Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Orleans Men Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The Honorable Sarah S. Vance sentenced ALLEN ROBERTSON, age 32, and TARON BROWN, age 24, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ROBERTSON was sentenced for the violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 846 and BROWN was sentenced for the violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court records, ROBERTSON, and TARON BROWN both admitted being caught on federally authorized wire taps targeting a heroin distribution organization operating in New Orleans. They admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin.
District Judge Vance sentenced BROWN to 37 months in the Bureau of Prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and sentenced ROBERTSON to 27 months in the Bureau of Prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Both were ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment cost.
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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Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud of More Than $75,000Read the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL R. MATHERNE (“MATHERNE”), age 61, of Slidell, Louisiana pled guilty as charged on July 22, 2021 to an indictment returned by a grand jury on November 6, 2020, for Theft of Federal Funds.
According to the Indictment, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), an agency or department of the United States of America, operated the Retirement Survivor Insurance Benefit program (“RSI Program”). The purpose of the RSI Program is to provide benefits to certain persons, including widows and widowers, in their retirement.
In or around January 1993, M.F. applied for and began receiving RSI Program benefits. The SSA sent the benefits to M.F. at her address in Slidell, Louisiana in the form of a paper check, which she regularly deposited into her Whitney bank account.
On September 24, 2006, M.F. and MATHERNE were married. In July 2012, MATHERNE created a joint Whitney bank account. On November 3, 2012, M.F. died and MATHERNE never advised the SSA of M.F.’s death.
From December 2012 through March 2019, SSA continued sending checks to M.F., at her home address in Slidell, Louisiana, and MATHERNE continued depositing the checks into the Whitney bank account. From December 2012 through March 2019, MATHERNE received monthly SSA benefits totaling approximately $75,838, which he deposited into the Whitney bank account and used for his living expenses.
MATHERNE entered a guilty plea on July 22, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe. He is set to be sentenced November 4, 2021. MATHERNE faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100 as to each count.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr.
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Texas 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 that GENETTA ISREAL (“ISREAL”), age 53, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, twenty-six (26) of the thirty-three (33) indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court.
Damien Labeaud, Mario Solomon, Larry Williams, and ISREAL were charged with staging an accident on June 12, 2017, occurring on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaud and Larry Williams planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told Larry Williams that he had an Attorney who would handle everything. Larry Williams recruited ISREAL and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme. To execute the scheme, Larry Williams borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and that Labeaud drove the Trailblazer, which he then used to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and Larry Williams got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was driving the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. Larry Williams told the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, Labeaud introduced Larry Williams and ISREAL to Attorney A.
Larry Williams and ISREAL were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Attorney A. On June 12, 2018, Attorney A’s firm filed the Larry Williams Lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Attorney A’s firm demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for ISREAL. After the suit was filed, Larry Williams and ISREAL each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Attorney A’s firm.
ISREAL faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment 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, up to three (3) years of supervised release and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. Sentencing will occur before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on November 4, 2021.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera; Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RONALD JACOBS, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Jay C. Zainey to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, JACOBS was arrested after concerned citizens reported his vehicle stopped in a travel lane on Williams Boulevard in Kenner. Kenner Police responded and found JACOBS asleep in the vehicle with what appeared to be drugs in his lap. When the officers made contact with JACOBS, he attempted to flee by ramming his vehicle into the officers’ vehicles and was reaching for an area in his truck where the officers later found a pistol. In addition to the loaded gun, officers also located 14 grams of crack, a digital scale, a razor blade, and about $1,100. JACOBS admitted that he possessed the crack for distribution.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 2, 2021. On the possession of crack with the intent to distribute charge, JACOBS faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. On the related gun charge, JACOBS faces a term of imprisonment of at least five years up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any term of imprisonment on the drug charge, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. There is also a mandatory special assessment of $100 per count.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Kenner Police Department and Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Transporting 10 Lbs. of Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARTIN ALMEDA-PINEDA, age 37, of Mexico, pled guilty as charged on July 28, 2021 to a three-count indictment. 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, Section 841(a)(1) and (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). His sentencing is set for October 27, 2021 at 9:30 am before United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
He will face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a term of not less than 5 years of supervised release for Count 1; a consecutive sentence of five years to life in prison and not more than five years of supervised release for Count 2; and up to 10 years imprisonment and not more than 3 years of supervised release for Count 3. He will also have to pay a total of $300.00 in mandatory special assessment costs.
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 off of information that they learned about the defendant 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
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Hobbs Act Robber Sentenced to 408 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOHN WELDON (“WELDON”), age 26, of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced to imprisonment on July 28, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk for charges relating to nine armed robberies of gas stations, convenience stores, and a bank.
WELDON committed armed robberies of three Shell Gas Stations on General de Gaulle Drive, multiple convenience stores in the West Bank and Seventh Ward, and a bank in Algiers. He brandished a firearm and wore blue gloves in each of the robberies.
In August of 2019, WELDON was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of armed bank robbery, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. WELDON was found guilty by a jury in December 2019 on all counts.
Judge Africk sentenced WELDON to 408 months in the Bureau of Prisons, 60 months of supervised release, and $600 in mandatory special assessment fees. The U.S. Attorney's Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Greg Kennedy.
New Orleans Man Who Illegally Possessed A Machinegun is Sentenced to Ninety Months ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 28, 2021, United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced OLIN GRANT, JR., to ninety months in the federal Bureau of Prisons for being in possession of a machinegun and a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
GRANT was charged on June 20, 2019 and pled guilty in a plea agreement with the government on November 20, 2019. In one count, he pled guilty to possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). For the purposes of the National Firearms Act, the term “machinegun” means any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can readily be restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any part designed and intended solely and exclusively or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun; or any combination of parts from which a machinegun can be assembled if such parts are in the possession or under the control of a person. Judge Africk sentenced GRANT to thirty years on that count, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In another count, GRANT also pled guilty and was sentenced to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). Judge Africk sentenced GRANT to sixty years, to run consecutive to any other terms of imprisonment, and five years of supervised release. GRANT was also ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee for both counts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence- based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany Reed and Melissa Bücher.
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Louisiana Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Second Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Louisiana woman pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy to defraud the United States.
According to court documents, from January through April 2015, Brittany Patterson, of Jefferson Parish, and others conspired to file false tax returns for clients of Pelicans Income Tax and Payroll Services, a return preparation business located in Kenner and Westwego, Louisiana. Patterson and others prepared client returns reporting false income and withholdings in order to generate larger tax refunds. Patterson also filed a return for herself that claimed a false dependent, after obtaining the dependent’s personal identifying information from a client without the client’s knowledge. In total, Patterson and her co-conspirators caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $550,000.
Patterson is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 5, 2022, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
On Nov. 14, 2019, Patterson pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to defraud the United States for filing false returns for clients of another tax preparation business, Crown Tax Service LLC. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 5 for that case.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jessica Kraft and William Montague of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Selling Turtles in Violation of the Lacey ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that VINCENT FELIX RIVERE, age 48, and MEGAN LYNN SHOEMAKER, age 36, former residents of Springfield, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2021 to selling Louisiana Common box turtles in violation of the Lacey Act .
On July 13, 2017, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent arrived at the Office Depot parking lot in Covington, LA to arrange a previously negotiated undercover purchase of 29 Louisiana Common box turtles from RIVERE. RIVERE and SHOEMAKER were waiting at the location. The undercover USFWS agent greeted them, and RIVERE and SHOEMAKER began removing sacks containing Louisiana common box turtles from the trunk of his car. The undercover agent then paid RIVERE $680.00 in cash for the 29 Louisiana Common box turtles.
After the transaction, a traffic stop was performed. RIVERE was operating the vehicle and was in possession of the $680 he had received from undercover USFWS agent. An agent checked the serial numbers on the money that RIVERE possessed and it matched the serial numbers on the money that had been provided from the undercover USFWS agent.
If convicted, RIVERE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to five years, not more than three years on supervised release, a fine of $20,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. SHOEMAKER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to one year, not more than one year on supervised release, a fine of $10,000 and a mandatory special assessment of $25.00. Sentencing is scheduled for October 26, 2021 before the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the United Postal Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Slidell Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JILL LEWIS (“LEWIS”), age 40, resident of Slidell, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on July 21, 2021 to Conspiracy to Commit Mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of her involvement in a postal fraud scheme.
According to today’s guilty plea, beginning on or before January 31, 2014, through in or around January 2016, LEWIS and a co-conspirator conspired to submit numerous false insurance claims for reimbursement to the United States Postal Service (“USPS”), causing the USPS to mail checks to LEWIS and a co-conspirator for approximately $42,000. For example, LEWIS and a co-conspirator falsely represented to the USPS that they had sent expensive jewelry and other items through the mail and that the USPS lost the items. In connection with the false claims, LEWIS and a co-conspirator submitted forged invoices from retailers to the USPS to support the reimbursement amounts. The false claims and forged documents caused the USPS to send the reimbursement checks to LEWIS and a co-conspirator through the mail.
LEWIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. After any term of imprisonment that may be imposed, LEWIS also faces a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years. Per the terms of the plea, restitution to the USPS in the amount of approximately $42,749.74 is owed.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for its work in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to Passing Altered Postal Money Orders and TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY SMALLS, age 32, of New York, New York, pleaded guilty on July 22, 2021 to conspiracy to pass altered U.S. Postal money orders, passing altered U.S. Postal money orders and possessing stolen U.S. government property today before United States District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to court records, SMALLS and a co-defendant who has not yet pled, travelled from New York to Louisiana in October of 2019 to cash stolen U.S. Postal money orders that had been altered to show amounts worth hundreds of dollars. SMALLS and the co-defendant cashed two such postal money orders in Kenner and Metairie, LA. When arrested, the defendants also possessed 58 U.S. Postal money orders that they had stolen from an Ascension Parish U.S. Post Office the day before.
SMALLS faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison on the possession of stolen U.S. government property charge and up to five years in prison for each of the Postal money order charges. SMALLS also faces for each of the three charges up to $250,000 in fines, a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 28, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with assistance from the Louisiana State Police - Criminal Investigations Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Carjackings and Weapons ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KAHLIQ WILLIAMS, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 20, 2021 before U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry to carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and burglary of a federal firearms licensee.
Specifically, WILLIAMS pled guilty to Counts One through Four of the Indictment. WILLIAMS pled guilty to Count One and Four, which charge him with two separate carjackings, both in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). WILLIAMS also pled guilty to Count Two, which charges him with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, that is, a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). Finally, WILLIAMS pled guilty to Count Three, which charges him with burglary of a Federal Firearms Licensee (“FFL”), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(u).
As to Counts One and Four, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. As to Count Two, WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Finally, as to Count Three, WILLIAMS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. WILLIAMS faces a mandatory $100 special assessment cost for each count of conviction and his sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2021.
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, and Firearms. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Indonesian Man Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today that RUDY GUNAWAN, age 41, a citizen of Indonesia, was sentenced on July 20, 2021 to time served by the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter on one count of possession of fraudulent immigration documents. Additionally, the Court ordered GUNAWAN to pay a $100 special assessment cost.
According to court documents, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers received information that GUNAWAN was in the United States illegally and using a Social Security card bearing the name and number of another person. On September 28, 2020, CBP officers encountered GUNAWAN at his place of employment, Samurai Sushi (Slidell, Louisiana). An officer asked for identification and GUNAWAN produced a U.S. Social Security card and claimed to be a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. GUNAWAN later admitted that he knew that the U.S. Social Security card was falsely made and that he had obtained the card from an individual in Memphis, Tennessee for $700. He also admitted that the name and number on the card were not lawfully issued to him and that he purchased the fraudulent documents in order to be able to stay within the United States and work.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and the Social Security Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Felon Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that QUINCY JACKSON, age 31 of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on July 23, 2021 in a single count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, JACKSON was previously convicted of manslaughter, possession of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Being a felon, JACKSON is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He is charged with having a Glock semi-automatic handgun on July 5, 2021. If convicted of this offense, JACKSON faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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California Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DAVID MORA, age 60, a resident of California, was sentenced on July 22, 2021 to 120 months imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Barry W. Barry Ashe for conspiracy to distribute and distribution of 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin as well as one kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl. Additionally, MORA was ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment fee. No fines were imposed in this case.
According to court records, in November 2019, during an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, co-defendant, Zoraida Lara, a/k/a Zoraida Trinidad, communicated with a special agent working in an undercover capacity about the transportation of illegal narcotics to the New Orleans, LA area. Shortly after their conversation, LARA arranged for MORA to deliver the narcotics to the New Orleans area. MORA delivered the narcotics, which included 959.4 grams of heroin and 1402.2 grams of fentanyl and he was subsequently arrested. LARA flew from California to New Orleans to collect payment for the illegal narcotics and was subsequently arrested upon her arrival.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare oversaw the prosecution.
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California Man Charged with Violations of Federal Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOEL ALEXANDER FABRE, age 33, of California, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to the indictment, between March 16, 2021 and March 20, 2021, FABRE, shipped a pound of methamphetamine via USPS. FABRE received $3000.00 for the methamphetamine via a MoneyGram, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)A), possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
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, FABRE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least five years of supervised release after imprisonment, as well as a $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.
Ponchatoula Man Sentenced to 72 Months Imprisonment for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDD SCAFIDEL, JR., age 62, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty as charged to an Indictment charging him with receiving images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately one (1) year old, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2). Additionally, Judge Fallon ordered that SCAFIDEL serve a five-year period of supervised release and register as a sex offender after he is released from prison, Judge Fallon also scheduled a restitution hearing in the matter on September 16, 2021.
According to court documents, in about November 2018, a complainant knowledgeable with SCAFIDEL’s actions reported to Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that SCAFIDEL possessed electronic storage devices that contained files depicting the sexual exploitation of children. After further investigation, the FBI executed a search warrant at SCAFIDEL’s residence in Ponchatoula, Louisiana on December 4, 2018. During the execution of the search warrant, SCAFIDEL possessed a leather pouch that contained, among other items, two electronic storage devices that contained files depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Subsequent forensic analysis determined that SCAFIDEL used computers and external hard drives to search for, download, and store child pornography. In total, SCAFIDEL downloaded and saved at least 22,334 images depicting the sexual victimization of children, including children less than one year old. Among the files SCAFIDEL searched for, downloaded, and stored were some that portrayed “sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.” Specifically, at least one image portrayed the sexual penetration of a conscious, bound prepubescent female.
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, with support from the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
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New York Man Pleads to Passport Fraud Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that THIERNO O. BAH, age 30, a resident of New York, New York, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2021 to passport fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. BAH is the second and final defendant to plead guilty in this case arising from an arrest in Metairie, Louisiana on February 19, 2020. BAH’s codefendant, Manuela Gonzalez-Bookman, also of New York, previously pleaded guilty in this case.
According to court documents, BAH and Gonzalez-Bookman flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong International on February 18, 2020. The following day they drove a rental car to a Capital One branch in Metairie. Gonzalez-Bookman entered the bank while BAH waited in the car outside. Gonzalez-Bookman then attempted to cash a stolen check while using a false passport card in the name of another person. When bank employees became suspicious, they called Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies who arrested the pair. Federal agents subsequently determined that BAH and Gonzalez-Bookman had executed the scheme at several other bank branches while using stolen identities. The two individuals had even taken a prior trip to New Orleans on January 31, 2020, where they executed or attempted to execute at least seven fraudulent transactions, including a failed attempt to withdraw $18,600.00 in cash from one victim’s account.
Court documents further detailed how agents developed additional evidence connecting BAH to further fraud. Agents searched BAH’s phone after obtaining a search warrant and found additional stolen credit card numbers along with identities. In one example, BAH’s phone contained a photo of a handwritten note that included a victim’s name, address, social security number, date of birth, current account balance, and last transaction from the victim’s bank account. Agents used this information to corroborate further fraud committed by BAH.
Agents also learned that BAH had pending charges in the Supreme Court for New York, Bronx County. As set forth in BAH’s factual basis, he was pulled over by NYPD officers on July 31, 2019. During the traffic stop, BAH provided a fake ID to officers. The officers also observed credit card skimming paraphernalia in his vehicle. Officers subsequently seized a total of 29 credit cards, three drivers’ licenses, and a card skimming device. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office obtained an indictment charging BAH with 30 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument second degree, 30 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument second degree, one count of criminal possession of forgery devices, and one count of unlawful possession of a skimmer device in the second degree.
As to Count 1, passport fraud conspiracy, BAH faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to Count 3, aggravated identity theft, BAH faces a mandatory term of two years in prison that must be served consecutively to any other sentence, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. Judge Vance scheduled sentencing for December 1, 2021.
The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations. U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the New York Police Department for their contribution to this successful prosecution. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, K. Paige O’Hale, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Company Pleads Guilty to False Statements ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC., a company that did business in New Orleans, entered a guilty plea on July 14, 2021 to making false statements in connection with a worksite employment investigation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).
In November 2015, Homeland Security Investigations received information that undocumented workers were possibly being employed at B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC. Based on that information, a worksite enforcement investigation was initiated in conjunction with the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Interviews were conducted of employees of the business and agents reviewed payroll records for a number of years. On August 11, 2016, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour investigators arrived at the company’s location on Elysian Fields Avenue and identified themselves to the corporate representative, who identified himself as the person in charge of operations and activities at B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC. He confirmed that he was qualified to answer questions about business operations, including matters related to business operations, personnel, hours worked by staff, and payments made to workers. The investigation also revealed that this corporate representative met the definition of an employer as defined in section 3(d) of the FLSA since he performed duties which included but were not limited to: hiring and firing workers; assigning work to workers; setting and adjusting pay rates for workers; monitoring the performance of workers; determining whether work performance was acceptable.
On behalf of B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC., the representative admitted to providing materially false statements to the agents. These materially false statements included that the company did not utilize a timekeeping system to record the hours that employees actually worked, that some workers were classified as independent contractors and that workers did not work more than 30 hours per week. The agents subsequently located records that proved that workers did in fact record their hours of work using the timekeeping system required by and maintained by the company. Interviews of employees also showed that workers did in fact routinely work in excess of 30 hours per week, with many staff members working significant numbers of overtime hours, which are defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) as hours worked in excess of 40 per work week.
The company faces up to 5 years of probation, a fine of up to $500,000 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for October 13, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAVID SINGLETON, age 62, of New Orleans, was indicted on July 16, 2021 by a federal grand jury for violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, SINGLETON was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846.
According to the indictment, SINGLETON possessed over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride on or about October 20, 2017. If convicted of this charge, SINGLETON faces enhanced penalties of a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least 8 years of supervised release. For each count, SINGLETON must pay a mandatory special assessment cost of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
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Felon Indicted on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MIKAL BLACK, age 23, of Ironton, Louisiana, was charged on July 16, 2021 in a four count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, BLACK was previously convicted of manufacturing a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance. Being a felon, BLACK is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. He is charged with possessing ammunition on July 5, 2020 and August 6, 2020 and a firearm on July 5, 2020, August 6, 2020 and August 11, 2020. If convicted of these offenses, BLACK faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, 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 on 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 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 Plaquemines Parish Sherriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Aiding in Filing False TaxesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LEROI G. JACKSON, age 49, of New Orleans, was charged today by a bill of information with one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2).
The bill of information alleges that in February 2016, Jackson assisted in preparing a false tax return for a taxpayer in which JACKSON included false business losses, false charitable deductions, and false unreimbursed employee expenses. The resulting refund was over $16,000.00 in excess of what the taxpayer should have received.
If convicted, JACKSON faces a maximum sentence of three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000.00 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation is being handled by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Entice Individuals to Travel in Interstate Commerce to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BIANCA ZELAYA-MERTENS, a/k/a Maritza a/k/a Jossi, 28, of Honduras, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2021 to conspiring to entice individuals to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.
According to court documents filed in this case, in February 2020, while conducting an undercover operation with the intent of positively identifying the victims of human trafficking, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) learned that BIANCA ZELAYA-MERTENS (“ZELAYA-MERTENS”) was engaged in sex trafficking. A confidential informant contacted ZELAYA-MERTENS on the telephone and arranged a meeting for a commercial sex act. ZELAYA-MERTENS arrived at the designated location accompanied by a sex worker and a commercial sex act was negotiated with the confidential informant. After the sex act was negotiated and the informant paid the negotiated price, but before the act occurred, an NOPD detective and HSI agents opened the door to the adjoining room and clearly announced “police.” During a subsequent interview by agents, the sex worker stated that ZELAYA-MERTENS told her that she could make money doing prostitution. Thereafter, on Tuesday, February 11, 2020, the sex worker travelled from Houston, Texas to New Orleans and ZELAYA-MERTENS told her she would be working by giving clients sensual massages which included having sex. She stated that she charged fifty dollars for each client but had to give ZELAYA-MERTENS twenty-five dollars.
After being advised of her Miranda rights, ZELAYA-MERTENS stated to HSI agents that she had been introduced to this line of work by co-defendant Waleska Miroslava Cabus-Alvarado, who arranged for women to come to Louisiana each week for prostitution. They both used the same recruiter to locate sex workers.
ZELAYA-MERTENS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, up to a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. ZELAYA-MERTENS’S sentencing is scheduled on October 13, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of the prosecution.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Deported Alien Previously Convicted of a FelonyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that FELIPE MARTINEZ-RIVERA, age 50, was sentenced for reentry of a deported alien previously convicted of a felony, in violation of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1326(a) and (b)(1).
According to court documents, FELIPE MARTINEZ-RIVERA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 9, 1998. Furthermore, on or about May 18, 2010, the defendant was convicted of illegal possession of less than one gram of cocaine in Harris County Texas – a felony under Texas law.
U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S, Vance sentenced MARTINEZ-RIVERA to 14 months of imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution.
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Chalmette Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN (“KILLIAN”), age 41, of Chalmette, Louisiana, pled guilty today to theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
Beginning in or about August 2013, and continuing until in or about June 2020, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, JAMIE MARIE KILLIAN, did knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to her use, money belonging to the United States and a department and agency thereof, namely, money of the Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled, when she utilized approximately $99,940.00 in Social Security Administration funds.
KILLIAN 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 $100.00 special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for October 27, 2021, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
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.
Kenner Resident Sentenced to Four Years Probation for Failure to Account for and Pay over Employment Taxes to the Internal Revenue ServiceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today that defendant MARTHA BUEZO MARTINEZ (“MARTINEZ”), age 51, of Kenner, LA, was sentenced to four (4) years probation by the Honorable Susie Morgan for one count of failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the Internal Revenue Service, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202. Additionally, the Court ordered MARTINEZ to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment cost. MARTINEZ must pay restitution in the amount of $272,096 to the federal Internal Revenue Service.
According to court documents, MARTINEZ was the President, Director, and sole officer of Infinity Construction Resources, Inc. From on or about March 2013 (1st quarter of 2013) to December 2017 (4th quarter of 2017), MARTINEZ, through Infinity, failed to pay over to the United States Internal Revenue Service approximately $272,096 in FICA taxes.
This matter was handled by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.
Tangipahoa Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A Ponchatoula man pleaded guilty on July 7, 2021, to distributing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, AARON NAKEENEN WOMACK, 24, distributed methamphetamine from a residence in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), on February 22 and February 26, 2020. Execution of a federal search warrant on a residence resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.
WOMACK is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2021, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years, up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release following incarceration, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Federal U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations Border Enforcement Security Task Force, which is an initiative of the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, with assistance from Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, Hammond Police Department, Ponchatoula Police Department, St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale is prosecuting the case.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MATTHEW BARRA, 33, from Orleans Parish, pled guilty on July 8, 2021 to a one-count superseding indictment. The superseding indictment charged BARRA with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
Between May 8 – 29, 2019, BARRA possessed four firearms. Before May 2019, he was convicted of various felonies stemming from several incidents in Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish, which precluded him from possessing firearms.
At sentencing, BARRA faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of up to ten (10) years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty for His Role as Executive National Marketing Director in Operating Sham Medical Reimbursement Account ProgramRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH ANTHONY BORINO, age 64, a resident of Spring Hill, Texas, pleaded guilty on July 8, 2021 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to Count One of a one-count Superseding Bill of Information charging him with misprision of a felony, namely, wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
According to court documents, The Total Financial Group (TTFG) was a Louisiana business incorporated by Denis and Donna Joachim with the Louisiana Secretary of State on or about January 6, 2005, TTFG was most recently located at 406 N. Florida Street, Covington, Louisiana. TTFG had at least 13 employees and 56 independent sales agents. BORINO, employed with TTFG since 2012, served as the National Executive Marketing Director for TTFG. In that capacity, BORINO supervised, trained, and instructed TTFG’s regional sales personnel. BORINO primarily handled issues agents, prospective clients, and enrolled clients encountered.
TTFG and its owners, with BORINO and others, created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105.” Classic 105 claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan for their employees to reimburse them for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles. All participants in Classic 105 were required to have a primary health insurance plan unrelated to and in addition to Classic 105. Classic 105 claimed to be comprised of several components: a tax-exempt contribution of between $1,000 and $1,600 per month made by an employee (which reduced the employee’s taxable income), a loan from a lender back to the employee to make up for the contribution, an insurance policy payable to the lender at the employee’s death to repay the loan, and fees paid by the employee and the employer directly to TTFG. TTFG told prospective employer-clients that participants would never have to make out-of-pocket payments to repay the loan and that as a result of the tax savings, most participants would receive an increase in their net take home pay. TTFG’s marketing program told prospective employer-clients that the contributions would be stored in a unique account for each employee-participant and that any money not used by the end of each calendar year would revert to TTFG. TTFG also charged employee-participants a fee of between $150 and $250 per month and the employer a fee of five percent of each employee’s contribution amount. At its peak, over 350 employer-clients and 4,400 employee-participants nationwide were enrolled in TTFG’s Classic 105 program.
According to court documents, TTFG committed wire fraud by virtue of how it actually operated Classic 105. TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions. The only money tendered to TTFG by employer-clients and employee-participants were fees. As a result, employee-participants and employer-clients were defrauded into enrolling in, and paying fees for, the Classic 105 program by means of fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Additionally, participants and employers were exposed to potential adverse financial consequences, including not only unpaid taxes, fees, and penalties, but also ineligibility from certain government programs, including unemployment payments, and reduced Social Security payments.
Despite having knowledge of these events, which constituted wire fraud, on multiple occasions, BORINO did not make known the information and attempted to conceal it. For example, in September 2014, BORINO was told that “TTFG has not made any deals with any banks in any state” and also had “not solicited nor [sic] received any pooling of funds from a group of individuals.” In the subsequent months, when subordinates asked BORINO specific questions about the loan component and passed along concerns that Classic 105 was “a scam and likely an illegal tax dodge,” BORINO failed to disclose what he had been told: that there were no entities providing loans. In subsequent years, BORINO continued to represent to subordinates and prospective customers that loans from “Wall Street banks,” community banks, and various “investing vehicles” funded the loan component.
BORINO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and he is subject to a restitution order for his conduct. Sentencing has been scheduled before Judge Vitter for November 9, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and Employment Benefits Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and IRS-Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Maria Carboni, and Andre Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ALTON COOKS, from Orleans Parish, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2021 to a one-count indictment. COOKS was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on October 23, 2020.
On July 7, 2021, COOKS pleaded guilty as charged to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e). If the Court determines, at sentencing, that COOKS is an Armed Career Criminal, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
If the Court determines that he is not an Armed Career Criminal, COOKS faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Amite Woman Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAWANDA DOVE, 51, of Amite, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on July 7, 2021 to use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity and tampering with a witness.
According to the superseding bill of information, DOVE used a cell phone to carry out a bribery scheme, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1952(a)(3) and 2. Specifically, DOVE paid a Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Records Division Supervisor in exchange for fraudulent bonds used for the release of incarcerated persons. Additionally, in an related matter, DOVE made multiple threats to a witness cooperating in the federal prosecution of DOVE’s son, Aaron Nakeenen Womack, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(b)(1).
As to the bribery scheme, DOVE faces maximum penalties of five (5) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Additionally, DOVE faces maximum penalties of twenty (20) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment for the witness tampering charge. DOVE’s sentencing is scheduled on October 6, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Tracey Knight and Paige O’Hale are in charge of the prosecution.
Kentwood Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDOLPH ARD (“ARD”), age 65, of Kentwood, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to documents filed in federal court, on November 22, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested ARD at his Kentwood home after finding that ARD was in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive that contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. Court records also revealed that ARD was previously convicted in Tangipahoa Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles and indecent behavior with juveniles on March 6, 2013. ARD was on state parole supervision at the time of his arrest.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ARD to 120 months imprisonment, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, sex offender registration, and a $100 special assessment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Louisiana Probation and Parole in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
California Men Pleads Guilty to Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on July 7, 2021 ALLEN EDGERSON, age 43, of Moreno Valley, California, pled guilty today to charges relating to methamphetamine trafficking.
EDGERSON pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. According to court documents, EDGERSON sold methamphetamine in large quantities, quoting customers prices for up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine at a time. Law enforcement agents caught EDGERSON and his codefendant, Rachel Cesario, sending packages with multiple pounds of methamphetamine at a time to codefendant Sheon Copprue in New Orleans.
EDGERSON faces a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release, following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Two of EDGERSON’s codefendants, Sheon Copprue and Tonya Calvin, have already pled guilty in this case. Judge Sarah S. Vance set EDGERSON’s sentencing for November 10, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Louisiana Construction Company Owner Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud the IRS.
According to court documents, from 2011 to at least June 2019, Mathew Reck, of St. Tammany Parish, conspired to defraud the IRS by underreporting his own and others’ individual incomes. With respect to his personal returns, Reck directed his co-conspirator accountant in emails to “get really creative with the 2012 taxes” and to “crush” his 2013 taxes. On his 2012 and 2013 tax returns, Reck underreported the income that he earned from his construction businesses, SES Construction Consulting Group (SES) and Global Technical Solutions (Global), which he co-owned until December 2015.
Reck also conspired with others to defraud the IRS by paying some SES and Global workers “off the books” in cash, by underpaying employment taxes, and by not reporting workers’ full compensations to the IRS. In total, Reck caused a tax loss to the United States of $1,017,024.
Reck is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.
IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys William Montague and Parker Tobin of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Jefferson Parish Man Indicted for Making Threatening Phone CallsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans today announced RUSSELL VENNELL, age 59, of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, was charged on July 1, 2021 in a one-count indictment by a federal Grand Jury with making threatening phone calls in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c).
According to previously filed court documents, on June 13, 2021, at approximately 2:08 a.m., a person called the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC 20036, from a telephone number found to be subscribed to VENNELL. The caller stated that he was going to kill S.H., a person employed by the Brooking Institution at the time of the call. The subject later left a voicemail, at the Brookings Institution, reiterating the previous threat he made to kill S.H. VENNELL was arrested on June 18, 2021 by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of a defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, VENNELL faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee based on the charge outlined in the indictment.
This case is being investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Man for Gun and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 1, 2021, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging a New Orleans man for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, CHARLES ROY, age 32, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C). In Count 2, ROY is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). In Count 3, ROY is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).
If convicted of Count 1, ROY faces a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. If convicted of Count 2, ROY faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. If convicted of Count 3, ROY faces a mandatory consecutive 5 years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
U.S. Attorney Evans stated that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Louisiana State Police and the Office of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Thursday July 1, 2021, that JILL MARTIN, age 39, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
According to court documents, MARTIN supplied another New Orleans drug dealer with pounds of methamphetamine which she obtained from a drug dealer in Hammond, Louisiana.
United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence MARTIN on October 21, 2021. For the drug trafficking violation, MARTIN faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to a Violation of the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –GUSTAVO BALDERAS, age 34, a resident of Texas, pled guilty on June 30, 2021 before United States District Court Judge Martin L. C. Feldman to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
On February 9, 2018, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force learned that Rafael Molina, an upper lever narcotics trafficker, was in route to Thibodaux, Louisiana to deliver two kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride the following day. Task Force officers established surveillance in Thibodaux and observed Molina, riding in a white pickup truck, and BALDERAS and an individual identified as Michael Garza, riding in a black Chrysler 300, registered to Garza, at a motel in Thibodaux. BALDERAS and Garza entered the truck with Molina, and they drove from the motel. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck, searched both vehicles, and located an ice chest in the Chrysler 300. Inside the ice chest were two kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
BALDERAS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Mother, Boyfriend, and Son Indicted for Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Thursday, July 1, 2021 that MATTHEW BARRA, age 33, JOSELYN BARRA, age 54, and JAMES HEIGLE, age 39, all from Orleans Parish, were charged in a six-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, Misprision of a Felony, and False Declarations Before a Grand Jury.
MATTHEW BARRA is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
JOSELYN BARRA is charged with misprision of a felony for intentionally lying to law enforcement regarding the investigation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4. If convicted on that charge, she faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years imprisonment, up to a
$250,000 fine, up to one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. She was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
JAMES HEIGLE is charged with making false declarations before a grand jury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1623. If convicted on that charge, he faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a
$100 mandatory special assessment. HEIGLE is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. Finally, HEIGLE is charged with being a violent felon in possession of body armor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 931. If convicted on that count, he faces up to three (3) years imprisonment, up to a
$250,000 fine, up to 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Gang Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Methamphetamine Dealing Couple, Who Dumped A Dead Teenager’s Body in A Texas Bayou, Sentenced to Twenty Years in Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CARLOS MARIO CANTU-COX, age 49, and his husband, CHRISTOPHER CANTU-COX, age 38, both of Pasadena, Texas, were sentenced on June 29, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter to twenty years of imprisonment, five years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, the maximum sentence allowed under the statute 21 United States Code § 846.
The CANTU-COXES were large scale methamphetamine suppliers to the Houston and New Orleans area. They pleaded guilty on February 4, 2020, to conspiring with nine other defendants to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. As part of this conspiracy, the CANTU-COXES sent methamphetamine to themselves and other drug traffickers in New Orleans using the U.S. Postal Service, Greyhound Package Express, and other services. The drug conspiracy lasted from a time prior to January 1, 2016 and continued through August 18, 2016.
As described in court documents, one of the CANTU-COXES’ customers was an eighteen-year-old from Slidell, Louisiana, who frequently traveled to Texas to stay at their home. During one of these visits, the teenager was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and the CANTU-COXES posted his $6000 bond.
The teenager did not appear for his Texas court appearances and the CANTU-COXES told their New Orleans customers that they wanted the teenager so they could transport him back to Texas and recover their bond. Williams Harrison Farris, age 40, a New Orleans-based methamphetamine dealer and user who was supplied by the CANTU-COXES learned that the couple was looking for the teenager and were offering free methamphetamine to anyone who successfully led them to him.
Farris had previously dated Kacie Doucet, aged 38, another New Orleans-based drug user. Farris knew that Doucet was connected to the teenager on Facebook. At the direction of Farris, Doucet contacted the teenager over Facebook on multiple occasions and suggested that they meet for a sexual encounter. Farris and Doucet enlisted the help of Leilani Aspuria, age 26, of Jefferson Parish, the only one of the three with a car.
The CANTU-COXES were aware that Doucet’s offer of a sexual encounter with the teenager was a ruse, and that the real purpose of picking up the teenager in Slidell at his grandfather’s house was to provide him with a cocktail of powerful drugs and thus render him incapacitated so he could be delivered to the CANTU-COXES who were staying at a hotel in downtown New Orleans. The CANTU-COXES supplied the drug cocktail, which contained ketamine, as well as instructions on how to mix the drugs with alcohol so that it could be administered to the teenager without him knowing what he was taking.
Doucet and Aspuria picked up the teenager on February 23, 2016 and gave him the CANTU-COXES’s drug cocktail, which the couple referred to as an “elixir.” Eventually, the teenager passed out, at which point Doucet and Aspuria drove to the parking garage of Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans. Farris had been following Doucet and Aspuria on his motorcycle. The teenager’s body was then transferred to the CANTU-COXES’ car. The CANTU-COXES then drove back to Texas, with the teenager passed out in their back seat.
Somewhere near the Louisiana-Texas border, the CANTU-COXES realized that the teenager was no longer breathing. The CANTU-COXES continued driving to their home in Pasadena, Texas and parked in their driveway. Because it was still daylight, they left the teenager’s body in the car. At nightfall on February 24, 2016, the CANTU-COXES drove to a bridge over Sims Bayou in the Houston area and put the teenager’s body into the bayou. The teenager’s body washed to the shore of Sims Bayou a week later. The CANTU-COXES later paid Farris a quantity of methamphetamine for his efforts in capturing the teenager.
Farris, Doucet, and Aspuria have all pleaded guilty to distributing ketamine. U.S District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced Aspuria to ten years of imprisonment on February 7, 2020. Doucet will be sentenced on August 4, 2021. Farris will be sentenced on August 18, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Brandon S. Long.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday June 30, 2021, JEFFREY GITTE, age 24, a resident of New York, pled guilty to two counts of the Indictment filed against him, in which he was charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and with attempting to escape from federal custody, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 751.
According to court documents, GITTE and his co-conspirators transported approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine from New York to New Orleans in an effort to sell the drugs to an individual, who happened to be a DEA informant, in return for $350,000.00. As it turned out, most of the drugs were fake, and GITTE and his co-conspirators tried to rip off the informant by supplying him with fake drugs in return for the $350,000.00 dollars. After being arrested by DEA agents, GITTE and one of his co-conspirators were able to get out of their cells and tried to escape. They were re-captured a short time later.
United States District Court Judge Sarah Vance will sentence GITTE on November 17, 2021. For the drug trafficking violation, GITTE faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the escape violation he faces a sentence of not more than 5 years, a fine of not more than $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of not more than 3 years and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Man Pleads Guilty for Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 30, 2021, that YRIAN DEVORE “DEVORE”, age 48, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty to count five of a multicount Indictment, which charged him with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
According to court documents, DEVORE transported drugs and money between Houston, Texas and Louisiana for others who were involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy.
United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo will sentence DEVORE on September 29, 2021. For this violation, DEVORE faces a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RAYMOND ZEPEDA age 48, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on June 29, 2021 before the Honorable Jay C. Zainey to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the court records, ZEPEDA conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. ZEPEDA admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2021. ZEPEDA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least ten years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Hollygrove Man Sentenced for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRIAN TILLMAN, a/k/a “Cosca,” a/k/a “Costa,” a/k/a “Speedy,” age 34, was sentenced in federal court on June 30, 2021, to twenty-eight (28) months before U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin and over 28 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846. TILLMAN was also sentenced to four (4) years of supervised release following imprisonment and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, TILLMAN and his co-conspirators sold drugs in the Hollygrove neighborhood in and around a corner-store in 2017 and 2018. TILLMAN was intercepted on a Title III wiretap arranging to purchase and/or sell heroin and cocaine base during multiple days in March and April of 2018.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Kathryn McHugh.
Plaquemines Parish Man Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DALE PHILLIPS, age 40, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 30, 2021 to 151 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to one count of distributing cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841.
According to the Indictment, PHILLIPS conspired with others to distribute cocaine, obtained from the Houston, Texas area, in Plaquemines Parish.
The Honorable U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced PHILLIPS as a “Career Offender” to 151 months imprisonment and payment of a $100 special assessment fee, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu and was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Marine Corps Official Sentenced to Prison for Taking $100,000 in Bribes in Exchange for Directing over $2,000,000 Worth of Transportation Contracts to AssociateRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIK MARTIN, aged 49, was sentenced on June 29, 2021 to 45 months in prison by the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter for taking bribes in exchange for directing transportation contracts to Darrel Fitzpatrick, an Atlanta businessman, after previously pleading guilty to his role in the bribe conspiracy scheme. MARTIN will also serve two (2) years of supervised release after prison. MARTIN will also owe restitution to the government, which will be determined at a future hearing.
On December 29, 2020, MARTIN pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 201(b)(2). MARTIN faced up to five years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.
According to the Factual Basis, in 2019 Darrel Fitzpatrick was a senior account manager at Company A, a bus brokerage company that provided transportation to the United States Marine Corps Reserves. That same year, Fitzpatrick started a competing transportation brokerage company called National Charter Express.
In 2019, Fitzpatrick agreed to pay kickbacks to MARTIN, a civilian employee of the United States Marine Corps Reserves, in exchange for Martin directing business to Company A, and then later, National Charter Express. The conspiracy resulted in at least $2,000,000 in transportation contracts being corruptly awarded to companies associated with Fitzpatrick over six months in 2019. In exchange, Fitzpatrick wired and attempted to wire MARTIN over $250,000 in bribes in a series of at least four transactions. Fitzpatrick was charged separately for his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2021, by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier in case number 20-cr-150, “J.” Additionally, government authorities successfully forfeited approximately $1,000,000 of the criminal proceeds from accounts belonging to one or more of the defendants.
“This sentencing should serve as a warning that perpetrators who seek to defraud the Department of the Navy will always be exposed and investigated to the fullest extent,” said NCIS Southeast Field Office Special Agent in Charge Thomas Cannizzo. “Mr. Martin’s reprehensible scheme to accept bribes in exchange for directing Marine Corps contracts to a specific transportation company damaged the integrity of the DON procurement process, wasted American taxpayer money, and squandered valuable investigative resources. NCIS and our partners remain committed to rooting out bribery and corruption that threatens warfighter readiness.”
“I’d like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for partnering on this important investigation,” stated DCIS Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce. “I am pleased that we were able to secure a significant forfeiture to take back ill-gotten gains from the defendants and send the message that ultimately crime does not pay.”
U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the United States Secret Service for their investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Andre Lagarde.
Harahan Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHARLES A. LOPEZ (“LOPEZ”), age 28, of Harahan, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 30, 2021 to receipt of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1).
The case against LOPEZ developed as a result of an undercover child exploitation investigation conducted by special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”). On April 30, 2019, HSI agents and special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at LOPEZ’s Harahan home and determined LOPEZ received images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.
LOPEZ faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, a $250,000.00 fine, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 29, 2021, before United States District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Mail Theft from Paulina Post OfficeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LACEY STEWART, age 35, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana pled guilty as charged to a one count Bill of Information on June 29, 2021. She was charged in 2021 by a Bill of Information with Mail Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
In papers filed with the court and signed by defendant LACEY STEWART, she admitted to being an employee of the Paulina, Louisiana Post Office. She further admitted to stealing a $1,000.00 postal money order from an Express Mail package she handled. She removed the postal money order from the package and cashed it at the Paulina Post Office. Her theft was discovered when the person to whom the package was delivered discovered that the postal money order was missing.
STEWART faces up to five (5) years incarceration, up to a $250,000 fine, restitution, up to three (3) years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is set for August 31, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service in investigating the matter. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
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St. John the Baptist Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a St. John the Baptist man was sentenced on June 16, 2021 to 14 years in prison for violating federal drug and firearms laws.
According to court documents, JONATHAN WEBRE, age 35, a resident of Reserve, Louisiana, was indicted on August 29, 2019 by a Federal Grand Jury in a three-count indictment. In Count 1, WEBRE was charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(b), In Count 2, WEBRE was charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Lastly, in Count 3, WEBRE was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922 (g)(1) and 924(a)(2). WEBRE pled guilty to all three charges on October 23, 2019. WEBRE’S sentencing has been postponed numerous times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These charges stemmed from an investigation by both the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration into the illegal activities of WEBRE over the last two years.
At his sentencing on June 16, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Lance Africk sentenced WEBRE to serve 168 months (14 years) for the two drug charges, Counts 1 and 2, and to serve 120 months (10 years) for Count 3, the federal firearms violation. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), the St. John The Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu prosecuted the case.
St. John the Baptist Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a St. John the Baptist man was sentenced on June 16, 2021 to 14 years in prison for violating federal drug and firearms laws.
According to court documents, JONATHAN WEBRE, age 35, a resident of Reserve, Louisiana, was indicted on August 29, 2019 by a Federal Grand Jury in a three-count indictment. In Count 1, WEBRE was charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(b), In Count 2, WEBRE was charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). Lastly, in Count 3, WEBRE was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922 (g)(1) and 924(a)(2). WEBRE pled guilty to all three charges on October 23, 2019. WEBRE’S sentencing has been postponed numerous times because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These charges stemmed from an investigation by both the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration into the illegal activities of WEBRE over the last two years.
At his sentencing on June 16, 2021, Federal District Court Judge Lance Africk sentenced WEBRE to serve 168 months (14 years) for the two drug charges, Counts 1 and 2, and to serve 120 months (10 years) for Count 3, the federal firearms violation. All sentences were ordered to be served concurrently.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), the St. John The Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu prosecuted the case.