Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegally Using Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BAYRON MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 28, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 after previously pleading guilty to illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ to time served (2 months of imprisonment), followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on June 14, 2019, MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application in order to obtain employment with a local company. He attested on the form that he was someone else. He used a fraudulent Social Security card in the name of the other person which also contained that person’s actual Social Security number as verification. In order to finalize employment with that company, he was required to take a safety course at another location on June 18, 2019. He once again provided the fraudulent Social Security card as proof of his identity, but an employee suspected the card was fraudulent and alerted Customs and Border Protection. Subsequent record checks confirmed his real identity.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Washington Parish Men Plead Guilty to Gun and Heroin OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALEX MILLER, age 37 and LARRY DAVIS, age 40, both from Washington Parish, Louisiana pled guilty to heroin and gun charges.
Both DAVIS and MILLER pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and to being felons in possession of a firearm. MILLER also pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. DAVIS pled guilty yesterday, and MILLER pled guilty on July 23, 2019.
For the drug charge, DAVIS and MILLER face a sentence of imprisonment of at least five years and up to forty years in prison. For the charge of possessing a firearm as a felon, MILLER faces up to ten years in prison, while DAVIS may face at least fifteen years and up to life in prison, as a result of the Armed Career Criminal Act. For the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, MILLER faces at least five years, consecutive to any other sentence, and up to life in prison.
Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for MILLER on October 15, 2019, and for DAVIS on October 29, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and André Jones 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.
The investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) program, the keystone drug enforcement program of the Department of Justice.
Metairie Man Sentenced to 121 Months Imprisonment after Previously Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of 14-Year-Old FemaleRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PASCAL CALOGERO, III, age 60, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1594(c). CALOGERO was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, a $5,100 special assessment fee and payment of restitution to the victim, which will be determined within 90 days. Additionally, CALOGERO must register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, between at least May 9, 2017, and June 5, 2017, CALOGERO conspired with others to traffic a fourteen-year-old female from Metairie, Louisiana. Specifically, J.B. met the victim on May 9, 2017 and recruited her to work for him as a prostitute. She worked for J.B. from about May 9 through about May 23. J.B. required her to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from prostitution to him. J.B. then created advertisements on online classified advertisement services commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which J.B. received telephone calls and text messages inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution dates with the victim. J.B. scheduled the time, location, and other logistics of prostitution dates with the victim.
Between May 16, 2017 and May 22, 2017, J.B. transmitted sexually explicit photographs of the victim to CALOGERO via email and text message for the purpose of offering and encouraging CALOGERO to arrange a prostitution date with the victim. CALOGERO engaged in prostitution dates with the victim on at least four separate days, paying less than $120 per occasion. In addition to engaging in prostitution dates with the victim, CALOGERO occasionally drove her to prostitution dates with other individuals. On numerous occasions, CALOGERO also attempted to facilitate the prostitution of the victim to multiple adult men by, among other things, taking and transmitting sexually explicit pictures of the fourteen year old to them, negotiating prices, arranging the times and locations of prostitution dates, and providing his personal residence as the location of a prostitution date he arranged. CALOGERO successfully brokered prostitution dates with the victim on at least three occasions.
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, and specifically the FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police, with the assistance of the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.
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Houston Resident Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that EULALIO TORRES-CADENAS, age 42, of Houston, was sentenced on August 6, 2019 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced TORRES-CADENAS to a term of imprisonment of 60 months. TORRES-CADENAS, who was an illegal alien, also faces deportation at the conclusion of his sentence.
TORRES-CADENAS is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that TORRES-CADENAS conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Angel Renee Vidaure, Jeffrey Clines, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey Lopez, and Jacob Higginbotham. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses for codefendants Hatch, Vidaure, and Lopez-Lopez. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
* * *Guatemalan National Pleaded Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that DARLYS BARRIOS-HERRERA, age 29, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) on Monday, August 6, 2019.
According to the bill of information, DARLYS BARRIOS-HERRERA (“BARRIOS-HERRERA”), re-entered the United States after being previously deported on September 17, 2014.
BARRIOS-HERRERA faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. BARRIOS-HERRERA was sentenced to credit for time served (one month) and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee before being transferred to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Guatemalan National Pleaded Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that on August 1, 2019 ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON, age 24, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and was sentenced thereafter.
According to the bill of information, ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON (“MENDOZA-AILON”), re-entered the United States after being previously deported on October 3, 2018.
MENDOZA-AILON faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. MENDOZA-AILON was sentenced to be imprisoned for a term of 6 months and then would be transferred to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Resident Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LINDSEY LOPEZ, age 37, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a methamphetamine-trafficking offense. Specifically, LOPEZ pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.
LOPEZ was one of 11 defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that LOPEZ conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, Jacob Higginbotham, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Angel Renee Vidaure, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, and Julien Polk. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for LOPEZ on November 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty and Sentenced to Cutting Off GPS Ankle Monitoring DeviceRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS, age 21, pleaded guilty today to a one-count bill of information for damaging government property in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1361.
According to the bill of information, GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS (“SEARS”), cut off a GPS ankle monitor that he was ordered to wear by a U.S. Magistrate Judge as a condition of pretrial release.
SEARS faced a maximum term of imprisonment of penalty of not more than one year, a maximum supervised release term of one year, and a maximum fine of $100,000. SEARS was sentenced for a total term of time served.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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French National Indicted for Six Million Dollar Bank Fraud Scheme and for Lying in an Application for U. S. Government Insured LoansRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that GILES CASSE (“CASSE”), age 49, was charged on July 25, 2019 by a Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a four-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, Bank Fraud and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1014, False Statements to obtain a government insured loan.
In 2000, CASSE, a native of France, started a Houma, Louisiana based company, along with several other individuals, called GMD International which did business as “NOLATEK”. NOLATEK’s business model was the buying of used electronic testing parts, restoring the parts, and reselling them for a profit. CASSE maintained personal control of the company and applied for a series of loans, lines of credit and factoring agreements with banks in Louisiana and Texas. Two of the loans were backed by U.S. Government guarantors, such that if the loans were not repaid, the government was obligated to reimburse the banks up to 80% of the loan.
The indictment alleges two schemes victimizing three banks. The heart of the scheme was an inflated appraisal of NOLATEK’s inventory. CASSE hired an appraisal company to perform the economic evaluations, but CASSE provided undocumented estimates of NOLATEK’s inventory purchase costs. Specifically, the indictment alleges that CASSE fraudulently inflated the value of NOLATEK’s inventory that he provided to the appraiser. The indictment also alleges that although the initial appraisal valued NOLATEK inventory at over $21 million dollars in 2007, that same inventory was sold for approximately $64,000 in 2010.
The indictment further alleges that CASSE, on behalf of NOLATEK, presented an inflated and fraudulent appraisal in a loan guarantee application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A) for a $3,000,000 loan at Prosper Bank in Dallas, Texas. The false loan application was executed in Louisiana and transmitted to the Texas bank. NOLATEK defaulted on the loan in 2009. In 2010, the USDA paid $2,107,259 to make good on the loan guarantee. Prosper Bank suffered a loss of $900,000.
The indictment further alleges that in March 2009, CASSE, through another company controlled by him, Test and Measurement Rentals, LLC, obtained a $1,000,000 loan from First NBC Bank in New Orleans (FNBC). This loan was guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, a U.S. Government agency. CASSE again provided the fraudulent and grossly inflated inventory appraisals of the companies controlled by CASSE, as well as fraudulent invoices, as collateral.
CASSE also defaulted on this loan and caused the Small Business Administration to pay $774,041 to FNBC to honor its guarantee. FNBC suffered a loss of approximately $225,000 on the loan.
Finally, the indictment alleges that CASSE, through NOLATEK, entered into a factoring agreement with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans in May 2009. Factoring is a financial arrangement whereby a company sells its accounts receivables for immediate cash. In this type of arrangement, the business gets money more quickly and the financial institution gets a verifiable repayment. The indictment alleges that CASSE submitted fraudulent and fictitious invoices to cause Gulf Coast Bank to release money under its care and custody. CASSE presented more than thirty invoices claiming NOLATEK sold $1.3 million dollars of merchandise in July, August, and September 2009. In reality, NOLATEK sold only $17,200 of product in that period. CASSE defaulted on the factoring agreement and Gulf Coast Bank lost $2,000,000 as a result.
If convicted, CASSE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years per count, a maximum fine of $1,000,000 per count, a supervised release of five years and a mandatory special assessment of $100 per count and restitution to the banks and government agencies.
A Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an arrest warrant for CASSE in 2017. The arrest warrant was forwarded to INTERPOL, which caused a “red notice” to be issued which would cause the arrest of CASSE if he used his French passport in international travel.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Inspectors General of the Small Business Administration and the Department of Agriculture in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that KENNETH CHARITY (“CHARITY”), age 54, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.
According to the Bill of Information, from in or around February 2007 through April 2017, CHARITY had a banking relationship with First NBC Bank, individually and through certain entities. During that time, Bank President A acted as the loan officer for CHARITY and the loan officer to certain of CHARITY’s entities (“the Entities”). By the time First NBC Bank failed, the balances on the loans issued to CHARITY and the entities totaled more than $18 million. CHARITY, Bank President A, and others knowingly conspired to defraud First NBC Bank. According to the Bill of Information, the purpose of the conspiracy was for CHARITY, Bank President A, and others to unjustly enrich themselves, disguise the true financial status of CHARITY and the Entities, conceal the accurate performance, and misrepresented the purpose of the loans made to KENNETH CHARITY and the Entities.
KENNETH CHARITY, Bank President A, and others provided First NBC Bank with materially false and fraudulent documents and financial statements, which, among other things, overstated the value of KENNETH CHARITY’s assets, understated his liabilities, and omitted material information. These false statements disguised his and the Entities’ true financial condition.
The Bill of Information also alleges that it was part of the conspiracy for Bank President A and others to disguise CHARITY and the Entities’ true financial condition by, among other things, issuing new loans to CHARITY and the Entities, which would pay older loans that CHARITY was unable to repay. The new loans would then appear to be current and performing, while the old loans appeared to have been paid. In reality, CHARITY had insufficient income and cash flow to support his debt at First NBC Bank. Bank President A was well-aware that CHARITY was unable to repay his loans, yet Bank President A continued to falsely represent in bank records that CHARITY and his Entities were profitable.
Additionally, the Bill of Information alleges CHARITY, Bank President A, and others, carried out the conspiracy by repeatedly lying in bank loan documents about the purpose of loans that Bank President A approved for CHARITY and the Entities. Specifically, Bank President A approved loans for CHARITY and his Entities that appeared to be for legitimate business purposes. In reality, CHARITY spent loan proceeds on personal expenses. Bank President A was aware that CHARITY did not spend the loan proceeds consistently with the purposes stated on the loan documents. For example, from in or around August 2014 through in or around December 2016, Bank President A caused three loans to be disbursed to one of CHARITY’s entities for the purpose, in part, of enclosing a patio at a beignet shop located at 620 Decatur Street. CHARITY never built the patio. The loan proceeds were used instead to pay CHARITY’s overdrafts, which included personal expenses, and to make loan payments.
CHARITY could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1 million, or twice the gross gain to him or the gross loss of any victims, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.
Judge Lance M. Africk set CHARITY’s sentencing hearing for October 23, 2019 at 2 pm.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman, Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Man Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES HATCH, age 50, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced HATCH to a term of imprisonment of 160 months, followed by five years of supervised release.
HATCH is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that HATCH conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Jeffrey Clines, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Angel Renee Vidaure, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey Lopez, and Jacob Higginbotham. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses for codefendants HATCH, Vidaure, and Lopez-Lopez. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Covington Man Sentenced for Possessing and Making SilencersRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ROBERT LYONS, age 34, of Covington, was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, 2019 for federal firearms violations.
According to court documents, on March 3, 2017, LYONS possessed firearm silencers that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (“NFRTR). LYONS also made firearm silencers without obtaining prior approval from the federal government or paying the requisite tax.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced LYONS to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. A mandatory assessment fee of $200 will also be assessed.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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 in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
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Woman Sentenced for Transporting Individuals in Interstate Commerce for ProstitutionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANH DUONG, age 72, was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, 2019 for transporting individuals in interstate commerce for prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421(a).
According to court documents, DUONG operated two Asian Massage Parlors in New Orleans, the Lily Pad and the Rose Garden. Both Asian Massage Parlors were commercial sex enterprises. DUONG admitted to knowingly transporting and causing to be transported individuals in interstate commerce from Texas and Mississippi to the Eastern District of Louisiana to engage in prostitution at the Lily Pad and the Rose Garden, in violation of the laws of Louisiana.
DUONG was sentenced to five years probation, one year of home confinement with electronic monitoring and a $100 special assessment fee. DUONG was further ordered: 1) to obtain prior written approval from the Court before entering into any self employment; 2) participate in an approved cognitive behavioral therapeutic treatment program and abide by all supplemental conditions of treatment; and 3) submit to a search of all business and financial records upon reasonable suspicion as requested by the United States Probation Officer.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Julia K. Evans and Brian M. Klebba are in charge of the prosecution.
Man Pleads Guilty to Interference with Flight CrewRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RODNEY JAMES, age 47, a resident of Phoenix City, Alabama, pled guilty to a one-count indictment for interference with a flight crew, in violation of Title 49, United States Code, Section 46504.
According to court records, on November 14, 2018, Rodney James interfered with a flight crew, travelling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California, by being disruptive, yelling loudly, refusing to sit down, aggressively pursuing a flight crew member across the cabin, and threatening the flight crew, all causing the aircraft to be diverted to New Orleans.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Former New Orleans Church Official Indicted for Wire Fraud and Making False Statements to the FBIRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHARLES WILLIAMS, JR. (“WILLIAMS”), age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2019 and charged with twenty-two (22) counts of wire fraud and three (3) counts of making false statements to special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).
According to the Indictment, in January 2017, the defendant was elected Senior Warden of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (“St. Luke’s”) located at 1222 North Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. In his role as Senior Warden, WILLIAMS was responsible for paying all of St. Luke’s bills including insurance, salaries, and utilities. WILLIAMS took over the finances of the church and reduced or eliminated other church members’ access to church finances shortly after becoming the Senior Warden at St. Luke’s. WILLIAMS did not share church bank statements with other church members in an effort to conceal his embezzlement of church funds and he transferred church funds from one bank account to another account before withdrawing the funds. During his tenure, WILLIAMS embezzled approximately $89,000 from St. Luke’s in his capacity as Senior Warden. WILLIAMS deposited much of the money into his various Chase accounts and used some of the stolen money to support his pizza restaurant located in the Esplanade Mall.
On August 29, 2018, FBI special agents interviewed WILLIAMS. During the interview, WILLIAMS made three false statements to the FBI agents. Specifically, WILLIAMS said he used cash withdrawn from a St. Luke’s account to fund a $2,500 Chase cashier check dated February 21, 2018, with Remitter: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Operating Account. When the agents specifically asked whether bank records would show the money for the cashier’s check came from a St. Luke’s account, he denied that bank records would show the $2,500 coming from the church account. Further, he told the agents that the $2,500 had come from his personal account. The statements were false because WILLIAMS knew that on February 21, 2018, he had withdrawn $2,900. from St. Luke’s operating account ending x1224 and then used $2,500 of those funds to purchase the above described cashier’s check made payable to the Esplanade Mall for the benefit of his pizza restaurant. WILLIAMS also lied to the agents when he told them he had invested St. Luke’s money with a particular company. Lastly, he lied when he claimed he had not used any of St. Luke’s money for his business or for personal use. The FBI’s investigation determined that all of these assertions were in fact false.
U. S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment for each of the wire fraud counts and five (5) years as to each of the false statement counts. Upon release from prison, WILLIAMS faces up to three (3) years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 per count.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Business Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Employment of an AlienRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that N & F Logistics, Inc., a shipping and trucking business located in Harahan, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information charging it with unlawful employment of an alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. '' 1324a (a)(1)(A) and (f)(1).
According to the bill of information, N & F Logistics, Inc., unlawfully employed an alien from in or about February 2013 through August 2014.
If convicted, N & F Logistics, Inc., faces a maximum fine of up to $10,000.00 and a $50.00 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for October 15, 2019.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Armed Robbers for June 17, 2019 Robbery of CVS PharmacyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, July 26, 2019 that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 26, and ALAN PARSON, age 18, residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged in a three count Indictment for their alleged participation in the June 17, 2019 robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street.
At approximately 6:06 a.m., SANSBURY and PARSON entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons. Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves. Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and detained a cashier by using zip-ties. SANSBURY led the cashier to another area of the store. PARSON relocated to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing the employee’s feet with zip-ties. PARSON is then alleged to have filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy safe. SANSBURY is alleged to have relocated to the pharmacy area where he continued to zip-tie the employee’s hands whom PARSON initially detained. SANSBURY and PARSON began to exit the store.
Upon exiting the store, PARSON and SANSBURY engaged on a shootout with responding officers of the New Orleans Police Department. The confrontation resulted in a bullet wound to one of the officers, who was shot in the shoulder. Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred inside of the CVS, as well as the subsequent shootout with police as SANSBURY and PARSON fled the store.
In count 1 of the Indictment, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 2118. If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. In count 2, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 2118(a) and (c)(1). If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. In count three, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) . If convicted, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. 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 Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Slidell Woman Charged with Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that RACHEL E. LIPPS age 38, of Slidell, LA was charged on Friday, July 19, 2019 in an indictment for wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.
According to the indictment, between January 2013 and October 2017, LIPPS served as a part-time bookkeeper for Business A. Business A was a Louisiana corporation domiciled in Slidell, Louisiana. LIPPS was entrusted with the daily accounting and her job functions included accessing and utilizing QuickBooks software to issue payroll checks and pay vendors on behalf of Business A. Using QuickBooks, LIPPS fraudulently printed checks made payable to herself and several of her creditors. LIPPS endorsed each check despite not having authority to sign the checks. Business A terminated LIPPS’s employment in October 2017.
Business A maintained a financial account with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase Bank”) bearing number *****8595. The checks listed in the indictment were associated with this particular account. The check images received by Chase Bank either from a branch location, ATM, mobile app, computer, or other method were transmitted to computer servers located in Michigan, Illinois, or Delaware. The sum of the checks charged in the indictment is $50,387.88.
If convicted of wire fraud, LIPPS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. If convicted of aggravated identity theft, LIPPS faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of two (2) years, a fine of no more than $250,000, supervised release term up to one (1) year following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
United States 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 matter was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter.
Orleans Parish Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARNOLD TREVELL WILLIAMS, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft before United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan today.
According to court documents, the defendant conspired with others to obtain personal information, such as names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, from real persons in order to create fake driver’s licenses. The information was then used to apply for loans in order to buy vehicles. Specifically, WILLIAMS used the identity of another person on or about May 11, 2017, to buy a 2014 BMW Series 7 car for the sum of $44,994.10.
Sentencing is set for October 29, 2019. WILLIAMS is facing imprisonment of up to three years, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser also praised the agencies that contributed to this guilty plea. This prosecution 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, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the New Orleans Police Department. Additionally, U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Resident Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JEFFREY CLINES, age 53, of New Orleans, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced CLINES to a term of imprisonment of 42 months, followed by five years of supervised release.
CLINES is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that CLINES conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Angel Renee Vidaure, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey Lopez, and Jacob Higginbotham. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses for codefendants Hatch, Vidaure, and Lopez-Lopez. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Ketamine Which Resulted in the Death of A Teenager Whose Body Was Found Floating in A Texas BayouRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that WILLIAM HARRISON FARRIS, age 39, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine which resulted in the death of a Slidell, Louisiana teenager. The eighteen year old’s dead body was found floating in a Texas bayou.
As described in court documents, FARRIS, along with KACIE DOUCET, age 37, and LEILANI ASPURIA, age 25, conspired to incapacitate the teenager with drugs so that he could be transported to Texas law enforcement authorities. FARRIS, DOUCET, and ASPURIA did so in the hope of receiving free drugs from two large scale Texas-based methamphetamine dealers. These dealers, a married couple, had told their New Orleans customers that they wanted the teenager so they would not lose the $6000 bond they had posted for him months earlier.
FARRIS faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a possible fine of 500,000, and at least 2 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for FARRIS on October 23, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and David Howard Sinkman are in charge of the prosecution.
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Hammond Man Charged with Firearm and Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on Friday, July 19, 2019 a federal grand jury charged LARRY GREEN, age 36, of Hammond, LA, in an indictment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.
If convicted, GREEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, at least three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Strasser reiterated that an 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 matter was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a) on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in the court of U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.
According to the bill of information, RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ reentered the United States on or about May 16, 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 25, 2014.
RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ was sentenced to be imprisoned for a total term of time served, pay a $100.00 special assessment fee and was transferred to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHARLES BROWN, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced on Thursday, July 11, 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, CHARLES BROWN had another individual purchase a firearm for him from the Jefferson Gun Outlet on or about July 27, 2018. That same day, BROWN was stopped in a vehicle while he was in possession of that firearm. BROWN was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction.
U.S. District Court Judge Vitter sentenced BROWN to 30 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.
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 and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
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Man Sentenced for Two Robberies at Gunpoint and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that STEPHAN MITCHEL THOMAS, age 24, of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today for federal firearms violations and Hobbs Act robberies.
According to court documents, THOMAS and others robbed drug dealers at gunpoint on July 11, 2016 and on September 1, 2016. For this conduct, THOMAS pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. THOMAS also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm silencer, a short-barrel rifle, and a sawed-off shotgun, without registering these firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced THOMAS to 113 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment of $600.
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 Hammond Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the
Houston Woman Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANGEL RENEE VIDAURE, age 38, of Houston, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. For this offense, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.
VIDAURE was one of 11 defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment. Specifically, the indictment alleges that VIDAURE conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, Jacob Higginbotham, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey Lopez, and Julien Polk. The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses. Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for VIDAURE on October 22, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANILO ORLANDO GARCIA HERNANDEZ, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced onn Wednesday, July 17, 2019 after pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegally re-entering the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, GARCIA HERNANDEZ was found in the United States on or about May 1, 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about August 18, 2008. GARCIA HERNANDEZ pled guilty as charged today and United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced GARCIA HERNANDEZ to time served and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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California Man and Arizona Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JARED CASTELLAW, age 34, of Alpine, California, and VALERIE SCHONES, age 54, of Tucson, Arizona, were sentenced on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 for their role in making false statements to a financial institution.
According to court documents, beginning in or around October 2008 and continuing to on or about May 2009, JARED CASTELLAW and VALERIE SCHONES, along with co-defendant Patrick Healey, made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration “FHA” in order to assist low-income borrowers in qualifying for FHA insured loans that they would not otherwise have qualified for. Healey and CASTELLAW are former employees of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish. SCHONES worked for XYZ Financial as a loan officer. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.
Both CASTELLAW and SCHONES were sentenced to time served, supervised release of 5 years, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $852,415.16.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Edward J. Rivera.
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Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON JOHNSON, age 42, of Bogalusa, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, JOHNSON flew to California, where he obtained methamphetamine that he then mailed back to Louisiana. JOHNSON then returned to Louisiana to receive over a kilogram of high-purity methamphetamine, which law enforcement agents found in his house and vehicle. The government filed a bill of information charging JOHNSON with a prior felony drug offense. As a result, JOHNSON faces a term of imprisonment of at least fifteen years and up to life, to be followed by at least ten years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 22, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Tangipahoa Parish Man Sentenced on Federal Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 26, 2019, JAMES JACKSON, age 35, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve 73 months in federal prison on gun and drug charges. JACKSON pled guilty back on December 6, 2018 to distribution of cocaine base (“crack”) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
JACKSON was arrested by members of the DEA Task Force and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Deputies after law enforcement officials made controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin from JACKSON and his co-defendant, Jerry Pea. Law enforcement also conducted a search warrant at two residences, one on Becky Lane and one on Louis Lane, where they also recovered drugs and a firearm that were connected to these two defendants. Both men were indicted in federal court with this charges under case number 18-150 “I”.
Co-defendant Pea is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2019. Pea faces a sentence of five to forty years on the drug counts and a consecutive five years on the firearm charges to which he has pled guilty.
“As sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish, I am proud to partner with the local DEA Office and its agents to target drug dealers ruining the lives of people in our Parish. This is just one example of how combining our efforts with DEA and other local partners, such as Hammond Police Department, can help take drug dealers off our streets”, said Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work by the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326.
According to the bill of information, JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON reentered the United States in or about 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about April 15, 2011.
If convicted, JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.
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 United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
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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 BAYRON MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 28, a native of Honduras, was charged on Tuesday, July 15, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with Illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 United States Customs and Border Protection agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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 OLIVER MARTINEZ-CASTRO, age 19, a native of Honduras, was charged on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with Illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
MARTINEZ-CASTRO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
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 United States Customs and Border Protection agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that CARLOS HUMBERTO CARRETO-ROMERO, age 29, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the bill of information, CARLOS HUMBERTO CARRETO ROMERO (“CARRETO-ROMERO”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on September 4, 2012. If convicted, CARRETO-ROMERO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
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 United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Guatemalan National Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON, age 24, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the bill of information, ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON (“MENDOZA-AILON”), re-entered the United States after being previously deported on October 3, 2018. If convicted, MENDOZA-AILON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
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 United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Pair Plead Guilty to Bank Larceny in Theft of over $200,000 Using Patient Information Stolen from Metairie Medical ClinicRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRANDON LIVAS, age 34 and ROYALE LASSAI, age 29, both from New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty as charged to a one count Bill of Information Wednesday, July 3, 2019. They were charged in 2018 by a Bill of Information with Bank Larceny, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b). The third defendant, ASHLEY GREEN, age 36 is scheduled for a change of plea hearing in October 2019.
In papers filed with the court signed by LASSAI and LIVAS , they admitted that LASSAI was employed in a Metairie, Louisiana medical clinic. LASSAI, without authority, obtained personal information of patients including dates of birth, social security numbers and addresses. LASSAI sold the information to her cousin, GREEN who used this information to fraudulently obtain debit cards issued by the victim banks, Capital One and Whitney. These fraudulently obtained cards were mailed to an address controlled by GREEN. GREEN and LIVAS then used the cards to withdraw at least $200,000 from the victims’ accounts. LASSAI was paid at least $1,000 to pilfer the patient’s information.
LIVAS and LASSAI face up to ten (10) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, restitution and three (3) years supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 21, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating the matter. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GEORGE CARTER, age 63 of New Orleans, pled guilty Thursday, June 27, 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.
According to court documents, CARTER and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.
CARTER faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years of imprisonment. A fine of up to $5,000,000 may also be imposed or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person. CARTER will be placed on supervised release after imprisonment for a period of not less than four years. Additionally, a $100 special assessment fee will be assessed. U.S. District Court Judge Ashe set sentencing for October 3, 2019.
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.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ERIC ROBINSON, age 26, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty Thursday, June 27, 2019 to federal firearms and narcotics violations.
According to court documents, ROBINSON, a convicted felon, possessed firearms on two separate occasions between 2017 and 2018, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). On April 3, 2018, ROBINSON possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). ROBINSON also conspired with others to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).
The Court set sentencing in this matter for September 9, 2019. ROBINSON faces, as to count one of the superseding bill of information, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to counts two and four, ROBINSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to count 3, ROBINSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. As to count five, ROBINSON faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, up to 5 years supervised release after imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a $100 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne.
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Two New York Men Charged with Aggravated Identity Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces the June 28, 2019 return of an indictment charging two New York men with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
The indictment charges TERRENCE NEALY, age 31, of Rockville Center, New York, and MYLES NICHOLAS, age 32, of Jamaica, New York. The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. They are also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.
According to court documents, members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force received information that NEALY and NICHOLAS would be flying to New Orleans from New York on the morning of June 21, 2019. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and U.S. Secret Service agents initiated surveillance at New Orleans International Airport, where they observed NEALY and NICHOLAS rent a car and immediately travel to Baton Rouge. While in Baton Rouge, the defendants traveled to two local Best Buy stores and attempted to open a fraudulent Best Buy credit card, which is issued by Citibank, using a stolen identity. They then traveled back to New Orleans where they were arrested by state and federal law enforcement.
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 agencies that contributed to this indictment, 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, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
Three Texas Men Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RAFAEL MOLINA, age 43, GUSTAVO BALDERAS, age 32, and MICHAEL GARZA, age 34, all residents of Texas, were charged February 22, 2019, in a six-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court records, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force identified MOLINA as an upper level narcotics trafficker of cocaine in the Thibodaux, Louisiana area. Between July 2018 and September 2018, MOLINA made several telephone calls in the Eastern District of Louisiana to facilitate a cocaine conspiracy and on September 28, 2018, distributed more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride to the Eastern District of Louisiana.
On February 10, 2019, the DEA Task Force learned that MOLINA was en route to Thibodaux to deliver two kilograms of cocaine. Task Force officers established surveillance in Thibodaux and observed MOLINA, riding in a white pickup truck, and BALDERAS and GARZA, riding in a black Chrysler 300, registered to GARZA, at a motel in Thibodaux. GARZA and BALDERAS entered the truck with MOLINA and they departed from the motel. As the three departed the motel, officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck. Agents searched both vehicles and located a Yeti ice chest in the Chrysler 300. Inside the Yeti were two kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
If convicted, MOLINA, BALDERAS and GARZA face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security Investigations-Harlingen, Texas, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Four Lafourche Parish Men Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL MATHEWS, a/k/a “DOT,” age 36, EARL JOHNSON, a/k/a “MUD,” age 39, MONTRELL CLEVELAND, a/k/a “NOON,” age 32, and DONTRELL MATHEWS, age 40, all residents of Thibodaux, Louisiana, were charged June 14, 2019, in a fifteen-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown and continuing until September 28, 2018, Kendall MATHEWS, JOHNSON, CLEVELAND, and Dontrell MATHEWS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. During that same period, Kendall MATHEWS and JOHNSON engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of heroin. Kendall MATHEWS and Dontrell MATHEWS are also charged with distribution of methamphetamine and all four individuals are charged with using a communication facility, a telephone, to facilitate drug conspiracies.
If convicted, Kendall MATHEWS, JOHNSON, CLEVELAND, and Dontrell MATHEWS face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Lafourche Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 20, 2019, MICHAEL LEWIS, age 33, a resident of Edgard, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. In count one, LEWIS is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of count one, LEWIS 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.
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.
The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.). Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
Bank General Counsel Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that GREGORY ST. ANGELO (“ST. ANGELO”), age 54, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty Friday, June 28, 2019 to conspiring to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April of 2017.
According to court documents, from in or around 2006 through the fall of 2016, ST. ANGELO was the general counsel of First NBC Bank. During this time, he and several businesses owned or controlled by him (the “Entities”) were First NBC Bank borrowers. Bank President A was a founder of First NBC Bank and acted as its president and Chief Executive Officer from in or around May 2006, until in or around December 2016. From in or around 2006 through April 2017, Bank Officer B was employed by First NBC Bank as its Chief Credit Officer, and was responsible for, among other things, the overall quality of the bank’s lending function.
Beginning at a time unknown, but at least in or around 2006, through in and around April 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, ST. ANGELO, and others known and unknown, conspired to defraud First NBC Bank by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, relating to a material fact.
The purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendant, ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others to enrich themselves unjustly by disguising the true financial status of ST. ANGELO, the Entities, and other borrowers, concealing the accurate performance of loans, and misrepresenting the nature of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities.
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others sought to accomplish the conspiracy by engaging in the below activities:
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others provided First NBC Bank with materially false and fraudulent documents and personal financial statements, which, among other things, overstated the value of ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ assets, understated their liabilities, and omitted material information. The materially false and fraudulent personal financial statements, collateral summaries, and other documents concealed ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition.
Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others disguised ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition by, among other things, issuing new loans to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to pay older loans that ST. ANGELO was unable to repay and to cover his overdrafts. The new loans then appeared to be current, while the old loans and overdrafts appeared to have been paid. In reality, the new loans were designed to avert the downgrading or impairment of ST. ANGELO’s and several Entities’ loans and to avoid reporting them as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
Another means the conspirators used to disguise ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition was to extend the maturity date of older loans on which ST. ANGELO was unable to make payments, which allowed First NBC Bank to avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others funded fraudulent tax credit investments that First NBC Bank purportedly made in certain Entities owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, the supposed investments simply funneled money from First NBC Bank’s general ledger to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities, so that ST. ANGELO could make his loan payments and cure overdrafts, and so the bank could avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
On multiple occasions, Bank President A and ST. ANGELO executed false documents entitled “Agreements to Purchase Tax Credits” designed to make it appear that First NBC Bank was paying ST. ANGELO and certain Entities money in exchange for ownership interests in entities supposedly owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, these agreements were a way for Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and ST. ANGELO to justify the diversion of bank funds to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to cure overdrafts and avoid reporting requirements. On multiple occasions, Bank Officer B directed the disbursement of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities from First NBC Bank’s general ledger, purportedly for tax credit investments, knowing that the tax credit investments were false.
Yet another means by which Bank President A, ST. ANGELO, Bank Officer B, and others concealed the true financial condition of ST. ANGELO’s and certain Entities’ loans was to lend funds to ST. ANGELO’s associates as nominees. Bank President A and ST. ANGELO caused the nominees to sign loan documents, making it appear that the nominee entity was taking out the loan solely for its own use. In fact, the loan proceeds often were paid to ST. ANGELO or certain Entities, not the nominees, and were, in part, used to pay ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ existing debts to First NBC Bank or to enrich ST. ANGELO and certain Entities.
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B caused employees of First NBC Bank to transfer the nominee loan proceeds directly to ST. ANGELO’s or the Entities’ deposit accounts, when ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B knew the loans were not solely for the nominee, but benefitted ST. ANGELO, who was not named in the loan documents or listed as a guarantor.
By April 28, 2017, First NBC Bank had advanced approximately $46 million to ST. ANGELO and the Entities based on the false personal financial statements and practice of advancing new loan proceeds to cover overdrafts and make payments for prior loans. First NBC Bank had also paid ST. ANGELO an additional $9.6 million dollars in false tax credit investment money.
ST. ANGELO could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $1 million or twice the gross gain to him or the gross loss of any victims, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.
Judge Carl J. Barbier set ST. ANGELO’s sentencing date for October 3, 2019 at 9:30am.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman, Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Houma Men Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIEL CABRERA-VERGARA, JR., a/k/a “Junior,” age 35, and LARANZA THOMAS, a/k/a “Dude,” age 28, residents of Houma, Louisiana, were charged May 16, 2019, in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, beginning at a date unknown, but not later than October 30, 2018, and continuing until on or about November 6, 2018, CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS are also charged with using a communication facility, a telephone, to facilitate the drug conspiracy.
If convicted, CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Levee District Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Division of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.
Three Terrebonne and Lafourche Men Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HAKEAM DRANE, a/k/a “Keam,” age 29, of Gray, La., SPENCER ROUNDS, JR., a/k/a “BoBoy,” age 29, of Gray, La., and LARRY CHATMAN, age 28, of Thibodaux, La., were charged May 30, 2019, in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court records, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force identified DRANE as narcotics trafficker of methamphetamine in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Between March and May 2019, DRANE, ROUNDS, and CHATMAN made several telephone calls in the Eastern District of Louisiana to facilitate a methamphetamine conspiracy, and on May 15, 2019, distributed more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine to the Eastern District of Louisiana.
On May 13, 2019, the DEA Task Force learned that ROUNDS and CHATMAN were in Los Angeles, California, preparing to ship methamphetamine via United Parcel Service (UPS). Task Force officers identified two UPS parcels in the mail stream that arrived in Louisiana, one sent by ROUNDS and one sent by CHATMAN. Officers seized the parcels pursuant to a Federal search warrant. Inside, officers located vacuum sealed packages containing approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine. The vacuum sealed packages were further wrapped in dryer fabric softener sheets in an attempt to mask the methamphetamine’s odor. A search of ROUNDS’ car revealed a firearm, which ROUNDS is prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon.
In addition, DRANE distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on July 30, 2018, and on January 17, 2019.
If convicted, DRANE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000.00, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. ROUNDS and CHATMAN, if convicted, face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.
Terrebonne Parish Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRIS HENDERSON, age 43, a resident of Schreiver, Louisiana, was charged July 14, 2019, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, On February 7, 2018, HENDERSON distributed five grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Homeland Security Investigations, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
Houma Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID ANTHONY MAR, a/k/a Oliver Armando Gamino-Avellaneda, age 24, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged November 16, 2018, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, on November 5, 2018, MAR possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. MAR pled guilty May 9, 2019, and faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Levee District Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Division of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Lafourche Men for Being Felons in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 20, 2019, JAVANTI COLER, age 25, a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and DEONDRE GRAMMA, age 26, also a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, were charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. In count one, COLER and GRAMMA are charged with being convicted felons in possession of a firearm.
If convicted of count one, both COLER and GRAMMA face 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 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.
The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Thibodeaux Police Department, The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.). Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Laplace Man for Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANDREW ANDERSON, age 38, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury on May 31, 2019. In count one, ANDERSON is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of heroin. In count two, ANDERSON is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In count three, ANDERSON is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, on May 22, 2019, DEA agents and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, executed a federal search warrant at ANDERSON’s residence in Laplace, Louisiana. During the search, agents found one AK-47, and three handguns, all of which were fully loaded. Agents also located multiple plastic bags of substances suspected to be crack cocaine and heroin, which were packaged for distribution.
If convicted of count one, ANDERSON, faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For count two, ANDERSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed by the court, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. As to count three, ANDERSON 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.
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 Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
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Destrehan Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Court for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Peter G. Strasser announced that United States District Court Judge, Barry W. Ashe, sentenced DILLON DAVIS, age 26, of Destrehan, to 151 months of imprisonment for committing a bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a). DAVIS’ two prior drug convictions qualified him as a career offender, thus enhancing his sentencing guideline range.
The federal indictment alleged that DAVIS entered the Chase Bank located at 3540 Williams Boulevard, in Kenner, Louisiana, on August 2, 2017, and demanded one thousand dollars in U.S. currency from a bank teller.
DAVIS’ case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case. 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 Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Kenner Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.