Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that KEITH ANTHONY RAMIREZ, age 34, pled guilty before the United States District Court to a one-count Indictment charging him with bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to court documents, RAMIREZ robbed the Capital One Bank at 830 North Highway 190 in Covington on December 4, 2018. RAMIREZ faces a sentence of up to twenty years in prison, a period of up to three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for RAMIREZ for July 11, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Physician Charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Dispense Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Commit Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that a two-count bill of information was filed against a neurologist charging him with conspiracy to unlawfully dispense controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
Specifically, ANIL PRASAD, age 62, of Mandeville was charged with one count of prescribing controlled substances outside the course of professional practice and for no legitimate purpose and one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. According to court documents, between November 2016 and July 2018, PRASAD worked at a pain management clinic in Slidell, and during the course of his employment, PRASAD pre-signed prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, without performing patient examinations to determine medical necessity. Additionally, PRASAD knew that certain of those patients used their Medicare and Medicaid benefits to fill those prescriptions. In total, Medicare and Medicaid paid approximately $1,657,461.15 for those prescriptions.
If convicted, PRASAD faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine as to Count 1 of the Information, and a possible maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine as to Count 2 of the Information.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for their work investigating the case. U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan Lieberman.
Boothville Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that defendant JERRELL ENCALADE, age 35, of Boothville, LA, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiring to traffic cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. ENCALADE is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a possible fine up to $5,000,000, and a period of supervised release of at least four years.
U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman is scheduled to sentence ENCALADE on July 10, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Kenner Police Department (KPD), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Houston Police Department (HPD) in their investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Restaurant and Owner Sentenced for Harboring and Employing Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that THAI THAI, LLC. d/b/a Sticky Rice Thai Cuisine and SOMPHON CHIWABANDIT, age 47, a native of Thailand, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to harboring and unlawfully employing illegal aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324a(a)(1)(A).
United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced THAI THAI, LLC. d/b/a Sticky Rice Thai Cuisine to a 1 year term of probation, a $400 special assessment fee and also ordered the forfeiture of $24,640. CHIWABANDIT was sentenced to time served (4 months) and a $100 special assessment fee. CHIWABANDIT will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court records, Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations conducted surveillance on the restaurant as well as on a home owned, and an apartment rented by CHIWABANDIT. The defendant admitted in court that he provided housing, transportation, and employment to two illegal aliens. The defendant also acknowledged that he had been in the United States illegally for the past seven years, by overstaying a business visitor visa.
CHIWABANDIT also admitted to failing to list the illegal aliens on a Form I-9, which is used to verify employment eligibility for a business’s employees. By law, employers are required to maintain Form I-9s for all employees.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Covington Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Men Charged in Ten Count Indictment with Obstruction of Justice and Violations of Federal Firearms and Narcotics LawsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 23, of New Orleans, and DERRICK GROVES, age 21, of New Orleans, were charged in a ten-count superseding indictment on April 11, 2019 by a federal grand jury.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted of these counts, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a term of imprisonment of up to 30 years, a fine of up to $2 million, and at least six years of supervised release. The Indictment also charges KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of this count, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES, a convicted felon, with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of this charge, KENDALL BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES with one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and DERRICK GROVES with two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. If convicted of these counts, KENDALL BARNES and DERRICK GROVES face a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release, as to each count. The term of imprisonment on these counts must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.
Additionally, the Indictment charges KENDALL BARNES with obstruction of justice. If convicted of this count, KENDALL BARNES could face up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The indictment also charges DERRICK GROVES with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl on October 12, 2018, and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin on January 25, 2019. If convicted of these counts, DERRICK GROVES could face up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release, as to each count.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated than 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.
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Georgia Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that JAMES A. MOORE, age 31, of Atlanta, Georgia was charged yesterday by grand jury indictment with one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
If convicted, MOORE faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. He also would have to be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Marshals Service, the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office of Atlanta, Georgia in this matter. He also extended his thanks to the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that FRANKI NOEL ORTIZ-BERNARDEZ, age 34, pleaded guilty Tuesday, April 9, 2019 to 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, FRANKI NOEL ORTIZ-BERNARDEZ (“BERNARDEZ”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on September 14, 2014 and May 11, 2016.
BERNARDEZ 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. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for July 10, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Gretna Woman Charged with Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PATRICIA HARGIS, age 70, of Gretna was charged Tuesday, April 9. 2019 with filing a false tax return, a crime punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.
According to the bill of information, HARGIS intentionally understated her income and taxes owed in her 2015 federal income tax return. 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 Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division 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.
Georgia Inmate Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud for His Role in Grand Jury ScamRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NICHOLAS ROTUNDA ALLEN, age 39, an inmate in Jimmy Autry State Prison in Pelham, Georgia, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 371, for his role in perpetrating a grand jury fraud scam and victimizing a resident of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to the bill of information, on November 6, 2017, ALLEN used a contraband cellular telephone to contact Victim A from inside the state prison. ALLEN obtained the phone from a non-incarcerated co-conspirator. ALLEN pretended to be a Deputy United States Marshal and informed Victim A that he had unlawfully failed to report for jury duty service for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. ALLEN further told Victim A that because he had failed to appear for jury duty, a warrant had been issued out of the Eastern District of Louisiana for Victim A’s arrest. The individual said that Victim A had the choice of either being arrested on the warrant or paying a $5,500 fine to have the arrest warrant dismissed. Victim A paid the fine by buying a series of pre-paid cash cards and giving the account numbers to ALLEN. Thereafter, Victim A paid ALLEN by buying a total of eleven (11) pre-paid cash cards and giving the cards’ account numbers to ALLEN.
If convicted, ALLEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.
U. S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Westbank Gunman Pleads Guilty to Two Attempted Robberies in Orleans Parish and One Robbery in Jefferson ParishRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that DARRYL HENRY, age 27, pleaded guilty Wednesday, April 3, 2019 to committing three Hobbs Act Robberies and Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
On August 24, 2018, HENRY entered the Walmart Supercenter at 4001 Behrman Place in Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana, and passed the teller a demand note and displayed a firearm. The teller was unable to open the safe, and HENRY left the business empty-handed. HENRY then went to the Winn-Dixie Supermarket at 3008 Holiday Drive, in Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana, and unsuccessfully attempted to rob a clerk at that location. HENRY then drove to the Walmart Neighborhood Market located 3265 Manhattan Boulevard, Harvey, Louisiana, and passed a demand note to a cashier while holding a gun in his right hand. HENRY ultimately fled the store with $6,992.00 in United States currency.
HENRY will be sentenced by the Honorable Lance M. Africk on July 10, 2019. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as to the three robberies and minimum of seven years in prison as to the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the diligent work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myles Ranier is handling the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, then Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN was launched in 2001.
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Raceland Man Convicted of Firearm Offense by Federal JuryRead the Press Release
Note: The defendant Samuel Ray Luck was later acquitted in a subsequent bench trial, after his request for a new trial was granted.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SAMUEL RAY LUCK, age 41, a resident of Raceland, Louisiana, was convicted yesterday by a Federal Jury for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
According to evidence presented at trial, LUCK possessed a firearm on June 13, 2018 after having previously been convicted in McLean County, Kentucky for a violation of Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS) 508.030, Assault in the Fourth Degree, a misdemeanor crime of domestic abuse violence.
LUCK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
“The conviction of Mr. Luck highlights the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement in keeping our citizens safe, which is a top priority,” stated U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Peter G. Strasser. “The focus on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders in the possession of firearms remains to be our frontline tactic in combating violent crime.”
“Firearms in the hands of criminals is a recipe for disaster,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols. “ATF is committed to preventing and reducing firearms related crime in our communities. Samuel Ray Luck’s conviction and pending sentence should serve as a reminder to individuals who have a conviction for domestic violence or felony convictions, you can not possess firearms.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and John Murphy are prosecuting the case.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHARLES BROWN, age 30, of New Orleans, pled guilty Thursday, April 4, 2019 to felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, BROWN had another individual purchase a firearm for him from the Jefferson Gun Outlet on or about July 27, 2018. That same day, BROWN was stopped in a vehicle while he was in possession of that firearm. BROWN was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction.
BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Ashe set sentencing for July 11, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.
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New Orleans Man Charged with Embezzlement of Union FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARK DOUGLAS, age 71, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count bill of information for embezzlement of union funds, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court documents, between November 11, 2011 and January 17, 2015, DOUGLAS acted as President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101. DOUGLAS was responsible for the local’s grievances with the Domino Sugar Company and running the day to day operations of the union.
Union officers were permitted to file “lost time” claims to be reimbursed for conducting union business. Lost time is generally taken for arbitrations, attorney visits, accountant visits, or negotiations with Domino Sugar Company. During his time as President, DOUGLAS filed fraudulent “lost time” claims with the union, totaling approximately $7,078.35.
If convicted, DOUGLAS faces 5 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
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 praised the work of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.
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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Use of a Social Security Number and Submitting False Information in an Attempt to Secure a U.S. PassportRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FRANCISCO JAVIER NUNEZ-ALEMAN, age 32, a citizen of Mexico pled guilty to a two-count indictment Wednesday, April 3, 2019 for illegal use of a Social Security Number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B) and using a false social security number in attempting to secure a U.S. Passport, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542. He is set for sentencing on July 10, 2019.
NUNEZ-ALEMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 on the false passport application and five (5) years imprisonment on the illegal use of a social security number. Additionally, NUNEZ-ALEMAN is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years on both counts.
Papers filed in open court revealed that NUNEZ-ALEMAN applied for a U.S. Passport at the Bourg, La Post Office and affixed his actual signature thereto. However, the State Department determined that the Social Security number he used in the application belonged to another individual. He had also purchased a Puerto Rican birth certificate for fraudulent use. Additionally, NUNEZ-ALEMAN used the fraudulently obtained social security number in applying for a job at a Houma, La employer.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
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Laplace Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SANDRA RAVEN, age 53, a resident of Laplace, Louisiana, pled guilty Thursday, April 4, 2019 to one count of wire fraud before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
According to Court documents, RAVEN owned and operated S & R Tax Service out of her home in LaPlace, Louisiana. Beginning in 2012, RAVEN filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS in the names of others. The tax returns claimed false wages, and RAVEN directed the tax refunds and tax preparation fees to her custody and control.
RAVEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a maximum period of (3) three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
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 Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.
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Slidell Man Indicted and Arrested for Theft of Government Funds and Making False Statements in an Application for a PassportRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DARRYL SANDERS, a/k/a Daryl Saunders (“SANDERS”), age 61, of Slidell, Louisiana, was indicted on March 28, 2019, by a federal grand jury for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and for False Statements in an Application for a Passport, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542. The Indictment was unsealed Wednesday, April 3, 2019 after SANDERS was arrested by federal agents at the New Orleans Passport Office.
According to Count One of the Indictment, beginning in December 2013, and continuing until March 2019, SANDERS, did knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to his use, money belonging to the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), to which he knew he was not entitled, when he submitted a fraudulent application for SSA benefits that contained a false name, false date of birth, and a fraudulently obtained Social Security number, and as a result, he was paid approximately $44,838.00 in SSA SSID benefits.
According to Count Two of the Indictment, on March 27, 2018, SANDERS, knowingly made false statements in an application for a 2018 U.S. Passport when he falsely claimed his name was Daryl Saunders, with a date of birth of 09/03/XXXX.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, SANDERS faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment as to each count.
On April 3, 2019, SANDERS appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dana M. Douglas who detained SANDERS.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. 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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New Orleans Man Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JASON PICK, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information for wire fraud announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court documents, PICK was employed as an accountant for Company A between August 2016 and June 2018. Part of PICK’s duties was handling the credit card accounts of Company A. Without authorization, PICK used Company A’s credit cards for his own personal expenses. In total, PICK stole approximately $129,741.40 from Company A.
If convicted, PICK faces 20 years of imprisonment followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000.
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 praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-entryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RICARDO MACHADA-BACA age 25, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk 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, MACHADA-BACA was found in the United States on or about November 13, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about March 10, 2017.
RICARDO MACHADA-BACA was sentenced to 14 months incarceration, and three years of supervised release.
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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Gretna Preacher Sentenced to Serve 19 Months in Federal Prison for Stealing over $320,000 from ChurchRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSEPH R. ALEXANDER, age 60, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday to 19 months in federal prison for bank fraud. He was indicted in December 2017 and pled guilty in December 2018.
According to papers filed with the court and signed by ALEXANDER, ALEXANDER was the minister at a Church of Christ congregation in Gretna, Louisiana. Starting in 2006 and continuing until December 2013, ALEXANDER stole $321,491 from the church in three different schemes. The first involved his writing church checks to himself, but creating false entries in church ledgers which indicated the checks were being written to legitimate church vendors, when in reality ALEXANDER was paying his bills and funding family vacations to Alaska and Las Vegas, among other places. He also bought gifts for parishioners, shopping at the Apple Store and Victoria’s Secret. He also paid his son’s college tuition with church funds. The second method involved his opening of an online bank account without church permission and paying personal expenses from the online account. Finally, he forged a church elder’s signature on checks which required two signatures. He used these funds for personal expenses.
JOSEPH R. ALEXANDER faced a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. He was ordered to report to federal prison on July 3, 2019 to begin serving his sentence. He was also ordered to pay $321,491 restitution.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
The case was being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit.
Company Charged with Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AA STUCCO AND MASONRY, LLC., a company that does business within the Eastern District of Louisiana, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with harboring two illegal aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii).
If convicted of the felony, the company faces up to 5 years of probation, a fine of $500,000, and a $400 special assessment fee.
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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Arizona Woman Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that VALERIE SCHONES, age 54, of Tucson, Arizona, a former employee of an undisclosed entity, XYZ Financial, LLC, also located in Tucson, Arizona, has pleaded guilty yesterday to a Bill of Information charging her with Making False Statements to a Financial Institution.
According to court documents, beginning in or around October 2008 and continuing to on or about May 2009, SCHONES, along with co-defendants PATRICK HEALEY and JARED CASTELLAW made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration “FHA” in order to assist low-income borrowers wishing to purchase homes in St. Bernard in qualifying for FHA insured loans that they would not otherwise have qualified for. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.
SCHONES faces a maximum of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, supervised release of up to 5 years, and a special assessment of $100. The Court set sentencing in this matter for July 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
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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Two Louisiana Residents Charged with Conspiring to Harbor Aliens and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury sitting in New Orleans, Louisiana, returned an indictment against two Louisiana residents, charging each with one count of conspiracy to harbor an alien, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 48 counts of failure to withhold and pay over employment tax, and 12 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
As alleged in the indictment, Imad “Eddie” Hamdan and Ziad “Z” Mousa owned and operated over 30 locations of Brothers Food Mart. Hamdan and Mousa are alleged to have hired undocumented workers to work in their stores and paid them in cash. To further conceal these undocumented workers, Hamdan and Mousa allegedly filed false employment tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that did not report the cash wages paid to the undocumented workers.
In addition, the indictment charges that Hamdan and Mousa paid the salaries of the managers of the Brothers Food Mart stores partially in cash. Allegedly, employment taxes were also not withheld or reported in connection with these cash wages. Finally, according to the indictment, Hamdan and Mousa issued and filed false Forms W-2 that underreported their wages. The indictment further alleges that Hamdan and Mousa aided in the filing of fraudulent tax returns for the managers of Brothers Food Mart stores.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Hamdan and Mousa each face a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in prison for the conspiracy to harbor aliens count, five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States count, five years for each count of willful failure to withhold and pay over employment tax, and three years for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return. They also face substantial monetary penalties, supervised release, and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Strasser commended Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case. The case was investigated by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
Two Louisiana Residents Charged with Conspiring to Harbor Aliens and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON –A federal grand jury sitting in New Orleans, Louisiana, returned an indictment against two Louisiana residents, charging each with one count of conspiracy to harbor an alien, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 48 counts of failure to withhold and pay over employment tax, and 12 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
As alleged in the indictment, Imad “Eddie” Hamdan and Ziad “Z” Mousa owned and operated over 30 locations of Brothers Food Mart. Hamdan and Mousa are alleged to have hired undocumented workers to work in their stores and paid them in cash. To further conceal these undocumented workers, Hamdan and Mousa allegedly filed false employment tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that did not report the cash wages paid to the undocumented workers.
In addition, the indictment charges that Hamdan and Mousa paid the salaries of the managers of the Brothers Food Mart stores partially in cash. Allegedly, employment taxes were also not withheld or reported in connection with these cash wages. Finally, according to the indictment, Hamdan and Mousa issued and filed false Forms W-2 that underreported their wages. The indictment further alleges that Hamdan and Mousa aided in the filing of fraudulent tax returns for the managers of Brothers Food Mart stores.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Hamdan and Mousa each face a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in prison for the conspiracy to harbor aliens count, five years for the conspiracy to defraud the United States count, five years for each count of willful failure to withhold and pay over employment tax, and three years for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return. They also face substantial monetary penalties, supervised release, and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Strasser commended Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case. The case was investigated by special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations.
Members of Fraudulent Prescription Drug Ring in St. John the Baptist Parish Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SHALLON DAVIS DUNMILES, together with LASHONDA MELANCON, DANYELLE TUCO, ANDREA STALKS, EBONY STEWART, CORTAZ WILLIAMS, and DANIELLE ANDERSON, have pled guilty on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 to charges stemming from their arrest in St. John the Baptist Parish last year. WILFRED PERRILLOUX pled separately on an earlier date.
According to Court documents, DUNMILES, a former employee at a medical clinic in Laplace, Louisiana and MELANCON pled guilty to conspiracy to possess and possess with the intent to distribute illicitly obtained prescription medications, including dextroamphetamine/Adderall, a Schedule II drug controlled substance, and promethazine with codeine, a Schedule V drug controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. The investigation revealed that during the course of the conspiracy, DUNMILES wrote approximately 148 fraudulent prescriptions using her former employer’s prescription pad. Together with MELANCON, DUNMILES distributed the prescriptions, often in exchange for money. The maximum penalty that DUNMILES and MELANCON face for the conspiracy to distribute is twenty years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
PERRILLOUX, STALKS, STEWART, TUCO, WILLIAMS, and ANDERSON all pled guilty to conspiracy to acquire or obtain possession of the prescription medication by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 843(a) and 846. The investigation revealed that these individuals were all involved with obtaining the fraudulent prescriptions from DUNMILES and MELANCON. The maximum penalty that they face is up to four years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.
The Court set sentencing hearings in this matter for April 25, 2019 for PERRILLOUX, June 26, 2019 for DUNMILES, MELANCON, and STALKS, and July 10, 2019 for STEWART, TUCO, WILLIAMS, and ANDERSON.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser also praised the work of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is in charge of the prosecution.
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Laplace Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Federal Student Aid Funds and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDRA GRAVES, age 31, pled guilty yesterday to a two-count bill of information charging her with theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 and identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(a)(7).
According to court documents, GRAVES falsified federal student loan applications and used the stolen student aid monies in the amount of $195,432 for her own personal use. As part of her scheme to defraud, GRAVES applied for federal financial aid at Delgado Community College in the name of 15 individuals without their knowledge or consent.
GRAVES faces a possible sentence up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 1 and 15 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 2. GRAVES also faces three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $200 special assessment fee. United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk set sentencing for June 26, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ, age 25, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty Tuesday, March 26, 2019 to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a).
According to the bill of information, JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ reentered the United States on or about December 20, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about May 25, 2006.
If convicted, JORGE AGUILAR-PEREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for May 2, 2019.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Atlanta-Area Men Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Related OffensesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON SPRIGGS, age 42, TERBEN POUMIAN-RAMIREZ, age 31, RAFAEL MARTINEZ, age 28, and LUIS MARTINEZ-VEGA, age 28, all of the Atlanta, Georgia area, pled guilty Tuesday, March 26, 2019 to a Bill of Information charging drug trafficking and related offenses. SPRIGGS, POUMIAN-RAMIREZ, and MARTINEZ pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846. MARTINEZ-VEGA pled guilty to actively concealing that felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.
According to the Bill of Information and an earlier-filed complaint, the men traveled to New Orleans intending to purchase several kilograms of cocaine from a man whom they believed to be a Colombian source of supply importing narcotics via the Port of New Orleans. SPRIGGS, who arrived with a gun and more than $100,000 in cash, was to purchase the narcotics; POUMIAN-RAMIREZ and MARTINEZ acted as middlemen brokering the deal between SPRIGGS and the source of supply; and MARTINEZ-VEGA was the driver of one of the two vehicles that made the trip.
For the narcotics offense, SPRIGGS, POUMIAN-RAMIREZ, and MARTINEZ face up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the misprision of a felony offense, MARTINEZ-VEGA faces a term of imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release.
Sentencing is set before Judge Eldon E. Fallon on July 11, 2019, at 2:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Sandman is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RICARDO SALAZAR-ESQUIVEL, age 30, a native of Mexico, plead guilty Thursday, March 21, 2019 to a one-count indictment, which charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, SALAZAR-ESQUIVEL was previously removed from the United States on July 9, 2008. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on September 16, 2008 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. He is set to be sentenced on May 2, 2019.
SALAZAR-ESQUIVEL 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 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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Metairie Man Charged with Violations of the Federal Gun Control and National Firearms ActsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Thursday, March 21, 2019 that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against defendant DAVID HUNTER, of Metairie, for possession of stolen firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(j) (Count 1), being a prohibited person under indictment in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C.§ 922(n) (Count 2); and possession of a suppressor not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record in violation to 26 U.S.C. § 5861(d). For Count 1, HUNTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a $250,000 fine. For Count 2, HUNTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a $250,000 fine. For Count 3, HUNTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years and a $10,000 fine. For each of the charged counts, HUNTER faces up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 special assessment fee.
The indictment alleges that in December of 2016, HUNTER stole a gun safe containing various firearms from a location in Tylertown, Mississippi and transported the firearms to the Eastern District of Louisiana.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This matter was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.
Former Delgado Community College Financial Aid Officer Sentenced to Probation after Previously Pleading Guilty to Solicitation and Receipt of BribesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DAVIN D. THOMAS (“THOMAS”), age 32, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, a former Delgado Community College ("DCC") Financial Aid Officer, was sentenced Thursday, March 21, 2019 to four years probation and ordered to pay $6,700 in restitution by United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon. THOMAS was also ordered to perform 150 hours of unpaid community service. THOMAS previously pleaded guilty to a one count Bill of Information charging him with soliciting money from students in exchange for awarding students financial aid.
According to court documents, THOMAS was responsible for the verification of student financial aid applications and for identifying the students who were eligible for financial aid funds. From April 2014 through August 2016, THOMAS solicited funds from three DCC students in exchanged for awarding the students financial aid. THOMAS admitted to federal law enforcement that he accepted $6,700 in exchange for awarding the students financial aid.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
Slidell Postal Service Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRIA DAVIS, age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Theft of Mail by an Officer or Employee of the U.S. Postal Service.
According to court documents, DAVIS was a U.S. Postal Service Postal Support Employee/Sales Distribution Clerk at the Slidell Post Office, and worked at the retail window counter and performed a variety of tasks including Postal sales, delivering mail to customer P.O. Boxes, and assisting customers with P.O. Box related business. After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from September 2016 to January 2017, DAVIS stole several pieces of mail containing checkbooks, gift cards, cash, and checks. Postal agents also discovered approximately ten additional articles of stolen mail in DAVIS’s personal vehicle.
DAVIS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. Sentencing before Judge Barbier has been scheduled for June 27, 2019.
The case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”). Additionally, the Slidell Police Department assisted the USPS-OIG in the DAVIS matter. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Bank General Counsel Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud First NBC BankRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that GREGORY ST. ANGELO (“ST ANGELO”), age 54, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, was charged today 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 2006 through the fall of 2016, ST. ANGELO was the general counsel of First NBC Bank. During this time, he and several businesses owned or controlled by him (the “Entities”) were First NBC Bank borrowers. Bank President A was a founder of First NBC Bank and acted as its president and Chief Executive Officer from in or around May 2006, until in or around December 2016. From in or around 2006 through April 2017, Bank Officer B was employed by First NBC Bank as its Chief Credit Officer, and was responsible for, among other things, the overall quality of the bank’s lending function.
Beginning at a time unknown, but at least in or around 2006, through in and around April 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, ST. ANGELO, and others known and unknown conspired to defraud First NBC Bank by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, relating to a material fact.
The purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendant, ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others to enrich themselves unjustly by disguising the true financial status of ST. ANGELO, the Entities, and other borrowers, concealing the accurate performance of loans, and misrepresenting the nature of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities.
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others sought to accomplish the conspiracy by engaging in the below activities:
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others provided First NBC Bank with materially false and fraudulent documents and personal financial statements, which, among other things, overstated the value of ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ assets, understated their liabilities, and omitted material information. The materially false and fraudulent personal financial statements, collateral summaries, and other documents concealed ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition.
Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others disguised ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition by, among other things, issuing new loans to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to pay older loans that ST. ANGELO was unable to repay and to cover his overdrafts. The new loans then appeared to be current, while the old loans and overdrafts appeared to have been paid. In reality, the new loans were designed to avert the downgrading or impairment of ST. ANGELO’s and several Entities’ loans and to avoid reporting them as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
Another means the conspirators used to disguise ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition was to extend the maturity date of older loans on which ST. ANGELO was unable to make payments, which allowed First NBC Bank to avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others funded fraudulent tax credit investments that First NBC Bank purportedly made in certain Entities owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, the supposed investments simply funneled money from First NBC Bank’s general ledger to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities, so that ST. ANGELO could make his loan payments and cure overdrafts, and so the bank could avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.
On multiple occasions, Bank President A and ST. ANGELO executed false documents entitled “Agreements to Purchase Tax Credits” designed to make it appear that First NBC Bank was paying ST. ANGELO money in exchange for ownership interests in entities supposedly owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, these agreements were a way for Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and ST. ANGELO to justify the diversion of bank funds to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to cure overdrafts and avoid reporting requirements. On multiple occasions, Bank Officer B directed the disbursement of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities from First NBC Bank’s general ledger, purportedly for tax credit investments, knowing that the tax credit investments were false.
Yet another means by which Bank President A, ST. ANGELO, Bank Officer B, and others concealed the true financial condition of ST. ANGELO’s loans was to lend funds to ST. ANGELO’s associates as nominees. Bank President A and ST. ANGELO caused the nominees to sign loan documents, making it appear that the nominee entity was taking out the loan solely for its own use. In fact, the loan proceeds often were paid to ST. ANGELO or the Entities, not the nominees, and were, in part, used to pay ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ existing debts to First NBC Bank or to enrich ST. ANGELO.
ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B caused employees of First NBC Bank to transfer the nominee loan proceeds directly to ST. ANGELO’s or the Entities’ deposit accounts, when ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B knew the loans were not solely for the nominee, but benefitted ST. ANGELO, who was not named in the loan documents or listed as a guarantor.
By April 28, 2017, First NBC Bank had advanced approximately $46 million to ST. ANGELO and the Entities based on the false personal financial statements, and practice of advancing loans to cover overdrafts and make loan payments. First NBC Bank had also paid ST. ANGELO an additional $9.6 million dollars in false tax credit investment money.
If found guilty, ST. ANGELO could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $1 million or twice the gross gain to him or the gross loss of any victims, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.
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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Port Sulphur Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that defendant ALBERT VEREEN, JR., age 37, of Port Sulphur, LA, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiring to traffic cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. VEREEN is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a possible fine up to $5,000,000, and a period of supervised release of at least four years.
U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman is scheduled to sentence VEREEN on June 12, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Kenner Police Department (KPD), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Houston Police Department (HPD) in their investigation of this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Optician Charged with Identity TheftRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that a Bill of Information was filed Tuesday, March 19, 2019 against a Georgia optician charging him with identity theft in connection with the submission of fraudulent claims to health care benefit programs.
Specifically, JOHN ANTHONY MARSH, age 55, of the Atlanta, Georgia region was charged with one count of identity theft. MARSH operated Magazine Medical Group & Associates, LLC in New Orleans. MARSH is charged with submitting claims for reimbursement for medical services using a misappropriated National Provider Identifier of another physician to submit the claims.
If convicted, MARSH faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine as to Count 1 of the Information.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services for their work investigating the case. U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan.
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New Orleans Woman Sentenced in Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DAWN CONRAVEY, age 38, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy throughout the New Orleans area. Specifically CONRAVEY pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. '' 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CONRAVEY to time served, followed by 3 years of supervised release, with year one served as home confinement.
According to court documents, during the timeframe of this conspiracy, codefendant Steven LYONS was a major methamphetamine distributor in the New Orleans area. LYONS obtained methamphetamine by U.S. Mail and other means from several sources, including codefendants Carlos Mario CANTU-COX and Christopher CANTU-COX in Texas (who also supplied Anna THOMPSON); Eric WILLIS in Texas; Trung PHAM in California; and Garret TEMPLETON in Louisiana. Codefendants Tommy WELLS, Clark McALPIN, Dwayne CLAUSE, and CONRAVEY acted as sellers or brokers of methamphetamine for LYONS in the New Orleans area.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Amtrak Police, and St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.
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Independence Man Sentenced to 108 Months Imprisonment after Previously Pleading Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ROY DAVID MELANCON, age 40, a resident of Independence, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 108 months after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Judge Barbier also sentenced MELANCON to a period of 5 years of supervised release after he is released from prison and ordered him to pay $10,000 in restitution to those victims who sought restitution. MELANCON will also have to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at MELANCON’S residence on February 20, 2018. Probable cause for the search warrant came from information developed in the March 2016 arrest of an individual in Canada who had traded images and videos containing depictions of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct via a cellular phone application with an individual utilizing username “makemehappy74,” who law enforcement authorities determined to be MELANCON. During the execution of the search warrant, special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation seized electronic items including one cellular telephone and one Amazon Kindle Fire tablet that contained images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children. A forensic examination of the devices revealed that MELANCON used them to search for, download, and save images and videos of child pornography. Some of the child victims depicted in the materials possessed by MELANCON were less than three (3) months old. Agents determined that MELANCON also sought and traded images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children via a cell phone application. The forensic examination located not fewer than 1,000 images and 200 videos on MELANCON’S digital devices depicting children forced to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Possession of Stolen FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that STEVEN RE, age 41, was sentenced Tuesday, March 12, 2019 for possession of stolen firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2).
According to court documents, RE pawned a stolen 20-gauge Remington shotgun on or about September 8, 2017, in Hammond, Louisiana. On or about September 15, 2017, RE also pawned a stolen .22 caliber Marlin rifle, and attempted to pawn a stolen .410 gauge shotgun, in Harvey, Louisiana. RE admitted that he knew these firearms were stolen because he stole them during home burglaries.
United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced RE to serve a term of imprisonment of 108 months, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The court also imposed a $200.00 special assessment.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Ryan McLaren and are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DARIUS STOKES, age 30, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to a one count federal indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes from possessing firearms after being convicted.
STOKES 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. The Honorable Susie Morgan, United States District Court Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, will sentence STOKES on June 18, 2019.
STOKES’ case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Armstead and Jerome Kieffer, Father and Son, Sentenced to Life in Prison for Felony Murder Related to May 2017 Loomis Armored Car RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced JEROME KIEFFER, age 25, and his father, ARMSTEAD KIEFFER, age 54, both of New Orleans, to spend the rest of their lives in federal prison for their roles in a 2015 armored car robbery and a 2017 attempted armored car robbery in which Loomis guard James McBride was killed, announced U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser.
Following a week-long trial in October 2018, a jury convicted JEROME KIEFFER and ARMSTEAD KIEFFER, who are father and son, of charges related to two armored car robberies, a 2015 robbery at the Chase Bank on N. Board and a 2017 attempted robbery at the Campus Federal Credit Union on Tulane. During the 2015 robbery, JEROME KIEFFER and co-defendant DELTOINE SCOTT, who pleaded guilty and testified against the KIEFFERs, approached a Brinks truck while it was servicing ATMs at the Chase Bank. JEROME KIEFFER forced a guard back onto the truck at gunpoint, and the two robbers made off with approximately $160,000. About a year and a half later, the pair attempted another armored car robbery at the Campus Federal, this time enlisting JEROME KIEFFER’s father, ARMSTEAD KIEFFER as a lookout. During the second robbery, gunfire broke out between the robbers and the guards, and Loomis guard James McBride was shot and later died of his wounds. Both of the KIEFFERs were convicted on all counts at trial.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Michael McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
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Nicaraguan Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALEXANDER JOSUE REYES-RAMIREZ, age 33, a native of Nicaragua, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 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, REYES-RAMIREZ was previously removed from the United States on July 1, 2009. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 26, 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, REYES-RAMIREZ 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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Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that OMAR ORTIZ-HERNANDEZ, age 26, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 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, OMAR ORTIZ-HERNANDEZ (“HERNANDEZ”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 26, 2017. If convicted, HERNANDEZ 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.
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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 OMAR ELI PEREZ-MURCIA, age 35, a native of Honduras, was charged Thursday, March 18, 2019 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, PEREZ-MURCIA was previously removed from the United States on April 4, 2006. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 22, 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, PEREZ-MURCIA 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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Honduran Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ELVIN FRANCISCO ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ, age 37, a native of Honduras, was charged Thursday, March 14, 2019 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, ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ was previously removed from the United States on June 6, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 16, 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, ALVAREZ-IZAGIRREZ 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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Former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Employee SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CIBONEY PARKER, age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced Thursday, March 14, 2019 by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to (3) years of probation with (8) months home detention and location monitoring for her role in attempting to introduce controlled substances into the Orleans Justice Center.
According to court documents, PARKER pleaded guilty to one count of violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b), using a telephone in the commission of a conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Elton Williams, an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center jail, solicited the assistance of his relative, PARKER (a civilian employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office), and two friends, Brittany Theophile and Rachelle Kelson, to smuggle drugs into the jail. Theophile and Kelson provided the drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and Tramadol, to PARKER during her work shift. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Division became aware of the plan through audio and visual surveillance and detained PARKER before she could gain access to Williams. All co-defendants have pleaded guilty; only Williams awaits sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the FBI and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigative Service Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of this prosecution.
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Ponchatoula Man Sentenced for Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and for Violation of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANIEL JUSTIN MAHAN, age 43, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday, March 14, 2019 by United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to 151 months imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to receipt of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors and violation of the Federal Gun Control Act. Upon release from imprisonment, he will serve a 5 year term of supervised release.
According to previously filed court documents, MAHAN was arrested on March 15, 2018, by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) subsequent to the execution of a search warrant at his home. MAHAN was found to be in possession twenty-four (24) weapons and over 26,000 rounds of ammunition. MAHAN has a prior felony conviction for bank robbery which prohibits him from possessing firearms and ammunition. The FBI’s investigation further revealed that MAHAN was also in possession of a laptop computer which contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children.
This case, which was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight, 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.”
Gulfport Man Charged with Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HECTOR EFRAIN LOBOS-CERNA, age 42, of Gulfport, Mississippi, was indicted Thursday, March 14, 2019 by a federal grand jury on one count of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).
If convicted, LOBOS-CERNA faces a terms of imprisonment of 5-40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Border Patrol, and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Sandman is in charge of the prosecution.
Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than Half A Million Dollars from Metairie ArchitectRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Thursday, March 14, 2019 the guilty plea of CHRISTELLE SCHMIDT, age 65 of Thibodeaux, Louisiana to one count of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b), Bank larceny. The indictment returned in November of 2018 alleged that SCHMIDT stole more than $550,000 from a local architectural firm while employed as a bookkeeper there.
The indictment alleged that starting in 2007 and continuing through 2017 through a series of fraudulent activities SCHMIDT committed the offense. The indictment further alleged that she used two different schemes to purloin the funds, which were in the care, custody of and control of several federally insured banks in the New Orleans area.
The indictment further alleged that her second scheme involved charging personal expenses on company credit cards issued to her. She paid the credit cards using the automated clearing house (ACH) accounts of the firm, without the permission of the firm.
SCHMIDT faces up to 10 years incarceration, a $250,000 fine and restitution and 3 years supervised release. Sentencing is set for June 13, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
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Restaurant and Owner Guilty of Harboring and Employing Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that THAI THAI, LLC. d/b/a Sticky Rice Thai Cuisine and SOMPHON CHIWABANDIT, age 47, a native of Thailand, entered guilty pleas yesterday to harboring and unlawfully employing illegal aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(iii) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324a(a)(1)(A).
According to court records, Special Agents of Homeland Security Investigations conducted surveillance on the restaurant as well as on a home owned, and an apartment rented by CHIWABANDIT. The defendant admitted in court that he provided housing, transportation, and employment to two illegal aliens. The defendant also acknowledged that he had been in the United States illegally for the past seven years, as he had overstayed a business visitor visa.
CHIWABANDIT also admitted to failing to list the illegal aliens on a Form I-9. By law, employers are required to maintain Form I-9’s for all employees, as it is a way to verify employment eligibility for a business’s employees.
THAI THAI, LLC. d/b/a Sticky Rice Thai Cuisine, which pleaded guilty to a felony charge of harboring illegal aliens, faces up to 5 years of probation, a fine of $500,000, and a $400 special assessment fee. CHIWABANDIT, the restaurant owner, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour charge of hiring and employing illegal aliens, and faces up to 6 months of imprisonment, and/or a fine of $5,000, and a special assessment fee of $10.
United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for April 17, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Covington Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that yesterday TROYNELL COOKS, age 39, of New Orleans, pled guilty to bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to court documents, on October 29, 2018, COOKS entered the Hancock Bank located at 2421 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, and robbed it of money. After a brief chase, law enforcement officials successfully apprehended COOKS not far from the bank’s location and recovered the stolen money.
The Court set sentencing in this matter for June 19, 2019. COOKS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a maximum $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case.
Walmart Bandit SentencedRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TERRY MADISON, age 22, was sentenced yesterday for committing robbery of a Walmart Money Center located in Hammond, Louisiana, on April 14, 2018. Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced MADISON to a sentence of 151 months in the Bureau of Prisons, three (3) years of Supervised Release following prison, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. The Court also ordered MADISON to repay Walmart $3,448.10 taken in the robbery.
MADISON admitted that he entered the Walmart and passed a demand note to the cashier in the Money Center, and also reached to his waistband, implying that he was armed with a firearm. The teller complied with the demand, and MADISON escaped with over $3,000 in cash.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the hard work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Unit and the Hammond Police Depart in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier was in charge of the prosecution.
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