS was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and ordered to pay $153,171.95 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program. Task force agents who are detailed to the PRAC receive expanded authority to investigate pandemic fraud as well as tools and training to support their investigations.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.
Gretna Woman Indicted for Bank TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – On February 27, 2026, ALEXA MARIE BRAUD, (“BRAUD”), age 34, of Gretna, was indicted for bank theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on February 4, 2026, BRAUD, entered a Federal Credit Union, located in Gretna, Louisiana, where she was a bank manager, and took $181,000 in United States currency. The deposits of Riverland Federal Credit Union are insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
BRAUD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Gretna Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Anne Flippo of the Financial Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
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St. Tammany Parish Man Indicted for Assaulting Federal Court Security OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSEPH E. MCMANUS, (“MCMANUS”), age 48, of Pearl River, was indicted on February 26, 2026 for assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on or about October 6, 2025, MCMANUS, assaulted a Special Deputy United States Marshal while he was engaged in, and on account of, his official duties.
For the offense, MCMANUS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight (8) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Marshal’s Service, Federal Protective Services, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA, age 47, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the Bill of Information, JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA reentered the United States on or about November 3, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 21, 2000.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA to time served, 1-year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA also has an order for removal from the United States after his sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Irene González in the General Crimes Unit.
Hammond Man Guilty of Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine Distribution and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JOHN TICKLES JR. (“TICKLES JR.”), age 30 of Hammond, Louisiana, plead guilty on February 26, 2026, to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act before United States District Judge Barry Ashe, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. Specifically, TICKLES JR. plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 of the Superseding Indictment pending against him. Count One charges him with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture an substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. Counts Two and Eleven charge him with distribution of forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Counts Three, Six, Nine, and Twelve charge him with knowingly and intentionally using a communication facility, to wit: a telephone, in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Counts Five and Eight charge him with distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count Fourteen charges him with possession with intent to distribute four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C).
On Counts 1 and 2, TICKLES JR. faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Counts 2, 5, 8, and 11, TICKLES JR. faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Counts 3, 6, 9, and 12, TICKLES JR. faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 1 year of supervised release following imprisonment.
As to each count, TICKLES JR. also faces payment of a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, TICKLES JR. conspired with co-defendants, to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In a series of wire calls, TICKLES JR. discussed every aspect of his fentanyl business, including co-conspirators, prices, warnings about the location of law enforcement, and coordinated distribution to others.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne the Narcotics Unit.
Byrd Gang Leader Sentenced to 360 Months for Rico Conspiracy, Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, and Firearms Possession ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – TIM JACKSON, a/k/a T-Maf,” “Maf,” 37 years old and of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 25, 2026, by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for a RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy. As part of a plea agreement, JACKSON was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300.00 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
After four days of a trial against him, JACKSON pled guilty to a 30-year sentence to avoid a possible life sentence if convicted. JACKSON’s co-defendants, Terran Williams, Tyrone Bovia and Javonta Doleman, went to trial in the Spring of 2025, and all three were found guilty of various charges, including two counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (Murder), for which each faces a mandatory life sentence.
JACKSON was a leader of the Byrd Gang, also known as M3RE, MagFischer, 315 and Piff Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development, but also had ties to the Westbank. Daily, its members distributed drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana, and always possessed a multitude of firearms. JACKSON participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes for the Byrd Gang.
Members of the enterprise, including JACKSON, participated in acts of violence, to include, but not limited to the July 18, 2016, murder of Kent Franklin; the September 3, 2016, murder of Javon Johnigan; the October 29, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the November 25, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the December 20, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the December 30, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the January 31, 2017, double murder of Ghost Gang member, Wynston Jackson, and Lawrence Williams, IV; the May 3, 2017, shooting at M.I.; and the August 25, 2017, shooting of Ghost Gang member T.H., that happened in a busy shopping corridor of Magazine Street.
In both trials, the government’s evidence regarding the existence and nature of the enterprise came from the testimony of witnesses and cooperating informants, cooperating defendants, police searches and seizures, Title III wiretaps, historical arrests of members of the enterprise, including of JACKSON, among other sources. JACKSON, led the Byrd Gang and was the principal supplier of controlled substances for the enterprise, specifically heroin, while also acting as a gunman for the enterprise. JACKSON unlawfully and knowingly conspired with Byrd Gang members to conduct and participate, in the operation of the enterprise through committing racketeering activities including murders, in violation of Title 14, Louisiana Revised Statutes Sections 24 (Principals), 26 (Criminal Conspiracy), 27 (Attempt) and 30.1 (Second Degree Murder); as well as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana trafficking, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.
As part of the conspiracy, JACKSON, and each co-defendant, agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering for the benefit of the Byrd Gang. JACKSON himself participated in numerous such racketeering acts. Specifically, between 2014 and January 2017, when JACKSON was arrested on federal charges, for which he is still serving a sentence, JACKSON regularly purchased large quantities of heroin from R.L. During this period, JACKSON was the leader of the Byrd Gang and its most prolific drug dealer. JACKSON provided several drug stash houses from which Byrd Gang members would distribute drugs.
During the trial, Evidence presented at trial showed numerous back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, some of which killed innocent bystanders, fueled largely by social media posts, rap music, and videos.
During the investigation, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from JACKSON.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
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St. John the Baptist Parish Men Guilty of Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANDRES CRUZ GARCIA (“CRUZ GARCIA”), age 33, DARIEL HERNANDEZ GARCIA (“HERNANDEZ GARCIA”), age 33, and RICARDO JIMENEZ RAMOS (“JIMENEZ RAMOS’), age 58, residents of Laplace, Louisiana, plead guilty before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to conspiracy to possess, and possession with intent to distribute, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 846, and possession with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
For each count, the three men face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on September 10, 2023, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office deputies seized 69 kilograms of cocaine from the Laplace residence of co-conspirator, EDEL FREYRE-SOTO. Continued investigation by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the deputies revealed that CRUZ GARCIA, HERNANDEZ GARCIA, JIMENEZ RAMOS, and others, conspired to conduct large-scale cocaine transactions utilizing a vessel off the coast of the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). On March 19, 2024, DEA agents seized 85 kilograms of cocaine from a residence in Laplace where HERNANDEZ GARCIA, JIMENEZ RAMOS, and MARCOS QUINTERO OTERO, another co-conspirator, were living. This cocaine was smuggled in through a marina at Grand Isle, and this organization intended to distribute it throughout the United States.
HERNANDEZ GARCIA and JIMENEZ RAMOS will be sentenced on June 2, 2026. CRUZ GARCIA will be sentenced on June 9, 2026.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the DEA and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver, now serving with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Schiffman, of the Narcotics Unit for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Romanian Man Guilty of Card Skimming ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIEL IULIAN TEUTOC (“TEUTOC”), also known as “Simon Mikula,” a citizen of Romania, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to use skimmers to steal credit card information, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, TEUTOC and his codefendant, Constantin CALIN, went to Walmart stores across the Eastern District of Louisiana, including Laplace, Slidell, Harvey, Boutte, Chalmette, and New Orleans. TEUTOC and CALIN captured card information at different points of sale, where card skimming devices had been previously installed by other members of the conspiracy. TEUTOC and CALIN used magnets to activate the card skimmers and send the card information electronically to TEUTOC and CALIN’s cell phones. After gaining possession of the customer’s credit, debit, and EBT card information, TEUTOC and CALIN sent the information to another coconspirator with the intent to allow members of the conspiracy to make fraudulent charges with the stolen card information. Under the terms of his plea agreement, TEUTOC agreed to pay over $11 million in restitution to the victims of the scheme.
At sentencing, TEUTOC faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for June 4, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, New Orleans Police Department, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator; Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit; and André Jones, lead OCDETF Narcotics Task Force Attorney, are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
New Orleans Resident Indicted for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALONZO MCGEE (“MCGEE”), age 43, of New Orleans, was indicted on February 6, 2026, for Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about November 12, 2025, MCGEE distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
If convicted, MCGEE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to forty years; a fine of up to $5 Million; at least four years of supervised release, and the payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Briana N. Williams of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.