Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Laplace Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ELI JUAN MOORE, age 26, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 18, 2021 to 46 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing heroin (Count One), distributing a quantity of a mixture or substance containing heroin (Count Five), and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Count Seven). Additionally, MOORE was ordered to serve three (3) years of supervised release and pay $300 in mandatory special assessment fees. The sentences in each count are to run concurrently. No fines were imposed in this case.
According to court documents, in January 2019, MOORE sold heroin to a confidential informant. In May 2019, MOORE, who had previously been convicted of a felony, possessed an FM Hi-Power Model Detective, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol during a search of his residence.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare prosecuted the matter.
Lafourche Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 18, 2021, MICHAEL LEWIS, age 33, a resident of Edgard, Louisiana, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). He faces a sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, not more than three years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. LEWIS was charged in a one-count indictment with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. LEWIS will be sentenced on January 27, 2022.
As part of his guilty plea, LEWIS, admitted to the following facts:
On Friday May 11, 2018 at approximately 11:45pm officers conducted a traffic stop on MICHAEL LEWIS for traffic violations (crossing the center lane and turning without a signal) in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The officers approached LEWIS and asked for his license. LEWIS did not have a driver’s license. Officers also observed an open beer and marijuana on the center console of the vehicle. As deputies conducted a pat down for their safety, LEWIS pushed one of the deputies and tried to run. LEWIS was then subdued by the officers after resisting arrest. A search of LEWIS revealed a loaded gun in his waistband. A criminal history check revealed that LEWIS had several prior felony convictions.
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 Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.). Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
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Eight More Merchant Mariners Charged in Test-Score Fixing SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the indictment on November 18, 2021 of the following eight current and former merchant mariners related to a test score-fixing scheme at a United States Coast Guard exam center: RANSFORD ACKAH, NATHANIEL DOMINICK, ODELL GRIGGS, DEVIN HEBERT, RAYNEL LEWIS, ADRIAN MACK, MAURICE PALMER, and DERRICK WARD.
The defendants are each charged with obtaining, and intending to use, officer-level licenses that were procured through falsified exam scores. The fraudulent scores were for examinations designed to test the mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of those licenses.
The allegations stem from an investigation that resulted in a previous indictment charging former Coast Guard credentialing specialist Dorothy Smith with accepting bribes in exchange for entering false passing examination scores. Twenty-eight current and former mariners were charged in that earlier indictment and have all pled guilty. Smith and two other former-Coast Guard employees are awaiting trial in that case.
If convicted, each defendant in this indictment faces a sentence of up to five (5) years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the defendants’ guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
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St. Tammany Parish Traffic Stop Results in Florida Man Being Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENNIE SANTOS-PAYANO, age 26, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon for possession with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. Additionally, SANTOS-PAYANO was ordered to serve five (5) years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. No fines were imposed in this case.
According to court records, on September 25, 2019, a Louisiana State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop in Madisonville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, on Interstate 12 eastbound on a vehicle bearing a Florida license plate. The stop was based on a traffic violation. The trooper identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as SANTOS-PAYANO.
Shortly after the traffic stop, troopers deployed a trained and qualified K-9 drug detection dog, and the dog performed a free air sniff test on the exterior of SANTOS-PAYANO’s vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 8.5 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
The Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is in charge of the prosecution.
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Slidell Woman Sentenced Two Years of Probation After Guilty Plea to Conspiracy to Alter Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHASITY DOTEY a/k/a “CHASITY PINES”, age 27, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced to two (2) years of probation after she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to alter U.S. Postal Money Orders before United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon today.
According to court records, DOTEY cashed two altered U.S. Postal Money Orders in the amounts of $530.00 each at a U.S. Post Office located in Slidell, Louisiana. The two Postal Money Orders had been purchased in California for minimal value and then altered to reflect a higher amount by unknown co-conspirators.
In addition to probation, DOTEY was given three (3) years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $7,540. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. In the Eastern District of Louisiana (4) municipalities were awarded funding totaling more than $8 million.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
“From our District’s eclectic and vibrant urban cityscapes to our quaint and rustic rural localities, we all in some capacity have been affected by violent crime and its secondary effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “These award announcements highlight the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford state and local partners funding to hire the personnel needed to enhance public safety, combat violent crime, and most importantly nurture community relationships through community policing efforts within our District.”
The following cities, towns or municipalities in the Eastern District of Louisiana received awards:
- City of Bogalusa: $219,088
- City of New Orleans: $7,266,305
- Village of Tangipahoa : $125,000
- Terrebonne Parish Consolidate Government: $500,000
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
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Georgia Man Charged with Money Laundering Connected to Internet ScamsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the unsealing of the indictment of EMMANUEL UGBAJA (“UGBAJA”), age 53, of Duluth, Georgia. UGBAJA was charged in a three-count federal indictment with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956 and two (2) counts of Money Laundering in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.
The indictment alleges that in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams – one from Kansas sent money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest in what is known as a “romance scam” and the other from California sent money to a person posing to be an attorney in what is known as an “inheritance scam.” At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims were told to send the funds to a bank account controlled by UGBAJA. UGBAJA retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the victim funds in the amount of $60,000 total to a local maritime broker, Bourg Marine, as part of a down payment for the unrelated purchase of a vessel.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00 per count or twice the gross gain to the defendant of twice the gross loss to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special fee for each count.
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 indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based overseas that target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHANDRIKA BROWN (“BROWN”), age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, BROWN, along with her co-defendants, Doniesha Gibson (Gibson), of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Ishais Price (Price), of New Orleans, and a co-defendant driver conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident with a co-defendant driver. Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to twenty-nine (29).
According to court documents, BROWN claimed that on October 15, 2015, she was a passenger in a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned and driven by Gibson that was hit by a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510. Also in the vehicle was defendant Price. In truth, a co-defendant asked Gibson to recruit Brown and Price to ride along as a passenger and he then intentionally sought out a commercial vehicle to intentionally hit. After the staged accident, the co-defendant driver switched seats with Gibson, and they called the N.O.P.D. Gibson, along with the passengers, falsely stated that the Hotard bus illegally changed lanes and caused the accident. Thereafter, BROWN, Gibson, Price, and the co-defendant driver each retained counsel and made demands against Hotard’s owner and insurer for personal injury damages. As a result of the claims, the insurer utilized the U.S. mails to send the settlement drafts to BROWN, Gibson, Price, and the co-defendant driver’s counsel. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.
BROWN faces a maximum sentence of up to five (5) years of incarceration. Upon release from prison, BROWN also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 16, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Long.
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Postal Worker Indicted for Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARIUS PATIN, age 33, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on November 12, 2021 in a one-count indictment for delay or destruction of mail.
According to court documents, PATIN was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Carrier and was assigned to work at Carrollton Station, New Orleans, LA. The indictment alleges that on or about April 28, 2021, PATIN secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 1,377 pieces of mail that were recovered from a dumpster in an apartment complex. PATIN also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately nine First Class letters, eight standard letters, four standard flats, and two periodicals in his personal vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced BRADLEY BRIGHT, 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, today to ten (10) years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
In February 2020, BRIGHT was indicted for various counts of distribution of heroin and cocaine base, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Court documents show that as part of his plea, BRIGHT admitted that he was distributing crack cocaine near a store on Basin Street outside the French Quarter. New Orleans Police Department Officers observed the sale and stopped the buyer, who had a crack pipe in her pocket and crack in her purse. After confirming the transaction had in fact been a hand-to-hand drug sale, the officers then moved in to arrest BRIGHT, who attempted to flee. After a brief chase, the officers subdued BRIGHT and found a .40 caliber handgun that had been reported stolen and that was fully loaded with 15 rounds near where BRIGHT was arrested.
District Judge Zainey sentenced BRIGHT to the statutory maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release. BRIGHT was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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New Orleans East Resident Sentenced for Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy, Firearm Possession, and StructuringRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, earlier today, U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced New Orleans East resident DWIGHT ALEXANDER, age 50, to 136 months in prison, five (5) years of supervised release, and payment of $500 mandatory special assessment fees. The judge had previously ordered the defendant to forfeit approximately $425,000 in proceeds from his illegal drug operation.
According to the evidence introduced at his August 2019 trial, between 2012 and 2016, ALEXANDER sold a premium “cutting agent” used by drug dealers to expand and strengthen their heroin and cocaine. ALEXANDER’s product was called “Bonita,” and evidence showed that ALEXANDER acquired hundreds of kilograms of various powders like mannitol, lidocaine, quinine, and acetaminophen, that he then mixed and sold as Bonita to the highest-level drug dealers in New Orleans. During the timeframe of the conspiracy, ALEXANDER made frequent cash deposits from the proceeds of his sale of Bonita into various bank accounts. In total, the government seized approximately $425,000, which will be forfeited as the proceeds of his unlawful drug operation. ALEXANDER, who was a convicted felon, was arrested shortly after leaving his New Orleans East residence in October 2016. Agents conducted a search warrant at his residence and recovered a loaded Taurus revolver, as well as over 100 kilograms of various cutting agents that ALEXANDER intended to mix, market, and distribute to drug dealers.
At the conclusion of a five-day trial, the jury found ALEXANDER guilty of five counts: the lead charge of conspiring to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, two counts of distributing heroin, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of structuring cash deposits to avoid financial reporting requirements.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, which led this investigation and was assisted by the Kenner Police Department, Customs and Border Protection Agency, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long, Theodore Carter, and Alexandra Giavotella are in charge of the prosecution.
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Montz Woman Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that IGEL CASANOVA GIBBINS (“GIBBINS”), age 44, of Montz, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to documents filed in federal court, the case against IGEL CASANOVA GIBBINS (“GIBBINS”) began after the State of Louisiana complied with a request from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) to provide the SSA with death data of approximately 1.6 million Social Security number holders who had died in Louisiana from January 1, 1979, through December 31, 2019. As part of that data, the State of Louisiana disclosed that D.C., a participant in the SSA’s Retirement Survivor Insurance program (“RSI Program”), died on or about August 16, 2012.
Unaware of D.C.’s death, the SSA erroneously released approximately $202,417.00 in RSI Program funds from August 2012 through December 2020, via automatic wire transfers (i.e., direct deposit) to D.C.’s jointly held Capital One Bank (“Capital One”) account. GIBBINS, D.C.’s daughter, was a joint account holder of the Capital One account. D.C.’s RSI Program benefits were not transferrable to GIBBINS. Following the automatic deposit of RSI Program benefits, GIBBINS accessed the funds and wrongfully converted the funds to her own personal use, depleting nearly all account funds. The funds were used on purchase transactions or transfers out of the account to pay bills, for example, such as for mortgage payments and vehicle loan payments. GIBBINS never advised the SSA of D.C.’s death.
The SSA determined that GIBBINS fraudulently obtained $200,396.00 in SSA disability benefits from her father’s Capital One Bank account.
United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced GIBBINS to five (5) years probation, 100 hours of community service, full restitution to the Social Security Administration, and a $100 mandatory 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 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige O’Hale.
Mexican Man Indicted for Identity Theft and Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARTIN CORTEZ-BALDERAS (“CORTEZ”), age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was charged on November 12, 2021 in a two-count indictment for Identity Theft and Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the indictment, in Count 1, on or about April 3, 2018, CORTEZ, knowingly possessed and used in or affecting interstate commerce, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person, that is, the name and date of birth of another, with the intent to commit an unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of state law, Forgery, to renew a Louisiana state identification card, in violation of Louisiana Revised Statute 14:72. In Count 2, CORTEZ was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, to wit: a felony marijuana conviction.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of these charges, CORTEZ faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years on the felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition count. He also faces up to three years on the identity theft count. Also, CORTEZ faces a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, as to both counts.
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 Homeland Security Investigations of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Postal Worker Indicted for Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SIERRA HUDSON, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on November 12, 2021 in a one count indictment for delay or destruction of mail.
According to court documents, HUDSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and was assigned to work at the Central Carrier Station, New Orleans, LA. The indictment alleges that from on or about May 2020 through July 2020, HUDSON secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 640 First Class postcards and 573 pieces of political mail that were recovered from a residential trash can. According to court documents, HUDSON also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately two First Class letters, 535 advertising flyers, and 20 nonprofit small parcels in the trunk of her personal vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Woman Charged for Theft of More Than $61,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CATHERINE CAMPBELL WILLIAMS, age 68, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on November 12, 2021 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the Indictment, beginning in December 2010 and continuing through 2020, WILLIAMS collected Social Security Administration benefits paid to a deceased relative. It is alleged that in total, WILLIAMS fraudulently received approximately $61,324 in Social Security Administration benefits to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
New Orleans Man Indicted for a Violation of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NELSON RAYMOND, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on November 12, 2021 in a one count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Duane Evans.
If convicted, RAYMOND 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.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Mike Trummel.
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California Man Charged in Scheme Involving over $300,000 in Fraudulent Purchases from Home DepotRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN orPilla SINLAO, age 36, a resident of San Jose, California, was charged on November 12, 2021 in an eight-count indictment arising out of a scheme to make numerous unauthorized credit card purchases at Home Depot stores.
The indictment charges SINLAO with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1029(a)(5) and 1029(b)(2). If convicted of this count, SINLAO faces a maximum term of seven-and-a-half (7.5) years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss caused by the offense. SINLAO was also charged with seven counts of Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(5). If convicted, SINLAO faces, as to each of these seven counts, a maximum term of fifteen (15) years in prison and/or a fine of $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss caused by the offense. In addition, SINLAO faces a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years per count after his release from prison. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count is also applicable.
According to Court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct over $300,000 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at Home Depot stores using customers’ Citibank credit card numbers. These transactions occurred between at least February of 2019 and July of 2019 at Home Depot stores in Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, and Oklahoma.
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 Department of Homeland Security, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
Bank Robber IndictedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOSEPH REED, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on November 12, 2021 for Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to the indictment, on or about October 9, 2021, REED attempted to rob the Chase Bank located on North Broad Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
If convicted, REED faces up to a maximum of twenty (20) years in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, officers with the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.
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Archdiocese of New Orleans Agrees to Pay More Than $1 Million to Resolve Hurricane Katrina-related False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans (“Archdiocese of New Orleans”) has agreed to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims for payment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the repair or replacement of certain facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The settlement, which is based on the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ financial condition, required final approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, which approved the settlement on Oct. 26.
“FEMA offers critical financial support when natural disasters strike,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that these taxpayer funds are properly spent to help disaster victims rebuild their communities.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2007 through 2013, the Archdiocese of New Orleans knowingly signed certifications for FEMA funding that contained false or fraudulent damage descriptions and repair estimates that were prepared by AECOM, an architecture and engineering firm based in Los Angeles. Among other things, the alleged false descriptions included purported damage to a nonexistent central air conditioning unit and misstated a facility’s square footage.
“Federal disaster funds are an instrumental component in the effort to assist disaster victims with their recovery,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of this False Claims Act matter illustrates the collaborative efforts and firm commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”
“Funds fraudulently obtained from FEMA deprive deserving recipients and communities truly in need,” said Inspector General Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari for Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG). “We appreciate the support of our law enforcement partners, and this outcome is another example of the continuing successful partnership between the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Department of Justice’s Civil Litigation Branch in Washington, DC and the Eastern District of Louisiana’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The settlement resolved allegations originally filed in a lawsuit brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Robert Romero, an AECOM Project Specialist. The False Claims Act permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in any recovery. The False Claims Act also permits the United States to intervene in such an action, as it did in this case, in part, against AECOM, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and other disaster relief applicants in June 2020. One of those applicants, Xavier University of Louisiana, previously agreed to pay the United States $12 million to resolve its alleged role in the submission of false and misleading repair estimates prepared on its behalf by AECOM. The lawsuit against AECOM and another disaster relief applicant remains ongoing. As part of its settlement, the Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to cooperate in the litigation.
The whistleblower lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Robert Romero v. AECOM, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-15092 (E.D. La.). As part of the settlement with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Mr. Romero received approximately $199,500.
The False Claims Act lawsuit is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with assistance from FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Investigative support is being provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General, through its Major Fraud and Corruption Unit and New Orleans Resident Office.
The claims alleged in the lawsuit, including those resolved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
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Archdiocese of New Orleans Agrees to Pay More Than $1 Million to Resolve Hurricane Katrina-related False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans) has agreed to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims for payment to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the repair or replacement of certain facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. The settlement, which is based on the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ financial condition, required final approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, which approved the settlement on Oct. 26.
“FEMA offers critical financial support when natural disasters strike,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that these taxpayer funds are properly spent to help disaster victims rebuild their communities.”
The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2007 through 2013, the Archdiocese of New Orleans knowingly signed certifications for FEMA funding that contained false or fraudulent damage descriptions and repair estimates that were prepared by AECOM, an architecture and engineering firm based in Los Angeles. Among other things, the alleged false descriptions included purported damage to a nonexistent central air conditioning unit and misstated a facility’s square footage.
“Federal disaster funds are an instrumental component in the effort to assist disaster victims with their recovery,” said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of this False Claims Act matter illustrates the collaborative efforts and firm commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”
“Funds fraudulently obtained from FEMA deprive deserving recipients and communities truly in need,” said Inspector General Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari for Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG). “We appreciate the support of our law enforcement partners, and this outcome is another example of the continuing successful partnership between the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, the Department of Justice’s Civil Litigation Branch in Washington, DC and the Eastern District of Louisiana’s U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
The settlement resolved allegations originally filed in a lawsuit brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Robert Romero, an AECOM Project Specialist. The False Claims Act permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in any recovery. The False Claims Act also permits the United States to intervene in such an action, as it did in this case, in part, against AECOM, the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and other disaster relief applicants in June 2020. One of those applicants, Xavier University of Louisiana, previously agreed to pay the United States $12 million to resolve its alleged role in the submission of false and misleading repair estimates prepared on its behalf by AECOM. The lawsuit against AECOM and another disaster relief applicant remains ongoing. As part of its settlement, the Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to cooperate in the litigation.
The whistleblower lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Robert Romero v. AECOM, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-15092 (E.D. La.). As part of the settlement with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Mr. Romero received approximately $199,500.
The False Claims Act lawsuit is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with assistance from FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Investigative support is being provided by DHS OIG, through its Major Fraud and Corruption Unit and New Orleans Resident Office.
The claims alleged in the lawsuit, including those resolved by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
New Orleans Man Charged with Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and False StatementsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that COREY THOMAS, age 49, from New Orleans, was indicted on October 7, 2021 for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to a federal agent, all stemming from alleged fraudulent charges made in someone else’s name at local stores. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the indictment remained sealed until now.
The grand jury returned a five-count indictment. The indictment charged THOMAS with one count of wire fraud, involving conduct in January of 2019. According to the indictment, THOMAS used a victim’s personal identifying information in an effort to make fraudulent charges at Best Buy and several Lowe’s Home Improvement locations. It is alleged, that THOMAS attempted the purchases on behalf of other actual customers, offering to charge the goods on a store credit card in exchange for a cash payment that was less than the purchase price. THOMAS is also charged with three counts of aggravated identity theft, corresponding to three fraudulent charges at Lowe’s locations in New Orleans and Slidell. THOMAS is also charged with one count of lying to federal agents, by denying that he was present at Lowe’s during a successful fraudulent charge and falsely stating that he did not know the customer who received the fraudulently obtained goods in that transaction.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of the wire fraud charge, THOMAS faces up to twenty years in prison. THOMAS faces a consecutive sentence of two years in prison for each count of aggravated identity theft. For the false statement, THOMAS faces up to five years in prison. Following any term of imprisonment, THOMAS faces up to three years of supervised release for the wire fraud and false statement counts, and up to one year of supervised release for each aggravated identity theft count. For all five counts, THOMAS faces a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to THOMAS or the gross loss to any victims, as well as a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Sentenced for Defrauding the Sheriff’s Office and Other BusinessesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 9, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced former Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) captain KEVIN STIMAGE to twelve (12) months and one day imprisonment, one (1) year of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. STIMAGE had pled guilty to Theft from Programs Receiving Federal Funds.
According to court documents, in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, STIMAGE reported having worked, on average, 40 hours per week at the TPSO, approximately 40 hours per week at an off-duty work detail at a motor vehicle dealership, and, beginning in 2018, approximately 30 hours per week at an off-duty work detail at an apartment complex, for a total of approximately 110 hours per week. However, STIMAGE only worked a portion of the claimed hours, thereby defrauding the TPSO, the vehicle dealership, and the apartment complex out of a total of $241,086, which Judge Vitter ordered STIMAGE to repay as the restitution portion of his sentence.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans stated, “We want to assure the public that with the continued assistance from our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, this Office will identify and prosecute any individual who commits an act of public corruption,”
"Public corruption occurs when a public official conducts an official act in exchange for money, goods or services. It also includes public officials who fraudulently or illegally take something of value for their own personal gain. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that law enforcement officers like Kevin Stimage will be held responsible and that no one is above the law,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. "We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana for their strong partnership and pursuit of justice."
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Chandra Menon prosecuted the case.
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Slidell Resident Sentenced to 33 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and Crack in the ‘Goose’ Area of New OrleansRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced JOSEPH BROWN, age 46, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, on November 9, 2021 to 33 months of imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and $200 in mandatory special assessment fees for conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack in New Orleans East, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846, and using a communication facility to distribute illegal narcotics, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(b). BROWN plead guilty on August 10, 2021.
According to court records, BROWN and four others, Lionel Cooley, Kendrick Demourelle, Kevin Gray, and Blake Monroe, conspired to sell illegal narcotics in New Orleans, including using a broken-down yellow school bus in the ‘Goose’ neighborhood in New Orleans East as a stash house. All five were indicted in February 2020. A seized GMC Sierra pickup truck used by Lionel Cooley contained nearly two kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of crack.
All five defendants in this case have plead guilty.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The Honorable Sarah S. Vance sentenced ROY LEE SR., age 58, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to 96 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, LEE SR. conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced LEE SR. to 96 months custody in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by five (5) years of supervised release. LEE SR. was also ordered to pay a $100 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.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ-ZAPATERO (“SANCHEZ-ZAPATERO”), age 36, was sentenced on November 4, 2021 to seven months in prison on 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, SANCHEZ-ZAPATERO reentered the United States after he was previously deported on July 17, 2013. SANCHEZ-ZAPATERO faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution
Seven Individuals Charged with Firearm and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that a federal grand jury returned a 14-count Superseding Indictment on October 28, 2021 against AL VERNON BROWN, (BROWN), age 48, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, age 37, KEVIN JOHNSON, age 30, DONALD MYLES (MYLES), age 43, ERNEST GREEN (GREEN), age 53, JOHN CRAWFORD (CRAWFORD), age 38, and SUSAN BREAUX (BREAUX), age 46. To protect the integrity of the investigation, the Superseding Indictment remained sealed until now.
The Superseding Indictment charged the defendants with the following Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts:
Count 1: Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl), 1 kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), and 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee; mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON, BREAUX, MYLES, GREEN, and CRAWFORD
Count 2: Possession with intent to distribute four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of (ten) 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and heroin); mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (heroin), and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BROWN, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 3: Convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 4: Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life to run consecutively, not more than $250,000 fine, up to three (5) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
Count 5: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, MYLES
Count 6: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: KEVIN JOHNSON, MYLES
Count 7: Use of a communication facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one (1) year supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, BROWN
Count 8: Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2
Statutory Penalties: mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: BREAUX, CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON, and BROWN
Count 9: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: BREAUX
Count 10: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendants: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, KEVIN JOHNSON
Count 11: Possession with intent to distribute 50 kilograms of marijuana or less, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).
Statutory Penalties: up to five (5) years, up to a $250,000 fine and at least two (2) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: KEVIN JOHNSON
Count 12: Possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
Count 13: Possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
Statutory Penalties: a mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life to run consecutively, not more than $250,000 fine, up to five (5) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
Count 14: Convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2)
Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Defendant: GREEN
In September 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force (“the Task Force”) initiated an investigation after receiving information about an increase in violent crimes around the 2600 block of Felicity Street and the 1600 block of Magnolia Street in New Orleans, Louisiana where a local car wash and an adjoining barbershop are located. During the investigation, the Task Force learned MYLES and CRAWFORD sold heroin and fentanyl while GREEN sold cocaine at the aforementioned locations. They also learned BROWN, a California resident, supplied heroin and fentanyl to CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON and KEVIN JOHNSON. KEVIN and CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON supplied heroin and fentanyl to MYLES. BREAUX bought heroin from KEVIN and CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON. So far, the Task Force has confiscated over 1.6 kilograms of heroin, 935.9 grams of fentanyl, multiple firearms, and $112,000 cash.
United States Attorney Evans reiterated that a Superseding Indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force, with the assistance of the New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 4, 2021, JERMAINE COOPER, age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses.
Specifically, COOPER previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
According to court records, COOPER and others conspired to distribute heroin in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere. Additionally, COOPER possessed four firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, including a Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter pistol, a Glock Model 27 nine-millimeter pistol, an HK nine-millimeter pistol, and a Glock Model 19X nine-millimeter firearm.
Judge Lemmon sentenced COOPER to a term of imprisonment of 126 months, 5 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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Owner of Louisiana Construction and Building Inspection Businesses and His Two Siblings Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - A Louisiana man who owns construction and building inspection businesses, along with his brother and sister who were employed by the construction businesses, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
According to court documents, from 2011 through at least June 2019, Randy A. Farrell Sr., of Jefferson Parish, along with his brother, David Farrell, also of Jefferson Parish, and sister, Dawn Farrell Ruiz, of St. Tammany Parish, conspired to conceal income from the IRS and prevent employment taxes from being deducted from their own and others’ wages. Randy Farrell also conspired with Matthew Reck, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS on July 7.
According to court documents, Randy Farrell and Reck co-owned and operated two commercial construction companies, SES Construction Consulting Group (SES) and Global Technical Solutions (GTS) through 2015, when Reck sold his interest in the companies to Randy Farrell. Court documents show that Randy Farrell and Reck took funds from SES and GTS without reporting the profits on their tax returns, and they worked with an accountant to conceal these efforts on the companies’ internal books and records. Randy Farrell and Reck also ensured certain SES and GTS employees, including David Farrell and Dawn Farrell Ruiz, were paid outside of the normal payroll process so employment taxes would not be withheld from their paychecks.
Since 2007, Randy Farrell has also co-owned a building inspection business, IECI & Associates LLC (IECI). To help conceal the income he received from IECI, Randy Farrell directed IECI to issue checks payable to nominees in amounts under $10,000 and then cashed the checks, keeping the funds for himself. Randy Farrell also used IECI corporate funds for gambling, and then he concealed his actions by directing these expenditures to be falsely entered into IECI’s corporate records as “materials” expenses or “contract labor” payments. After the IRS executed a search warrant at his business offices and home in September 2017, Randy Farrell filed tax returns that falsely underreported the taxable income he earned from his businesses.
Randy Farrell, David Farrell and Ruiz are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Reck is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2022, and also faces a maximum of five years in prison. All defendants face 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.
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 Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
St. James Parish Men Indicted for Violations of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUAN CAZES, age 46, and CRANDALL WASHINGTON, age 42, both residents of St. James Parish, Louisiana, were charged November 4, 2021, in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to Count 1 and Count 2 of the indictment, on October 28, 2021, CAZES and WASHINGTON conspired and possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
If convicted of Count 1, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Count 2, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For both counts of the indictment, both CAZES and WASHINGTON face payment of 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 defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. James Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Owner of Louisiana Construction and Building Inspection Businesses and His Two Siblings Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
A Louisiana man who owns construction and building inspection businesses, along with his brother and sister who were employed by the construction businesses, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
According to court documents, from 2011 through at least June 2019, Randy A. Farrell Sr., of Jefferson Parish, along with his brother, David Farrell, also of Jefferson Parish, and sister, Dawn Farrell Ruiz, of St. Tammany Parish, conspired to conceal income from the IRS and prevent employment taxes from being deducted from their own and others’ wages. Randy Farrell also conspired with Matthew Reck, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS on July 7.
According to court documents, Randy Farrell and Reck co-owned and operated two commercial construction companies, SES Construction Consulting Group (SES) and Global Technical Solutions (GTS) through 2015, when Reck sold his interest in the companies to Randy Farrell. Court documents show that Randy Farrell and Reck took funds from SES and GTS without reporting the profits on their tax returns, and they worked with an accountant to conceal these efforts on the companies’ internal books and records. Randy Farrell and Reck also ensured certain SES and GTS employees, including David Farrell and Dawn Farrell Ruiz, were paid outside of the normal payroll process so employment taxes would not be withheld from their paychecks.
Since 2007, Randy Farrell has also co-owned a building inspection business, IECI & Associates LLC (IECI). To help conceal the income he received from IECI, Randy Farrell directed IECI to issue checks payable to nominees in amounts under $10,000 and then cashed the checks, keeping the funds for himself. Randy Farrell also used IECI corporate funds for gambling, and then he concealed his actions by directing these expenditures to be falsely entered into IECI’s corporate records as “materials” expenses or “contract labor” payments. After the IRS executed a search warrant at his business offices and home in September 2017, Randy Farrell filed tax returns that falsely underreported the taxable income he earned from his businesses.
Randy Farrell, David Farrell and Ruiz are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Reck is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2022, and also faces a maximum of five years in prison. All defendants face 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.
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 Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant DWIGHT ANDERSON, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 4, 2021 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 90 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $200 special assessment on Counts Two and Three of a three-count indictment.
Both Counts Two and Three of the indictment charged ANDERSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and Title18, United States Code, Section 924(a)(2). As to Count Two, on June 2, 2020, investigators arrested ANDERSON and his co-defendant for being felons in possession of firearms. Law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by ANDERSON’s co-defendant. ANDERSON was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and fled into the parking lot of a Home Depot located near the intersection of S. Claiborne Ave. and Earhart Blvd in New Orleans, LA. The vehicle proceeded into the gated parking lot, continuing to ignore the police vehicles, and attempted to evade law enforcement. The parking lot has a gate surrounding it and other access points were blocked at the time the vehicle was attempting to evade authorities. Following these discoveries, the occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Two individuals, including ANDERSON, exited the passenger side of the vehicle, one from the front passenger side and one from the rear passenger side. Once the scene was secure, investigators observed several firearms within the immediate area of the vehicle. Investigators observed one rifle outside the driver side of the vehicle and two hands guns outside the passenger side of the vehicle. Additionally, investigators observed ski masks and a pair of gloves on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. ANDERSON was located by investigators hiding underneath a house in the 1300 block of Clara Street. He was in possession of a bag which contained another ski mask. As to Count Three, on June 12, 2020, ANDERSON was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. When investigators apprehended ANDERSON, they observed a firearm protruding from his back pants pocket.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New Orleans Man Sentenced on Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant DWIGHT ANDERSON, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 4, 2021 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 90 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release, and a $200 special assessment on Counts Two and Three of a three-count indictment.
Both Counts Two and Three of the indictment charged ANDERSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and Title18, United States Code, Section 924(a)(2). As to Count Two, on June 2, 2020, investigators arrested ANDERSON and his co-defendant for being felons in possession of firearms. Law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by ANDERSON’s co-defendant. ANDERSON was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and fled into the parking lot of a Home Depot located near the intersection of S. Claiborne Ave. and Earhart Blvd in New Orleans, LA. The vehicle proceeded into the gated parking lot, continuing to ignore the police vehicles, and attempted to evade law enforcement. The parking lot has a gate surrounding it and other access points were blocked at the time the vehicle was attempting to evade authorities. Following these discoveries, the occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Two individuals, including ANDERSON, exited the passenger side of the vehicle, one from the front passenger side and one from the rear passenger side. Once the scene was secure, investigators observed several firearms within the immediate area of the vehicle. Investigators observed one rifle outside the driver side of the vehicle and two hands guns outside the passenger side of the vehicle. Additionally, investigators observed ski masks and a pair of gloves on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. ANDERSON was located by investigators hiding underneath a house in the 1300 block of Clara Street. He was in possession of a bag which contained another ski mask. As to Count Three, on June 12, 2020, ANDERSON was arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. When investigators apprehended ANDERSON, they observed a firearm protruding from his back pants pocket.
This case was being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CURTIS EMILIEN, age 26, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on November 4, 2021 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). EMILIEN 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.
According to court records, EMILIEN and another individual were in a conflict which escalated to the use of firearms. Officers responded to a report of gunshots on August 25, 2019 in the Lafitte Housing Development and found multiple spent shell casings. EMILIEN is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history.
The Honorable U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will sentence EMILIEN for his current offense on Tuesday, February 8. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.
Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ACDANE CAMPBELL, age 25, a resident of Jamaica, pleaded guilty today to a one-count Indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan.
According to the Indictment, from in or around August 2016, CAMPBELL and others conspired to operate a scheme to obtain money unlawfully by falsely informing elderly victims that they had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or car. The unidentified co-conspirators called the victims and promised that the victims would receive their winnings if they first paid taxes and fees.
After being instructed by the unidentified co-conspirators that they needed to send payments to CAMPBELL, the victims would send their payments electronically through a money services business or in the mail via FedEx or the United States Postal Service. Working as what is known as a “money mule,” CAMPBELL either kept the money that he received from the victims or sent it to unknown persons in Jamaica.
Sentencing is set for February 10 , 2022, before Judge Morgan. CAMPBELL faces up to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or twice the gross gain or twice to gross loss to any victim, up to a maximum of 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.
Former New Orleans Postal Employee Sentenced to Probation and Community Service for Stealing Cash from a Birthday Card He was Entrusted to DeliverRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RONNIE BARTHOLOMEW, age 64 and a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced to probation, 50 hours of community service and payment of a $10 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon for obstruction of mail, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1701.
According to court documents, BARTHOLOMEW, while employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier at the Central Carrier Station in New Orleans, opened a birthday card he was carrying and removed five marked twenty-dollar bills. BARTHOLOMEW had pled guilty on June 10, 2021, to a one-count bill of information.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, age 27, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 4, 2021 before U.S. Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; both in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2019, Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms used a confidential source to make a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from HARRIS. The confidential source, under the direction of agents, went to 1100 block of Columbia Street to meet HARRIS to purchase the drugs. The source was greeted at the door by Derrick Mark who made a telephone call to HARRIS to inform him that the source was at the residence to purchase the drugs from him. When HARRIS arrived at the residence, he entered the source’s vehicle and sold the source approximately one hundred six (106) grams of drugs that tested positive for methamphetamine.
HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee per count.
This prosecution was part of an extensive investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Bogalusa Police Department of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and/or firearms in the Bogalusa area. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Slidell Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine, and Crack Drugs After Heroin Found in a Safe Being Moved from His Stash HouseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENDRICK DEMOURELLE, age 40, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 2, 2021 to conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. DEMOURELLE is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five (5) years of supervised release upon his release from prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each drug offense, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.
According to court records, DEMOURELLE and four others, Joseph Brown, Lionel Cooley, Blake Monroe, and Kevin Gray, conspired to sell illegal narcotics in New Orleans. A portable safe being moved from DEMOURELLE’s stash house during a court-approved search contained nearly one kilogram of heroin. A repossessed GMC Sierra pickup truck used by Cooley contained nearly two kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of crack. More than 400 grams of heroin, 125 grams of cocaine, a kilo press, and other drug paraphernalia were seized in Gray’s home in Chalmette, Louisiana, during a court-authorized search.
The evidence against DEMOURELLE includes the seizure of more than $50,000 and firearms found in his Denali truck after he sold two kilograms of cocaine to Cooley.
U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter will sentence DEMOURELLE on February 15, 2022. DEMOURELLE, Brown, Cooley, Gray, and Monroe were charged in February 2020 with conspiring to distribute cocaine, crack, and heroin in the New Orleans area. All five had pled guilty to drug offenses.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Tax Preparer Sentenced to Serve a Year and a Day in Federal Prison After Pleading Guilty to Failing to Declare More Than $695,000 in Income on Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on November 3, 2021 QUINCY E. IRVIN, age 43 of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a one count Bill of Information for making false statements on an income tax return in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206.
In papers signed by the defendant and filed in open court, IRVIN admitted to owing two tax preparation companies, Discount Tax Services and Quincy Irvin Tax Services. IRVIN admitted to failing to declare a total of $696,060 in income for the tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014. The total tax loss to the government was $249,074 as a result of IRVIN’S false statements.
IRVIN was ordered to pay $249,074 in restitution and to serve one year supervised release after his prison term. IRVIN must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division for their thorough investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violations of Federal Firearms and Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DERRICK GROVES, age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 2, 2021 for federal firearms and narcotics violations.
According to court documents, on October 12, 2018, DERRICK GROVES possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl; on January 25, 2019, GROVES possessed with intent to distribute heroin, all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). DERRICK GROVES was also in possession of a firearm on those dates, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced GROVES to serve 11 years and 9 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Guidry also imposed $400 in mandatory special assessment fees.
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 investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.
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Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Federal Prison for Transporting 10 Lbs. of Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARTIN ALAMEDA-PINEDA, age 37, of Mexico, was sentenced on November 3, 2021 to 180 months in prison for transporting a large amount of methamphetamine into the Eastern District of Louisiana from Texas, while armed with a firearm. ALAMEDA-PINEDA was also sentenced to five (5) years of supervised release following imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Earlier this year ALAMEDA-PINEDA pled guilty as charged to a three-count indictment that was pending against him. He was charged in Count 1 with possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)A); Count 2 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c); and charged in Count 3 with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to the documents that were placed into the court record during his guilty plea, the defendant was arrested by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Detectives after they conducted a lawful traffic stop of his vehicle and found 10 lbs. of methamphetamine in the back seat of his vehicle and a firearm in the center console. The detectives conducted the stop based on information obtained from Special Agents with the Department of Homeland Security, who had knowledge that the defendant would be transporting a significant amount of drugs to the Eastern District of Louisiana.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in working together to investigate this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
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Lafourche Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JONATHAN JOHNSON, age 31, a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 3, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on March 31, 2021, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies executed a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by JOHNSON on Highway 1 in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Deputies conducted a license check and learned that JOHNSON was driving with a suspended license. After noticing JOHNSON’S nervous demeanor, the deputies requested the assistance of additional units. When the other officers arrived and approached JOHNSON, they observed JOHNSON open the driver’s side door of the vehicle and discard approximately three hundred (300) grams of methamphetamine onto the ground. As a result of his plea, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Gretna Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute DrugsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 28, 2021, DASHAWN LEWIS, age 43, of Gretna, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to drug offenses.
Specifically, LEWIS previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.
According to court records, LEWIS and others conspired to distribute heroin in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere.
Judge Fallon sentenced LEWIS to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, 4 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Louisiana State Police Trooper Sentenced to 210 Months Imprisonment After Pleading Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JASON BOYET, age 42, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and a former trooper with the Louisiana State Police, was sentenced on November 3, 2021 to 210 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Sarah Vance. BOYET previously pleaded guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as three (3) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2). As part of his sentence, BOYET will also be obligated to serve a period of five (5) years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment, register as a sex offender, and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Judge Vance scheduled a restitution hearing for February 2, 2022.
According to court documents, in about February 2020, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation operating in an undercover capacity (Agent 1) in the State of Texas accessed a chat room within an instant messaging mobile application known to be a haven for purveyors of digital files depicting the sexual victimization of children. Agent 1 was introduced to an individual, subsequently determined to be BOYET, who distributed to him sexually suggestive and sexually explicit photographs of minors, including a prepubescent female (Victim 1), over whom BOYET claimed to have custody and control.
On February 12, 2020, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at BOYET’s residence. Based on a voluntarily interview with BOYET and a review of digital evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement authorities confirmed that BOYET took sexually explicit images of Victim 1 at his residence using his Apple iPhone XR on at least three dates between December 19, 2019, and February 11, 2020, some of which he distributed to third parties as described above. Agents also confirmed that BOYET accessed a link to an online file storage account containing numerous videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and, further, received at least 151 images and 195 videos depicting children as young as approximately one (1) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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Colombian from Houston Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced EDER QUINONES, age 36, a Colombian citizen who was living in Houston, Texas, on November 3, 2021 to 75 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, QUINONES conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. QUINONES admitted to being the source of supply for a high-level drug trafficker who was moving kilogram quantities of heroin from Houston to New Orleans and serving as a high-level supplier for New Orleans. QUINONES acknowledged being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept and being arrested by the FBI in possession of a kilogram he was attempting to deliver to a New Orleans dealer. QUINONES admitted that he trafficked between 10 and 30 kilograms of heroin as part of the conspiracy.
United States District Judge Vance sentenced QUINONES to 75 months in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by three years of supervised release. QUINONES was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Loaded Ak-47 Found During Traffic Stop and to Possessing with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BLAKE MONROE, age 31, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 2, 2021 to being a felon in possession of a loaded AK-47 seized during a New Orleans Police Department traffic stop and to possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of crack cocaine that was hidden on his body during this stop and found by an Orleans Parish Sheriff deputy during MONROE’s booking at jail.
MONROE is facing a sentence of up to twenty years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release upon leaving prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for the crack cocaine offense, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). MONROE is facing up to ten years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release upon leaving prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). MONROE has felony convictions for domestic abuse by strangulation and battery, among other criminal offenses.
According to court records, during a December 11, 2019 traffic stop, NOPD officers observed in plain sight a loaded AK-47, with the selector switch in the fire position, on the back floor of a white Mercedes driven by MONROE. NOPD officers had pulled MONROE over after two NOPD officers who had been conducting undercover surveillance on Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East observed MONROE conduct a suspected hand-to-hand crack sale.
During his booking at jail that same afternoon, an Orleans Parish Sheriff Office deputy found approximately 24 grams of crack cocaine that MONROE had hidden on his body. U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will sentence MONROE on February 15, 2022.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.
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Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Defrauding the New Orleans Public Library FoundationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that IRVIN MAYFIELD, age 44, a resident of New Orleans, and RONALD MARKHAM, age 43, also a resident of New Orleans, were sentenced today for defrauding the New Orleans Public Library Foundation out of approximately $1,316,232. The Honorable Jay Zainey sentenced the defendants to eighteen (18) months imprisonment followed by three (3) years of supervised release. MAYFIELD and MARKHAM were also sentenced to payment of restitution in the amount of $1,123,032 to the N.O, Public Library Foundation, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and 500 hours of community service.
According to court documents, MAYFIELD founded the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) in 2002. MAYFIELD also acted as Artistic Director and featured performer. MARKHAM was a long-time friend of MAYFIELD and served as NOJO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. MAYFIELD and MARKHAM both received salaries of $100,000 from NOJO as well as compensation for compositions and performances through Mayfield Publishing Company. Throughout its existence, NOJO relied on donations to fund its operations and pay its expenses. Between December 16, 2008, until May 31, 2010, NOJO relied on grants from the Edward Wisner Donation, a charitable trust administered by the City of New Orleans. In February 2011, support for NOJO through the Edward Wisner Donation was terminated by the City of New Orleans, causing great financial distress to NOJO and its ability to pay expenses.
In October 1990, the New Orleans Public Library Foundation (NOPLF) was established to receive donations generated through private fund-raising efforts; to oversee the prudent investment of said donations at an acceptable level of risk; and to authorize expenditures judiciously for the purpose of purchasing books, other information materials, and sponsoring New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) related programs. For these purposes, NOPLF maintained an investment account. Until approximately August 2011, the NOPLF used interest earned from its investment account to fund its mission at the direction of the board of directors. All board members were uncompensated volunteers.
In August 2006, MAYFIELD became a board member of NOPLF. He later became Chairman of the board in November 2010. During his time on the NOPLF board, MAYFIELD also maintained his position with NOJO. In December 2009, MARKHAM became a board member of NOPLF. He later became Chairman of the board in September 2013 upon MAYFIELD’s resignation as Chairman of NOPLF. During his time on the NOPLF board, MARKHAM also maintained his position with NOJO. Between August 23, 2011, and November 30, 2013, MAYFIELD and MARKHAM caused approximately $1,316,232 to be unlawfully transferred and paid directly from the NOPLF to NOJO and elsewhere.
Beginning in February 2011, and continuing until November 2017, the defendants committed mail and wire fraud by transferring $1,316,232 from the NOPLF investment account to NOJO and elsewhere without approval and while misleading the NOPLF and others with regard to the purpose of the transfers. The defendants sent materially false and misleading correspondence to NOPLF board members, investment account managers, and auditors regarding the purpose of the money transfers. They also prepared materially false and misleading records to make money transfers from NOPLF to NOJO appear legitimate when they were not. Examples of the unlawful money transfers include:
- The defendants used NOPLF money to support NOJO operating expenses and pay their NOJO salaries.
- The defendants caused tens of thousands of dollars to be transferred directly into the personal accounts of MAYFIELD and Mayfield Productions.
- The defendants used NOPLF money to pay for NOJO’s performance at Carnegie Hall and performance fees to MAYFIELD.
- The defendants used NOPLF money to pay for MAYFIELD’s stays at the Ritz Carlton and Park Central Hotel as well as the travel expenses of NOJO musicians for NOJO performances.
- MAYFIELD used NOPLF money to purchase a 24k gold-plated trumpet and spend money at Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrah’s Casino.
After receiving federal grand jury subpoenas in November 2013, MAYFIELD and MARKHAM gathered and fraudulently edited NOPLF board minutes by changing line items and dollar amounts with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation by the FBI. They also used the fraudulently altered board minutes to convince the NOPLF board that the transfers were authorized.
Finally, MARKHAM falsely informed NOPLF board members, employees of NOPLF and NOPLF legal counsel that NOJO did not use NOPLF money to pay the NOJO salaries of MAYFIELD and MARKHAM and that NOJO was not dependent on NOPLF funding.
"Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that individuals like Grammy Award winning musician Irvin Mayfield and his business partner Ronald Markham who steal from non-profit organizations will be held accountable. Mr. Mayfield and Mr. Markham were driven by their own personal greed, committing financial crimes to enrich themselves at the expense of the citizens of New Orleans who utilize resources offered by New Orleans Public Library,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. "We thank our partners at United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana, Metropolitan Crime Commission and the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice."
“The Office of Inspector General will continue to combine our resources with our federal partners to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. It is vital that we ensure the integrity of New Orleans City Government while we hold public officials accountable for their actions”.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer, Theodore Carter, and Brandon Long are in charge of the prosecution.
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Terrebonne Parish Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERECK CELESTIN, JR., age 36, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, was charged September 30, 2021, in a sealed two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distribution of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment was unsealed on October 28, 2021.
According to Count 1 of the indictment, on July 13, 2021, CELESTIN distributed fifty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Count 2 alleges that CELESTIN distributed fifty grams or more of methamphetamine on August 9, 2021.
CELESTIN had his initial court appearance on October 27, 2021, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendant was arraigned on October 29, 2021.
If convicted of Count 1, CELESTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Count 2, CELESTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For each count of the indictment, CELESTIN faces payment of 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 and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ben Myers.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMAR ARMSTRONG, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on October 28, 2021 before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, ARMSTRONG conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2021. ARMSTRONG faces a penalty of at least 5 years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WAYNE BROWN, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on October 28, 2021 before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, BROWN conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin and more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2021. BROWN faces a penalty of at least 5 years up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
California Man Sentenced After Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROT VAN NGUYEN (“NGUYEN”), age 59, of San Jose, California was sentenced on October 28, 2021 to thirty-three months in prison by Judge Barry Ashe for failing to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents, NGUYEN was convicted in California in 2009 of a sex offense that required him to register as a sex offender for life. In addition to being sentenced to thirty-three (33) months in prison, NGUYEN was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.