Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Memphis Man Charged with Trafficking 14-Year-Old Female into the New Orleans Area to Perform Commercial Sex ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JEREMY TALBERT, age 26, from Memphis, Tennessee, was charged today in a one-count bill of information for his role in bringing a fourteen-year-old female from Memphis, Tennessee to New Orleans, Louisiana for the purpose of having her perform commercial sex acts in or about October 2020 and continuing until on or about December 17, 2020. For this alleged conduct, the bill of information charges TALBERT with Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1), 1591(b)(2), 1594(a), and 2.
If convicted, TALBERT faces a minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment. The defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years to life, up to a $250,000 fine, a requirement that the defendant participate in the sex offender registration and notification program, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
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Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Wire and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that WAYNE TRICHE, 72, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and tax fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), respectively.
According to Court documents, TRICHE was responsible for managing a portion of the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund’s (“NORPRF”) investments. Rather than return the profits earned to the NOPRF, TRICHE embezzled approximately $937,658.77 and used those funds for personal expenses such as a civil court judgment, credit card charges, and gambling. The tax fraud charges stem from TRICHE’s failure to claim the embezzled funds on his personal income tax returns, resulting in tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $329,895.00.
As to the wire fraud charge, TRICHE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to the tax fraud, TRICHE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of up to $100,000, up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. TRICHE will be sentenced on June 14, 2022.
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that individuals like Mr. Wayne Triche who engage in financial fraud will be discovered and held accountable. The FBI is determined to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who are committing financial crimes to enrich themselves at the expense of others,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana and Internal Revenue Service for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice.”
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for His Role in a Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAURUS RUSSELL, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on March 10, 2022 to a three-count superseding bill of information. In Count 1, RUSSELL was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846. In Count 2, RUSSELL was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). In Count 3, HARRIS was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).
According to court documents, RUSSELL conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine. Additionally, RUSSELL used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced RUSSELL on March 10, 2022. For Count 1, RUSSELL received a term of imprisonment of 120 months, a period of supervised release of 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Counts 2 and 3, RUSSELL was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 48 months, a period of supervised release of 1 year per count, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 per count. All terms of imprisonment and supervised release are to run concurrently.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Metairie Woman Indicted for Theft of More Than $76,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RACHEL COONEY, age 37, of Metairie, Louisiana was indicted on March 11, 2022 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the indictment, beginning in November 2015 and continuing through January 2020, COONEY collected Social Security Administration benefits paid to a deceased relative. It is alleged that, in total, COONEY fraudulently received approximately $76,139 in Social Security Administration benefits to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, COONEY faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.
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Harvey Man Indicted for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the indictment of JAYDEN D. D. HALL, age 21, of Harvey, Louisiana, who was charged on March 11, 2022 in a five-count federal indictment for crimes involving child exploitation.
HALL was charged with one count of Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); three counts of Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1) and (b)(1); and one count of Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1519.
If convicted of the production count, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years up to a maximum sentence of thirty years of imprisonment. If convicted of the transportation counts, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of twenty years of imprisonment. If convicted of the obstruction count, HALL faces up to twenty years of imprisonment.
For the production and transportation counts, HALL also faces a term of supervised release of no less than five years and up to life after his release from prison. For the obstruction count, HALL faces up to three years of supervised release. For each count, HALL faces a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person as a result of these offenses, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.
Alabama Resident Indicted for Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that QUINCY WHITE, age 41, and a resident of Mobile, Alabama, was charged on March 11, 2022 in a one count indictment by a federal grand jury with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to the indictment, on October 24, 2020, WHITE possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted of Count One, WHITE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, and the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 81 Months Imprisonment for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that REYNAUD KENDRELL VARISTE (“VARISTE”), age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 81 months imprisonment and a $200.00 mandatory special assessment fee after pleading guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Upon release from imprisonment, VARISTE will be placed on supervised release for 3 years.
On July 12, 2018, VARISTE was charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury with possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn M. McHugh prosecuted the case.
Violet, Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY ENCLARDE, a/k/a “Murda,” age 53, a resident of Violet, Louisiana plead guilty to two counts of a superseding indictment. In Count 1, ENCLARDE was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. In Count 14, ENCLARDE was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).
According to court documents, ENCLARDE conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Additionally, ENCLARDE used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.
United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence ENCLARDE on June 7, 2022. For Count 1, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count 14, ENCLARDE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, Andre Jones, and Melissa Bucher of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Tangipahoa Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMES WATTS, age 50, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon yesterday to a one count superseding bill of information charging him with possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on March 8, 2021, Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office deputies initiated a traffic stop on WATTS in Independence, Louisiana after they received a report that WATTS had assaulted a female victim. Upon stopping WATTS, deputies saw drug paraphernalia in plain view in the rear passenger seat. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 397 grams of methamphetamine.
During a subsequent interview with agents from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, WATTS acknowledged the methamphetamine found during the search of the vehicle was his. He further admitted that he had sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine between March 6th and March 8th, 2021, and that he obtained two pounds of methamphetamine from his source of supply approximately every two weeks.
WATTS faces a mandatory minimum term of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, the Controlled Substances Act, and Possession of Body ArmorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SIDNEY SIMON, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on March 4, 2022 in a five-count indictment by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, possessing body armor after being convicted of a violent felony, possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, SIMON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, SIMON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing body armor after being convicted of a violent felony, SIMON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana, SIMON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least two (2) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, SIMON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. SIMON must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each charge.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Mike Trummel.
City of Kenner Former Director of Inspection and Code Enforcement Pleads Guilty to Using an Interstate Facility with Intent to Carry on Unlawful Activity and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that JAMES MOHAMAD, 52, of Kenner, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity (Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1952(a)(3)) and filing false tax returns (Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1)).
According to Court documents, MOHAMAD, the former Director of the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement for the City of Kenner, paid bribe money to Brian Medus, the Assistant Chief Mechanical Inspector for the City of New Orleans, Safety and Permits Department, in return for the issuance of fraudulent permits for MOHAMAD’s HVAC jobs. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, MOHAMAD paid Medus and others approximately $93,000 to further the bribery scheme. Additionally, MOHAMAD filed false individual tax returns which omitted substantial amounts of income resulting in an understated amount of income tax due.
As to the conspiracy charge, MOHAMAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to the tax fraud, MOHAMAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. MOHAMAD will be sentenced on July 13, 2022.
A co-defendant, Brian Medus, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and is scheduled for sentencing on May 18, 2022.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and the City of New Orleans/Office of Inspector General. Assistance was also provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.
Assumption Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RODNEY ROUSSELL (“ROUSSELL”), age 40, of Belle Rose, Louisiana, pled guilty today to bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against ROUSSELL began as a result of a complaint from a local company (“Company A”) to the FBI. According to the bill of information, in August, 2017, ROUSSELL began working for Company A. Company A maintained its operational headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Company A maintained a business account with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”). Company A’s salary payments to ROUSSELL were made electronically and drawn on Company A’s account.
As Company A’s employee, ROUSSELL did not have access to Company A’s Chase Bank account, and was not authorized to make payments of any kind using funds in the account. Beginning in or about April 2018, and continuing until in or about June 2018, ROUSSELL utilized Chase Bank’s web portal and mobile banking app to transfer money from Company A’s account to pay the balance of ROUSSELL’s personal bank card. In total, ROUSSELL obtained $213,372.05 from Company A’s Chase Bank account.
ROUSSELL faces a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years imprisonment, followed by up to five (5) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for June 14, 2022, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige O’Hale.
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Washington Parish Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEMARQUIEZ HARRIS (“D. HARRIS”), age 26, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 3, 2022, by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 262 months’ imprisonment and 60 months of supervised release after pleading guilty to five counts of a twelve-count indictment charging him and two of his brothers with several narcotics offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. D. HARRIS pled guilty to counts 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of the indictment. The counts of conviction are as follows:
Count 1-Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine;
Count 4-Distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine;
Count 6-Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base;
Count 7- Distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; and
Count 8- Distribution of quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, special agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives identified D. HARRIS’s brother Trevion Harris as a methamphetamine trafficker in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Beginning in November of 2018 through May 1, 2019, special agents successfully purchased methamphetamine from Trevion Harris and his brothers, Jonzarrion and D. HARRIS, in amounts ranging from two (2) grams to as many as eight (8) ounces.
In addition to his terms of imprisonment and supervised release, D. HARRIS must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $500.00.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bogalusa Police Department as part of an extensive investigation of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and/or firearms in the Bo0galusa area. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
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New York Man Sentenced to Three Years of Probation for Passing Altered Postal Money Orders and TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTOINE MERCHANT, age 33, of New York, New York, was sentenced on March 3, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana to three (3) years of probation for conspiracy to pass altered U.S. Postal money orders, passing altered U.S. Postal money orders and possessing stolen U.S. government property.
According to court records, MERCHANT and a co-defendant, Anthony Smalls, travelled from New York to Louisiana in October of 2019 to cash stolen U.S. Postal money orders that had been altered to show amounts worth hundreds of dollars. MERCHANT and Smalls cashed two such postal money orders in Kenner and Metairie, LA. When arrested, the defendants also possessed 58 U.S. Postal money orders that they had stolen from an Ascension Parish U.S. Post Office the day before.
In addition to probation, MERCHANT was ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service in the amount of $5,675.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $400.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with assistance from the Louisiana State Police - Criminal Investigations Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
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Amtrak Employee Charged with Cares Act Fraud and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STACEY V. SANTEMORE, SR., age 46, formerly of New Orleans but now a resident of Houston, Texas, was charged on March 3, 2022 in a two-count bill of information with making false statements and theft of government funds related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
In addition, the CARES Act created a temporary federal unemployment insurance program called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) after a major disaster declaration for this funding. PUA, administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), provided unemployment insurance benefits for individuals who are not eligible for other types of unemployment benefits (e.g., the self-employed, independent contractors, or gig economy workers).
According to the charging documents, SANTEMORE, in July 2020, made false statements to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, which he received in the amount of approximately $89,000.
SANTEMORE also applied for Louisiana unemployment benefits through the LWC with PUA funding despite at all times being fully employed by Amtrak, the national passenger railcar company. He obtained more than $1,000 from April 2020 through March 2021, and this amounts to a theft of government funds.
SANTEMORE faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count. He faces up to ten years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the theft count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigations and the Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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South Carolina Man Charged with Interstate Travel for the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with A Fifteen-Year-Old MinorRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GRAHAM LOVELACE, age 33, of Greenville, South Carolina, was charged on March 3, 2022 in a one-count bill of information with interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the bill of information, in October 2021, LOVELACE traveled from Greenville, South Carolina to the Greater New Orleans, Louisiana area by automobile for the purposes of engaging in sexual conduct with a fifteen-year-old minor.
If convicted, LOVELACE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years, followed by a minimum of five (5) years and up to a maximum lifetime term of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. LOVELACE may also be required to register as a sex offender.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 is being investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Melissa Bücher.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for 3 Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ZACHARY VERDIN, age 29, a resident of Marrero, was sentenced this week by United States District Judge Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. VERDIN was sentenced on March 3, 2022 to 48 months of incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee, as to each count. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,061.
According to Count One of the bill of information, on July 19, 2021, VERDIN robbed a Capital One Bank in Marrero, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $521 in the robbery. According to Count Two of the bill of information, on July 26, 2021, VERDIN robbed a Chase Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $1,000 in that robbery. According to Count Three of the bill of information, on August 2, 2021, VERDIN robbed a Regions Bank in Gretna, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $12,540 in that robbery.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man and Woman Indicted for Gun and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TONI JONES, age 33, and TIMREK ANDREWS, age 43, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged on February 25, 2022 in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, TONI JONES is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) in Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment. TONI JONES and TIMREK ANDREWS are each charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) in Counts 3 and 4 of the indictment.
According to court documents, JONES was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin and fentanyl in St. Bernard Parish and ANDREWS was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Due to their criminal history, they are prohibited from having a firearm and are now charged with possessing a Glock 43, 9mm handgun. JONES is additionally accused of possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 10, 2022 along with possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, cocaine base (“crack”), and methamphetamine, all Schedule II controlled substances, with the intent to distribute.
If convicted of Count 1, JONES faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 2, she faces a minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. JONES, if convicted of Count 3, and ANDREWS, if convicted of Count 4, each face a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that WILSON AMILCAR VASQUEZ-CABALLERO, age 29, was charged on February 25, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, WILSON AMILCAR VASQUEZ-CABALLERO (“VASQUEZ”), reentered the United States after she was previously deported on June 24, 2010. If convicted, VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Duane Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Enlisted Sailor Stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Charged with Producing Files Depicting the Sexual Victimization of Children, Extorting People to Send Sexually Explicit Depictions, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BIAGIO WILLIAM AMBROSINO, age 19, originally from Queens, NY, who is now an enlisted sailor stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a five-count indictment with producing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of a female born in August 2004 (Count 1), and a male born in August 2005 (Count 2), in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2251(a), transmitting interstate threats to a sixteen-year-old female for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(b) (Count 3), transmitting interstate threats to an adult female for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d) (Count 4), and possessing sexually explicit depictions of children under the age of twelve years old, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) (Count 5). Specifically, AMBROSINO is alleged to have extorted his victims into sending him additional sexually explicit depictions by threatening to injure any person and “expose” victims by sending prior depictions to family members. AMBROSINO is alleged to have committed the offenses between August 2020 and January 19, 2022. AMBROSINO was charged on February 25, 2022; the indictment was unsealed after he was taken into custody on February 28, 2022.
AMBROSINO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years as to each of Counts 1 and 2, a maximum term of imprisonment as to each of Counts 3 and 5 of twenty (20) years, and a maximum term of imprisonment as to Count 4 of two (2) years. AMBROSINO also faces up to a lifetime of supervised release for counts 1,2, and 5. For counts 3-4, he faces up to three (3) years and one (1) year, respectively. For each count AMBROSINO may be fined up to $250,000 and be required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in investigating this matter, with assistance from the New York Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Washington Parish Man Sentenced for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, age 28, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced to sixty (60) months’ imprisonment, four (4) years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown after pleading guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; both in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives used a confidential source to make a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from HARRIS. The confidential source, under the direction of agents, went to meet HARRIS to purchase the drugs. The source was greeted at the door by Derrick Mark who made a telephone call to HARRIS to inform him that the source was at the residence to purchase the drugs from him. When HARRIS arrived at the residence, he sold the source approximately one hundred six (106) grams of drugs that tested positive for methamphetamine.
This prosecution was part of an extensive investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bogalusa Police Department of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and/or firearms in Washington Parish. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
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Washington Parish Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAKARI BROWN, a/k/a “Jakari Lemar,” age 23, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was charged on February 25, 2022, in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the indictment, on December 27, 2021, BROWN, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter pistol. If convicted, BROWN faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.
Two Former Coast Guard Employees Plead Guilty in Test-Fixing CaseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the guilty pleas of two former U.S. Coast Guard employees in a test score-fixing scheme. U.S. Attorney Evans also announced additional guilty pleas and sentencings of several other defendants in this matter.
On February 24, 2022, DOROTHY SMITH and BEVERLY MCCRARY pleaded guilty before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe to conspiracy to defraud the United States. The maximum penalties for each defendant are five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing for each defendant is scheduled for April 14, 2022.
SMITH and MCCRARY were employed as credentialing specialists at a Coast Guard exam center in Mandeville, Louisiana. SMITH’s position authorized her to enter scores for examinations that merchant mariners were legally required to pass in order to obtain licenses to serve in various positions on vessels. The examinations tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of the licenses.
In pleading guilty, SMITH admitted that she accepted bribes to fix exam scores. While SMITH would at times directly interact with credential applicants (for example, by soliciting bribes from them when they came to the exam center), she primarily relied on intermediaries. By using intermediaries, SMITH typically avoided having any contact with the mariners to whom she sold scores. Mariners participating in the scheme would usually not even appear for the examinations. SMITH would create Coast Guard records and data entries to make it appear to the Coast Guard that the mariners had appeared and tested. SMITH would make up passing scores for each of the examination’s various modules and enter these false scores in a Coast Guard computer system. SMITH would then send emails to a Coast Guard office falsely stating that the mariners had passed the examinations and should receive the desired endorsements.
MCCRARY pleaded guilty to being one of SMITH’s intermediaries in the scheme. MCCRARY admitted that she acted as an intermediary while employed at the exam center and that she continued participating in the scheme following her 2015 retirement. MCCRARY would gather money and information about the desired endorsements and then provide the information and a portion of the money to SMITH. MCCRARY almost always required upfront cash payments, but on occasion would accept non-monetary things of value. For example, from one mariner, MCCRARY accepted coolers of fresh caught shrimp in exchange for arranging false test scores. To make it less likely that the scheme would be discovered, MCCRARY instructed mariners: to not contact the exam center regarding their credential applications; to not work on vessels during the days they were supposed to be testing; and to use code words when discussing the scheme on the telephone. MCCRARY recruited some of the mariners while she was on duty at the exam center. For example, when mariners came to the exam center to address matters related to their credential applications, MCCRARY would strike up conversations with them and proceed to solicit them to engage in the scheme. MCCRARY also developed her own network of intermediaries beneath her in the scheme. These intermediaries included ALEXIS BELL, MICHEAL WOOTEN, and SHARRON ROBINSON, who have all pleaded guilty and collectively admitted to having MCCRARY arrange false scores for a total of 31 mariners, including themselves.
SMITH and MCCRARY admitted that they engaged in the scheme from before April 2012 until May 2019 and that they caused more than 50 mariners to receive false scores, with some mariners obtaining false scores on multiple occasions. Each falsely-reported examination resulted in the issuance of an unearned license, with almost all of the licenses being officer-level. Officer-level licenses include the most important positions on vessels, such as master, chief mate, and chief engineer.
Earlier this year, Judge Ashe sentenced two mariners who had pleaded guilty to acting as MCCRARY’s intermediaries: on January 7, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced MICHEAL WOOTEN to 54 months imprisonment; on February 3, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced ALEXIS BELL to 42 months imprisonment. WOOTEN and BELL were each also sentenced to one year of supervised release to follow their prison terms.
On January 20, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced two of the mariners who received fraudulent licenses through scores entered by SMITH. FREDRICK NETTLES was sentenced to six months imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release and 100 hours of community service. STINSON PAYNE was sentenced to one year probation and 100 hours of community service.
Seven of the eight defendants charged in a separate indictment pleaded guilty before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon to obtaining unearned endorsements through false scores entered by SMITH: RANSFORD ACKAH, ODELL GRIGGS, and DEVIN HEBERT pleaded guilty on January 13, 2022; NATHANIEL DOMINICK, RAYNEL LEWIS, and MAURICE PALMER pleaded guilty on February 3, 2022; and ADRIAN MACK pleaded guilty on February 10, 2022. The maximum penalties for each defendant are five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads to Gun and Drug Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that QUENTRELL BERTHOLOTTE, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged on February 24, 2022 to a four count indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court documents, on January 14, 2020 BERTHOLOTTE was seen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) on video surveillance wielding a 5.56 caliber “ghost gun,” a weapon which does not have a serial number. During a search of his girlfriend’s apartment on April 22, 2021, FBI agents found over forty (40) grams of fentanyl, the “ghost gun,” a Glock Model 27 firearm, and over $30,000.00 in U.S. currency. BERTHOLOTTE had been previously convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Orleans Parish.
BERTHOLOTTE’s sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2022 before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
For possession with intent to distribute narcotics, BERTHOLOTTE faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces up to a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Gun and Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DESEAN CHRISTY, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on February 25, 2022 in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, in Count One CHRISTY is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). In Count Two, he is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Finally, in Count Three, he is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, CHRISTY was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin, cocaine, and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 10, 2022. He is further alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).
If convicted of Count 1, CHRISTY faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 2, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Jefferson Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHRIS HABISREITINGER, 51, from Jefferson Parish, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C).
HABISREITINGER took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas for over a year.
At sentencing, HABISREITINGER faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a maximum fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment., and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan Paige, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud Spanning More Than Three DecadesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BETTY ARRINGTON a/k/a “Betty Callie Arrington,” a/k/a “Betty Francis C Miller,” a/k/a “Betty Miller” (“ARRINGTON”), age 72, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 in federal court before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court records, ARRINGTON engaged in a 35-year multifaceted scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). From 1984 through 2019, ARRINGTON intentionally used a Social Security number (“SSN”) not assigned to her by the Commissioner of the SSA to conceal her earnings from employment in the New Orleans area. ARRINGTON’s fraudulent use of a SSN, in addition to the concealment of program eligibility factors and the intentional submission of false statements to SSA, aided ARRINGTON in fraudulently gaining and maintaining Supplemental Security Income Disability benefits totaling approximately $164,270.90.
The Court set sentencing in this matter for June 1, 2022. ARRINGTON faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General for its work in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long.
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New Orleans Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENZEL SHINE, age 24, of New Orleans, and RAHKEEN ROBERTS, age 24, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846.
According to court documents, SHINE and ROBERTS conspired with each other and others to distribute fentanyl from sometime prior to January 9, 2021 until August 19, 2021. SHINE and ROBERTS face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years of imprisonment, up to $5,000,000 in fines, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Metairie Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMILE JONES, age 44, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 23, 2022 by the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Specifically, JONES previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, fentanyl and methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and one count of distribution of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court records, JONES conspired with others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, heroin and fentanyl, and JONES possessed over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
Judge Milazzo sentenced JONES to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, 4 years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”). OCDETF is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Amtrak Employee Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENYA BUTLER-SMALL pleaded guilty on February 23, 2022 to two counts of wire fraud for conduct that occurred while she was employed by Amtrak as an On-board Services Train Attendant.
One wire fraud count relates to a scheme in which BUTLER-SMALL recruited more than 40 victims to spots on a purported June 2019 trip from New Orleans to New York City. BUTLER-SMALL told the victims that she had booked roundtrip Amtrak train travel for the trip, as well as activities, such as shows and museum visits. In truth, BUTLER-SMALL had not booked the Amtrak travel or the activities. When the date of the trip approached, BUTLER-SMALL told the victims, from whom she had taken a total of approximately $23,000 to $26,000, that Amtrak had canceled the trip because an incident occurred in which one of the trip’s passengers assaulted an Amtrak employee and made a bomb threat. In truth, no such incident had occurred.
The other wire fraud count is related to a scheme in which BUTLER-SMALL submitted fraudulent sick benefit claims to the Railroad Retirement Board, a federal agency that provides benefits to Amtrak employees. BUTLER-SMALL claimed that she was too sick to work when, in truth, she was working another job. This caused the government to pay BUTLER-SMALL approximately $4,679 in sick benefits for days she falsely claimed to have been unable to work.
BUTLER-SMALL is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. The maximum penalties for each count are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General and the Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
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Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced for Possessing MachinegunRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENDALL PARKER, Jr., age 28, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 16, 2022 to thirty (30) months of imprisonment for possessing a machinegun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).
Court documents show the machinegun PARKER possessed was found during a search of his residence by state law enforcement officers investigating the distribution of controlled substances on April 16, 2020. The firearm PARKER possessed is a modified Glock model 17, nine-millimeter handgun. The manufacturer’s back-slide plate had been removed and replaced with an “A.F.S.” brand aftermarket back slide plate, also known as a “Glock switch.” This modification converted the firearm from a semi-automatic pistol to a fully automatic machinegun.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.
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Plaquemines Parish Man Sentenced for Possessing Firearm with Fifty Round Extended MagazineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MIKAL BLACK, age 24, a resident of Ironton, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 22, 2022 to fifty-seven (57) months of imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Upon release from imprisonment, BLACK will serve three (3) years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Court documents show that BLACK had brandished a firearm on multiple occasions throughout July and August of 2020. The firearm was seized on August 11, 2020 and found to be a Glock .40 caliber handgun, loaded with a fifty (50) round drum magazine containing forty-nine (49) rounds of ammunition. BLACK was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a conviction for manufacturing a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance in the 25th Judicial District Court of Louisiana.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.
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Indiana Native Sentenced for 2019 Attempted Armed Robbery of Uptown CVS Pharmacy That Resulted in Shooting of NOPD OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 28, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced for his participation in the June 17, 2019, robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street in New Orleans.
United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry imposed a sentence for each count of the three-count indictment to which SANSBURY plead guilty. As to count one, SANSBURY was charged with conspiracy to commit a robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2118. For count one, the court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 121 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons. As to count two, SANSBURY was charged with armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2118(a) and (c)(1). For count two, the court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 121 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons. Counts 1 and 2 were ordered to run concurrent to each other. In count three, SANSBURY was charged with discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii). The court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 120 months for this count. The sentence imposed in count three will run consecutive to the sentences imposed in counts 1 and 2. Following his term of imprisonment, SANSBURY will be placed on supervised release for a period of 4 years. The court imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.00.
According to documents filed in court, at approximately 6:06 a.m., Richard SANSBURY and his co-defendant, Alan Parson entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons. Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves. Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and zip-tied a cashier. SANSBURY led the cashier to a restroom inside of the store. Parson went to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing a second employee’s feet with zip-ties. Parson then filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy’s safe. SANSBURY entered the pharmacy area as well and zip-tied the second employee’s hands.
SANSBURY and Parson attempted to escape through the store’s entrance but upon exiting the store, encountered responding New Orleans Police Officers. SANSBURY and Parson engaged in a shootout with the officers that resulted in one officer being shot in the shoulder. Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred inside of the CVS pharmacy, as well as the subsequent shootout with police.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES ALEXANDER, age 51, of New Orleans, pled guilty on Wednesday February 16, 2022 to participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of federal law.
According to court documents, on or about May 20, 2021, JAMES ALEXANDER and another known individual participated in a conspiracy to sell three kilograms of heroin. DEA agents learned of this potential sale that was to take place on Carrollton Avenue in Mid-City around noon. Agents set up surveillance and watched as this drug transaction was taking place. During this time, agents followed a car that they observed ALEXANDER get into, which was driven by a known female. ALEXANDER was wearing a neon yellow construction vest and carrying a grey collapsible food container. Agents followed that vehicle down Carrollton Avenue until it came a stop. ALEXANDER got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. While doing so he discarded the food container that he was carrying. Agents arrested ALEXANDER and recovered the food container, which contained three kilograms of suspected heroin, that had a net worth of approximately $150,000.00.
ALEXANDER was arrested at the scene and transported to the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Field Division for processing. A review of Alexander’s criminal record revealed that he has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from 2000 in the Eastern District of Louisiana where he served approximately 140 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons. He also has several arrest and convictions for drug trafficking offenses in state court.
ALEXANDER now faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. He will be sentenced on May 17, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
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Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Concealment of Material Facts in Connection with Her Receipt of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRENDA PROVOST, age 69, of Slidell, pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon with concealment of material facts in connection with the receipt of social security benefits, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 1383a(a)(3). She had been charged in a bill of information filed on December 17, 2021. Judge Fallon scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2022.
According to court documents, PROVOST received monthly supplemental security income (“SSI”) benefits from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) from May 2005 through February 2020. The amount of SSI benefits depends on a recipient’s financial condition and family composition. During this period, PROVOST was married but failed to accurately report her marital status to SSA officers. As a result, she received $123,234.00 in SSI benefits that she otherwise would not have received had she accurately represented her marital status.
The maximum penalties PROVOST could face are up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain or gross loss, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to the plea agreement, PROVOST and the government agreed that a term of probation would be an appropriate sentence. PROVOST also agreed to pay $123,234.00 in restitution. Judge Fallon will make a determination on whether to accept the plea agreement after the U.S. Probation Office completed its presentence investigation report.
U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, which investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Deputy Sheriff Charged with Making False Statement While Seeking Paycheck Protection Program BenefitsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA-- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIANNA HART, age 32, of LaPlace was charged with making a false statement via a bill of information filed on February 15, 2022, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to the bill of information, HART, formerly a deputy with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, knowingly and willfully made a false statement to the United States Small Business Administration in an application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits she submitted in May 2021.
If convicted, HART faces a maximum sentence of up to five years, up to three years of supervised release, a restitution order, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde is in charge of the prosecution.
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Covington Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAYDEE ARMAS SANTANA (“SANTANA”), age 58, of Covington, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 17, 2022 to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to documents filed in federal court, beginning in 2015, SANTANA filed for, and became eligible for, Social Security Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) disability payments. SANTANA’s SSI application concealed an Iberia Bank account and her ownership in at least two additional pieces of real property, including one located in Miramar Beach, FL. In total, SANTANA fraudulently obtained over $31,000.00 in SSA SSI disability benefits.
SANTANA faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for May 12, 2022, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Kentwood Man Charged with Defrauding Employer and Filing False TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a two-count bill of information charging MICHAEL J. GOLL, age 46, of Kentwood, with wire fraud and filing false federal tax returns. The charges were filed on Friday, February 11, 2022. U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will preside over the case.
According to court documents, GOLL was the New Orleans branch manager of Company A, which provides material handling equipment to businesses. From January 2013 through September 2017, GOLL defrauded Company A of approximately $549,667.39. GOLL is alleged to have executed the scheme by sending Company A false invoices from shell companies that he had created, when in fact the work was either done by Company A’s own employees or the work was not done at all. As part of the scheme, GOLL had a contractor who did personal work for GOLL inflate his bills to Company A to cover the work done for GOLL. GOLL justified the overbilling by telling the contractor that he planned on buying Company A in the future, although GOLL never did purchase Company A, and GOLL never told his employer about the overbilling. Moreover, the bill of information alleges that GOLL filed false federal tax returns, alleging for tax year 2017, GOLL claimed that he had negative income of $22,102.00, when in fact his income for 2017 was $325,232.00.
Count 1 of the bill of information charges GOLL with wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. The maximum penalties he faces as to that count are 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Count 2 charges GOLL with filing false federal tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). The maximum penalties for this count are 3 years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.00. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of a defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Terrebonne Parish Man Indicted for over a Kilo of Fentanyl and Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN, age 25, of Terrebonne Parish, La., was charged February 11, 2022, in a three (3) count indictment by a federal grand jury with narcotics and firearms charges for possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. Specifically, the federal grand jury charged VERDIN with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(vi), as well as Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 922(g)(1), and 924(e)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of the narcotics trafficking charges, VERDIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. VERDIN also faces an additional, consecutive sixty (60) month term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release, if convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Finally, if VERDIN is found to be an Armed Career Criminal due to his criminal history, for his felon in possession of firearms charge, he faces a minimum of fifteen (15) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release. For each offense, VERDIN faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the defendants’ guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher.
St. Bernard Parish Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Airline Baggage ScamRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DONMONICK MARTIN, age 30, of Chalmette, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 9, 2022 to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
According to court documents, MARTIN conspired to defraud commercial airlines through the submission of false claims for reimbursement for lost baggage. In January 2021, MARTIN’s co-conspirator Pernell Jones, Jr. (“JONES”) took a flight to New Orleans under a fictitious identity. Shortly thereafter, MARTIN went into Louis Armstrong International Airport, assumed the same fictitious identity, and falsely told American Airlines that his bag had been lost on the flight. Court documents also allege that, on four occasions, JONES submitted false claims for lost baggage to airlines under false identities and MARTIN agreed to accept the reimbursement funds from the airlines on JONES’s behalf to help JONES evade detection. In November 2021, JONES pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. JONES is set to be sentenced in February 2022.
MARTIN faces up to a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for May 4, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans would like to acknowledge the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Dallas Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Firearms Offenses and Causing Mailing of Fraudulent Concealed Handgun Permit Training Course CertificatesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 16, 2022, TRAVIS WHITE, age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to firearms offenses and mail fraud.
Specifically, WHITE previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1349; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A), 923(a), 924(a)(1)(D) and 371; and one count of sale of a firearm to a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(d) and 924(a)(2).
According to court records, WHITE operated a Louisiana corporation, Always On Point LLC, based out of New Orleans. Through the business, WHITE sold fraudulent certificates attesting that his customers had completed a training course required to obtain concealed carry firearms licenses, although in most cases, those individuals had completed little to no training. WHITE was not an approved concealed-carry-training instructor with the Louisiana State Police. Additionally, WHITE sold firearms to his customers, although he was not a federally licensed firearms dealer. In some instances, WHITE sold firearms to individuals who were not permitted to possess or purchase firearms due to felony convictions.
Judge Africk sentenced WHITE to a term of imprisonment of 51 months, 3 years of supervised release and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana Joins Its Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Partners in Addressing Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Today, in a demonstration of unity, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to announce their joint efforts to address the violent crime spike occurring in the City of New Orleans. The collaborative effort features a team comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).
The components of the collaborative deterrence plan include:
- Investigative resources focused on the most violent offenders/gangs and the use of federal prosecution for long-term criminal deterrence.
- Daily investigative coordination and interagency de-confliction reviews to include the following:
- Interagency sharing of analytical and investigative resources targeting violent crime;
- USMS violent offender warrant list for violent criminals; and
- ATF NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) and eTrace leads.
- Proactive community engagement to guide law enforcement in the apprehension of violent criminals, identification of cooperators, and the development of leads for short-term and long-term racketeering, and VCAIT (Violent Crime Abatement Investigation Team) investigations.
U.S. Attorney Evans stated, "As a law enforcement collective, we recognize the imminency of the violent crime surge sweeping across our community. We want the public to know that federal, state, and local law enforcement stands ready to collaborate, combine resources and continue to target those who prey on our citizens. Victims of crime also should know that law enforcement is committed to preventing, investigating, and solving the crimes that have plagued our community. Just as importantly, the perpetrators of these offenses are on notice that they will be apprehended and held accountable for their actions.”
“The safety and well-being of our citizens is paramount. ATF is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to target gun violence in our communities and has pledged manpower and resources as part of this effort,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “This initiative demonstrates our collective commitment to combatting violent crime in our communities.” Contact ATF TipLine at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477).
“DEA is proud to be a partner in this joint effort to curb the rising violent crime in our city and beyond. The combined strength that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies bring to bear in the battle against these violent offenders will strike a significant blow to their criminal and drug trafficking organizations. By working together, we will leverage our respective resources and expertise to achieve results that we could not accomplish on our own. Our combined, concentrated efforts will make our communities a safer place to live by disrupting the flow of guns and dangerous drugs to our neighborhoods,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
“Violence undermines one of the most basic freedoms of all Americans – the right to feel safe and secure in our own homes and in our communities. Today, let this message be clear to gang members and violent criminals: we will deploy our collective strength to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhoods and communities," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. Please call (504) 816-3000 or submit an anonymous tip at fbi.gov/tips
“Our number one priority is to keep the American public safe. With HSI’s unique transnational authorities, our special agents stand ready to collaborate with and support our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to target the violent criminal activity plaguing our community,” said HSI New Orleans Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jeb Bison. “By coming together in a common mission with our law enforcement partners, we will be able to pool our resources and more efficiently and effectively make our neighborhoods safer.”
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is committed to this initiative with our local, state, and federal partners and feel that partnerships are the key to reducing the uptick of violent crime across the New Orleans metro area. Our USMS New Orleans Task Force has a history of being actively engaged in working with our partners to locate violent felony offenders, sex offenders, and the recovery of missing endangered children.
“The impact of violent crime in our communities is far reaching and affects every aspect of our daily lives,” stated Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “Louisiana State Police is committed to maintaining successful and productive relationships with our public safety partners to combine resources and combat violent crime in the Greater New Orleans area and across the state.”
“From the very beginning of my administration, we have understood the importance of collaborating with our local, state and national partners in the fight against crime in this city. I am grateful to stand with US Attorney Duane Evans, NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson and all of our law enforcement partners in this fight to announce the Violent Crime Deterrent Plan. This unified, strategic plan across agencies will allow us all to combine and coordinate efforts to fight the rise of crime in New Orleans. There is a crime surge happening in this country, but here in New Orleans, we are surging back together,” stated Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams.
"We thank each of our partners for the work that they do day-in and day-out to keep our city safe," said Criminal Justice Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. "The Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Coordination and this administration is dedicated to collaborating with all of our justice system partners, at the local, state, and federal level, to work together to ensure accountability at all points of the system and do the work that we have been called to do."
“The citizens of this city should know that the plan we’re carrying out is a force-multiplier for NOPD will make New Orleans a safer place to live and visit,” NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. “And to individuals who continue to commit violent acts and steal from your neighbors, you need to know we’re coming for you, and we’ll see you soon.”
If you suspect or are aware of any criminal activity, please contact your local federal investigative agency or NOPD.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Carjacking and Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRION YOUNG, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on February 11, 2022 in a six-count indictment by a federal grand jury for carjacking, brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of carjacking, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted of brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven (7) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
As to each of the six (6) counts of the indictment, YOUNG also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel.
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St. Bernard Man Charged with Conspiring to Commit Student Aid FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT JOHN, age 46, from St. Bernard, Louisiana, was indicted on February 11, 2022 for conspiring to commit student aid fraud.
The indictment charged JOHN with one count of conspiring with others to submit fraudulent applications for student loans and grants to two local community colleges, using the names of seven different applicants. According to the indictment, in total, the Department of Education paid over $74,000 in loan and grant funds in connection with the fraudulent applications. The applications contained false information for all applicants, and a few of the applicants did not even qualify for community college because they had not graduated high school or obtained GEDs.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, JOHN faces up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to JOHN or the gross loss to any victims, as well as a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Man Indicted for Possessing U.S. Postal Service Key to Steal U.S. Mail from Postal MailboxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that WAYNE C. WALKER, age 24, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on February 11, 2022 for 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 Unlawful Possession of approximately 80 pieces of stolen United States Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
According to the indictment, on January 26, 2022, WALKER was arrested while in possession of the United States Postal Service “arrow” key and the stolen mail. If convicted, WALKER faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of unlawful possession of the United States Postal Service mail key and a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment on the count of possession of stolen mail, both counts to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri and G. Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Men Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced RAYMOND ZEPEDA, age 49, and ROLANDO CLARK, age 39, both of Houston, Texas, to 120 months imprisonment for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentencing occurred on February 8, 2022.
According to the court records, ZEPEDA and CLARK conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. They were both Houston-based sources of supply for drug dealers in New Orleans.
Judge Zainey sentenced both ZEPEDA and CLARK to served ten (10) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of supervised release and ordered that they each pay a $100 special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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International Drug Traffickers Sentenced for Conspiring to Import Tons of CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Two defendants who admitted to conspiring to import tons of cocaine into the United States were recently sentenced in the Eastern District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced GILBERTO CONTRERAS, age 45, to 108 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States. United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced CARLOS RIVADENEIRA, age 50, to 121 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
According to court records, RIVADENEIRA was a “broker” who connected individuals in Ecuador/Colombia who wanted to move ton quantities of cocaine with transporters who could move the drugs from South America to Central America/Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States. CONTRERAS operated a transportation service moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine from off the coast of Ecuador/Colombia to Central America and Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States. CONTRERAS owned/operated several large container vessels on which a specialized welder had constructed hidden compartments. After RIVADENEIRA brokered the deals, load owners in Ecuador and Colombia, who owned/produced the cocaine being shipped, would pay CONTRERAS a per kilogram price to move the drugs by sea to buyers in Mexico. The load owners would stockpile thousands of kilograms of cocaine in hidden locations primarily along the coast of Ecuador. CONTRERAS would send his vessels from Panama, where they were kept, to meet go-fast boats bringing the cocaine from shore out to international waters. CONTRERAS’s vessels were outfitted with cranes capable of lifting tons of merchandise from the go-fast boats onto the larger vessels, where crew members then secreted the cocaine in hidden compartments. CONTRERAS admitted to using four different vessels to transport large amounts of cocaine on at least six different occasions. Each of the six trips involved at least 3,000 and up to 8,500 kilograms of cocaine, which has a street value in the hundreds of millions. RIVADENEIRA admitted being caught in a recorded undercover meeting discussing the logistics of a recurring 3,000 kilogram shipment of cocaine to buyers in Mexico from producers in Ecuador.
The case arose from a multi-year investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, in conjunction with several HSI offices in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. As the investigation developed, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Panama office also became heavily involved, with assistance from DEA’s offices in Ecuador and Colombia. This truly collaborative investigation across agencies and offices led to three massive maritime interdictions, coordinated by the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and involving the United States Coast Guard and the Guatemalan Navy, in which over 13,000 kilograms of cocaine were seized.
The interdictions led to the prosecution both in the United States and abroad of scores of crew members. Later prosecutions in the United States focused on dismantling the organization and included charges against the expert welder who built the hidden compartments, associates who helped prepare the vessels for the drug runs, the shore to ship service provider, and a money launderer who help hide the proceeds. These prosecutions were assisted by numerous parts of the Department of Justice and, with substantial assistance from the Department’s Office of International Affairs, involved coordinating arrests in multiple countries and subsequent extraditions. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana has secured convictions of 15 participants and forfeited luxury apartments here and abroad, as well as high end vehicles and cash.
“Our office remains highly focused on disrupting any international drug trafficking that benefits from the illegal sale and consumption of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “Despite the immense scope and duration of this investigation, its outcome was due to effective local and international law enforcement collaborations. Their tireless efforts resulted in the successful prosecutions of those engaged in this criminal conspiracy.”
“The scope and length of this investigation is a testament to our resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade, aggressively pursue narcotics traffickers, and keep our communities free from dangerous narcotics,” said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge David Denton. “HSI, and our law enforcement partners, know that our work isn’t over, but our commitment to the American public is as strong as ever.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Coast Guard. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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Seven More Charged in Staged Automobile Collision SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans recently unsealed the indictment of FLORENCE RANDLE (“RANDLE”), age 70, of Gibson; STACIE WHEATEN (“WHEATEN”), age 50, of Atlanta; JOSEPH BREWTON (“BREWTON”), age 56, of Houma; DAVID BROWN (“BROWN”), age 50, of Morgan City; GILDA HENDERSON (“HENDERSON”), age 69, of Morgan City; LATRELL JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 30, of New Orleans; and LARRY PICOU (“PICOU”), age 56, of Gibson. The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2022 and unsealed after the arrests of BROWN and PICOU. This indictment brings the total number of defendants charged in the federal probe into the staging of accidents with tractor-trailers to 47.
All seven defendants were charged in a 10-count federal indictment. All of the defendants were charged in Count 1 with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. BREWTON was charged in Counts 2-7 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU were charged in Counts 5 and 6 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2. RANDLE and WHEATEN were charged in Counts 7 through 10, which charge Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to each of the Mail Fraud counts. Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count is also applicable.
According to court documents, BREWTON, RANDLE, and WHEATEN served as intermediaries who directed passengers to participate in staged automobile accidents. BREWTON helped to arrange collisions that took place on March 27, 2017 and May 11, 2017. RANDLE and WHEATEN helped to coordinate collisions on May 17, 2017 and June 5, 2017.
The indictment alleges that BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU falsely claimed that they were passengers in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, the defendants conspired with BREWTON, Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans. After the intentional collision, BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault. This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni; Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
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Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Mail FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KHANH BUI, age 45, a resident of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 8, 2022 for mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The Honorable Susie Morgan sentenced BUI to 15 months incarceration, 3 years supervised release, $10, 853 in restitution, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment fee.
According to court documents, BUI fraudulently used credit cards and false California driver’s licenses to obtain money and property from home improvement stores.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.
Golden Meadow Man Sentenced to 135 Months Imprisonment for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that EVERETT J. DILLON (“DILLON”), age 34, of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 8, 2022 for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against DILLON developed as a result of a lead to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) that a KIK user had sent explicit videos of children, aged approximately ten (10) years of age. On December 1, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents along with the LBI executed a search warrant at DILLON’s home in Golden Meadow. Agents advised DILLON of his Miranda rights and, after waiving his rights, DILLON admitted that the KIK account and email address were his and that he stored child pornography on his electronic equipment. HSI computer forensic examiners located over 4,000 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children on the defendant’s AT&T cellular phone. The images and videos depicted pre-pubescent girls, including toddlers, engaged in sexual acts with adults.
U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced DILLON to 135 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, $27,000 in restitution, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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