Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mandeville Man Charged with Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRUCE D. COX, age 62, of Mandeville, was charged on November 12, 2020 with theft of government funds in connection a false application for disaster assistance.
According to the Bill of Information, COX is charged with submitting a falsified application to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (“FEMA”) for disaster assistance. The application sought disaster assistance for a rental property in Robert, Louisiana that COX managed, following the August 2016 storms and flooding in Tangipahoa Parish. In the application, COX falsely stated that property in Robert was the owner’s primary residence, when in fact COX rented out the property to a tenant and knew that the property’s owner had never lived there. As a result of false statements in the application, FEMA paid disaster benefits to the property’s owner, despite the property owner not qualifying for those benefits.
If convicted, COX faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Two New York Men Charged with Passing Altered Postal Money OrdersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANTOINE MERCHANT, age 32, and ANTHONY SMALLS, age 32, both of New York, New York, were charged today in a four-count indictment by the Grand Jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana with conspiracy to pass altered U.S. Postal money orders, passing altered U.S. Postal money orders and possessing stolen U.S. government property.
According to court records, MERCHANT and SMALLS travelled from New York to Louisiana in October of 2019 to cash stolen U.S. Postal money orders that had been altered to show amounts worth hundreds of dollars. MERCHANT and SMALLS cashed two such postal money orders, each with an altered face value of $850.00, 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.
MERCHANT and SMALLS face a sentence of up to ten years in prison on the possession charge and up to five years in prison for the Postal money order charges, up to $250,000 in fines, up to three years of supervised release and a special assessment of $100 for each count per each defendant.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser 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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Houston Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on November 12, 2020, JAVIER CONTRERAS-CASTILLO, age 28, of Houston, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin.
According to court records, CONTRERAS-CASTILLO, who was located in Houston, Texas, served as a source of heroin supply for co-defendants located in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
Judge Ashe sentenced CONTRERAS-CASTILLO to 43 months of imprisonment followed by two years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Women Sentenced in Credit Card Fraud Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that two women, KEYIRA GABLE, age 33, of Harvey and BRITTANY WHITE, age 34, of New Orleans, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe for their participation in a years-long credit card fraud conspiracy.
Judge Ashe sentenced GABLE to a total of 61 months in prison. She had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Judge Ashe sentenced WHITE to a total of 37 months in prison based on her previous guilty plea to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices.
GABLE and WHITE were the second and third defendants to be sentenced in this seven-defendant conspiracy case. According to court documents, GABLE, WHITE, and their co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to obtain merchandise and cash from stores through fraud. The defendants obtained stolen credit and debit card information, encoded it onto cards, and then used that information to purchase items at stores. The defendants would then return the items at a different store of the same chain, but they would deceive store workers in order to have the chargeback credited to their own bank accounts. Federal agents were able to determine that members of this conspiracy took flights around the country to execute the scheme, including Oregon, South Carolina, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this conviction, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John The Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. U.S. Attorney Strasser also thanked the Franklin (TN) Police Department, the Mobile Police Department, the Gulfport Police Department, the Minnetonka (MN) Police Department, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and K. Paige O’Hale are in charge of the prosecution.
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Seafood Company Pleads Guilty to the Illegal Sale of OystersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD COMPANY, LLC, ("INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD") a Louisiana Limited Liability Company located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a one count Bill of Information for the illegal sale of oysters in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court records, from January 1, 2017 through March 19, 2019, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD did knowingly sell and transport oysters in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350.00, when, in the exercise of due care, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD should have known that said oysters were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4; R.S. 56:306.5; R.S. 56:306.6. INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOOD failed to report to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries approximately 14,346 sacks of Louisiana oysters, valued at approximately $656,865.
INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD faces a maximum fine of not more than $200,000 and a special assessment of $125.00. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 18, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan.
“NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is dedicated to enforcing federal marine resource laws, including the Lacey Act, to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” Tracy A. Dunn, Assistant Director, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement said. “This investigation is an example of how we collaboratively work with other federal and state partners, such as the Food and Drug Administration and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.”
“Accurate and timely recordkeeping about the harvesting, holding, and sale of shellfish is not only required by law, but exists to protect the public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to investigate such matters and keep our food supply safe.”
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham Plead Guilty to Defrauding the New Orleans Public Library FoundationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA) announced that IRVIN MAYFIELD, age 43, a resident of New Orleans, and RONALD MARKHAM, age 42, also a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to defraud the New Orleans Public Library Foundation out of approximately $1,316,232. Sentencing is currently set for February 9, 2020 before the Honorable Jay C. Zainey.
According to court documents, MAYFIELD founded the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) in 2002. MAYFIELD also acted as Artistic Director and featured performer. MARKHAM was a long-time friend of MAYFIELD and served as NOJO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. MAYFIELD and MARKHAM both received salaries of $100,000 from NOJO as well as compensation for compositions and performances through Mayfield Publishing Company. Throughout its existence, NOJO relied on donations to fund its operations and pay its expenses. Between December 16, 2008, until May 31, 2010, NOJO relied on grants from the Edward Wisner Donation, a charitable trust administered by the City of New Orleans. In February 2011, support for NOJO through the Edward Wisner Donation was terminated by the City of New Orleans, causing great financial distress to NOJO and its ability to pay expenses.
In October 1990, the New Orleans Public Library Foundation (NOPLF) was established to receive donations generated through private fund raising efforts; to oversee the prudent investment of said donations at an acceptable level of risk; and to authorize expenditures judiciously for the purpose of purchasing books, other information materials, and sponsoring New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) related programs. For these purposes, NOPLF maintained an investment account. Until approximately August 2011, the NOPLF used interest earned from its investment account to fund its mission at the direction of the board of directors. All board members were uncompensated volunteers.
In August 2006, MAYFIELD became a board member of NOPLF. He later became Chairman of the board in November 2010. During his time on the NOPLF board, MAYFIELD also maintained his position with NOJO. In December 2009, MARKHAM became a board member of NOPLF. He later became Chairman of the board in September 2013 upon MAYFIELD’s resignation as Chairman of NOPLF. During his time on the NOPLF board, MARKHAM also maintained his position with NOJO. Between August 23, 2011, and November 30, 2013, MAYFIELD and MARKHAM caused approximately $1,316,232 to be unlawfully transferred and paid directly from the NOPLF to NOJO and elsewhere.
Beginning in February 2011, and continuing until November 2017, the defendants committed mail and wire fraud by transferring $1,316,232 from the NOPLF investment account to NOJO and elsewhere without approval and while misleading the NOPLF and others with regard to the purpose of the transfers. The defendants sent materially false and misleading correspondence to NOPLF board members, investment account managers, and auditors regarding the purpose of the money transfers. They also prepared materially false and misleading records to make money transfers from NOPLF to NOJO appear legitimate when they were not. Examples of the unlawful money transfers include:
- The defendants used NOPLF money to support NOJO operating expenses and pay their NOJO salaries.
- The defendants caused tens of thousands of dollars to be transferred directly into the personal accounts of MAYFIELD and Mayfield Productions.
- The defendants used NOPLF money to pay for NOJO’s performance at Carnegie Hall and performance fees to MAYFIELD.
- The defendants used NOPLF money to pay for MAYFIELD’s stays at the Ritz Carlton and Park Central Hotel as well as the travel expenses of NOJO musicians for NOJO performances.
- MAYFIELD used NOPLF money to purchase a 24k gold-plated trumpet and spend money at Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrah’s Casino.
After receiving federal grand jury subpoenas in November 2013, MAYFIELD and MARKHAM gathered and fraudulently edited NOPLF board minutes by changing line items and dollar amounts with the intent to impede, obstruct, and influence the investigation by the FBI. They also used the fraudulently altered board minutes to convince the NOPLF board that the transfers were authorized.
Finally, MARKHAM falsely informed NOPLF board members, employees of NOPLF and NOPLF legal counsel that NOJO did not use NOPLF money to pay the NOJO salaries of MAYFIELD and MARKHAM and that NOJO was not dependent on NOPLF funding.
The defendants face up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.
“The New Orleans Public Library Foundation is a charitable organization with a mission to raise funds to support and strengthen the New Orleans Public Library system. As Foundation Board leaders, Grammy Award winning musician Irvin Mayfield and his business partner Ronald Markham siphoned over $1.3 million of the organization’s funds to support their already lavish lifestyles”, stated FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Many citizens who do not have access to computers depend on local libraries to utilize their free resources to apply for jobs and other assistance. As a result of Mr. Mayfield and Mr. Markham’s greed the New Orleans Public Library Foundation has had a difficult time raising funds to support the mission of the public libraries in New Orleans. I would like to thank the efforts put forth by our partners at the New Orleans Office of Inspector General and the Metropolitan Crime Commission and for helping the FBI disrupt corruption like this.”
"Ed Michel, City of New Orleans Interim Inspector General advised in these times of increasing threats and limited resources, it is incumbent now more than ever to combine our resources with our local and federal law enforcement partners to spot, assess and mitigate threats in an efficient and effective manner. The City of New Orleans OIG looks forward to continuing our productive partnerships which will ensure the integrity of our operations."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDLA would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Office of the Inspector General and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer, Theodore Carter, and Brandon Long are in charge of the prosecution.
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Hammond Man Indicted for Selling Oxycodone and Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NAVORIOUS HILLS, age 41, of Hammond, Louisiana, was charged on November 6, 2020 in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for drug trafficking in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924.
According to court documents, HILLS was selling prescription pain pills within the Eastern District of Louisiana. On May 15, 2020, he was in possession of a Glock handgun during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of drug trafficking and the firearm offense, HILLS faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000.00, five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100.00 special assessment fine.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Slidell Man Indicted for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MICHAEL R. MATHERNE (“MATHERNE”), age 60, of Slidell, Louisiana was charged by a grand jury on November 6, 2020, in a 1-count Indictment 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.
On 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, ending in 5817.
On or about September 24, 2006, M.F. and MATHERNE were married. In or around July 2012, MATHERNE created a joint Whitney bank account ending in 5817. On about November 3, 2012, M.F. died. 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, ending in 5817. From December 2012 through March 2019, MATHERNE received monthly SSA benefits totaling approximately $75,838, which he deposited into the Whitney bank account, ending in 5817, and used for his living expenses.
If convicted, 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 special assessment of $100 as to each count.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman.
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Laplace Woman Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARLENE TRANCHINA, age 55, of Laplace, was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with bank fraud on November 6, 2020.
According to court records, TRANCHINA was employed as the office manager for a company located in Reserve, Louisiana. From 2017 to October of 2019, she embezzled approximately $234,000 from her employer by making over ninety (90) checks for company expenses payable to herself or cash.
TRANCHINA faces a sentence of up to thirty years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, up to five years of supervised release and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service, along with assistance from the St. John the Baptist 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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Jamaican National Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ACDANE CAMPBELL, age 24, a resident of Jamaica, was charged by a grand jury on November 6, 2020, in a 1-count Indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud.
According to the Indictment, from in or around August 2016, CAMPBELL and others conspired to operate a scheme to obtain money unlawfully by falsely informing elderly victims that they had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or car. The unknown co-conspirators called the victims and promised that the victims receive their winnings if they first paid taxes and fees.
After being instructed by an unidentified co-conspirator that they needed to send payments to CAMPBELL, the victims would send their payments electronically through a money services business or in the mail via FedEx or the United States Postal Service. CAMPBELL either kept the money that he received from the victims or sent it to unknown persons in Jamaica.
If convicted, CAMPBELL faces a minimum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of at least 3 years, and a special assessment fee of $100.00.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman.
Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov.
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Houma Man Charged for Machine Gun and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL PARKER, age 26, of Houma, Louisiana, was charged on November 6, 2020 in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a machinegun in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841 and Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922 and 924.
According to court documents, PARKER was found in possession of a quantity of marijuana for distribution purposes and a machine-gun within the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted of drug trafficking and the firearms offenses, PARKER face a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for Narcotics and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, November 6, 2020, that DEREK NOLAN, a/k/a “Pop,” age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a ten-count indictment by a federal grand jury. In Count 1, NOLAN is charged with a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin; 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, that is fentanyl in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C) and § 846. If convicted for the heroin and methamphetamine violations, NOLAN faces a term of imprisonment with mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For the fentanyl offense, if convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Counts 2 and 3, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, that is fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Counts 4 and 5, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Counts 6 and 8, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). If convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Counts 7 and 11, NOLAN is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i). If convicted, NOLAN faces a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Count 9, NOLAN is charged with distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and (b)(1)(C). If convicted for the methamphetamine violation, NOLAN faces a term of imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000 fine, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For the heroin offense, if convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
In Count 10, NOLAN is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). If convicted, NOLAN faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each charge.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Indicted in Connection with Staged Accident ProbeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the Indictment of DANNY PATRICK KEATING, Jr., age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, who was charged in a one-count federal indictment with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. If convicted, KEATING faces a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of $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. In addition, KEATING faces a term of supervised release up to three (3) years after his release from prison.
KEATING constitutes the thirty-third (33rd) defendant charged in the Government’s federal probe into the intentional staging of motor vehicle accidents with tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles in the metropolitan New Orleans area. Thus far, eleven (11) of the 33 indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court.
According to today’s Indictment, KEATING was a personal injury attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana. KEATING was charged with conspiring with Damian Labeaud and others to defraud insurance companies, commercial carriers, and trucking companies in a scheme involving intentionally staging automobile accidents.
Labeaud referred staged accidents to KEATING and other New Orleans personal injury attorneys referenced in the Indictment as Attorneys A, B, and C, for $1,000.00 per passenger for accidents involving tractor-trailers and $500.00 per passenger for accidents not involving tractor-trailers. KEATING advanced Labeaud thousands of dollars for these accidents and instructed Labeaud that he owed KEATING a certain number of accidents based on the amount of money advanced. For instance, on July 17, 2017, KEATING gave Labeaud $15,000.00 so Labeaud could purchase a $15,000.00 Chase Bank cashier’s check to buy Mario Solomon’s truck.[1] Additionally, on September 25, 2017, KEATING wrote a $17,000.00 to himself for “advertising” and used the proceeds to purchase a $17,000.00 cashier’s check payable to Labeaud. The Indictment alleges KEATING paid Labeaud another $12,500.00 in checks during the month of June 2017.
KEATING knowingly paid Labeaud for thirty-one (31) illegally staged tractor-trailer accidents. KEATING represented 77 plaintiffs involved in the 31 accidents staged by Labeaud. KEATING settled 17 of the 31 staged accidents. The Indictment charges that KEATING and his 77 clients received approximately $1,500,000.00 in settlement resulting from his representation of his clients involved in the staged accidents and that KEATING kept approximately $358,000.00 in attorney’s fees.
The Indictment alleges that Labeaud and KEATING sometimes discussed the staging of accidents before they happened and communicated via coded language regarding staging accidents. KEATING discussed with Labeaud about changing the locations of the staged accidents, varying the number of passengers, avoiding talking to the police, and avoiding cameras. KEATING also discussed with his clients in the staged accidents that they would likely receive more money in settlement if they received medical treatment.
KEATING filed lawsuits in state and federal court in Louisiana on behalf of his clients who were involved in the staged accidents. The lawsuits filed on behalf of the 77 plaintiffs fraudulently alleged who was driving the vehicles, misrepresented who was at fault in the staged accidents, and falsely claimed injuries. KEATING used the U.S Postal Service to mail settlement demands on behalf of his clients who were involved in staged accidents from the Eastern District of Louisiana to various out-of-state locations. In many cases, clients of KEATING provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with lawsuits filed by KEATING.
”Mr. Keating was supposed to uphold the law rather than manipulate it to benefit himself and other co-conspirators financially”, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “This indictment is the culmination of an investigation conducted by Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts who worked tirelessly to bring Mr. Keating to justice and is one of many in this case that hopefully will deter others from fraudulently filing false auto and medical insurance claims.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.
[1] Solomon was a spotter who worked with Labeaud in staging automobile accidents and pled guilty on May 28, 2020.
Marine Corps Reserve Official Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Bribery for Facilitating over $1,900,000 in Defense ContractsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces that ERIK MARTIN, aged 48, has been charged by a Bill of Information with Conspiracy to Commit Bribery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 201(b)(2). If convicted, MARTIN faces 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 Bill of Information, in 2019, MARTIN was a civilian employee of the United States Marines Corps Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) Distribution Management Office (DMO), located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Co-Conspirator A was a Senior National Account Manager at Company A, a bus brokerage company based in Atlanta, Georgia. MARTIN is charged with accepting bribes in exchange for directing transportation contracts to businesses associated with Co-Conspirator A.
The conspiracy resulted in at least $1.9 million in transportation contracts being corruptly awarded to companies associated with Co-Conspirator A. In exchange for steering contracts to Co-Conspirator A, MARTIN agreed to accept $250,000 in bribes.
U. S. Attorney Strasser 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 Attorney Myles Ranier.
U. S. Attorney Strasser stated that a Bill of Information is only an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until he pleads guilty or is found guilty by a jury or judge.
November 3, 2020 ElectionsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that Assistant United States Attorney AUSA Irene Gonzalez will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election. AUSA Irene Gonzalez has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Strasser said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through Election Day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Strasser stated that AUSA/DEO Gonzalez will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. The public, at the following telephone number (504) 680-3141 can reach her.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on Election Day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (504) 816-3000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Strasser said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Indonesian Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RUDY GUNAWAN, age 40, a native of Indonesia, was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with possession of fraudulent immigration documents prescribed by statute or regulation for entry into or as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a).
GUNAWAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
“This case is a great example of the team work done by our Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers,” said Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol, New Orleans Sector. “Fraudulent documents are commonly used by criminals and illegal aliens to rob the American people of their identities and finances. Every arrest we make is another citizen protected.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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One More 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 Peter G. Strasser announced that MARVEL FRANCOIS (“FRANCOIS”), age 51, of Houma, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, on May 17, 2020, FRANCOIS, along with participants Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Bernell Gale (“Gale”), Troy Smith (“Smith”), and another passenger, participated in a staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street. Labeaud fled the scene. FRANCOIS falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle. Labeaud, Gale, and Smith were also charged and already pled guilty.
According to documents filed in federal court, the passengers were referred to attorneys who paid Labeaud to stage the accidents. In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits.
FRANCOIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, FRANCOIS also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $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 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 24, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. Gale and Smith are also set to be sentenced before Judge Africk on February 10, 2021. Damian Labeaud’s sentencing is set for February 18, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.
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, Supervisor 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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Honduran Man Charged with Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSE DAVID SANCHEZ, age 24, a native of Honduras, was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with illegal use of a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
SANCHEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for a Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on Friday, October 23, 2020, CHRISTOPHER ARANA, age 26, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. ARANA is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted, ARANA faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each charge.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts New Orleans Man for a Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on Friday, October 23, 2020, JAYLON JOHNSON, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. JOHNSON is charged with Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
If convicted, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each charge.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Three More Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Stage Automobile Accidents in Order to Defraud Insurance and Trucking CompaniesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced RODERICK HICKMAN (“HICKMAN”), age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; BERNELL GALE (“GALE”), age 43, of Raceland, Louisiana; and TROY SMITH (“SMITH”), age 56, also of Houma, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.
According to today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, HICKMAN along with four defendants who have also been charged by indictment, intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road. HICKMAN intentionally struck the 18 wheeler and then fled the scene with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), who pled guilty to a previous indictment charging him and seven others with staging automobile accidents.
On May 17, 2020, Labeaud participated in another staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street. The participants in the Louisa Street staged accident were GALE, SMITH, Francois, and another passenger. Again, Labeaud fled the scene. Francois falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle.
According to documents filed in federal court, the passengers were referred to attorneys who paid HICKMAN and Labeaud to stage the accidents. In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $277,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.
HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH also face a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 10, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
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, Supervisor 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 Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Drugs and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that on October 20, 2020, MICHAEL HOLMES, age 40, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses.
Specifically, HOLMES previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).
According to court records, HOLMES and others conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere. Moreover, HOLMES possessed a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer P228 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
In total, Judge Fallon sentenced HOLMES to 180 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.
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.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Transportation and Distribution of Files Depicting the Sexual Victimization of ChildrenRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MICHAEL PAUL PERRILLOUX, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was arrested on October 16, 2020 after previously being charged by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment with transportation and distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(1) and 2252(a)(2). PERRILLOUX is charged with uploading such files to an online storage account on at least three dates between 2017 and 2018 (Counts 1 through 3). He is also charged with distributing such files in September 2018 (Count 4).
PERRILLOUX faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years for each count. PERRILLOUX also faces a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and can be required to register as a sex offender.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with support from the Orleans Parish Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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Hercules, California Woman Sentenced to 3 Years of Probation, with 8 Months of Home Confinement, for Her Role in Business Email Compromise Targeting Convent, Louisiana CompanyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SONOVAH JUDITH HILLMAN, age 29, a resident of Hercules, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to three years of probation, with eight months of home confinement, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349. Judge Milazzo also ordered HILLMAN to pay restitution in the amount of $92,007.85 to the victim.
According to court documents, the charges to which HILLMAN pleaded guilty stemmed from her role as a “money mule” in a scheme to victimize Company A, a floating crane and stevedore company headquartered in Convent, Louisiana. HILLMAN and her co-conspirator(s) engaged in a “business email compromise” (BEC) scheme. They accomplished their scheme by obtaining access without authorization to the email accounts of one or more employees of Company A for the purpose of obtaining private data, including usernames, passwords, bank account information, and the content of email accounts through a “phishing” scam. After gaining access to an email account of a Company A employee, the co-conspirator(s) arranged to have emails in the account forwarded to a separate email account under their control. Thereafter, HILLMAN’s co-conspirators registered a domain name similar to Company A’s domain (for example, “Company A” instead of “Company A”) and, pretending to be representatives of Company A, sent emails to Company A’s customers, including Company B. The false emails stated that there had been an audit of Company A’s bank accounts and that Company A’s customers should remit funds owed to Company A to a new bank account.
On about May 10, 2017, HILLMAN’s co-conspirators contacted one of Company A’s customers (Company B) via email and, pretending to be employees of Company A, instructed that Company B should remit funds owed to Company A, approximately $92,007.85, to a Bank of America account that belonged to HILLMAN. After Company B sent the funds to HILLMAN’s account, HILLMAN engaged in a series of transactions over the next five days to transfer the money to others, withdraw over $40,000 in cash, and spend ill-gotten money on personal items, including vacations and airline flights.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
Mississippi Man and Destrehan, La. Man Charged with Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 39, and a resident of Jayess, Mississippi, and DUANE A. DUFRENE, age 53, and a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, were indicted on October 16, 2020 by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering, in addition to multiple counts of substantive bank fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
As charged in the now unsealed indictment, MULLEN and DUFRENE utilized fictitious entities, falsified tax returns and provided fraudulent financial statements and appraisals to orchestrate their scheme to defraud the lenders for the purchases of a residence in Jayess, MS (State Bank and Trust), The Briars bed and breakfast in Natchez, MS (Keesler Federal Credit Union) and two other Natchez hotels (Red Oak Capital Group, LLC). The sale of the Jayess residence was premised on false financial information provided by DUFRENE to MULLEN, who then gave it to State Bank. The sales of The Briars and the two hotels were not only premised upon false information prepared by DUFRENE and given to the financial institutions by MULLEN but also upon inflated appraisals based on side sales agreements between MULLEN and DUFRENE. After the sales of the bed and breakfast and hotel properties, MULLEN paid DUFRENE $90,000. MULLEN pocketed over $3 million from the overvalued loans and used the proceeds to buy at least 20 high-end luxury cars.
U.S. Attorney Strasser stated that an indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, MULLEN and DUFRENE face a maximum sentence of (30) thirty years as to the bank fraud conspiracy and bank fraud counts, and a maximum sentence of up to (10) ten years on the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering counts. After imprisonment, the defendants face up to (5) five years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the bank fraud counts, and up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering counts. Each count also has mandatory special assessment of $100.
U.S. Attorney Strasser commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Andre Lagarde.
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New York Woman Pleads to Passport Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MANUELA GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN, age 77, a resident of New York, New York, pleaded guilty on October 14, 2020 to conspiracy to use fraudulent passports before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
According to court documents, GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN and Thierno O. Bah, also of New York, flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong International on February 18th. They rented a car, and the following day GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN entered a Capital One bank branch in Metairie while BAH waited in the rental 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.
Court documents further detailed how 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.
GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Judge Vance scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2021.
The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations. U.S. Attorney Strasser extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
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U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser Announces Approximately 3 Million Dollars to Advance Forensic Science in the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced $2,913,487 in Department of Justice grants to the Eastern District of Louisiana to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.
“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”
“Forensic technology is an integral component of law enforcement and the judicial system,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “These awards will significantly increase the capacity for DNA analysis, decrease the backlog and turnaround time for DNA analysis and assists law enforcement agencies and crime labs in efficiently processing evidence to solve a greater number of crimes, including cold cases.”
Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.
The following organizations received funding:
- St. Tammany Parrish Coroner’s Office $200,000
- Jefferson Parrish Sheriff’s Office $200,000
- Orleans Parish District Attorney $1,949,672
- Louisiana State Police $299,117
- Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement $264,698
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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New Orleans Woman Sentenced for Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, that SANDRA DUMAS, age 71, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with attempted bank robbery in violation of federal law.
According to court documents, on April 23, 2018, DUMAS entered the Liberty Bank located at 7200 Crowder Boulevard, while in possession of a Crown Royal bag. DUMAS fabricated a story about her granddaughter being held hostage by a man who threatened to harm her granddaughter if DUMAS did not get money from the bank. DUMAS claimed to be in possession of a bomb that was contained within the Crown Royal bag. Bank employees responded by contacting the New Orleans Police Department. DUMAS fled the bank. No money was taken from the bank during the robbery.
Judge Triche Jane Milazzo sentenced DUMAS to credit for time served, to be followed by a (3) three year term of supervised release.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Four More Charged for Involvement in Staged Automobile Accident Scheme Resulting in $4.7 Million SettlementRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the Indictment of ANTHONY ROBINSON (“A. ROBINSON”), age 66; AUDREY HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 53; JERRY SCHAFFER (“SCHAFFER”), age 65; and KEISHIRA ROBINSON (“K. ROBINSON”), age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana. These four defendants were charged in a three-count federal indictment with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to Counts 2-3. Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count. Today’s Indictment brings the total of defendants charged in this federal probe into the staging of accidents with tractor-trailers to 32.
Today’s Indictment charges these defendants and others with intentionally staging an automobile accident with a tractor-trailer in order to defraud trucking and insurance companies through fraud. According to today’s Indictment, Co-Conspirator A, HARRIS, SCHAFFER, and K. ROBINSON intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer on October 13, 2015, in the area of Alvar Street and France Road in New Orleans. The Indictment alleges that Co-Conspirator A intentionally struck the 18 wheeler and then was picked up from the collision site by Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), who pled guilty to a previous indictment charging him and seven others with staging automobile accidents. A. ROBINSON, who had been in Labeaud’s vehicle, then got behind the wheel of his own vehicle to make it appear that he had been driving at the time of the staged accident.
As discussed in the Indictment, the passengers were referred to an attorney who paid Labeaud and Co-Conspirator A to stage accidents. All of the defendants were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of their attorneys, and A. ROBINSON, HARRIS, and SCHAFFER underwent surgeries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance company paid out approximately $4.7 million for the fraudulent claims associated with this staged accident.
The defendants will be required to appear, at a later date, before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance and arraignment on this indictment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would 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 Shirin Hakimzadeh, Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera.
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Five Laplace Residents Charged with Firearm and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that a federal grand jury returned a nine (9) count Indictment on September 4, 2020 against ELLIS BATISTE, SR. (BATISTE), age 48, TRACY MORGAN (MORGAN), age 50, ELI JUAN MOORE (MOORE), age 25, OCTAVIUS NARCISSE (NARCISSE), age 53, and RICHARD GRAY (GRAY), age 60. In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the Indictment remained sealed until today. The Indictment charged the defendants with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.
The Indictment charged the defendants with the following federal offenses:
Count 1: Violation: Conspiracy to Dist. and PWITD 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine Hydrochloride; Conspiracy to Dist. and PWITD 400 grams or more of Fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, a quantity of methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 846; 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(C)
Statutory Penalties: minimum of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and cocaine hydrochloride); up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release (heroin, cocaine base, methamphetamine)
Defendants: BATISTE, MORGAN, MOORE, NARCISSE, and GRAY
Count 2: Violation: Distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release
Defendant: BATISTE
Count 3: Violation: Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release
Defendant: BATISTE
Count 4: Violation: Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release
Defendant: BATISTE
Count 5: Violation: Distribution of a quantity of heroin, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)
Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release
Defendant: MOORE
Count 6: Violation: Use of Communication Facility, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), 18 U.S.C. § 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year supervise release
Defendants: BATISTE, GRAY
Count 7: Violation: Felon in Possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release
Defendant: MOORE
Count 8: Violation: Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl , 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A) and Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine Hydrochloride, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B) and 18 U.S.C. § 2
Statutory Penalties: minimum ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl); minimum five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (cocaine hydrochloride)
Defendants: BATISTE, NARCISSE
Count 9: Violation: Use of Communication Facility, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), 18 U.S.C. § 2
Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year supervised release
Defendants: BATISTE, NARCISSE
The individuals listed above participated in a poly-drug distribution network that operated in and around Laplace, Louisiana. Thus far, law enforcement officials have confiscated over fourteen (14) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and one (1) kilogram of fentanyl.
United States Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Members of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter.
DOJ Charges More Than 14,200 Defendants with Firearms-Related Crimes in FY20Read the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – This week, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants nation-wide with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.
“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences. The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”
“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions. ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”
“The primary mission of law enforcement is to ensure that all citizens feel safe in their homes and communities. However, because of firearm related violent criminal acts, many people do not experience this fundamental sense of security,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “In order to keep citizens safe and ensure that violent criminals are brought to justice, the Department of Justice, our own U.S. Attorney’s office, the ATF, as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners will continue their relentless effort to uncover, investigate and prosecute violent criminals. Today’s announcement powerfully illustrates that cases like these can and will make a difference.”
This fiscal year the Eastern District of Louisiana charged 38 firearms cases, announced U.S. Attorney Strasser. These cases involve convicted felons in possession of a firearm. Additionally, during this same period, our office has prosecuted numerous firearm crimes that are connected to other federal violent crimes and illegal drug activities. U.S. Attorney Strasser noted, “Despite challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our office continues in its mission to protect the people of our district and ensure that criminals who engage in firearm related offenses are brought to justice.”
Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense. The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law-abiding people of this country safe from gun crime.
For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.
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Armed Carjackings Result in Arrest and Federal IndictmentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 29, and MARC DALTON, age 30, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a five-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119, 924, and 922.
According to court documents, FOSTER and DALTON were the offenders in two separate armed carjacking incidents in New Orleans. On April 10, 2020, the two men used firearms to forcefully take a Chevrolet Envoy. On April 12, 2020, they committed a second armed carjacking of a Mercedes C230. Both have prior felony criminal convictions. If convicted of carjacking and the firearms offenses, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives . For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being an Armed Career CriminalRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 13, 2020, BRIAN STEPHENS, a/k/a “Toomer,” age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced for possessing firearms after felony convictions.
According to court documents, STEPHENS, an armed career criminal, possessed firearms on three occasions. On July 16, 2017, STEPHENS was stopped in a vehicle in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and then fled on foot. On October 3, 2018, STEPHENS discarded a stolen firearm during a foot chase with police officers. On December 20, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at STEPHENS’s home in Metairie and located two firearms, one of which was stolen.
U. S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced STEPHENS to serve (15) fifteen years in prison, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Vitter also imposed a $300 special assessment.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni was in charge of the prosecution.
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Florida Resident Sentenced to 2 Years Probation after Previously Pleading Guilty to Accessing a Protected Computer without Authorization and Recklessly Causing DamageRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CARLOS DAVID IRIAS, age 47, a resident of Cutler Bay, Florida, was sentenced to two (2) years probation by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging him with intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization and recklessly causing damage resulting in loss to Company A, a company in New, Orleans, Louisiana that previously employed IRIAS, of more than $5,000 during one year, in violation of 18 U.S.C. '' 1030(a)(5)(B) and 1030(c)(4)(A). Judge Fallon also ordered IRIAS to pay restitution in the amount of $14,593 to Company A.
According to court documents, from about 2012 until August 14, 2017, IRIAS worked for Company A, which was in the business of developing and distributing specialized urological medical devices including scopes and laser fibers. IRIAS was responsible for designing marketing templates, coordinating sales, and developing client contacts. IRIAS terminated his employment with Company A on August 14, 2017, after which time he was no longer authorized to access Company A’s cloud-based server, which handled marketing-related functions, including storing email contact lists and marketing templates and brochures.
On November 2, 2018, IRIAS accessed Company A’s secured cloud-based computer system from his home in Cutler Bay, Florida without authorization and thereafter exported the contents to a server under his control. He then deleted the information from the cloud-based system. As a result of the unauthorized intrusion, Company A was unable to conduct marketing campaigns from about November 2018 until October 2019. Company A was also unable to contact and communicate with their customer base for approximately two or three months, which jeopardized Company A’s reputation in the specialized field in which it operated. As a result of such conduct, IRIAS recklessly caused damage to Company A, in the amount of approximately $14,593.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser Announces the Grant of over $120,000 to Improve Services for Crime Victims in the Eastern District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced a $129,202 grant provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to improve services for crime victims in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is a part of over $144 million distributed nationwide to enhance the district's response to victims of crime.
“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”
The awards made to organizations in the Eastern District of Louisiana will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.
U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards. This training will provide law enforcement with an invaluable tool to protect victims and the community from predators.”
“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”
The following organization received funding:
- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office: $129,202
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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- St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office: $129,202
Covington Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Declaration in Connection with a BankruptcyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PENH KANG (“KANG”), age 41, of Covington, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on October 6, 2020 to Making a False Declaration, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(3).
According to documents filed in federal court, on or about the 12th day of September 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, KANG, knowingly and fraudulently made a material false declaration, certificate and verification under the penalty of perjury, as permitted under Section 1746 of Title 28, in and in relation to a case under Title 11, In re Penh Kang, No.17-12431, by submitting a Schedules of Assets and Liabilities and a Statement of Financial Affairs, in which he fraudulently answered questions, in that KANG failed to disclose gambling losses of approximately $40,000 to $60,000, an interest in two Capital One Bank accounts, and a $50,000 life insurance policy.
KANG faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $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.
KANG will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry on January 5, 2021.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Eastern District of Louisiana with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Alabama Man Sentenced to 16 Months for Veterans Affairs TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANIEL VANSLYKE, age 34, of Slocomb, Alabama, was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo in the Eastern District of Louisiana. VANSLYKE had previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.
According to the factual basis and charging document, VANSLYKE previously resided in Franklinton, Louisiana with his father, a legitimate U.S. veteran. After his father died, VANSLYKE failed to advise the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) of his passing and in fact gave information to the VA to indicate that his father was still alive and entitled to benefits. Thereafter, VANSLYKE knowingly stole benefits from the VA that did not belong to him.
In addition to incarceration, VANSLYKE was ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $46,051.92 and $100 mandatory special assessment. He was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General for their investigation of the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 1 2020, RODNEY ROBINSON, age 61, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to court records, ROBINSON and others conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere. ROBINSON personally sold heroin to customers in the New Orleans area.
Judge Ashe sentenced ROBINSON to 40 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Maria M. Carboni are in charge of the prosecution.
Kenner Woman Sentenced for Acquiring Oxycodone IllegallyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces that BENNIE RUTH HARRIS, age 65, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Lance M. Africk on September 30, 2020 to two years of probation following her plea to acquiring oxycodone by fraud.
HARRIS was one of ten defendants involved in a conspiracy to use forged prescriptions to illegally acquire oxycodone. According to court documents, HARRIS presented a forged prescription for a large amount of oxycodone to a local pharmacy. The other nine defendants involved in this offense also pleaded guilty and were sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of agents with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier and attorneys with the Department of Justice Health Care Fraud Strike Force, with previous co-counsel including Assistant United States Attorney Jared L. Hasten of the Northern District of Illinois.
Louisiana United States Attorneys Announce $26,541,823 in Awards to Address Local Criminal Justice Needs and Victim Rights Issues in LouisianaRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Western District of Louisiana, jointly announce that the State of Louisiana received a total of $26,541,823 in six United States Department of Justice grants to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement and victims’ rights and services.
Three grants were awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE). The first award in the amount of $23,490,366 provides funds from the federal Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state. The second award of $1,414,000 provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance State Victim Compensation payments to eligible crime victims. And third, $190,769 was awarded to the Louisiana Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), which is the research division of the LCLE. LSAC has been tasked with assessing how law enforcement in the State of Louisiana is meeting the challenge of the present opioid crisis.
In addition, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice has been awarded $770,806. The purpose of this program is to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Supported activities and efforts may include planning and administration and development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency and programs to enhance the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.
As a final matter, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office was awarded $177,123 to fund a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on the parish’s specific needs and conditions, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections was awarded $498,759 to continue implementing the Adult Reentry and Employment Strategic Planning Program.
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The federal grant money distributed to our state and local partners exemplifies the Department of Justice’s commitment to provide resources to address critical issues in local law enforcement and to vigorously support victims’ rights and services. Awards, such as these, promote the continuing success of our joint federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of our community and to support those citizens who have been victimized.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to implement innovative programs needed to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement, victims’ rights and services and juvenile justice system services and improvements.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook stated, “Every defendant that is convicted of a federal crime is ordered to pay an assessment which goes to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Federal grants such as these that have been awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement are an example of how those funds are passed on to local agencies and of how justice is serving victims of crime in the State of Louisiana. We will continue to pursue justice for the people in the Western District of Louisiana and throughout the state.”
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Honduran Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm, Illegal Re-entry and Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 1, 2020, JOSE HUMBERTO DELSIB-MARTINEZ (hereinafter “DELSIB”), age 40, a native of Honduras, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in December 2019 to a three-count superseding bill of information, which charged him with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).
According to documents filed in open court and signed by DELSIB at the time of his guilty plea, members of the Kenner Police Department Narcotics Section were conducting surveillance in connection with a drug trafficking complaint within the city of Kenner in the Eastern District of Louisiana. During surveillance, detectives observed DELSIB, the target of the investigation, travelling in his vehicle eastbound in the 600 block of 27th Street. Since the vehicle was observed to have illegally tinted windows, a traffic stop was conducted. DELSIB was advised of the ongoing narcotics investigation. The Kenner Police Detective spoke Spanish and was able to converse with DELSIB in that language. Thereafter DELSIB waived his rights and provided consent to search his vehicle. During the search, detectives located a clear plastic bag containing fourteen individually wrapped baggies of a white powder substance wedged between the driver’s side floor board and center console. A sample of the white powder substance chemically field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, 8.1 grams. The powder- totaling 8.1 grams, was later tested in a laboratory and found to be cocaine hydrochloride.
DELSIB agreed to cooperate with the investigation and subsequently provided consent to search his residence, located at 2755 Albany St., Apartment D, Kenner, La. During a search of DELSIB’S bedroom, he directed detectives to a silver 9mm handgun which was later identified as a Lorcin Engineering Model L-9 bearing serial number L-121517, which had been shipped in interstate commerce, a large clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance, and a black digital scale. All items were located within a large wooden floor speaker box. A sample of that white powder substance chemically field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, 18 grams. The substance was later tested in a laboratory and found to be cocaine hydrochloride.
DELSIB provided detectives with a voluntary statement advising that all seized items belonged solely to him and he sold cocaine as a way to make extra money. He said that he used the black digital scale to weigh narcotics prior to sale and he used his vehicle as an aid in transport of the illegal narcotics.
DELSIB faced a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on all counts. His guideline sentence of twenty one months included a three year term of supervised release. He will be turned over to federal immigration agents for deportation back to Honduras after he serves his prison term. He has been incarcerated since his arrest in February 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kenner Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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U.S. Attorney Strasser Announces Awards Totaling over 4.4 Million Dollars to Support Offenders Returning to Communities in the Eastern DistrictRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser today announced over 4.4 million dollars in Department of Justice grants to reduce recidivism among adults and juvenile offenders returning to their communities in the Eastern District of Louisiana after confinement. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $92 million in funding to support reentry efforts throughout the United States.
These awards represent President Trump’s commitment to assisting people in America’s prisons and detention facilities who have earned the opportunity to take their places back in society.
“Former offenders are ultimately responsible for their own successes and failures, but our criminal and juvenile justice systems have an important role to play in preparing them for the obstacles that lie before them,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “I’m very pleased to make these resources available to help them get back on their feet and contribute to the prosperity of their communities and the betterment of our nation.”
The reentry and recidivism reduction grants awarded will help communities develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism; support reentry services for detained juveniles and incarcerated parents with children under the age of 18; and support research and evaluation programs to advance understanding about reoffending.
“Recidivism poses an extreme threat to our community and places a heavy burden upon society,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “Formerly incarcerated offenders need and deserve additional support to assist their transition back into mainstream society. This funding will help our communities develop and implement re-entry strategies that will greatly benefit formerly incarcerated offenders and the community as a whole.”
The following organizations received funding:
- Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections $2,449,780
- Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc. $749,994
- Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections $498,759
- Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office $749,022
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/reentryfactsheet.pdf.More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
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Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty and Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on September 30, 2020 HEATHER TOLSON (“TOLSON”), age 27, of Lorain, OH, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and was sentenced by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.
As admitted by TOLSON in the Factual Basis, in the beginning of February 2017, co-defendant Jose Fernandez Morel (“Fernandez”) devised a scheme to defraud by fraudulently representing himself as an immigration attorney. Specifically, Fernandez and other coconspirators acting at his direction, created the fictitious law firm of “Micheal (sic) Browns Immigration Attorneys” with an address of 4207 Parliament Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303. Fernandez enlisted the assistance of co-defendants Esteban Ramirez, III (“Ramirez”) and TOLSON to receive funds from various individuals who were victims of Fernandez’s scheme. Ramirez and TOLSON agreed to wire via Western Union the fraudulently obtained funds they received to Fernandez in the Dominican Republic. Part of their agreement was that Fernandez would split these funds with Ramirez and TOLSON.
During the scheme, Fernandez fraudulently represented himself as an attorney named “Robert McCane” and Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON represented themselves as employees with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON represented to Individual A’s family members that “McCane” was an attorney associated with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm located in Alexandria, LA which also had offices in New York and Ohio. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON utilized various email accounts to communicate with Individual A’s family members in an effort to promote the scheme. For example, Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON created a “Legal Services Agreement” that was emailed to Individual A’s family members which referenced a $4,980.00 fee and a $980.00 initial deposit for “attorney’s fees and cost incurred by clients.” Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON obtained money from Individual A’s family members under the guise of collecting a retainer to provide legal services for Individual A and under the pretense of posting a bond to secure the release of Individual A from immigration custody.
TOLSON opened a bank account at a Chase Bank branch in Lorain, OH in order to receive fraudulently obtained payments from Individual A’s family members. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON utilized various Chase Bank locations in Lorain, OH and Western Union agent branches to conduct cash transactions to withdraw payments from Individual A’s family members. Further, Ramirez and TOLSON utilized Western Union locations to wire fraudulently obtained payments to Fernandez in the Dominican Republic. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON falsely represented themselves as employees of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced TOLSON to three years of probation with eight months home confinement, ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $8,280.00, and pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Former Union Official Pleads Guilty to ForgeryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that MATTHEW CUOMO, age 55, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to Forgery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 513, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk today. CUOMO faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Sentencing is set for January 27, 2021.
CUOMO was the former president of a local labor union for employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and worked at multiple airports in Louisiana and Mississippi. An audit in 2017 revealed that union funds were missing, and a subsequent investigation revealed that CUOMO forged checks from the union’s bank account and used union funds for personal expenses. CUOMO forged approximately 50 checks, resulting in a loss of $15,000 to the local union.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Labor and the Transportation Security Administration for their investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.
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United States Reaches Agreement to Protect New Orleans Waterways and Lake PontchartrainRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company LLC, d/b/a Fair Grounds Corporation (Fair Grounds) that will resolve years of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at its New Orleans racetrack.
Under the settlement, Fair Grounds will eliminate unauthorized discharges of manure, urine and process wastewater through operational changes and construction projects at an estimated cost of $5,600,000. The company also will pay a civil penalty of $2,790,000, the largest ever paid by a concentrated animal feeding operation in a CWA matter.
“We are pleased to announce an agreement with Churchill Downs to address years of Clean Water Act violations at its Fair Grounds Racetrack in New Orleans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This consent decree will stop the flow of untreated process wastewater into the local sewer system, which leads to local waters used for fishing and ultimately Lake Pontchartrain, in a way that recognizes the challenges presented by the racetrack’s urban location.”
“Safeguarding the environment is one of the highest priorities for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA). “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDLA is committed to continue working with its federal partners to investigate and hold entities accountable when they neglect their professional and legal obligations and threaten the environment, which places the public and the ecosystem in Southeastern Louisiana at risk,”
“This consent decree will halt discharges of manure, urine, and contaminated wastewater from the Fair Grounds racetrack into the London Avenue Canal, which flows into Lake Pontchartrain,” said Susan Bodine, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As a result, we are protecting opportunities by the community to use these waters for fishing and other recreational activities.”
The United States’ complaint alleges that Fair Grounds violated the CWA, including the terms and conditions of its Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that, since at least 2012, Fair Grounds has regularly discharged untreated process wastewater into the New Orleans municipal separate storm sewer system, leading to the London Avenue Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. Fair Grounds’ permit prohibits any discharge unless there is a significant rain event (i.e., when 10 inches of rain falls in 24 hours).
In violation of their permit, Fair Grounds has discharged wastewater after as little as a half-inch of rain, as well as in dry weather. The complaint alleges that unauthorized discharges of contaminated wastewater occurred more than 250 times between 2012 and 2018. The untreated wastewater contains manure, urine, horse wash water, and other biological materials that are “pollutants” as defined by the CWA, the facility’s permit, and the applicable EPA and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regulations.
Fair Grounds is a horse racing facility located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that are considered environmental justice communities. The London Avenue Canal flows through neighborhoods that have been designated as opportunity zones.
The Fair Grounds’ New Orleans racetrack is a large CAFO, and during a typical horseracing season, Fair Grounds stables as many as 1,800 horses or more at one time. The facility includes a 38.8-acre production area that includes stables, horse stall barns and receiving barns, horse wash racks, horse walkways, manure storage areas, and storage areas for raw materials. The facility also includes a one-mile dirt racetrack and a 7/8-mile turf racetrack, the infield area, the grandstand, the casino, and associated parking areas.
As part of the settlement, Fair Grounds will implement best management practices and construction projects designed to eliminate unauthorized discharges and ensure compliance with its permit and the CWA. Fair Grounds will also perform site-specific sampling, monitoring and hydraulic modeling to help the company and EPA determine whether the remedial actions required by the consent decree are successful in eliminating unauthorized discharges. Furthermore, the consent decree includes a provision requiring Fair Grounds to implement additional remedial measures if these measures do not successfully eliminate unauthorized discharges.
This case is precedential because it includes the highest civil penalty ever collected by the EPA in a CWA enforcement action against a CAFO. In addition, this case is part of EPA’s National Compliance Initiative for Reducing Significant Noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits.
The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period. The penalty is due within 30 days of the effective date of the consent decree.
For more information about this settlement please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/churchill-downs-louisiana-horseracing-company-llc-clean-water-act-settlement
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
United States Reaches Agreement to Protect New Orleans Waterways and Lake PontchartrainRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company LLC, d/b/a Fair Grounds Corporation (Fair Grounds) that will resolve years of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at its New Orleans racetrack.
Under the settlement, Fair Grounds will eliminate unauthorized discharges of manure, urine and process wastewater through operational changes and construction projects at an estimated cost of $5,600,000. The company also will pay a civil penalty of $2,790,000, the largest ever paid by a concentrated animal feeding operation in a CWA matter.
“We are pleased to announce an agreement with Churchill Downs to address years of Clean Water Act violations at its Fair Grounds Racetrack in New Orleans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This consent decree will stop the flow of untreated process wastewater into the local sewer system, which leads to local waters used for fishing and ultimately Lake Pontchartrain, in a way that recognizes the challenges presented by the racetrack’s urban location.”
“Safeguarding the environment is one of the highest priorities for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA). “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDLA is committed to continue working with its federal partners to investigate and hold entities accountable when they neglect their professional and legal obligations and threaten the environment, which places the public and the ecosystem in Southeastern Louisiana at risk,”
“This consent decree will halt discharges of manure, urine, and contaminated wastewater from the Fair Grounds racetrack into the London Avenue Canal, which flows into Lake Pontchartrain,” said Susan Bodine, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “As a result, we are protecting opportunities by the community to use these waters for fishing and other recreational activities.”
The United States’ complaint alleges that Fair Grounds violated the CWA, including the terms and conditions of its Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that, since at least 2012, Fair Grounds has regularly discharged untreated process wastewater into the New Orleans municipal separate storm sewer system, leading to the London Avenue Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. Fair Grounds’ permit prohibits any discharge unless there is a significant rain event (i.e., when 10 inches of rain falls in 24 hours).
In violation of their permit, Fair Grounds has discharged wastewater after as little as a half-inch of rain, as well as in dry weather. The complaint alleges that unauthorized discharges of contaminated wastewater occurred more than 250 times between 2012 and 2018. The untreated wastewater contains manure, urine, horse wash water, and other biological materials that are “pollutants” as defined by the CWA, the facility’s permit, and the applicable EPA and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regulations.
Fair Grounds is a horse racing facility located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that are considered environmental justice communities. The London Avenue Canal flows through neighborhoods that have been designated as opportunity zones.
The Fair Grounds’ New Orleans racetrack is a large CAFO, and during a typical horse racing season, Fair Grounds stables as many as 1,800 horses or more at one time. The facility includes a 38.8-acre production area that includes stables, horse stall barns and receiving barns, horse wash racks, horse walkways, manure storage areas, and storage areas for raw materials. The facility also includes a one-mile dirt racetrack and a 7/8-mile turf racetrack, the infield area, the grandstand, the casino, and associated parking areas.
As part of the settlement, Fair Grounds will implement best management practices and construction projects designed to eliminate unauthorized discharges and ensure compliance with its permit and the CWA. Fair Grounds will also perform site-specific sampling, monitoring and hydraulic modeling to help the company and EPA determine whether the remedial actions required by the consent decree are successful in eliminating unauthorized discharges. Furthermore, the consent decree includes a provision requiring Fair Grounds to implement additional remedial measures if these measures do not successfully eliminate unauthorized discharges.
This case is precedential because it includes the highest civil penalty ever collected by the EPA in a CWA enforcement action against a CAFO. In addition, this case is part of EPA’s National Compliance Initiative for Reducing Significant Noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits.
The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period. The penalty is due within 30 days of the effective date of the consent decree.
For more information about this settlement please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/churchill-downs-louisiana-horseracing-company-llc-clean-water-act-settlement
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
New Orleans Woman Charged for Theft of More Than $69,000 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that VALERIE YOREL MANSON (“MANSON”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on September 22, 2020 by a Bill of Information for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the Bill of Information, beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2016, MANSON collected Social Security Administration benefits of approximately $700 per month paid to an account held in the name of a deceased relative. Accordingly, MANSON fraudulently received approximately $69,000.00 in Social Security Administration benefits, to which she was not entitled.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, MANSON faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.
Morgani Sentenced for Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL MORGANI, age 33, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on September 23, 2020 for a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court paperwork, MORGANI purchased two Extar semi-automatic pistols from an individual who he met on the Northshore. MORGANI brought them to a body shop in New Orleans, where they were later recovered by the New Orleans Police Department during the execution of a search warrant. MORGANI was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction from Jefferson Parish for possession of heroin.
United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced MORGANI to (30) thirty months in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, MORGANI is required to pay a $100.00 special assessment fee.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.
This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Destrehan Man Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSEPH MEISCH, 45, of Destrehan, Louisiana, was charged on September 23, 2020 in a bill of information with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1343, wire fraud.
According to the bill of information, MEISCH, while employed as the business manager of St. Patrick’s Church in New Orleans, defrauded the Church of approximately $329,856.20. Specifically, MEISCH used credit cards belonging to the Church to purchase personal items and transferred Church funds into his personal accounts.
If convicted, MEISCH faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
An information is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of the prosecution.
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Ponchatoula Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JASON BOYET, age 42, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Sarah Vance to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as three (3) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2).
According to court documents, in about February 2020, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation operating in an undercover capacity (Agent 1) in the State of Texas accessed a chat room within an instant messaging mobile application known to be a haven for purveyors of digital files depicting the sexual victimization of children. Agent 1 was introduced to an individual, subsequently determined to be BOYET, who distributed to him sexually suggestive and sexually explicit photographs of minors, including a prepubescent female (Victim 1), over whom BOYET claimed to have custody and control.
On February 12, 2020, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at BOYET’s residence. Based on a voluntarily interview with BOYET and a review of digital evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement authorities confirmed that BOYET took sexually explicit images of Victim 1 at his residence using his Apple iPhone XR on at least three dates between December 19, 2019, and February 11, 2020, some of which he distributed to third parties as described above. Agents also confirmed that BOYET accessed a link to an online file storage account containing numerous videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and, further, received at least 151 images and 195 videos depicting children as young as approximately one (1) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
BOYET faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. He can also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 10:30 am.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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