Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRYL DOUSE a.k.a. “TURKEY”, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was charged Friday, May 24, 2019 in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with distributing cocaine base, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the indictment, DOUSE possessed a 9mm pistol in the spring of 2019 and distributed crack in the spring of 2018. If convicted, DOUSE faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment on the gun charge. DOUSE faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment on the drug charge.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.
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 New Orleans Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Bank Robberies During Which Guns Were Placed at the Head of A Security Guard and A Bank TellerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced BRYSON TUESNO on May 23, 2019 to 15 years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for robbing two banks while armed. During the course of these robberies, guns were placed at the head of a bank security guard and a bank teller both of whom testified that they thought they would be killed.
TUESNO, age 24, of New Orleans, and DWAYNE WINANS JR., a/k/a “Butter,” age 25, also of New Orleans were convicted on April 26, 2018, after a four-day jury trial. The jury found TUESNO and WINANS guilty of robbing, on August 15, 2016, both the Regions Bank located at 3836 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Bank located at 1900 Oak Harbor Boulevard in Slidell. The men were also convicted of two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes.
The jury also found WINANS guilty of committing two carjackings, on August 12, 2016, in New Orleans, and two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes. WINANS and TUESNO used one of the carjacked vehicles as a getaway car during the Regions Bank and Gulf Coast bank robberies. WINANS was sentenced last month to 30 years of imprisonment for these crimes.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman, Michael E. McMahon, and Jeffrey Sandman prosecuted the case.
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Gretna Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PATRICIA HARGIS, age 70, of Gretna pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false federal income tax return, a crime punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment. HARGIS admitted to intentionally understating her income in each return for the years 2011 through 2015, causing her taxes to be understated by a total of approximately $110,810. Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon scheduled sentencing for September 19, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Chandra Menon and Andre J. Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Firearms Charges and Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL CELESTINE, age 21, of New Orleans, was sentenced Thursday, May 16, 2019 for federal firearms and narcotics violations.
According to court documents, CELESTINE, conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin. Additionally, on January 24, 2018, CELESTINE possessed an AK-47-style pistol in furtherance of the heroin trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced CELESTINE to sixty (60) months for Count 1 of the 7th Superseding Indictment and sixty (60) months for Count 16 of the 7th Superseding Indictment, to be served consecutively for a total term of imprisonment of one hundred twenty (120) months. Upon release, CELESTINE, will serve a term of four (4) years of supervised release and must pay a $200.00 assessment fee.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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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Louisiana Couple Pleads Guilty to Criminal Civil Rights Charges for Abusing Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
Raylaine Knope, 42, and Terry J. Knope II, 45, pleaded guilty today in the Eastern District of Louisiana to criminal civil rights charges arising from their abuse of an adult woman with cognitive disabilities. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to obtain forced, unpaid household labor and services from the victim, identified as “D.P.” Raylaine Knope also pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor and one count of misprision of a felony. Terry J. Knope II, also pleaded guilty to one count of violating D.P.’s federal Fair Housing Act rights, one count of a hate crime, and one count of misprision of a felony.
At the plea hearing, the defendants, who were married at the time of the offense, admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, they conspired with each other and with other members of their family to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services through a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and physical restraint. Both defendants admitted that they forced D.P. to live in a locked backyard cage and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water. The defendants admitted that they and their co-conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure her continued compliance with the family’s orders. As examples of this abuse, the defendants admitted that Raylaine Knope once forced D.P. to eat D.P.’s deceased mother’s ashes, and Terry J. Knope II, intentionally burned D.P. with a cigarette lighter while another family member held D.P. in place so she could not escape. Raylaine Knope also admitted that she used this overarching abuse to obtain D.P.’s forced labor, and that she helped Terry J. Knope II, steal D.P.’s monthly federal disability benefits. Terry Knope further admitted that, because of D.P.’s disability, he forced D.P. to live in the locked backyard cage and shot her with a B.B. gun at close range, and that he also helped others produce methamphetamine on his property.
“The Knopes conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions with no monetary compensation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims.”
“Today's guilty pleas highlight that the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work with the FBI and local law enforcement partners to pursue human traffickers and to seek justice on behalf of vulnerable victims," said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
“The defendants’ actions were heinous, despicable, and in-human. As a disabled person, the victim depended on her family to care for her but instead, they abused and mistreated someone who was unable to defend themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal for the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “I am confident the courts will show them the proper sentence they deserve however, I am certain the victim will never out live these horrific memories."
Both defendants will be sentenced on Aug. 22 and face a maximum sentence of 28 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Risa Berkower and Nicholas Reddick of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant United States Attorney Julia Evans, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and by the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.
Louisiana Couple Pleads Guilty to Criminal Civil Rights Charges for Abusing Woman with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Raylaine Knope, 42, and Terry J. Knope II, 45, pleaded guilty today in the Eastern District of Louisiana to criminal civil rights charges arising from their abuse of an adult woman with cognitive disabilities. Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to obtain forced, unpaid household labor and services from the victim, who is identified only as “D.P.” Raylaine Knope also pleaded guilty to one count of forced labor and one count of misprision of a felony. Terry J. Knope II, also pleaded guilty to one count of violating D.P.’s federal Fair Housing Act rights, one count of a hate crime, and one count of misprision of a felony.
At the plea hearing, the defendants, who were married at the time of the offense, admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, they conspired with each other and with other members of their family to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services through a number of means, including by force, threats of force, and physical restraint. Both defendants admitted that they forced D.P. to live in a locked backyard cage and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water. The defendants admitted that they and their co-conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure her continued compliance with the family’s orders. As examples of this abuse, the defendants admitted that Raylaine Knope once forced D.P. to eat D.P.’s deceased mother’s ashes, and Terry J. Knope II, intentionally burned D.P. with a cigarette lighter while another family member held D.P. in place so she could not escape. Raylaine Knope also admitted that she used this overarching abuse to obtain D.P.’s forced labor, and that she helped Terry J. Knope II, steal D.P.’s monthly federal disability benefits. Terry Knope further admitted that, because of D.P.’s disability, he forced D.P. to live in the locked backyard cage and shot her with a B.B. gun at close range, and that he also helped others produce methamphetamine on his property.
“The Knopes’ conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions with no monetary compensation,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims.”
“Today's guilty pleas highlight that the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to work with the FBI and local law enforcement partners to pursue human traffickers and to seek justice on behalf of vulnerable victims," said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
“The defendants’ actions were heinous, despicable, and in-human. As a disabled person, the victim depended on her family to care for her but instead, they abused and mistreated someone who was unable to defend themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal for the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “I am confident the courts will show them the proper sentence they deserve however, I am certain the victim will never out live these horrific memories."
Both defendants will be sentenced on Aug. 22 and face a maximum sentence of 28 years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Risa Berkower and Nicholas Reddick of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant United States Attorney Julia Evans, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and by the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Scheme to Defraud Medicare by Soliciting Kickback Payments for Two New Orleans-Area PhysiciansRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A New Orleans, Louisiana, man pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in a scheme to solicit the payment of illegal health care kickbacks to several individuals, including two New Orleans-area physicians, for the referring and certifying of individuals for medically unnecessary home health services.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
Joseph A. Haynes, 63, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe of the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks and bribes. Sentencing is set for Aug. 22 before Judge Ashe.
In pleading guilty, Haynes admitted that he participated in a scheme with codefendants Muhammad Kaleem Arshad, M.D., 63, of New Orleans, Padmini Nagaraj, M.D., 61, of Kenner, Louisiana, and others, including patient recruiter Kim Ricard, 52, of Gonzales, Louisiana, and clinic owner Milton Diaz, 66, of Harvey, Louisiana. Haynes admitted that the purpose of the scheme was to solicit and receive kickbacks and bribes for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries to Progressive Home Health (Progressive), of New Orleans, owned by Diaz, and having them certified as eligible to receive home health services. In reality, the beneficiares were not eligible to receive such services. Haynes admitted that he solicited a total of approximately $331,000 in kickbacks from Diaz for Ricard disguised as marketing fees and solicited approximately $1,500 in monthly kickbacks from Diaz for Arshad and Nagaraj disguised as medical director fees.
Arshad pleaded guilty on Feb. 22, 2019 and Nagaraj pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019 before Judge Ashe, to one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Arshad’s sentencing is set for July 11, 2019, and Nagaraj’s sentencing is set for Aug. 8, 2019. As part of their pleas, Arshad and Nagaraj each admitted that in return for accepting illegal health care kickbacks, which Haynes orchestrated, Arshad and Nagaraj each referred beneficiaries that they treated at a Louisiana-based psychiatric facility for medically unnecessary home health services at Progressive, and further fraudulently certified that the beneficiaries were eligible to receive such services. Diaz, on behalf of Progressive, then submitted the fraudulent claims to Medicare and was reimbursed for the medically unnecessary home health services, he admitted.
Diaz pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ricard was found guilty after a three-day trial in September 2017, and was sentenced on Jan. 4, 2018, to 51 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Trial Attorneys Jared Hasten, Katherine Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that a federal grand jury on May 16 returned an indictment against defendant DWAYNE WINANS, JR., a/k/a “Butter,” age 25, of New Orleans, for bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
The indictment alleges that on August 4, 2016, WINANS entered the Fidelity Bank at 5530 Crowder Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana, and demanded money.
If convicted of the violation, WINANS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael E. McMahon, Melissa Bucher, and David Howard Sinkman are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Business Owner Charged with 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, was charged Wednesday, May 15, 2019 with conspiracy 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 misrepresenting 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 made loan payments.
First Assistant United States Attorney Michael Simpson stated that a Bill of Information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
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Avondale Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PENNY JOHNSON, age 52, of Avondale, Louisiana, was charged by the Grand Jury with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and seven counts of mail fraud.
According to the charging document, JOHNSON participated in a “work at home” re-shipping scam wherein internet fraudsters would direct items purchased from sellers such as eBay to JOHNSON’s residence. As part of the scheme, JOHNSON would then inspect the contents and re-ship the mail and other packages to the fraudsters. Prior to the Indictment, JOHNSON had been advised by United States Postal inspectors that she was facilitating a fraud upon eBay and other online customers, but she persisted. JOHNSON went on to make false statements to the inspectors when she was later questioned after the first warning.
JOHNSON faces a sentence of up to five (5) years in prison on the conspiracy count and up to twenty (20) years in prison for each mail fraud count. She also is facing up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service for their investigation of the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
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Texas Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud as Part of Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEBRA KROM, age 47, a resident of Wylie, Texas, was sentenced yesterday for her role in a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, in or before August 2013, and continuing through December 2015, KROM and others operated a scheme to contact elderly individuals and people with diminished capacity. The scheme involved contacting victims by telephone through Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and informing them that they had won a lottery and needed to pay KROM and others monies by cash, check, wire, or other methods in order to claim their lottery winnings.
After receiving victims’ funds through United States mail, private mail carrier, or through an electronic transfer, KROM and other co-conspirators known and unknown to the United States Attorney, with knowledge that the money they received was obtained through false and fraudulent pretenses, did knowingly and intentionally transfer the stolen money to bank accounts in Jamaica.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced KROM to serve 12 months and one day imprisonment, followed by a 2-year term of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $75,928.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in Scheme to Defraud Medicare by Soliciting Kickback Payments for Two New Orleans-Area PhysiciansRead the Press Release
A New Orleans, Louisiana, man pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to solicit the payment of illegal health care kickbacks to several individuals, including two New Orleans-area physicians, for the referring and certifying of individuals for medically unnecessary home health services.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
Joseph A. Haynes, 63, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe of the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks and bribes. Sentencing is set for Aug. 22 before Judge Ashe.
In pleading guilty, Haynes admitted that he participated in a scheme with codefendants Muhammad Kaleem Arshad, M.D., 63, of New Orleans, Padmini Nagaraj, M.D., 61, of Kenner, Louisiana, and others, including patient recruiter Kim Ricard, 52, of Gonzales, Louisiana, and clinic owner Milton Diaz, 66, of Harvey, Louisiana. Haynes admitted that the purpose of the scheme was to solicit and receive kickbacks and bribes for the referral of Medicare beneficiaries to Progressive Home Health (Progressive), of New Orleans, owned by Diaz, and having them certified as eligible to receive home health services. In reality, the beneficiares were not eligible to receive such services. Haynes admitted that he solicited a total of approximately $331,000 in kickbacks from Diaz for Ricard disguised as marketing fees and solicited approximately $1,500 in monthly kickbacks from Diaz for Arshad and Nagaraj disguised as medical director fees.
Arshad pleaded guilty on Feb. 22, 2019 and Nagaraj pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019 before Judge Ashe, to one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Arshad’s sentencing is set for July 11, 2019, and Nagaraj’s sentencing is set for Aug. 8, 2019. As part of their pleas, Arshad and Nagaraj each admitted that in return for accepting illegal health care kickbacks, which Haynes orchestrated, Arshad and Nagaraj each referred beneficiaries that they treated at a Louisiana-based psychiatric facility for medically unnecessary home health services at Progressive, and further fraudulently certified that the beneficiaries were eligible to receive such services. Diaz, on behalf of Progressive, then submitted the fraudulent claims to Medicare and was reimbursed for the medically unnecessary home health services, he admitted.
Diaz pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana. Ricard was found guilty after a three-day trial in September 2017, and was sentenced on Jan. 4, 2018, to 51 months in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Trial Attorneys Jared Hasten, Katherine Payerle and Claire Yan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Houma Man Sentenced to Five Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THOMAS BROUSSARD (“BROUSSARD”), age 69, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday, May 14, 2019 for receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to documents filed in federal court, on January 23, 2018, agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and the Louisiana State Police executed a search warrant and arrested BROUSSARD at his Houma home after finding him in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive containing images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. A subsequent computer forensic search by HSI agents revealed over 11,000 images and 85 videos of prepubescent child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced BROUSSARD to five (5) years incarceration to be followed by five (5) years supervised release. BROUSSARD will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Financial Crimes Unit Supervisor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
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Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Transferring False Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MARIO ARGUETA-CHUN, age 41, a native of Guatemala, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging him with unlawfully transferring false identification documents.
United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ARGUETA-CHUN to time served (10 months of imprisonment) 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, in November 2016, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information that an unidentified male was selling fraudulent Social Security and U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident cards to buyers in the New Orleans area. During the investigation, agents learned that ARGUETA-CHUN was one of the people selling the fraudulent identification cards. As a result, the agents purchased documents during undercover buys from the defendant on six (6) occasions, wherein the buyer would have his picture on the documents along with a fraudulent Social Security number. A Forensic Document Examiner analyzed all of the documents purchased from ARGUETA-CHUN and determined that they were counterfeit. The Social Security numbers belonged to people other than the names placed onto the documents and contained holograms, symbols, and sequences of numbers and letters which made the documents appear to have been issued under the authority of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Jamaican National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALEX SAUNDERS, age 25, a resident of Jamaica and former student athlete at Southern University in New Orleans, was sentenced today for his role in a conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.
According to court documents, in or before August 2013, and continuing through December 2015, SAUNDERS and others operated a scheme to contact elderly individuals and people with diminished capacity. The scheme involved contacting victims by telephone through Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and informing them that they had won a lottery and needed to pay SAUNDERS and others monies by cash, check, wire, or other methods in order to claim their lottery winnings.
After receiving victims’ funds through United States mail, private mail carrier, or through an electronic transfer, SAUNDERS, and other co-conspirators known and unknown to the United States Attorney, with knowledge that the money they received was obtained through false and fraudulent pretenses, did knowingly and intentionally transfer the stolen money to bank accounts in Jamaica.
SAUNDERS was sentenced to 5 years probation and is ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $56,300.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, and the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.
Eastside Hollygrove Resident Charged in Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy Sentenced to Ten YearsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALOYSIUS KORIEOCHA, a/k/a “Madi,” a/k/a “Ball,” age 37, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.
United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced KORIEOCHA to ten years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court records, during the timeframe of the charged drug conspiracy, KORIEOCHA conspired with codefendants Jonathan LAWRENCE, Brandon HALL, Donald MARCELIN, Brian MAXSON, Dwayne LABRANCH, Lance STOVALL, Vonzo MAGEE, and others, to distribute heroin and fentanyl throughout the New Orleans area. These individuals were members of a drug-trafficking organization that operated primarily in the Eastside Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans. Collectively, the group referred to their neighborhood as “The Zoo,” a name derived from a popular rap song and video filmed in the neighborhood. Each of the eight defendants has been linked to drug activity in Eastside Hollygrove through law enforcement controlled purchases, Title III wire and electronic interceptions, witness statements, drug seizures, and other evidence. Each of the eight defendants in this case has pleaded guilty, and thus far only KORIEOCHA has been sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGFT), which led this investigation and was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long, David Haller, and Edward Rivera are in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS— U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, which is being observed Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
U.S. Attorney Strasser said, “During Police Week, our nation celebrates the selfless contributions from our brave men and women in law enforcement from around the country, and especially in the Eastern District of Louisiana, by recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. As the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, I want to acknowledge the work performed by federal, state, and local law enforcement and the choice made by them to protect and serve with full knowledge that they could one day find themselves facing dangerous situations. We want them and their families to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation. This week let us as a community take some time to reflect and honor the fallen and also those who continue to dutifully serve the public.”
According to statistics reported to the FBI, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2018, including (1) one officer here in the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2018 https://ucr.fbi.gov/leoka/2018/ released this week by the FBI.
The names of all 106 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. No tickets are required and everyone is welcome. For additional information please call 202-737-3400.
One Eastern District of Louisiana officer’s name was added this year. On November 17, 2018, Slidell Louisiana Police Department Officer Jason M. Seals died from injuries sustained on September 25, 2018 when he was involved in an on-duty motorcycle accident while escorting a funeral procession.
The Annual Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2019.
For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Orleans Parish Man Charged with Conspiring to Commit Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced the filing of a Bill of Information Friday, May 10, 2018 charging ARNOLD TREVELL WILLIAMS, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft.
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 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.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces imprisonment of up to two years, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to (3) three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser also praised the agencies that contributed to this Bill of Information. This prosecution represents the 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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Justice Department and Louisiana Supreme Court Reach Agreement to Provide Language Assistance for Individuals Not Proficient in EnglishRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the Louisiana Supreme Court (LSC) that recognizes the LSC’s commitment to work with the Louisiana Judiciary to phase-in a language access program that will provide oral and written language assistance services at no cost to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals in all state court proceedings and operations.
“I commend the Louisiana Supreme Court for its commitment to work with all state courts in Louisiana to ensure meaningful access for LEP individuals,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The collaborative relationship between the Department of Justice and the Louisiana Supreme Court will only strengthen ongoing Louisiana Supreme Court efforts to ensure equal access to justice for all.”
“This agreement is a partnership to ensure that all people, no matter their national origin, can fully and fairly access Louisiana state courts,” said U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser. “My office is committed to preventing Title VI discrimination, in all forms, in the Louisiana Judiciary.”
This agreement resolves a Department of Justice investigation of a complaint alleging that Louisiana state courts failed to provide language access for LEP individuals, including a failure to provide LEP individuals with qualified interpreters in civil proceedings, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its regulations (Title VI). The agreement is a commitment by the LSC to work with the Department of Justice to ensure the consistent delivery of language assistance services in the Louisiana Judiciary.
During the course of the investigation, LSC began taking steps to improve language services in state courts by retaining a Language Access Coordinator responsible for continuing to improve the LSC’s efforts and initiatives to comply with Title VI. LSC also developed technical assistance tools and provided trainings to Louisiana state court judges about how to address encounters with LEP individuals. Among other commitments in the agreement, the LSC will conduct an assessment of the Louisiana Judiciary to further inform the development of a more robust language access program. The LSC will also work with the Department of Justice to create a statewide language access plan that will include a template so that each state court can develop its own plan.
This matter was jointly investigated by attorneys Dylan Nicole de Kervor and Michael Mulé of the Civil Rights Division’s Federal Coordination and Compliance Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Howard Sinkman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This complaint was resolved as part of FCS’s efforts to ensure that state courts comply with Title VI language access requirements. The FCS courts team provides policy guidance and technical assistance to state court systems and undertakes enforcement actions with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country.
Justice Department and Louisiana Supreme Court Reach Agreement to Provide Language Assistance for Individuals Not Proficient in EnglishRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the Louisiana Supreme Court (LSC) that recognizes the LSC’s commitment to work with the Louisiana Judiciary to phase-in a language access program that will provide oral and written language assistance services at no cost to limited English proficient (LEP) individuals in all state court proceedings and operations.
“I commend the Louisiana Supreme Court for its commitment to work with all state courts in Louisiana to ensure meaningful access for LEP individuals,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The collaborative relationship between the Department of Justice and the Louisiana Supreme Court will only strengthen ongoing Louisiana Supreme Court efforts to ensure equal access to justice for all.”
“This agreement is a partnership to ensure that all people, no matter their national origin, can fully and fairly access Louisiana state courts,” said U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser. “My office is committed to preventing Title VI discrimination, in all forms, in the Louisiana Judiciary.”
This agreement resolves a Department of Justice investigation of a complaint alleging that Louisiana state courts failed to provide language access for LEP individuals, including a failure to provide LEP individuals with qualified interpreters in civil proceedings, in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its regulations (Title VI). The agreement is a commitment by the LSC to work with the Department of Justice to ensure the consistent delivery of language assistance services in the Louisiana Judiciary.
During the course of the investigation, LSC began taking steps to improve language services in state courts by retaining a Language Access Coordinator responsible for continuing to improve the LSC’s efforts and initiatives to comply with Title VI. LSC also developed technical assistance tools and provided trainings to Louisiana state court judges about how to address encounters with LEP individuals. Among other commitments in the agreement, the LSC will conduct an assessment of the Louisiana Judiciary to further inform the development of a more robust language access program. The LSC will also work with the Department of Justice to create a statewide language access plan that will include a template so that each state court can develop its own plan.
This matter was jointly investigated by attorneys Dylan Nicole de Kervor and Michael Mulé of the Civil Rights Division’s Federal Coordination and Compliance Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Howard Sinkman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
This complaint was resolved as part of FCS’s efforts to ensure that state courts comply with Title VI language access requirements. The FCS courts team provides policy guidance and technical assistance to state court systems and undertakes enforcement actions with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country.
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El Departamento de Justicia y la Corte Suprema de Luisiana Llegan a un Acuerdo Para el Ofrecimiento de Apoyo Lingüístico a Individuos que no Dominan el InglésRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Departamento de Justicia ha llegado a un acuerdo con la Corte Suprema de Luisiana (LSC, por sus siglas en inglés) que reconoce el compromiso de la LSC a colaborar con el Sistema Judicial de Luisiana para iniciar un programa de acceso lingüístico que proporcionará servicios gratuitos de apoyo lingüístico orales y escritos a individuos que no dominan el inglés (LEP, por sus siglas en inglés) para todo proceso y operación judicial estatal.
«Le felicito a la Corte Suprema de Luisiana por su compromiso a trabajar con todos los tribunales estatales en Luisiana a garantizar un acceso significativo para los individuos LEP», declaró el Fiscal General Auxiliar, Eric Dreiband, de la División de Derechos Civiles. «Esta relación colaborativa entre el Departamento de Justicia y la Corte Suprema de Luisiana solo fortalecerá los esfuerzos continuos de la Corte Suprema de Luisiana para garantizar la igualdad de acceso a la justicia para todos».
«Este acuerdo representa una asociación cuyo fin es garantizar que todas las personas, independientemente de su origen nacional, puedan acceder plena y justamente a los tribunales estatales de Luisiana», afirmó el Fiscal Federal Peter Strasser. «Mi oficina se ha comprometido a prevenir la discriminación al amparo del Título VI en todas sus formas en el Sistema Judicial de Luisiana».
Este acuerdo resuelve la investigación por parte del Departamento de Justicia de una denuncia que alegó que los tribunales estatales de Luisiana no brindaron acceso lingüístico a individuos LEP, lo que incluye la falta de suministro a los individuos LEP de intérpretes cualificados en procesos civiles, lo que es una vulneración del Título VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y sus reglamentos (el Título VI). El acuerdo representa un compromiso por parte de la LSC a trabajar con el Departamento de Justicia para asegurar que se ofrezcan los servicios de apoyo lingüístico de manera coherente en el Sistema Judicial de Luisiana.
A lo largo de la investigación, la LSC comenzó a tomar pasos a mejorar los servicios lingüísticos en los tribunales estatales al contratar a un Coordinador de Acceso Lingüístico que es responsable de seguir mejorando los esfuerzos e iniciativas de la LSC en lo que se refiere al cumplimiento con el Título VI. Asimismo, la LSC desarrolló herramientas de asistencia técnica y ofreció capacitaciones a los jueces de los tribunales estatales de Luisiana que le enseñaron cómo abordar los encuentros con individuos LEP. Entre otros compromisos en el acuerdo, la LSC realizará una evaluación del Sistema Judicial de Luisiana para poder aportar mayor información para el desarrollo de un programa de acceso lingüístico más robusto. La LSC también trabajará con el Departamento de Justicia para crear un plan de acceso lingüístico estatal que incluirá un esquema para que todos los tribunales estatales puedan desarrollar su propio plan.
Este asunto fue co-investigado por los abogados Dylan Nicole de Kervor y Michael Mulé de la Sección Federal de Coordinación y Cumplimiento de la División de Derechos Civiles y el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar David Howard Sinkman de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Este de Luisiana.
Esta denuncia fue resuelta como parte de los esfuerzos de la FCS para garantizar que los tribunales estatales cumplan con los requisitos de acceso lingüístico del Título VI. El equipo de la FCS que se dedica a asunto relacionados con los tribunales ofrece orientación normativa y asistencia técnica a los sistemas de tribunales estatales y se encarga, con las Fiscalías Federales por todo el país, de acciones de ejecución.
Slidell Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Heroin Charges and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENNETH MARTIN, age 45, from Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday to (10) ten years in prison, followed by (6) six years of supervised release, for charges related to distribution of fentanyl and heroin, and firearms possession.
On October 18, 2018, MARTIN pled guilty to conspiring, from at least May 23, 2016, through August 2, 2017, to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and 100 grams of heroin. MARTIN also pled guilty to seven counts of distribution of heroin and fentanyl, to being a felon in possession of three firearms—a revolver, a semi-automatic pistol, and a shotgun—and to possessing those firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy. The government charged MARTIN with a sentencing enhancement for his prior drug convictions.
According to court documents, the shotgun was found in a New Orleans East residence, which MARTIN used as a stash house, where agents also found over two ounces of heroin. The revolver was found at MARTIN’s home in Slidell, in a car that MARTIN had used to sell drugs. The semi-automatic pistol was found at a bar, where MARTIN also sold drugs, in the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans.
For the drug charges and the felon-in-possession charge, Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown sentenced MARTIN was sentenced to five years in prison. For the charge of possessing of a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy, he was sentenced to another five years in prison, consecutive to his sentence for other counts.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.
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Mexican Man Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GERARDO TEJEDA-QUIROZ, age 33, a native of Mexico, was sentenced Wednesday, May 8, 2019 on a one-count indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced TEJEDA to time served in prison, followed by 2 years 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, the defendant had been previously removed from the United States on April 24, 2009, and then reentered the United States without permission.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Jefferson Parish Councilman Charged in 29-Count Indictment with Tax Evasion and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that CHRISTOPHER LORELL ROBERTS, JR., age 41, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was charged today in a 29-count Indictment with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and tax evasion, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7201.
According to the Indictment, ROBERTS served as a member of the Jefferson Parish Council beginning in January 2004, first as a representative of District 1 and then as a Councilman-at-Large. In addition to receiving a salary of up to $112,000 as a councilman, ROBERTS earned income from a variety of other sources, including his part or full ownership of several business ventures, including CDS Enterprises, L.L.C. (“CDS Enterprises”), Mardi Market, The West Bank Beacon, LLC (the “West Bank Beacon”), fireworks stands, Baskin Robbins ice cream franchises, sno-ball stands, a photography business, and a consulting business. CDS Enterprises was the entity through which ROBERTS, among other things, owned and operated Baskin Robbins ice cream franchise locations. Mardi Market was a wholesaler of Mardi Gras-related merchandise, including throws (i.e., beads, doubloons, cups, etc.), apparel, and supplies, located in Gretna, Louisiana. The West Bank Beacon was a local monthly publication distributed throughout portions of the metropolitan New Orleans area. ROBERTS held an approximately twenty-five (25) percent ownership stake in the West Bank Beacon and was responsible for its business operations. ROBERTS also earned income in the form of gambling winnings.
In about October 2013, after the death of its owner, ROBERTS was hired to serve as the General Manager of Company A, a full-service landscaping and landscape management company headquartered in Terrytown, Louisiana, within the Eastern District of Louisiana, that specialized in providing various residential and commercial services, including deck and fence design, creation, and installation, as well as lawn mowing, tree trimming, and weeding. Company A’s new owner, the wife of its original owner, had no prior experience or involvement operating Company A or familiarity with running a business. ROBERTS was responsible for, among other things, the daily oversight, control, and operation of Company A and had signatory authority for and access to Company A’s bank accounts. Beginning not later than May 2014, ROBERTS began defrauding Company A in a number of ways, including by writing checks made payable to himself or entities whose bank accounts were under his control, including the West Bank Beacon and CDS Enterprises, and using Company A’s debit card, which drew on Company A’s bank accounts, to pay for goods and services that benefitted him personally.
ROBERTS engaged in a series of deceptive acts to disguise his behavior and to make the fraudulent transactions appear legitimate by various means. For example, ROBERTS wrote and issued checks drawn on Company A’s bank accounts that contained false descriptions in the checks’ memo lines. He also wrote and issued checks drawn on Company A’s bank accounts made payable to entities owned or controlled by ROBERTS, including CDS Enterprises and the West Bank Beacon, that purported to be related to legitimate expenditures or bill payments for Company A. Furthermore, ROBERTS sent text messages containing false information about the reason for payments to Company A’s owner. He also claimed that unauthorized payments were reimbursements for loans ROBERTS personally made to Company A and bills for Company A that ROBERTS had paid personally. Among the items ROBERTS purchased, in whole or in part, with money he obtained without authorization from Company A and unrelated to his employment with Company A, were a customized shipping container to use as a retail location for the operation of his fireworks business, three (3) remote-controlled drones, and a 2.01 carat diamond ring with a split shank and 84 additional diamonds surrounding the primary diamond that cost approximately $16,000, which ROBERTS used as an engagement ring.
Additionally, each year between Tax Year 2010 and Tax Year 2016, ROBERTS failed to report a substantial amount of the income he earned from multiple sources, including CDS Enterprises, the West Bank Beacon, Company A, and gambling winnings at casinos on his United States Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040 (“Form 1040”). With the help of a certified public accountant, ROBERTS filed initial returns for Tax Years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, in September 2015, during a contested re-election campaign. These returns underreported substantial income sources. Despite failing to declare many of these sources of income on his federal income tax returns, ROBERTS disclosed most of them on the personal financial disclosure statements he completed and filed annually with the Louisiana Board of Ethics.
In mid-2017, after ROBERTS learned of a federal criminal investigation into his federal income tax returns, he retained a different certified public accountant to prepare amended returns for Tax Years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, as well as original federal income tax returns for Tax Years 2014, 2015, and 2016. While his amended returns reported significantly more income that the initial income tax return, ROBERTS withheld substantial income sources from his these returns, as well. For example, on September 14, 2015, ROBERTS filed his Tax Year 2013 federal income tax return in which he reported joint total income of $188,759. On January 11, 2018, after learning of the federal investigation, ROBERTS filed an amended return that reported his joint total income was $568,957.
If convicted, ROBERTS faces a maximum term of 475 years in prison, a fine of up to $6,200,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment per count.
The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter, with the assistance of the Metropolitan Crime Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, and Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier are in charge of the prosecution.
Kentwood Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RANDOLPH ARD (“ARD”), age 62, of Kentwood, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty May 3, 2018 to Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to documents filed in federal court, on November 22, 2017, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested ARD at his Kentwood home after finding that ARD was in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive that contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. Court records also revealed that ARD was previously convicted in Tangipahoa Parish Criminal District Court for pornography involving juveniles and indecent behavior with juveniles on March 6, 2013. ARD was on state parole supervision at the time of his arrest.
ARD faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.
ARD will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on August 8, 2019.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Louisiana Probation and Parole in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Financial Crimes Unit Supervisor, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
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Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NATHANIEL LOUIS, age 45, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty May 2, 2019 before the Honorable Carl J. Barbier to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the court records, LOUIS conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. LOUIS admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2019. LOUIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PATRICK HEALEY, age 34, of New Orleans, and a former employee of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish, was sentenced May 1, 2019 for his role in making false statements to a financial institution.
According to court documents, beginning in or around October 24, 2008 and continuing to on or about May 31, 2009, HEALEY, along with co-defendants JARED CASTELLAW and VALERIE SCHONES made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) in order to assist low-income borrowers in qualifying for FHA insured loans for which they would not otherwise have qualified. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.
HEALEY was 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.
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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Guatemalan National Sentenced with Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ, age 25, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced yesterday after previously 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 the Bill of Information, JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ was found in the United States on or about December 20, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about May 25, 2006.
JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ was sentenced to be imprisoned for a total term of 6 months and a $100.00 special assessment.
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.
Mexican Man Charged with Being Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JUAN SANTOS PEREZ-ZAVALA, age 24, a native of Mexico, was charged yesterday in a one-count indictment with illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
According to the indictment, ZAVALA was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm on April 16, 2019 found in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He is an illegal alien from Mexico and has never been deported. The indictment alleges he illegally possessed a KelTec model P11 9 millimeter pistol.
If convicted, ZAVALA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release.
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 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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Honduran Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SANTOS EVELIO NOLAZCO, age 48, a native of Honduras, was charged yesterday in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, EVELIO NOLAZCO was previously removed from the United States on August 17, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 28, 2019 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
If convicted, EVELIO NOLAZCO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
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 United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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Harvey Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHRISTOPHER WATSON, age 28, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for charges stemming from his arrest in Jefferson Parish last summer. WATSON was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, three counts of bank fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and four counts of aggravated identity theft.
According to today’s indictment, the investigation was initiated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office after determining that WATSON was using stolen or fraudulent identities to obtain vehicle financing. The investigation revealed that WATSON, who previously worked as a used car salesman, submitted numerous fraudulent loan applications to financial institutions and automobile lenders, sometimes using the personal identifying information of his customers. WATSON was also charged with aggravated identity theft for stealing the identities of several current/former military members or their families and submitting fraudulent loan applications to USAA Financial on their behalf.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, WATSON faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, followed by up to five years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, WATSON faces a maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, followed by up to five years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, he faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, followed by up to three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a sentence of two years consecutive to any other sentence imposed, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service Financial Crimes Taskforce in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is in charge of the prosecution.
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Business Charged with Unlawful Employment of an AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that N & F Logistics, Inc., a shipping and trucking business located in Harahan, Louisiana, was charged Tuesday, April 30, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with unlawful employment of an alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. '' 1324a (a)(1)(A) and (f)(1).
If convicted, N & F Logistics, Inc. faces a maximum fine of up to $250,000.00 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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Mississippi Couple Plead Guilty to Receiving $1.7 Million in Health Care Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that a Mississippi couple, KIMBERLY HOMRIGHAUSEN, age 42, and RICHARD HOMRIGHAUSEN, age 36, pleaded guilty on May 2, 2019, to conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks related to compounded medications paid for by TRICARE, a federally funded health care benefit program that serves United States military personnel and their families.
The defendants admitted to paying kickbacks to TRICARE beneficiaries to induce them to obtain compounded medications, costing TRICARE a total of approximately $9 million. The defendants received a total of about $1.7 million in kickbacks for referring the beneficiaries.
At sentencing, which is set for August 8, 2019, each defendant faces up to five years’ imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced with Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LENIS PADILLA RUIZ age 32, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegally re-entering the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, RUIZ was found in the United States on or about November 19, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about April 1, 2016.
RUIZ was sentenced to time served and a $100.00 special assessment. Additionally, RUIZ was turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
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 Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Bank Manager Pleads Guilty to Bank TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCOTT BREAUX (“BREAUX”), age 39, of Marrero, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to bank theft, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to documents filed in federal court, from about November 2016 to July 2017, while employed as a Branch Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union, BREAUX stole approximately $35,000.00. BREAUX was employed with ASI since in or about 2011, and during his tenure with ASI, BREAUX worked at the Harahan, Westwego, and uptown branches. In 2014, BREAUX was named Branch Manager of ASI’s Westwego branch. In February 2017, BREAUX was transferred to ASI’s uptown branch where he continued to work as Branch Manager until he resigned in July 2017. ASI is a federally insured financial institution and its deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Association.
BREAUX faces a sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a $250,000.00 fine.
BREAUX will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on August 14, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Colombians Plead Guilty to Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that JHON ALBEIRO PINEDA JIMENEZ, age 37, and PEDRO ANTONIO JIMENEZ, age 65, both Colombians, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman to Count 1 of their Indictment, which charged conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride while upon the high seas on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, under Title 46, United States Code, Sections 70503(a)(1) and 70506(a) and (b), and Title 21, United States Code, Section 960(b)(1)(B)(ii).
According to court documents, PINEDA JIMENEZ and JIMENEZ while aboard a small fishing vessel southwest of the Panama/Costa Rica border, were arrested by the U.S. Coast Guard. Hidden aboard the vessel was over 113 kilograms of powder cocaine.
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a possible $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release after his term of incarceration.
Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Feldman on July 24, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Coast Guard and the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brandon S. Long.
West Bank Resident Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID TRAN, age 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo to an indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to the court records, TRAN pleaded guilty to conspiring with other individuals to manufacture, possess with the intent to distribute, and to distribute 1,000 or more marijuana plants, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 100 grams or more of heroin. TRAN also admitted that he possessed large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute them and that he was manufacturing large quantities of marijuana.
The case resulted from a lengthy Title III wire intercept investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in which TRAN and his co-conspirators were captured discussing heroin sales, as well as the construction of a large indoor marijuana grow in Bridge City. The calls led the DEA agents to conduct a search of a warehouse and adjacent residence in Bridge City. During the search, the agents found a large marijuana grow that contained approximately 700 plants in varying stages of growth and equipment sufficient to grow many thousand more plants. Significant work and expense had been put into remodeling the warehouse, including thousands of dollars in lights, cooling systems, and ventilation. The agents also discovered a safe containing a cornucopia of other drugs, including 1,396.2 grams of methamphetamine; 990 grams of MDMA (ecstasy); and 1,175.9 grams of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that is fueling the tremendous rise in overdose deaths.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. TRAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Several other law enforcement agencies, including Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Kenner Police Department, assisted in the search of the warehouse in Bridge City. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
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Thibodaux Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARED CARRELL (“CARRELL”), age 38, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to documents filed in federal court, on May 30, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana State Police found CARRELL in possession of a LG cellular device containing images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. On July 9, 2018, members of the Louisiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, executed a search warrant at CARRELL’s Thibodaux residence. At which time, CARRELL was arrested and charged with possessing child pornographic materials.
CARRELL faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. In addition, CARRELL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
CARRELL will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey on August 6, 2019.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Supervisor of Financial Crimes, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
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Local Medical Doctor Sentenced for Illegally Dispensing and Distributing Controlled Substances by Prescriptions and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that WAYNE JEROME CELESTINE, M.D., age 58, a physician who practiced in Gretna and resided in New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to two counts in the Second Superseding Indictment, which charged him with illegally dispensing controlled substances and money laundering.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced DR. CELESTINE to (7) seven years (84 months) imprisonment. On Monday, April 30, 2018, DR. CELESTINE was arrested on charges of distribution of controlled substances. According to court records, DR. CELESTINE illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including oxycodone, a Schedule II drug controlled substance. On November 29, 2018, DR. CELESTINE plead guilty to two counts of the Second Superseding Indictment.
In addition to the (7) seven year term of incarceration, DR. CELESTINE was fined $20,000 and will face a term of supervised release of (3) three years, following the term of imprisonment. Pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, DR. CELESTINE has been ordered to forfeit to the United States: over $1 million in seized currency, investment accounts, and negotiable instruments; and over $1 million in seized vehicles, residences, and commercial properties. By virtue of the plea agreement, DR. CELESTINE acknowledged that these assets represent proceeds and/or facilitating property of the crimes for which he has pled guilty.
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 praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Harahan Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys John F. Murphy and Andre J. Lagarde are in charge of the prosecution.
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Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANA ALVAREZ, age 49, a resident of Holden, Louisiana, pled guilty Thursday, April 25, 2019 to conspiracy to defraud the United States with regard to tax returns announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court documents, ALVAREZ worked for Crown Tax Service, LLC, located in Kenner, Louisiana. ALVAREZ and others conspired to defraud the United States by fraudulently minimizing tax liability and fraudulently inflating tax refunds claimed on the tax returns of Crown Tax Service’s clients, and for personal enrichment.
ALVAREZ faces 5 years of imprisonment as to Count 1, 3 years of supervised release and a possible $250,000 fine. Sentencing will occur on July 25, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division for its work in investigating this case.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi, Department of Justice Tax Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Carjackings, Bank Robberies, and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DWAYNE WINANS JR., a/k/a “Butter,” to 30 years of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. WINANS is also required to pay $12,187 in restitution to Gulf Coast Bank. WINANS JR., age 25, of New Orleans, and BRYSON TUESNO, age 24, also of New Orleans, were convicted on April 26, 2018, after a four-day jury trial.
The jury found WINANS guilty of committing two carjackings, on August 12, 2016, in New Orleans, and two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes.
The jury also found WINANS and TUESNO guilty of robbing, on August 15, 2016, the Regions Bank located at 3836 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Bank located at 1900 Oak Harbor Boulevard in Slidell. The men were additionally convicted of two counts of using firearms during the commission of those crimes. WINANS and TUESNO used one of the carjacked vehicles to commit the bank robberies.
TUESNO is scheduled for sentencing on May 23 before Chief Judge Brown.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael E. McMahon, Jeffrey Sandman, and David Howard Sinkman prosecuted the case.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Possessing a Firearm at Veterans Affairs Hospital in Violation of Domestic Violence Court Restraining OrderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MEKAILL HARRIS, age 20, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a one count federal indictment with possession of a firearm while under a domestic violence court restraining order. Federal law prohibits individuals who are subject to a domestic violence court restraining order from possessing firearms during the duration of the restraining order.
If convicted, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment 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.
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 law enforcement officers at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Caregiver Pleads Guilty to Stealing over $149,500 from Deceased Elderly WomanRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TRINA ROBAIR, age 44, of New Orleans, Louisiana pleaded guilty Wednesday, April 24, 2019 to a one count Bill of Information charging her with Bank Larceny in relation to stealing at least $149,500 from an elderly deceased woman for whom ROBAIR was a caretaker, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section § 2113(b).
The charging document, filed in court, states that ROBAIR had access to the elderly woman’s accounts because she was incapacitated. ROBAIR did not have permission to steal the money. The Bill of Information further states that ROBAIR stole $149,500.
In a document filed in open court and signed by ROBAIR, she admitted to four schemes she used to steal money. Scheme one involved ROBAIR simply forging the deceased woman’s signature on checks drawn from her account. Scheme two involved withdrawing money from the accounts of the deceased woman using ATM and electronic funds transfers. The third scheme involved ROBAIR impersonating the deceased woman in a telephone conversation with Fidelity Investments and convincing Fidelity that she was the deceased woman. She was able to steal $49,000 in this manner. Finally, ROBAIR and co-defendant Michael Reed, age 62, of New Orleans devised a false repair kickback scheme where Reed would purportedly repair the house of the elderly woman and submit invoices. In reality the repairs were never done and ROBAIR received a $20,000 kickback. Reed’s sentencing is scheduled for June 26, 2019.
The statutory penalty for Bank Larceny is ten (10) years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, three (3) years supervised release, restitution and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is set for August 7, 2019.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Carter K. D. Guice, Jr.
DEA Prepares for Prescription Drug Takeback DayRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser joins the DEA in announcing its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day scheduled for April 27th. The biannual event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at thousands of collection sites around the country, including here in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “Unfortunately, the average medicine cabinet, overstocked with unused or expired medications, can unintentionally provide opportunities for abuse. DEA’s Take Back Day affords a unique opportunity to anonymously and safely remove these potential hazards and prevent them from affecting families and our communities.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley said, “Prescription drug abuse has become the nation’s fastest growing drug epidemic. Last year, more Americans died from opioid overdoses than from all other drugs combined, including meth, cocaine and hallucinogens. Unfortunately, these prescription drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets. DEA’s Take-Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Please do your part to keep prescription drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community.”
Last October Americans turned in 457 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills. The disposal service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose. Some painkiller abusers move on to heroin: Four out of five new heroin users started with painkillers.
Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. This initiative addresses the public safety and public health issues that surround medications languishing in home cabinets, becoming highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.
For more information or to locate a collection site near you, go the DEA Prescription Drug Take Back Day web site at https://takebackday.dea.gov/#collection-locator or www.deatakeback.com where you can search by zip code, city, or state.
Two Eastside Hollygrove Residents Plead Guilty to Gun and Drug ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JONATHAN LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Chop,” a/k/a “Mego,” age 32, and VONZO MAGEE, a/k/a “Zo, a/k/a “Dark Low,” age 31, both of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.
Specifically, LAWRENCE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl; one count of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of discharging a firearm in a school zone. On his drug conspiracy count, LAWRENCE is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, a possible fine of up to $20,000,000, and at least ten years of supervised release upon his release from prison. On the firearm conspiracy count, LAWRENCE is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release. On the discharging a firearm in a school zone count, LAWRENCE is facing a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $100,000, and not more than one year of supervised release.
MAGEE pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On the drug conspiracy count, MAGEE is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release upon his release from prison. On the felon in possession count, MAGEE is facing a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance will sentence LAWRENCE and MAGEE on August 7, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGFT), which led this investigation and was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long, David Haller, and Edward Rivera are in charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Building Inspector Pleads Guilty for His Role in Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALTON MCCLINTON, age 54, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged yesterday before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to a one-count bill of information with using a facility of interstate commerce with the intent to promote unlawful activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1952(a)(3).
According to court documents, MCCLINTON began working as a building inspector for the Jefferson Parish Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement in about 2014. He was responsible for, among other things, investigating complaints involving zoning violations and inspecting buildings to ensure that the structures were in compliance with parish building codes. On at least ten (10) occasions, MCCLINTON used his position to demand a payment of between $150 and $500 in exchange for issuing either (1) a report reflecting that no zoning violation had occurred when, in fact, one had occurred and (2) an inspection report reflecting that MCCLINTON had inspected a particular building and that the building complied with parish building codes when, in fact, MCCLINTON had not actually inspected the building. Thereafter, MCCLINTON had the pertinent information regarding the fraudulently passed building or zoning inspection entered into one of two internet-based computer systems used by Jefferson Parish to record building inspections and zoning violations. While most of the bribe payments MCCLINTON received were in cash, at least one was in the form of a check drawn on the account of the party seeking a passing report from MCCLINTON. In total, MCCLINTON received a total of not less than $3,000 in bribe payments to influence his conduct.
MCCLINTON faces a maximum term of five (5) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for July 30, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with the assistance of the Jefferson Parish Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.
Brothers Plead Guilty to Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DUSTIN DINET, age 32, of New Orleans, and STEVEN DINET, age 44, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and 100 grams or more of heroin.
According to paperwork filed with the court, the DINETs, who are brothers, admitted to conspiring together to deal crack cocaine and heroin. The DINETs acknowledged making three sales of an ounce of crack each to an undercover source. They also admitted that approximately ¼ kilogram of heroin and $78,000 discovered during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Marrero, La. belonged to them. Each of the brothers faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to forty years, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5 million, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Sentencing is set before Judge Milazzo on July 25, 2019.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller is in charge of the prosecution.
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Chalmette Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing over Two Million from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JENNIFER GUILLOT (GUILLOT), age 40, of Chalmette, Louisiana was sentenced to serve 30 months in Federal Prison and two (2) years supervised release on April 17, 2019. She was charged by a Bill of Information for Bank Larceny, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b).
According to the Bill of Information, GUILLOTT began working at a local business, located in the Eastern District of Louisiana, in 1996 as a secretary/bookkeeper. Sometime after she started working there, GUILLOT and her husband began having financial difficulties. GUILLOT, through three separate and distinct schemes stole money from the accounts of the victim in the custody of Hibernia National Bank, now Capital One Bank. The accounts of Hibernia National Bank were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (F.D.I.C.), thus creating federal jurisdiction.
GUILLOT defrauded the company in the first scheme by writing company checks to herself without the permission of the victim. The loss to the victim through GUILLOT’s first scheme was $563,927.26.
GUILLOT stole money in a second scheme by writing company checks to her credit card companies for personal expenses without the company’s permission. The loss to the victim through this scheme was $866,077.10.
GUILLOT stole money in a third scheme by logging on to the victim company’s Automated Clearinghouse Account (ACH) electronically and without the victim company’s permission and then paying her personal credit bills. The loss to the victim through this scheme was $640,668.85.
When bank statements would arrive in the mail, GUILLOT would “white out” any entities which showed she stole money. She made copies of the altered statements. She would shred the originals and cancelled checks. GUILLOT would further conceal her schemes by falsely showing payments made to herself to appear as payments to vendors of the victim.
The grand total of GUILLOT’s schemes is $2,070,673.21, however, she was ordered to pay $1,561,968.19 restitution because of money recovered from her through civil lawsuits brought by the victim.
Per the statutory sentence, GUILLOT faced a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment, as well as restitution to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Carter K. D. Guice, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON RUDOLPH, age 26, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
According to the court documents, RUDOLPH conspired with his co-defendant, JOHN RUDOLPH, to rob the First Bank and Trust, in Hammond, Louisiana, of approximately $10,490.96.
RUDOLPH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and/or a fine of up to $250,000. Following any term of imprisonment, RUDOLPH may be placed on supervised release for a period of up to three years. In addition, a mandatory $100 special assessment will be assessed. U.S. District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe set sentencing for RUDOLPH for July 25, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that JESUS RUIZ-MADRIGAL, age 37, was charged yesterday in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, RUIZ-MADRIGAL, reentered the United States after he was previously deported on March 11, 2016. If convicted, RUIZ-MADRIGAL 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 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 United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.