Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New York Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Passing Altered Postal Money Orders and TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY SMALLS, age 33, of New York, New York, was sentenced on December 16, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana to 37 months of incarceration 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, SMALLS and a co-defendant, Antoine Merchant, 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. SMALLS and Merchant 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 incarceration, SMALLS was sentenced to three years of supervised release following incarceration, 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced JON YOUNG, age 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 15, 2021 for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, YOUNG conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
District Judge Vance sentenced YOUNG to sixty (60) months imprisonment to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release. District Judge Vance also ordered that YOUNG pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Laplace Woman Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and InterstateRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that TRACY MORGAN, age 51, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021 to a Two Count Superseding Bill of Information. In Count One, MORGAN pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Two, MORGAN pled guilty to interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering.
According to court documents, in August 2019, on behalf of co-conspirator Ellis Batiste, Sr., MORGAN transported money from Louisiana to Texas to pay for 10 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, which she then transported to Louisiana where she was subsequently stopped and arrested by law enforcement.
The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence MORGAN on March 17, 2022. In Count One, MORGAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least four years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count Two, MORGAN faces a maximum sentence of up to four years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to five years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is prosecuting the matter.
Laplace Man Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that OCTAVIUS NARCISSE, age 54, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021 to a Superseding Bill of Information. In Count One, NARCISSE pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a quantity of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Two, NARCISSE pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally using a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the violation in Count One.
According to court documents, in April 2019, NARCISSE was stopped and arrested by law enforcement shortly after picking up 1.015 kilograms of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propenamide (fentanyl) and 4.995 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride on behalf of co-conspirator, Ellis Batiste, Sr.
The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence NARCISSE on March 17, 2022. In Count One, NARCISSE faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty (20) years of imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count Two, NARCISSE faces a maximum sentence of up to four (4) years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to one year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is prosecuting the matter.
Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that TREYVON TOBIAS (“TOBIAS”), age 22, of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana was sentenced on December 16, 2021 to 125 months imprisonment today by United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii); Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1951(a), and Conspiracy to Use a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(o). Following imprisonment, TOBIAS was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, in December 2017, TOBIAS and others forcibly entered the residence of Victim-1 after pistol-whipping the victim. TOBIAS and others then robbed the victim of marijuana, money, and a cell phone at gunpoint. Analysis of cell phone location information after the robbery helped uncover the whereabouts of TOBIAS and his co-conspirators during the robbery.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The prosecution of the case was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Friday, December 10, 2021, SHAWN BREAUX, age 29, resident of New Orleans, LA, was charged in a sealed two-count indictment for weapons violations that occurred on October 8, 2021. The indictment was unsealed on December 15, 2021.
In Count 1 of the indictment, BREAUX is charged with possessing two firearms on October 8, 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Count 2 of the Indictment charges BREAUX with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced GENETTA ISREAL (“ISREAL”), age 53, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, twenty-nine (29) of the thirty-three (33) indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court.
According to documents filed in federal court, Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), Larry Williams (“Williams”), and ISREAL were charged with staging an accident on June 12, 2017, occurring on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaud and Williams planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told Williams that he had an attorney, Daniel Patrick Keating (“Keating”), who has been identified in other documents filed in federal court, who would handle everything. Williams recruited ISREAL and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme. Williams borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Labeaud operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and Williams got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. Williams told the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, Labeaud introduced Williams and ISREAL to Keating.
Williams and ISREAL were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Keating. On June 12, 2018, Keating’s firm filed the Larry Williams Lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Keating’s firm demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for ISREAL. After the suit was filed, Williams and ISREAL each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Keating’s firm.
U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced ISREAL to three (3) years probation with the first six (6) months to be served under home incarceration. In addition, ISREAL was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,816.64 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
New Orleans Company Sentenced for Making False Statements to the U.S. Department of LaborRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC, was sentenced today for making false statements in connection with a worksite employment investigation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).
United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman ordered B-XPRESS to pay $50,000 in restitution as well as the forfeiture of $29,068.
In November 2015, Homeland Security Investigations received information that an undocumented worker was possibly being employed at B-XPRESS. A worksite enforcement investigation was then initiated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
In response to a Form I-9 audit requesting worker documentation from Homeland Security Investigations agents, B-XPRESS submitted inaccurate records that failed to mention illegal workers employed at the business. On August 11, 2016, federal agents arrived at B-XPRESS and identified themselves to the corporate representative. On behalf of B-XPRESS, the representative provided false statements to the agents of the United States Department of Labor. B-XPRESS falsely indicated that it did not utilize a timekeeping system to record the hours that employees actually worked, that some workers were classified as independent contractors, and that workers did not work more than 30 hours per week. The investigation determined that these statements were false.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Hammond Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Oxycodone and Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NAVORIOUS HILLS, age 41, of Hammond, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2021 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)(i).
According to court documents, HILLS was selling prescription pain pills within the Eastern District of Louisiana. On May 15, 2020, he was in possession of a Glock handgun during a drug transaction at the Manchac Public Boat Launch. HILLS and his customer began arguing after their transaction concluded. The conflict escalated and HILLS retrieved his Glock Model 43 semi-automatic handgun and shot the man in the chest. HILLS admitted to selling the prescription narcotics and that the purpose of carrying the firearm was in furtherance of drug trafficking.
HILLS faces a statutory minimum term of imprisonment 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 following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The Honorable United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo has set sentencing for March 7, 2022.
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 Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Delay of U.S. MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILES J. DUPERON, age 29, of Slidell, pled guilty on December 14, 2021 to one count of delay of U.S. Mail matter by postal employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1703(a).
According to the bill of information, on or about July 2019 through January 21, 2020, MILES J. DUPERON unlawfully delayed U.S. mail, which was intended to be conveyed by mail.
MILES J. DUPERON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to defendant or loss to victim, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry has set sentencing for March 22, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Friday, December 10, 2021, that PERCY SMITH, age 43, resident of New Orleans, LA, was charged in a two-count indictment for his alleged participation in a weapons violation on June 19, 2021 and on June 30, 2021.
According to court documents, SMITH is charged in Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment with possessing a firearm on two separate occasions, on June 19, 2021 and June 30, 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, SMITH faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Drug and Weapons ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on September 9, 2021, RANDY FIELDS, age 30, resident of Orleans Parish, was charged in a four-count sealed indictment for alleged drug and gun violations. These violations occurred on March 31, 2021. In Count 1 of the indictment, FIELDS is charged with possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl. Count 2 charges FIELDS with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Count 3 charges FIELDS with being a felon in possession of a firearm and Count 4 charges him with possessing a machine gun. The indictment was unsealed on December 10, 2021
In Count 1 of the indictment, FIELDS is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(vi). If convicted, FIELDS faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count 2, FIELDS is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1). If convicted, FIELDS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 5 years to life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count 3, FIELDS 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). If convicted, FIELDS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Finally, in Count 4, FIELDS is charged with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, FIELDS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Former Louisiana Police Chief and Current City Councilmember Indicted for Alleged Vote Buying SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.
According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates.
Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former Louisiana Police Chief and Current City Councilmember Indicted for Alleged Vote Buying SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.
According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates.
Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a three-count indictment on December 10, 2021 charging a New Orleans man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to court documents, KENDALE ADAMS, a/k/a, “Kendral Adams,” a/k/a “Kendall Adams,” age 39, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). In Count 2, ADAMS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). In Count 3, ADAMS is charged with carrying a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
If convicted of Count 1, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 3, ADAMS faces a mandatory consecutive 5 years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Grand Jury Charges Former St. Bernard Parish Assistant District Attorney and Two Associates with Bank Fraud and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a grand jury returned an indictment on December 10, 2021 against GLENN E. DIAZ, age 70, of Arabi; PETER J. “PETE” JENEVEIN, age 56, of Panama City, Florida; and MARK S. GRELLE, age 67, of Chalmette, for bank fraud and money laundering charges related to defrauding First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.
According to the 19-count indictment, from at least April 2016 through December 20, 2016, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE conspired to defraud First NBC Bank through a series of false invoices for work purportedly done at a Florida warehouse owned by DIAZ. As set forth in the indictment, DIAZ was a customer of First NBC Bank from 2006 through the bank’s closure in 2017. By late 2015, DIAZ had been overdrawing his checking account for purported business expenses, although DIAZ was depositing these overdrafts into his personal account at another bank. In April 2016, First NBC Bank officers were asking DIAZ for additional information about the use of the overdrafts. In June 2016, bank officers began requiring invoices as proof that DIAZ was spending bank funds on improving the Florida warehouse.
Thereafter, DIAZ had his associate JENEVEIN provide invoices for improvements on the Florida warehouse performed by GRELLE’s company, Grelle Underground Services LLC. Bank officers then approved the overdrafts based on these invoices. However, after DIAZ wrote the check to GRELLE’s company, GRELLE would then write a check back to DIAZ, which DIAZ would deposit into his personal account at JPMorgan Chase bank. DIAZ then used the money for expenditures unrelated to the Florida warehouse project. In total, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE executed a total of 17 round-trip transactions that defrauded First NBC Bank of $345,841.41.
DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are all charged in each of the 19 counts of the indictment. Count 1 charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
In Count 2, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h). If convicted, they face a maximum of up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
In Counts 3 through 19, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are charged with bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. As to each count, the defendants may receive a maximum of up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
“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 Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who engage in white collar crimes that impact our financial institutions.”
“We will vigorously pursue any wrongdoers whose fraudulent actions impact the safety and soundness of financial institutions regulated by the Federal Reserve Board,” said Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, J. Ryan McLaren, K. Paige O’Hale, and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Four More Defendants Sentenced in Coast Guard Test-Fixing SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencings of four defendants for their roles in a test score-fixing scheme at a Coast Guard exam center.
On December 8, 2021, ALONZO WILLIAMS, who plead guilty to being an intermediary in the scheme, was sentenced by the Honorable Barry W. Ashe to 40 months incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.
QUANG TRAN, HARRY JOHNSON, and JAMES CARR, who each plead guilty to unlawfully receiving an officer-level mariner license, were sentenced by Judge Ashe to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service on October 28, December 8, and December 9, 2021 respectively
All 28 maritime industry workers charged in the November 2020 indictment have been convicted—24 plead guilty to unlawfully receiving licenses and 4 plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by acting as intermediaries in the scheme. The other three defendants in this indictment—DOROTHY SMITH, ELDRIDGE JOHNSON, and BEVERLY MCCRARY—are former Coast Guard employees charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and are awaiting trial. Also awaiting trial are eight mariners charged with unlawfully receiving licenses in a separate, recently filed, indictment.
The indictments allege that the licenses at issue were unlawfully obtained though false exam scores entered by SMITH. The exams tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of the licenses, which were legally required to work various positions on vessels. SMITH is accused using a network of intermediaries to obtain payments from the mariners.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictments’ allegations against SMITH and any other defendants who are awaiting trial are merely charges and their guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
City of Kenner Director of Inspection and Code Enforcement Charged with Conspiracy and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that JAMES MOHAMAD, 52, of Kenner, was charged on December 10, 2021 in a 5-count superseding indictment by a federal Grand Jury with 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 the superseding indictment, MOHAMAD, the 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 is charged with four counts of filing false tax returns for 2016-2019.
If convicted of Count 1, MOHAMAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to each of Counts 2-5, MOHAMAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
A co-defendant, Brian Medus, has pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and is scheduled for sentencing on February 16, 2022.
The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that the Superseding Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Theft of Social Security Disability FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ELIJAH CHARLES SORINA (“SORINA”), age 33, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2021 for Theft of Government Funds.
According to documents filed in federal court, SORINA continued to receive Social Security Administration (“SSA”) disability benefits after he claimed he was disabled and unable to work. Federal special agents determined SORINA began working for a local transportation company as a school bus driver in 2014 after he obtained a commercial driver’s license. SSA determined that from May 2014 until August 2016, SORINA received benefits of $19,897.00 to which he was not entitled because he concealed his employment from the SSA.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced SORINA to a sentence of time served, restitution in the amount of $19,897.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance 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.
Hattiesburg Woman Sentenced to 72 Months for Wire Fraud Related to Employee TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTY BARTHOLOMEW, age 39, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was sentenced on December 8, 2021 to 72 months of incarceration by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk today after she pleaded guilty to a two-count Bill of Information for wire fraud.
According to court records, BARTHOLOMEW was employed as a financial controller for a business located in Slidell, Louisiana, and later worked as an office manager for a company located in Kenner, Louisiana. From 2016 to October of 2019, she embezzled approximately $357,000 from her Slidell employer by several schemes, including unauthorized use of a company credit card. She later did the same thing with her Kenner employer, embezzling approximately $300,000 from November 2019 to February 2020.
BARTHOLOMEW is scheduled to self-surrender in February 2022. After incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons, BARTHOLOMEW will be placed on three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee and full restitution to the victims.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, along with assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
Chalmette Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN (“KILLIAN”), age 41, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 8, 2021 for theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to documents filed in federal court, beginning in or about August 2013, and continuing until in or about June 2020, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN, did knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to her use, money belonging to the United States and a department and agency thereof, namely, money of the Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled, when she utilized approximately $99,940.00 in Social Security Administration funds.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced KILLIAN to a three-year term of probation, restitution in the amount of $99,940, and a $100 special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Firearms and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVONTE DEJEAN, age 27, of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 30, 2021 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses.
Specifically, DEJEAN previously pled guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, DEJEAN possessed a Glock .40 caliber firearm and 13 bullets on May 22, 2017, and possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base on May 22, 2017.
In total, Judge Guidry sentenced DEJEAN to 190 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Resident Sentenced to 78 Months Imprisonment for Possessing with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAMAR RUCKER, age 45, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 to 78 months in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, that is, fentanyl, a Schedule II drug controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
According to court records, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation developed evidence that RUCKER intended to travel to the New Orleans area on January 10, 2018, to supply a quantity of narcotics to his New Orleans-based customer, Arthur Johnson. RUCKER had previously delivered kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin to Johnson in New Orleans.
RUCKER had planned to meet Johnson on the evening of January 10, 2018, in the parking lot of Clearview Shopping Center in Metairie, Louisiana. That night, agents established surveillance at the entrance of Clearview Shopping Center. Agents positively identified RUCKER as he drove into the parking lot in a silver Mazda MZ6. Once RUCKER pulled into a parking spot on the third level of the garage, he exited his car, walked to the passenger side, and began to remove a black laptop bag from the car. Agents approached RUCKER. Upon seeing the agents, RUCKER dropped the bag back into the car. Agents detained RUCKER. Inside of the laptop bag, agents recovered four individually wrapped packages, weighing a total gross weight of 4515.5 grams, and a total net weight of just less than 4 kilograms. The packages contained a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, that is, “fentanyl.” RUCKER knowingly and voluntarily possessed the fentanyl with intent to distribute to Johnson.
Johnson and seven other codefendants were charged in 2018 in a separate case with conspiring to distribute heroin in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. Seven of these defendants, including Johnson, pleaded guilty to drug offenses in that case. RUCKER pleaded guilty in this case on December 4, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Felon Convicted on Gun Charge for Shooting in New Orleans-East NeighborhoodRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STERLING ROBINSON, also known as “Scooter,” age 31, a resident in the New Orleans area, was convicted on December 7, 2021 by a jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) and obstruction of justice in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c)(2).
Testimony and evidence introduced at trial proved that ROBINSON possessed a firearm and ammunition when he fired five (5) shots into a car being driven by his girlfriend with her nine-year-old son as a passenger. The shooting occurred on March 13, 2020 in the 7700 block of Downman Road in New Orleans. ROBINSON then obstructed justice by attempting to dishonestly influence his girlfriend into testifying that someone else shot at her and her son. According to court records, ROBINSON was previously convicted of a federal felony charge for being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. When the current offense happened, ROBINSON was still on supervised release with U.S. Probation after having served a five-year sentence for that previous conviction.
ROBINSON is facing up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. For obstruction of justice, he faces up to twenty years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
The Honorable U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon presided over the case and no sentencing date has been set at this time.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. and Charles D. Strauss prosecuted to the case.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for December 2019 Uptown Home Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that JOSEPH HERBERT BARLOW Jr. (BARLOW), age 52, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to a one-count Indictment for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a) before U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter on July 27, 2021.
In papers filed in open court, BARLOW admitted to robbing the Home Bank located on Magazine Street New Orleans, Louisiana on December 19, 2019, stealing approximately $6,676.00.
BARLOW entered the bank and told the teller “I am here to rob this bank. Do not press any button or notify the police. I have a gun so give me all the money.”
Judge Vitter ordered BARLOW to pay $6,676.00 in restitution, serve three (3) years supervised release after his prison term and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK DADE, age 27, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced on December 2, 2021 by United States Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Specifically, DADE previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. According to court documents, DADE conspired to distribute over 100 grams of heroin, and was arrested in Kenner, Louisiana on May 6, 2019 in possession of over 600 grams of heroin.
In total, Judge Lemmon sentenced Dade to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Nine Plaquemines Parish Residents Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine, Crack, and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ERIC METZ, age 38, JOSHUA MACKEY, age 35, FREDERICK TURNER, age 49, DARON WILLIAMS, age 46, LONNIE WILLIAMS, age 38, CALLEIGH AMOS, age 29, THEODORE HOLMES, JR., age 33, LESLIE PARKER, age 40, and KORAL WELLS, age 64, all from Plaquemines Parish, were charged in a sealed indictment on November 19, 2021 for conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine, crack, and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. The indictment was unsealed on December 1, 2021.
Additionally, DARON WILLIAMS is charged in Count Two of the Indictment with possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, WELLS is charged in Counts Three and Four with possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of crack and a quantity of methamphetamine, respectively, and LONNNIE WILLIAMS in charged in Count Five with possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of crack, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 (b)(1)(C). If convicted, each of the nine defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000, a period of at least 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each charged drug count.
METZ, HOLMES, PARKER, AMOS, TURNER, and MACKEY are also charged in Counts Six through Nine with the illegal use of a communications facility in facilitating the distribution of controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 843(b), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. If convicted, the charged defendants face up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, a period of one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each of these counts.
METZ, a convicted felon, is also charged in Count Ten with possessing a firearm as a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e). Given his criminal history, METZ faces up to fifteen years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 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 prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and J. Benjamin Myers are in charge of the prosecution.
Lutcher Man Charged with Failure to Report International Travel as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIE WALKER, age 56, was charged on Friday, December 3, 2021, by grand jury indictment with two counts of failure to report international travel as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
If convicted, WALKER faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life, and 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.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.
Bogalusa Rapper Indicted After Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAVORIOUS SCOTT, aka JAYDAYOUNGAN, age 23, a Bogalusa resident and rapper was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm while under indictment for a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(n)(1) and 924(a)(1)(D), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on October 29, 2021, officers with the Bogalusa Police Department executed a traffic stop on a silver-colored Audi bearing a Virginia license plate traveling south on South Columbia Street in Bogalusa, Louisiana because the vehicle possessed a switched license plate. SCOTT, the driver of the vehicle, failed to provide his license or vehicle registration. While speaking to SCOTT and the passenger, officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle. The officers also observed a black handgun on the driver’s side floorboard directly beneath SCOTT’S legs. Officers removed SCOTT from the vehicle and observed a small amount of suspected marijuana in the driver’s seat. Officers then recovered a loaded Ruger Model Security-9, 9mm, pistol from the driver’s side floorboard.
At the time that the officers located and seized the firearm from the floorboard, SCOTT was under indictment for felony crimes, possession of a controlled substance and assault, in Harris County, Texas.
SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bogalusa Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Bogalusa Man Indicted After Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS WALKER, age 31, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment with possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on September 24, 2021, WALKER, knowing he had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, did knowingly possess a Taurus Model G2C 9mm pistol.
WALKER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bogalusa Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
New York Man Sentenced to 4 ½ Years for Passport Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that THIERNO O. BAH, age 30, a resident of New York, New York, was sentenced on December 1, 2021 by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to 54 months in prison for his role in a criminal conspiracy that involved using false passports to defraud banks.
According to court documents, BAH and codefendant Manuela Gonzalez-Bookman flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong International on February 18, 2020. The following day they drove a rental car to a Capital One branch in Metairie. Gonzalez-Bookman entered the bank while BAH waited in the car outside. Gonzalez-Bookman then attempted to cash a stolen check while using a false passport card in the name of another person. When bank employees became suspicious, they called Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies who arrested the pair. Federal agents subsequently determined that BAH and Gonzalez-Bookman had executed the scheme at several other bank branches while using stolen identities. The two individuals had also taken a prior trip to New Orleans on January 31, 2020, where they executed or attempted to execute at least seven fraudulent transactions, including a failed attempt to withdraw $18,600.00 in cash from one victim’s account.
Court documents further detailed how agents developed additional evidence connecting BAH to further fraud. Agents searched BAH’s phone after obtaining a search warrant and found additional stolen credit card numbers along with identities. In one example, BAH’s phone contained a photo of a handwritten note that included a victim’s name, address, social security number, date of birth, current account balance, and last transaction from the victim’s bank account. Agents used this information to corroborate further fraud committed by BAH.
Agents also learned that BAH had pending charges in the Supreme Court for New York, Bronx County. As set forth in BAH’s factual basis, he was pulled over by NYPD officers on July 31, 2019. During the traffic stop, BAH provided a fake ID to officers. The officers also observed credit card skimming paraphernalia in his vehicle. Officers subsequently seized a total of 29 credit cards, three drivers’ licenses, and a card skimming device. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office obtained an indictment charging BAH with 30 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument second degree, 30 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument second degree, one count of criminal possession of forgery devices, and one count of unlawful possession of a skimmer device in the second degree.
As to Count 1, passport fraud conspiracy, Judge Vance sentenced BAH to thirty (30) months in prison and three (3) years of supervised release. As to Count 3, aggravated identity theft, Judge Vance sentenced BAH to a mandatory consecutive twenty-four (24) months in prison, one (1) year of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each Count. The periods of supervised release for both counts will run concurrently. Judge Vance also ordered BAH to pay restitution totaling $32,614.13. Considering the restitution obligation, Judge Vance waived any fine.
The investigation was handled by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations. U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York Police Department for their contribution to this successful prosecution. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, K. Paige O’Hale, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
El Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-Entry of a Deported Alien Previously Convicted of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HECTOR RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 55, pleaded guilty on November 30, 2021 to reentry of a deported alien previously convicted of a felony, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(2).
According to the bill of information, HECTOR RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on October 27, 1992. Furthermore, on or about May 29, 2019, the defendant was convicted of illegal possession of less than two grams of cocaine and aggravated battery in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana.
HECTOR RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of up to imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of up to supervised release of three (3) years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey has set sentencing for February 2, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney M. Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Madisonville Woman Sentenced in Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, earlier today, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced defendant JILL LEWIS (“LEWIS”), age 41, resident of Madisonville, Louisiana, to six (6) months’ home confinement and two (2) years’ probation. LEWIS previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of her involvement in a postal fraud scheme. LEWIS is also required to pay restitution in the amount of $42,749.74.
According to her guilty plea, between January 2014 and January 2016, LEWIS and her co-conspirator conspired to submit false insurance claims to the United States Postal Service (“USPS”), causing the USPS to mail reimbursement checks to LEWIS and her co-conspirator for over $42,000. In this scheme, LEWIS and her co-conspirator falsely claimed that they had purchased expensive jewelry and other items and attempted to return the items to the retailers through the mail, but the USPS had lost the items. LEWIS and her co-conspirator then submitted forged invoices to the USPS to support the reimbursement amounts. The false claims and forged documents caused the USPS to send the reimbursement checks to LEWIS and a co-conspirator through the mail.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for its work in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Shirin Hakimzadeh.
Louisiana Construction Company Employee Pleads Guilty to Tax ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
According to court documents, from 2011 to April 2018, Randall Lackey of Jefferson Parish conspired to defraud the IRS by concealing his own income and the income of others. Lackey worked as an employee for two commercial construction companies, SES Construction Consulting Group (SES) and Global Technical Solutions (GTS). To hide his income from the IRS, Lackey had his SES and GTS wages paid to R&O Renovations and Reconstructions (R&O), a company he owned. For the 2012 through 2017 tax years, Lackey did not file corporate income tax returns for R&O or personal income tax returns with the IRS. Lackey’s co-conspirators furthered the scheme by falsely classifying Lackey as a contractor of SES and GTS rather than an employee. As a result, Lackey had no taxes withheld from his paycheck and SES and GTS avoided paying employment taxes on his wages. Lackey and other members of the conspiracy also hired workers who lacked proper documentation and were not authorized to work in the United States, and then paid them in cash “off the books.”
Lackey is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16, 2022, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Other members of the conspiracy, Randy Farrell, the current owner of SES and GTS; Mathew Reck, the former co-owner of SES and GTS; and two other employees of SES and GTS, Dawn Farrell Ruiz and David Farrell (Randy Farrell’s sister and brother), all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Reck is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2022. Randy Farrell, David Farrell, and Farrell Ruiz are all scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 9, 2022.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys William Montague and Parker Tobin of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain Pleads Guilty to Soliciting and Receiving Bribes Involving Contract for Privatization of Work Release Program in St. Tammany ParishRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that former long-time St. Tammany Parish Sheriff RODNEY J. STRAIN (a/k/a Jack Strain), age 56, from Abita Springs, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to Count 15 of the Indictment returned in August 2019, charging him with soliciting and receiving bribes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B) for his role in the privatization and operation of a work release program that operated in Slidell, Louisiana between 2013 and 2016.
According to court documents, STRAIN, who was the Sheriff of St. Tammany Parish from about 1996 to 2016, had the unilateral authority to decide whether Parish-run work release programs (i.e., halfway houses) would be operated by the Sheriff’s Office or private entities and to choose which private entities would be granted the right to operate privately-run halfway houses. In about early 2013, STRAIN decided to privatize a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana. He discussed with his two close associates and Captains with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO), David Hanson and Clifford “Skip” Keen, the prospect of Hanson and Keen becoming joint owners of the Slidell work release program. However, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office employees advised STRAIN that state law prohibited Hanson and Keen from owning and operating the Slidell work release program while employed at STPSO. As a result, since state law prohibited employees from “participating in a transaction in which he has a personal substantial economic interest of which he may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity,” Hanson and Keen would have had to resign from STPSO if they wanted to assume ownership and control of the Slidell work release program. Thus, they would be obliged to forfeit their salaries and pension increases from continued employment with STPSO to become joint owners.
STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen discussed ways to allow Hanson and Keen to maintain their employment and still profit from the Slidell work release program. To conceal their scheme, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen agreed to make Keen’s adult son (J.K.) and Hanson’s adult daughter (B.H.) owners of the Slidell work release program, with the understanding that J.K. and B.H. would funnel much of the profits to Hanson and Keen. Hanson and Keen agreed to give regular payoffs to STRAIN and his selected family members from the funds they received. This understanding was partly based on STRAIN having previously required Keen to kickback to STRAIN half of the money Keen earned from an earlier place of employment.
STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen agreed that they needed to find another individual to actually operate the Slidell work release program because J.K. and B.H. lacked the education, training, experience, and funding to do so. They decided on Person 2, to whom Hanson presented a series of non-negotiable pre-conditions, including the following: J.K. and B.H. would each own forty-five (45) percent of the Slidell work release program and would each receive forty-five (45) percent of the profits, while Person 2 would only own ten (10) percent, receive ten (10) percent of the profits, and receive a salary. Person 2 would be responsible for operating the Slidell work release program and for providing the capital necessary to initiate the program. On or about May 1, 2013, J.K., B.H., and Person 2 entered into an operating agreement that created St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, in which J.K. and B.H. each had a forty-five percent ownership interest and Person 2 had only a ten percent ownership interest.
On June 4, 2013, STRAIN entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, a corporation designed to operate the Slidell work release program. Thereafter, Person 2 was directed to make additional unnecessary financial expenditures. For example, although J.K. and B.H. were merely straw owners who neither operated, oversaw, or administered the Slidell work release program, Person 2 was required to pay J.K. and B.H. salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements. Person 2 was also directed to pay Person 3, who was an employee at STPSO and STRAIN’S relative, approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.
During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, from July 1, 2013, through July 1, 2016, J.K. and B.H. received not less than $1,384,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments. J.K. received at least 148 payments totaling at over $676,000, while B.H. received at least 133 payments totaling over $708,000. J.K. and B.H. converted the majority of the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to cash, much of which they transferred to their fathers, Keen and Hanson.
Additionally, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen understood that STRAIN and his family members would receive payoffs from Hanson and Keen in exchange for STRAIN’s conferring the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. The bribes took multiple forms. The ways Hanson and Keen funneled money to STRAIN included giving STRAIN regular cash payments in amounts greater than $1,000 from the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, through B.H. and J.K. Second, as part of the scheme, Hanson arranged for STRAIN’s relative, Person 1, to receive a check in the amount of $4,000. Third, STRAIN received campaign money from Hanson and Keen with money from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, including a $2,500 payment in November 2015. Further, STRAIN’s relative received a no-show job from the Slidell work release program that effectively doubled his annual salary.
STRAIN, Hanson, Keen, and others attempted to conceal the scheme by, among other things, (a) hiding Hanson’s and Keen’s involvement in and benefit from the Slidell work release program, (b) excluding from the cooperative endeavor agreement the fact that STRAIN would receive cash bribes and other financial compensation in exchange for signing the cooperative endeavor agreement, and (c) providing most of the money to STRAIN in the form of cash.
Hanson and Keen were charged for their roles in the scheme in November 2018. They pleaded guilty on February 27, 2019 and were each sentenced to fifty (50) months in prison by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on October 6, 2021.
“Mr. Strain broke the law and must now face the consequences, “stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “More disturbing was that his crime was a breach of the public trust owed to the citizens of St. Tammany Parish. Similarly, because the trust between our law enforcement agencies and the citizens they protect is precious, it is imperative that collectively, we assure the public of our unwavering commitment to identity and prosecute anyone who engages in public corruption.”
“Rooting out public corruption remains one of the IRS-CI’s highest priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to work in a collaborative effort to promote honest and ethical government at all levels and to prosecute those who violated the public’s trust.”
“When a law enforcement officer chooses to violate their oath of office and commit crimes, their actions erode public trust and confidence and tarnish the entire community of dedicated public servants. Today’s guilty plea is a result of the FBI’s commitment to bringing corrupt officials to justice like former sheriff Jack Strain, who engaged in deceitful, corrupt practices involving kickbacks and bribery schemes for personal gain, will be held accountable,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. "We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, and Metropolitan Crime Commission for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice."
STRAIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to ten (10) years. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. STRAIN has also acknowledged that he may be liable for restitution ordered by Judge Milazzo. As part of the plea, the Government has made no representation, and cannot determine, the order in which he will serve any sentence of imprisonment imposed in this matter and in any currently pending state criminal matter in which he is a defendant. Sentencing before Judge Milazzo has been scheduled for March.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
Man Sentenced for Obstruction of Justice and Violations of Federal Firearms and Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Duane A. Evans announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); possession with the intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and obstruction of justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(1) and 2.
According to court documents, on or about February 19, 2018, BARNES placed a recorded jail call directing another individual to move a firearm and ten bags of heroin from a hidden location.
U.S. District Judge Greg. G. Guidry sentenced BARNES to serve eleven (11) years and nine (9) months in prison, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Guidry also imposed a $400 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 Investigation New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.
Destrehan Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – DUANE A. DUFRENE, age 54, of Destrehan, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on November 24, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of money laundering before U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Jane Triche Milazzo, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
As charged in the now unsealed indictment, DUFRENE and a co-conspirator, Ryan Mullen, utilized fictitious entities, falsified tax returns, fraudulent financial statements, and fraudulent appraisals to orchestrate their scheme to defraud the lenders for the purchases of a residence in Jayess, MS (State Bank and Trust), The Briars bed and breakfast in Natchez, MS (Keesler Federal Credit Union) and two other Natchez hotels (Red Oak Capital Group, LLC). The sale of the Jayess residence was premised on false financial information provided by DUFRENE to Mullen, who then gave it to State Bank and Trust. The sales of The Briars and the two hotels were not only premised upon false information prepared by DUFRENE and given to the financial institutions by Mullen but also upon inflated appraisals based on side sales agreements between Mullen and DUFRENE. After the sales of the bed and breakfast and hotel properties, Mullen paid DUFRENE the sum of $90,000. Mullen pocketed over $3 million from the overvalued loans and used the proceeds to buy at least 20 high-end luxury cars, a number of which have been seized by the United States.
Sentencing for DUFRENE is set for February 23, 2022. At that time, he faces a maximum sentence of up to thirty (30) years as to the bank fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of up to ten years on the money laundering conspiracy. After imprisonment, the defendant faces up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $1,000,000 fine on the bank fraud count, and up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Andre Lagarde.
Terrebonne Parish Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – BEAU HEBERT, age 40, of Terrebonne Parish, La., was charged November 19, 2021, in a 4-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including distribute and possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(A). HEBERT was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted of the narcotics trafficking charges, HEBERT faces a mandatory minimum term of ten (10) years imprisonment 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. HEBERT also faces ten (10) years of imprisonment if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in addition to a consecutive sixty (60)-month term of imprisonment if convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. HEBERT also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.
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 defendant’s 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.
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Nicaraguan Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EVERTO JAVIER URBINA-BALLADARES a/k/a “JOHAN MANUEL ALBIZU-ORTIZ, age 46, a native of Nicaragua, was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
URBINA-BALLADARES faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JUAN RAMON MARTINEZ, age 42, a native of Mexico, was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
MARTINEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that 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 Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Man Pleads Guilty to 3 Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – ZACHARY VERDIN, age 29, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana pleaded guilty to three counts of bank robbery before the Honorable Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. VERDIN faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as to each count. Sentencing is currently scheduled for February 22, 2022.
According to Count One of the bill of information, on or about July 19, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Capital One Bank located in Marrero, Louisiana. He obtained approximately $521 in the robbery. According to Count Two of the bill of information, on or about July 26, 2021, VERDIN robbed the 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 or about August 2, 2021, VERDIN robbed the Regions Bank located 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 and officers with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.
Kenner Man Pleads to Airline Baggage Scam Involving over $550,000 in False ClaimsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PERNELL ANTHONY JONES, JR., age 31, of Kenner, Louisiana, 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.
According to court documents, beginning in or around 2015, JONES took flights with commercial airlines under false or fictitious identities using fraudulent identification cards. When he arrived at the destination airport, JONES falsely claimed that his baggage was lost and requested reimbursement to compensate him for his lost luggage. Through this scheme, JONES and his co-conspirators submitted over 180 false claims to commercial airlines, including American, Alaska, Southwest, United, and JetBlue, requesting over $550,000 in reimbursement. In total, the airlines paid over $300,000 in fraudulent claims.
JONES’s plea documents state that, on April 7, 2018, JONES was arrested at Dallas Love Airport while attempting to go through screening by the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) with 36 fraudulent driver’s licenses and 47 credit cards under fictitious names. On March 5, 2020, JONES was arrested again while attempting to pick up a reimbursement check for a fraudulent baggage claim at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. Law enforcement searched JONES’s residence on March 5, 2020 and found 34 fraudulent driver’s licenses; 21 fake work identification cards; and a number of fraudulent airline employee badges containing JONES’s photograph.
For each count, JONES faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for February 24, 2021.
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.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MIKAL BLACK, age 23, of Ironton, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on November 23, 2021 to a single count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, BLACK was previously convicted of manufacturing a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. Being a felon, BLACK is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He has now been convicted of possessing a firearm on August 11, 2020.
BLACK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter has set the sentencing hearing in the case for February 22, 2022.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Carjacking and Weapons ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Friday, November 19, 2021, KEON ESTEEN, age 18, a resident of Orleans Parish, was charged in a two-count indictment for carjacking and a gun violation. Count 1 of the indictment charges ESTEEN with a carjacking that occurred on April 3, 2021, in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Count 2 charges ESTEEN with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
In Count 1 of the indictment, ESTEEN is charged with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). If convicted, ESTEEN faces a maximum sentence of up to fifteen (15) years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. In Count 2, ESTEEN is charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). If convicted, ESTEEN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven (7) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Nicaraguan Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EVERTO JAVIER URBINA-BALLADARES a/k/a “JOHAN MANUEL ALBIZU-ORTIZ, age 46, a native of Nicaragua, was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
URBINA-BALLADARES faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TRAVIS CARTER, age 42, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was charged on November 19, 2021, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
If convicted, CARTER faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
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, Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Myers.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 18, 2021 MARIO RENE REYES-CARDONA, age 51, was charged in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, MARIO RENE REYES-CARDONA (“REYES-CARDONA”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported in December 2013. If convicted, REYES-CARDONA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one (1) year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Woman for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a four-count indictment on November 19, 2021 charging a woman for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to court documents, MAGALI CASTILLO-PADRON, age 30, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). In Count 2, CASTILLO-PADRON is charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(2). In Count 3, CASTILLO-PADRON is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). In Count 4, CASTILLO-PADRON is charged with reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
If convicted of Count 1, CASTILLO-PADRON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 2, CASTILLO-PADRON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 3, CASTILLO-PADRON faces a mandatory minimum consecutive 5 years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. If convicted of Count 4, CASTILLO-PADRON faces up to 2 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Kenner Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STEPHONE BRIDGES, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. BRIDGES was charged with having a Glock semi-automatic pistol on or about August 15, 2021.
If convicted, BRIDGES faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.
Woman Sentenced to One Year Probation for Lying on Passport ApplicationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that THERESA WOOD (“WOOD”) was sentenced to one (1) year probation today after pleading guilty as charged to count one of an indictment for false statements in a passport application in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon. Judge Eldon Fallon also ordered WOOD to perform twenty-five (25) hours of community service.
According to papers signed by WOOD, she made an application for a U.S. passport for her minor child using information belonging to another individual. It is a crime to lie on a passport application. She convinced a co-worker, who resembled the father of her minor child, to fraudulently claim to be the father at the signing of the application before a notary to be submitted to the State Department.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Diplomatic Security Service of the State Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. was in charge of the prosecution.