Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Heroin Conspiracy and Firearm Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER, age 28, of New Orleans, was sentenced March 7, 2019 for heroin conspiracy and firearm possession charges.
According to court documents, SCHEXNAYDER conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. In addition, on February 23, 2018, SCHEXNAYDER, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm.
U. S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced SCHEXNAYDER to serve 60 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Fallon also imposed a $200 dollar 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 and the New Orleans Police Department Multi-Agency Gang Unit 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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New Orleans Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine HydrochlorideRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAYVONNE JOHNSON, age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 7, 2019 after having pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.
United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced JOHNSON to 120 months’ imprisonment and a supervised release period of 4 years.
According to court documents, on June 25, 2017, JOHNSON was stopped by law enforcement officers as he disembarked from an Amtrak train arriving in New Orleans from Houston, Texas and was found to be in possession of 1.3 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Amtrak Rail Police, the Kenner Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharon D. Smith and Brandon S. Long are in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to False Statements to H.U.D. ProgramRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANDREA HARRISON, age 57, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty Thursday, February 28, 2019 before Chief United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to a one-count indictment for false statements in relation to programs under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
According to court documents, a property owned by HARRISON received HUD grant funds as long as it was rented to low-income families. HARRISON submitted false documentation to make it appear that the property was being rented as required, when in truth and in fact, he was living in the property.
HARRISON faces 5 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 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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New Orleans Man Indicted for Hancock Whitney Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOHN L. MURRAY, age 65, was charged Thursday, February 28, 2019 in a one-count indictment for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to the indictment, MURRAY robbed the Hancock Whitney Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 13, 2019.
If convicted, MURRAY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
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Gretna Man Charged with StalkingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALFRED HUMBLES, age 48, was charged Thursday, February 28, 2019 in a one-count indictment with Stalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2)(B).
According to the indictment, from November 2018 – January 28, 2019, HUMBLES sent harassing and intimidating texts and emails to a former girlfriend. On November 29, 2018, the former girlfriend sent an email to HUMBLES indicating to him that the relationship was over, to stop having contact with her, that law enforcement had been notified and that she felt that her life was being threatened. On December 11, 2018, HUMBLES sent black roses to her place of employment. Approximately 25 texts and emails are quoted in the indictment. Among them, on January 9, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “I can’t think of one reason why you should be walking around breathing.” On January 15, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “I’m tired of playing…..pick one, either your face gets pistol whipped, house burns...” On January 23, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “…you don’t know what I’m capable of and you’re not untouchable.” On January 25, 2019, HUMBLES emailed the victim and stated “when my pistol is in your mouth…”
If convicted, HUMBLES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000, three years 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Bill of Information Filed Against Tax Preparer for Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANA ALVAREZ, age 49, a resident of Holden, Louisiana, was charged Friday, March 1, 2019 in a one count bill of information for 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.
If convicted, the defendant faces 5 years of imprisonment as to Count 1, and a possible $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. 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.
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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Two Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputies Plead Guilty for their Roles in Kickback and Bribery Scheme Involving Contract for Privatization of Work Release Program in St. Tammany ParishRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DAVID HANSON, age 61, from Abita Springs, Louisiana, and CLIFFORD “SKIP” KEEN, age 50, from Covington, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Wednesday, February 27, 2019 before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and soliciting a bribe, in violation of 18 U.S.C. '' 371, 1343, 1346, and 666(a)(1)(B), for their roles in the privatization of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana that operated between 2013 and 2016.
According to court documents, HANSON and KEEN, each of whom worked most recently as Captains with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office (STPSO) discussed with the then-Sheriff (“Public Official 1”) about becoming owners of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana that Public Official 1 decided to privatize. The Sheriff of STPSO had authority, among other things, to enter into certain contracts binding STPSO, including professional service contracts, unilaterally. Because STPSO rules prohibited employees from “participating in a transaction in which he has a personal substantial economic interest of which he may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity,” HANSON and KEEN would have had to resign from STPSO—thereby losing their salaries and future pension increases—if they wanted to assume ownership and control of the Slidell work release program. HANSON, KEEN, and Public Official 1 discussed ways to allow HANSON and KEEN to maintain their employment and still profit from the Slidell work release program. Ultimately, HANSON, KEEN, and Public Official 1 agreed to make KEEN’s adult son (Person 1) and HANSON’s adult daughter (Person 2) owners of the Slidell work release program.
HANSON, KEEN, and Public Official 1 agreed that they needed to find another individual actually to operate the Slidell work release program because Person 1 and Person 2 lacked sufficient education, training, experience, or funding. They decided on Person 3, to whom HANSON presented a series of conditions, including the following: Person 1 and Person 2 would each own forty-five (45) percent of the Slidell work release program and would each receive forty-five (45) percent of the profits, while Person 3 would own ten (10) percent, receive ten (10) percent of the profits, and receive a salary; and Person 3 would be responsible for the daily operations of the Slidell work release program. Person 3 was also responsible for providing the capital necessary to initiate the program. On about May 1, 2013, Person 1, Person 2, and Person 3 entered into an operating agreement that created St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, in which Person 1 and Person 2 each had a forty-five percent ownership interest and Person 3 had only a ten percent ownership interest.
On June 4, 2013, Public Official 1 entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to operate the Slidell work release program. Although Person 1 and Person 2 acted effectively as passive members and did not participate substantially in the operation, oversight, or administration of the Slidell work release program, Person 3 was required to pay Person 1 and Person 2 salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements. Person 3 was also directed to pay Person 4, who was Public Official 1’s relative and an employee at STPSO, approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.
During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, Person 1 and Person 2 received not less than $1,195,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments. Person 1 received no fewer than 145 payments totaling over $550,000, and Person 2 received no fewer than 131 payments totaling over $600,000. Person 1 and Person 2 converted the majority of the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to cash. At the request of KEEN and HANSON, Persons 1 and 2 then transferred a significant portion of the funds back to their fathers.
Additionally, HANSON, KEEN, and Public Official 1 understood that Public Official 1 would receive financial compensation from them in exchange for bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. HANSON and KEEN each gave Public Official 1 a portion of the payments they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, through Person 1 and Person 2, in cash payoffs in amounts greater than $1,000 on a recurring basis in exchange for Public Official 1 bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC. HANSON also arranged for Public Official 1’s son to receive a check in the amount of $4,000 because Public Official 1 gave the contract to operate the Slidell work release program to St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC. HANSON, KEEN, Public Official 1, and others attempted to conceal the scheme by, among other things, not including in the privatization agreement the fact that Public Official 1 would receive financial compensation in exchange for bestowing the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC, communicating by cellular telephone, and providing most of the money to Public Official 1 in the form of cash.
HANSON and KEEN each face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing before Judge Lemelle has been scheduled for May 29, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, and Elizabeth Privitera, Supervisor of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
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Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BENITO ORBE-SANTANA, age 43, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty Thursday, February 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, ORBE-SANTANA was previously removed from the United States on July 9, 2008. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on December 10, 2018 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. According to documents filed in court, ORBE-SANTANA, was arrested in Tangipahoa Parish for DWI in December 2018.
ORBE-SANTANA 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. His sentencing is set for March 14, 2019.
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 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 ANTONIO OSORIO DIAZ, age 41, a native of Mexico, was charged Thursday, February 21, 2019 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, DIAZ was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm on February 3, 2019 who was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He is an illegal alien from Mexico and has never been previously deported. The indictment alleges he illegally possessed a Ruger. 45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
If convicted, DIAZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release and a $100.00 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 Manager of North Kenner Post Office Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $630,000 in Postal StampsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that RYAN S. CORTEZ, age 46, of Des Allemands, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty Friday, February 22, 2019 to Misappropriation of Postal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711.
According to court records, special agents with the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) were notified by PayPal and eBay regarding significant quantities of U.S. Postal stamps being sold by CORTEZ on eBay. A subsequent investigation by Postal OIG revealed that, as manager, Cortez had increased the North Kenner Post Office’s reserve stamp stock by more than $600,000. Subpoenaed records from Cortez’s Regions Bank account revealed substantial deposits, including more than $58,000 in a one-month period in the summer of 2018.
During their investigation, Postal OIG agents determined CORTEZ withdrew thousands of dollars on a regular basis at the Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans. Harrah’s records revealed CORTEZ lost over $667,000 since 2011 and lost over $220,000 in 2017. Postal records indicate CORTEZ earned an annual salary of $70,818.
On October 10, 2018, Postal OIG special agents executed a federal search warrant issued by a federal magistrate judge at CORTEZ’s residence in Des Allemands. Agents found evidence linking CORTEZ to the ordering of the stamps from the Stamp Fulfillment Center thus increasing the reserve stamp stock for the North Kenner Post Office. During the search of the Post Office, Postal OIG special agents advised CORTEZ of his Miranda rights and advised him that they wanted to discuss financial issues with the Post Office. CORTEZ admitted to Postal agents that he had stolen stamps from the North Kenner Post Office and sold them on eBay. When asked to estimate the dollar amount of stamp stock that had been stolen, CORTEZ responded, “Hundreds of thousands.” CORTEZ claimed he began selling stamps on eBay in 2015. CORTEZ said he was addicted to gambling and the money obtained from the illegal sale of stamps was to support his gambling addiction. CORTEZ confirmed he manipulated stamp stock counts by using another supervisor’s password to access the computer system. As a result, existing internal controls failed to detect the theft of these stamps.
In total, Postal records reveal that CORTEZ stole over $630,000 in U.S. stamps and sold them on eBay. According to Postal authorities, CORTEZ’s illegal activities constitute one of the largest internal Postal thefts by a Postal Service employee in the history of the U.S. Postal Service.
CORTEZ faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a $250,000.00 fine and a $100.00 special assessment fee. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for May 30, 2019 at 1:30 pm.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service, 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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Nicaraguan Man Charged with Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HERVIN ADOLFO PINEDA, age 44, a native of Nicaragua, was charged Thursday, February 21, 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, PINEDA was previously removed from the United States on May 11, 2011. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on January 31, 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, PINEDA 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 Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that COURTNEY C. DUPLESSIS (“DUPLESSIS”), age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on Thursday, February 21, 2019 to Theft of Mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.
According to court records, DUPLESSIS was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier originally assigned to the Carrolton Station Post Office and then to the Elmwood Station Post Office. After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from October 2017 to June 2018, DUPLESSIS stole several pieces of mail containing gift cards and cash. On June 19, 2018, special agents with U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) determined DUPLESSIS opened an envelope and removed cash from the envelope. The USPS-OIG agents confronted DUPLESSIS and advised her of her Miranda rights. During an interview, DUPLESSIS admitted to opening several articles of mail and removing cash and gift cards. Agents discovered an additional 54 articles of mail during a subsequent search of DUPLESSIS’s personal vehicle.
DUPLESSIS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, a $100.00 special assessment fee and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2019 at 2:00pm.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the USPS-OIG. 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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Two Louisiana Tax Preparers Charged with Filing False IRS ReturnsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, residents were arrested today on an indictment charging them with conspiring to defraud the United States and aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, 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 charged in the indictment, Michegel Butler and Brittany Riquel Patterson prepared false tax returns in 2013 for clients of Crown Tax Service in Kenner, Louisiana. Butler is the alleged owner of Crown Tax Service, and Patterson is a return preparer at Crown. As part of the scheme, Butler and Patterson allegedly falsified returns by including fraudulent business income and expenses, dependents, and dependent care expenses. They allegedly sought to substantiate these false items by having clients sign blank declarations of business income and expenses, and false receipts. The indictment charges that some clients also were encouraged to buy or sell the personal identification information of others to facilitate the false reporting of dependents on returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Butler and Patterson face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 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 Dall Kammer 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.
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Two Louisiana Tax Preparers Charged with Filing False IRS ReturnsRead the Press Release
Two St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, residents were arrested today on an indictment charging them with conspiring to defraud the United States and aiding and assisting in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns, 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 charged in the indictment, Michegel Butler and Brittany Riquel Patterson prepared false tax returns in 2013 for clients of Crown Tax Service in Kenner, Louisiana. Butler is the alleged owner of Crown Tax Service, and Patterson is a return preparer at Crown. As part of the scheme, Butler and Patterson allegedly falsified returns by including fraudulent business income and expenses, dependents, and dependent care expenses. They allegedly sought to substantiate these false items by having clients sign blank declarations of business income and expenses, and false receipts. The indictment charges that some clients also were encouraged to buy or sell the personal identification information of others to facilitate the false reporting of dependents on returns.
An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Butler and Patterson face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, 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 Dall Kammer 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 105 Months for Felon in Possession of a Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that United States District Court Judge, Lance M. Africk, sentenced RODNEY LAVALAIS, age 33, of New Orleans, to 105 months of imprisonment, to be served in the United States Bureau of Prisons. The sentence will run concurrent with January 10, 2019 state court convictions in which LAVALAIS was sentenced to 5 years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections. Following his term of imprisonment, LAVALAIS will be placed on 3 years of supervised release. On March 22, 2018, LAVALAIS pled guilty to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony offense.
LAVALAIS’ case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Pain Clinic Owner Sentenced for Illegally Dispensing Schedule II and Schedule III Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces that KENNETH KNIGHT, age 69, was sentenced today pursuant to his plea of guilty to a one count bill of information charging him with conspiring with others to dispense quantities of Schedule II and Schedule III drug controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and not for legitimate medical purposes.
KNIGHT admitted in a factual basis that he owned and operated the Axcess Medical Clinic in New Orleans. He acknowledged that during the operation of the clinic, he directed a physician Dr. Barbara Bruce, to write prescriptions that were provided to patients without conducting medical examinations of the patients. KNIGHT split 50 percent of the profits received with co-conspirator Dr. Bruce through her medical practice.
KNIGHT was sentenced to 60 months incarceration, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a $15,000.00 fine. The Honorable Barry W. Ashe sentenced the defendant.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Field Office Tactical Diversion Squad Task Force consisting of Harahan Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, New Orleans District Attorney’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service, Gulfport, Mississippi.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Murphy and Bill McSherry.
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LaPlace Man Charged with Making False Statement to the Small Business AdministrationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KEITH CRAIG, age 57, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged yesterday in a one-count Bill of Information with making a false statement to the Small Business Administration, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1001.
If convicted, CRAIG faces a term of imprisonment of up to five (5) years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a $250,000 fine.
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 Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Sentenced to 105 Months for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that NICHOLAS GARCIA (“GARCIA”), age 33, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today for possession of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B).
According to documents filed in federal court, special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) obtained a search warrant for GARCIA’s residence in Houma, Louisiana. On February 21, 2018, agents with LBI, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) executed the search warrant and arrested GARCIA after finding GARCIA in possession of a Samsung Galaxy tablet containing images and videos of child pornography. A subsequent computer forensic examination by HSI revealed over 350 images and 3 videos depicting the sexual victimization of pre-pubescent children on GARCIA’s Samsung device.
GARCIA was sentenced to 105 months by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe. GARCIA was also sentenced to a period of five years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. Judge Ashe also ordered GARCIA to pay restitution in the amount of $3,000.00, a $100.00 special assessment fee and ordered him to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration 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, 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.
Hammond Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of More than $240,000.00 in Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANNY L. LETARD (“LETARD”), age 57, of Hammond, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to documents filed in federal court, beginning in 1989, LETARD filed for and later became eligible for Social Security Administration (“SSA”) disability benefits of approximately $2,177.30 per month. During this period, LETARD formed a number of businesses including, but not limited to, Excavation/Dozer Company, Virginia Shop Site Cleaning Services, Virginia’s Job Site Cleaning, Virginia Cleaning Services, and R & D Dozer Excavation & Pipe Fabr. LETARD’s businesses were registered in the names of LETARD’s family members rather than in his name to conceal his employment. LETARD’s businesses performed demolition work and the cleaning of job sites according to occupational license applications filed with Tangipahoa Parish. LETARD also operated heavy construction equipment as part of his businesses. On October 24, 2017, LETARD was interviewed by agents with the SSA Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police. In his post-Miranda interview, LETARD told the agents he concealed his SSA benefits through third party companies “so y’all wouldn’t find out about it.” Accordingly, LETARD fraudulently received approximately $242,000.00 in Social Security Administration disability benefits he was not entitled to due to his employment.
LETARD 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. Sentencing is set for May 22, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Corpus Christi, Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JESSE MARCUS ESTES, age 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
ESTES faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Africk scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2019.
According to court documents, ESTES conspired to commit wire fraud while employed by Texas Steam & Instrumentation Company (Texas Steam), a corporation related to Louisiana Steam Equipment Company, a Louisiana company located in New Orleans. As Executive Vice President, ESTES conspired with two Texas companies to defraud Texas Steam through a scheme to have Texas Steam or Louisiana Steam pay false invoices generated by the two Texas companies. The Texas companies then kicked back funds to ESTES by paying for fraudulent invoices from Industrial Sales, a company operated by ESTES. ESTES also used another company he owned and operated, Tru-Line Builders, to pass fraudulent invoices through Texas Steam. The scheme spanned from 2007 until 2014 and the defendant stole approximately $374,626 from Louisiana Steam and related subsidiary companies through a fraudulent “pay to play” scheme.
U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its investigation in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan and Duane A. Evans are in charge of the prosecution.
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Baton Rouge Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking More than 500 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEVONTA DUNN, age 24, of Baton Rouge, pleaded guilty Friday, February 15, 2019 to a one-count indictment charging him with trafficking 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A).
According to court documents, Dunn was arrested at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after he arrived from Los Angeles with nearly four kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside snack food boxes in his checked bag. DUNN pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, for which he faces a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
Judge Milazzo set sentencing for Wednesday, May 15, 2019.
United States Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Kenner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sandman is in charge of the prosecution.
Baton Rouge Man Indicted for Wire and Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday that WAYNE TRICHE, age 75, of Baton Rouge, was charged in a 38-count Indictment with wire fraud and tax fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), respectively.
The indictment alleges that TRICHE, a certified public accountant, embezzled over $2,000,000.00 from the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund (“the Fund”). TRICHE was responsible for investing a portion of the Fund’s investments. Rather than return the profits earned to the Fund, TRICHE stole in excess of $2,000,000.00 and used those funds for personal expenses. The tax fraud charges stem from TRICHE’s failure to claim the embezzled funds on his personal income tax returns, resulting in a significant loss to the Internal Revenue Service.
If convicted of the violations, TRICHE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $3800.00.
U. S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service/Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is in charge of the prosecution.
Un hombre de Nueva Orleans es condenado por un delito de odio cometido cuando disparó a tres hombres afroestadounidenses que intentaban huir de la zona tras el Huracán KatrinaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Roland J. Bourgeois Jr., de 55 años, vecino de Nueva Orleans, Luisiana, fue condenado a diez años de cárcel, seguidos de tres años de libertad supervisada por cargos que acusan que, tras el Huracán Katrina, él disparó a tres hombres afroestadounidenses jóvenes por motivo de su raza mientras que los hombres intentaban huir de Nueva Orleans. Así anunciaron Eric Dreiband, el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles; Peter G. Strasser, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oriental de Luisiana; y Eric J. Rommal, el Agente Especial Encargado de la División del Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés) en Nueva Orleans.
«La condena de hoy proporciona paz a este tiroteo basado en motivos raciales que ocurrió hace más de trece años tras el Huracán Katrina», dijo el Fiscal General Auxiliar Eric Dreiband. «Esta condena transmite un mensaje claro a aquellos que emplean violencia y miedo para intentar dividir nuestra comunidad de que el Departamento de Justicia trabajará sin tregua para enjuiciar a los autores de violencia motivada por el odio».
«Una de las tareas principales del Departamento de Justicia es la defensa de los derechos civiles de nuestros ciudadanos. Esta condena demuestra claramente la tenacidad de los cuerpos del orden público a hacer que los individuos rindan cuentas de sus acciones, a pesar del paso del tiempo», afirmó el Fiscal Federal Strasser. «El Huracán Katrina fue una etapa trágica en la historia de nuestra ciudad. Espero que esta declaración de culpabilidad ofrezca un atisbo de paz a aquellos que fueron directamente impactados por este delito y a esta gran ciudad que sufrió tanto en los días después de este desastre».
Eric Rommal, el Agente Especial Encargado del FBI en Nueva Orleans, declaró: «La justicia es ciega, pero también es paciente. Los actos violentos, cobardes, basados en la raza y sin provocación del Sr. Bourgeois se llevaron a cabo injustamente contra sus víctimas hace más de una década, lo que dejó a las víctimas, sus familias y nuestra comunidad destrozados por el odio. Esperamos que su condena ayudará con el proceso de curación y servirá como recordatorio que nunca se tolerará la violencia motivada por el odio y que el FBI sigue firme en su compromiso a defender la Constitución y los derechos civiles».
Según los documentos presentados en relación con la declaración, poco después de la llegada del Huracán Katrina a Nueva Orleans, Bourgeois y otros hombres blancos, vecinos del barrio de Algiers Point, acordaron utilizar fuerza para alejar a los afroestadounidenses de su barrio. Transportaron árboles caídos para bloquear las calles cerca de sus casas y comenzaron patrullas armadas en el barrio.
El 1 de septiembre del 2005, tres hombres jóvenes afroestadounidenses, D.H, M.A. y C.C., caminaron a Algiers Point en un intento de llegar al desembarque del transbordador, un lugar que las agencias estatales y federales estaban usando como punto de evacuación. Cuando los tres hombres cruzaron la barricada construida por Bourgeois y otros, Bourgeois abrió fuego con una escopeta y lesionó a los tres hombres. Después de que se huyeran, Bourgeois se jactó que había «dado con uno» y prometió «matar a ese [palabra racista] si el hombre llegara a sobrevivir. Bourgeois advirtió a uno de sus vecinos que «se disparará a cualquier cosa que pase por esta calle cuya tez sea más oscura que un saco de papel marrón».
Hubo retrasos en el enjuiciamiento de este caso porque el acusado fue declarado, en repetidas ocasiones, incompetente para ser sometido a juicio tras ser acusado en julio del 2010. La competencia del acusado fue evaluada en seis ocasiones distintas entre el 2010 y el 2018. Tras ser declarado competente en el 2018, Bourgeois se declaró culpable en octubre del 2018.
El FBI llevó a cabo la investigación. El caso fue enjuiciado por el Consejero de Litigios Especiales Jared Fishman y la Abogada de Litigios Mary J. Hahn de la División de Derechos Civiles y el Fiscal Federal Auxiliar para el Distrito Oriental de Luisiana David Howard Sinkman.
Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia por combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un único portal con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo, y otras organizaciones y personas.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Hate Crime in Shooting of Three African-American Men Attempting to Evacuate After Hurricane KatrinaRead the Press Release
Roland J. Bourgeois Jr., 55, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release on charges that, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he shot at three young African-American men because of their race as the men attempted to evacuate New Orleans, announced Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Peter G. Strasser; and FBI New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal.
“Today’s sentencing brings closure to this race-motivated shooting that occurred over 13 years ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “This sentence sends a clear message to those who attempt to divide our community with violence and fear that the Department of Justice will work tirelessly to prosecute perpetrators of hate-motivated violence.”
“Upholding the civil rights of our citizens is one of the most important duties of the Department of Justice. This sentencing clearly demonstrates the tenacity of law enforcement to hold individuals responsible for their actions, despite the passage of time,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “Hurricane Katrina was a tragic chapter in the history of our city. Hopefully this plea brings some measure of finality to those directly affected by this crime and to this great city that endured so much in the days following this calamity.”
Eric Rommal, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated: “Justice is blind, but she is also patient. Mr. Bourgeois’ cowardly, unprovoked, and racially based violent acts were unjustly carried out upon his victims over a decade ago, leaving the victims, their families, and our community torn by hate. We hope his sentencing will help the healing process and serve notice that violence especially borne from hate, will never be tolerated and the FBI remains committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting civil rights.”
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Bourgeois and other white male residents of the Algiers Point neighborhood agreed that they would use force to keep out African Americans from their neighborhood. They moved fallen trees to barricade the streets near their homes and started armed patrols of the neighborhood.
On Sept. 1, 2005, three young African-American men – D.H., M.A., and C.C. – walked to Algiers Point in an effort to reach the ferry landing, a site that state and federal agencies were using as an evacuation point. When the three men crossed a barricade constructed by Bourgeois and others, Bourgeois opened fire with a shotgun, wounding all three men. After the men fled, Bourgeois boasted that he had “got one” and pledged to “kill that [racial slur]” if the man had survived. Bourgeois warned one of his neighbors: “Anything coming up this street darker than a brown paper bag is getting shot.”
The prosecution of this matter was delayed because the defendant was repeatedly found incompetent to stand trial after being charged in July 2010. The defendant’s competency was evaluated six different times between 2010 and 2018. After he was declared competent in 2018, Bourgeois pleaded guilty in October 2018.
The FBI conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
For more information about Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Hate Crime in Shooting of Three African-American Men Attempting to Evacuate After Hurricane KatrinaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Roland J. Bourgeois Jr., 55, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release on charges that, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he shot at three young African-American men because of their race as the men attempted to evacuate New Orleans, announced Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Eric Dreiband; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Peter G. Strasser; and FBI New Orleans Division Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal.
“Today’s sentencing brings closure to this race-motivated shooting that occurred over 13 years ago, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “This sentence sends a clear message to those who attempt to divide our community with violence and fear that the Department of Justice will work tirelessly to prosecute perpetrators of hate-motivated violence.”
“Upholding the civil rights of our citizens is one of the most important duties of the Department of Justice. This sentencing clearly demonstrates the tenacity of law enforcement to hold individuals responsible for their actions, despite the passage of time,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser. “Hurricane Katrina was a tragic chapter in the history of our city. Hopefully this plea brings some measure of finality to those directly affected by this crime and to this great city that endured so much in the days following this calamity.”
Eric Rommal, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge stated: “Justice is blind, but she is also patient. Mr. Bourgeois’ cowardly, unprovoked, and racially based violent acts were unjustly carried out upon his victims over a decade ago, leaving the victims, their families, and our community torn by hate. We hope his sentencing will help the healing process and serve notice that violence especially borne from hate, will never be tolerated and the FBI remains committed to upholding the Constitution and protecting civil rights.”
According to documents filed in connection with the plea, shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Bourgeois and other white male residents of the Algiers Point neighborhood agreed that they would use force to keep out African Americans from their neighborhood. They moved fallen trees to barricade the streets near their homes and started armed patrols of the neighborhood.
On Sept. 1, 2005, three young African-American men – D.H., M.A., and C.C. – walked to Algiers Point in an effort to reach the ferry landing, a site that state and federal agencies were using as an evacuation point. When the three men crossed a barricade constructed by Bourgeois and others, Bourgeois opened fire with a shotgun, wounding all three men. After the men fled, Bourgeois boasted that he had “got one” and pledged to “kill that [racial slur]” if the man had survived. Bourgeois warned one of his neighbors: “Anything coming up this street darker than a brown paper bag is getting shot.”
The prosecution of this matter was delayed because the defendant was repeatedly found incompetent to stand trial after being charged in July, 2010. The defendant’s competency was evaluated six different times between 2010 and 2018. After he was declared competent in 2018, Bourgeois pleaded guilty in October 2018.
The FBI conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
For more information about DOJ’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to DOJ hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals.
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Kenner Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Garrett Roth, age 26, a resident of Kenner, pleaded guilty Tuesday, February 12, 2019 before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with being an unlawful user/drug addict in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.
Garrett Roth was charged on August 13, 2018 in a one-count bill of information with possessing a Taurus, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol while being an unlawful user of and addicted to heroin. ROTH 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. The sentencing is set for May 21, 2019 at 2 pm.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Three with Operating a Fictitious Immigration Law Firm That Targeted and Defrauded Undocumented Aliens, Family Members, and Other VictimsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced the unsealing of an Indictment dated February 7, 2019, charging ESTEBAN RAMIREZ, III (“RAMIREZ”), age 26, HEATHER TOLSON (“TOLSON”), age 26, JOSE FERNANDEZ MOREL, a/k/a Benny Veintitres, a/k/a Robert McCane, a/k/a Domi (“FERNANDEZ”), age 28, with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and three (3) counts of Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. RAMIREZ and TOLSON are residents of Lorain, OH and FERNANDEZ, formerly a resident of Lorain, OH, now lives in Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic after he was ordered removed from the United States by immigration officials in 2016.
Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud carries a maximum sentence of five (5) years and Wire Fraud carries a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years. Upon release from prison, all defendants also face a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.
According to the Indictment, in the beginning of February 2017, FERNANDEZ devised a scheme to defraud by fraudulently representing himself as an immigration attorney. Specifically, FERNANDEZ and other coconspirators acting at his direction, created the fictitious law firm of “Micheal (sic) Browns Immigration Attorneys” with an address of 4207 Parliament Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303. FERNANDEZ enlisted the assistance of RAMIREZ and TOLSON to receive funds from various individuals who were victims of FERNANDEZ’s scheme. RAMIREZ and TOLSON agreed to wire via Western Union the fraudulently obtained funds they received to FERNANDEZ in the Dominican Republic. Part of their agreement was that FERNANDEZ would split these funds with RAMIREZ and TOLSON.
During the scheme, FERNANDEZ fraudulently represented himself as an attorney named “Robert McCane” and FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON represented themselves as employees with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm. According to the Indictment, FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON represented to Individual A’s family members that “McCane” was an attorney associated with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm located in Alexandria, LA which also had offices in New York and Ohio. The Indictment alleges that FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON utilized various email accounts to communicate with Individual A’s family members in an effort to promote the scheme. For example, FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON created a “Legal Services Agreement” that was emailed to Individual A’s family members which referenced a $4,980.00 fee and a $980.00 initial deposit for “attorney’s fees and cost incurred by clients.” FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON obtained money from Individual A’s family members under the guise of collecting a retainer to provide legal services for Individual A and under the pretense of posting a bond to secure the release of Individual A from immigration custody.
The Indictment details how TOLSON opened a bank account at a Chase Bank branch in Lorain, OH in order to receive fraudulently obtained payments from Individual A’s family members and how FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON utilized various Chase Bank locations in Lorain, OH and Western Union agent branches to conduct cash transactions to withdraw payments from Individual A’s family members. Further, the Indictment describes how RAMIREZ and TOLSON utilized Western Union locations to wire fraudulently obtained payments to FERNANDEZ in the Dominican Republic. The Indictment also alleges that FERNANDEZ, RAMIREZ, and TOLSON falsely represented themselves as employees of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
On February 11, 2019, Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) arrested TOLSON and RAMIREZ in Ohio. On February 11, 2019, TOLSON and RAMIREZ appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Ohio who released TOLSON on a $10,000 bond and with the condition that she appear in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 25, 2019. RAMIREZ was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 13, 2019, in federal court in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and HSI are working with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State to extradite FERNANDEZ from the Dominican Republic.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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Bookkeeper Pleads Guilty to Failing to Declare More Than $700,000 in Stolen Money on Tax Return. Admits to Stealing over Five Million from New Orleans Law Firm and Real Estate CompanyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that PEGGY NAGELE, age 65 of Thibodeaux, Louisiana pleaded guilty January 24, 2019 to a one count bill of information, charging her with violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206, making false statements on an income tax return.
The bill of information, filed in November 2018, charged NAGELE with failing to declare on her 2011 Federal tax form 1040 more than $727,847.80 in funds she had stolen. NAGELE was employed as a bookkeeper with Law Firm A, a New Orleans law firm. In documents filed in open court in connection with her guilty plea. NAGELE admitted to theft of $5,083,601 from Firm “A” and Business “A”, a real estate management company. She admitted to failing to declare $727,847 in illicit income on her 2011 federal income tax return, as charged in the Bill of Information.
NAGELE further admitted to having unfettered access to both entities checkbooks and financial assets. She wrote checks to herself from operating accounts at Firm “A”. She disguised her thefts by making the checks payable to routine vendors, or simply did not record the checks in the check register. The checks were then deposited into either Mortgage Lending Group, a business NAGELE and her family controlled or Nagele Corporation, another business controlled by the defendant.
The maximum penalty NAGELE faces is 3 years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, the cost of the investigation, as well as restitution to the IRS. NAGELE is set for sentencing May 2, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division for their thorough investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.
Jefferson Parish Building Inspector Charged with Using Facility of Interstate Commerce to Promote Illegal ActivityRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALTON MCCLINTON, age 54, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged yesterday in 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 the bill of information, between at least January 2014, and August 18, 2017, MCCLINTON, a building inspector for the Jefferson Parish (Louisiana) Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement, used the Internet to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of an unlawful activity, that is, public bribery, in violation of Title 14, Louisiana Revised Statutes, Section 118, and thereafter performed and attempted to perform an act to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of such unlawful activity. Specifically, MCCLINTON, solicited and accepted bribe money from individuals seeking inspection reports in exchange for issuing either (1) a report reflecting that no zoning violation had occurred when, in fact, one had occurred or (2) an inspection report reflecting that MCCLINTON had inspected a particular building and that the building complied with parish building code regulations MCCLINTON when, in fact, MCCLINTON had not actually inspected the building.
If convicted, 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.
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 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.
North Shore Pastor Sentenced for Fraudulently Obtaining over $200,000 in Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that OTHO SCHILLING (“SCHILLING”), age 59, of Mt. Hermon, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $202,632.00 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to court records, SCHILLING, while he was the pastor of a church in Bush, LA beginning in 2005 up until 2016, required the church to pay his personal expenses, such as his health and car insurance premiums, car payments, and personal land note in lieu of the church paying him a salary directly. During this period, SCHILLING was receiving Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (“RSDI”) from the Social Security Administration in the amount of $1,728 a month. SCHILLING concealed both his earnings and employment from the Social Security Administration. Accordingly, SCHILLING fraudulently received over $200,000 in RSDI benefits he was not entitled to due to his employment with the church.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.
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New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking in $193,980 worth of Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MAHER SALIM, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jay A. Zainey after previously being charged with trafficking in counterfeit goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2320(a)(1).
According to court documents, SALIM owned and operated BRANDS 4 LESS, a business located at 4200 Washington Avenue, Unit A, in New Orleans. On about November 9, 2016, agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) conducted a cargo inspection of a suspicious package addressed to SALIM at the DHL Express facility in Kenner, Louisiana. The package contained 32 pairs of Nike shoes that were determined to be counterfeit. Thereafter, a Nike representative entered BRANDS 4 LESS during its business hours and purchased another pair of counterfeit Nike shoes. Based on this information, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant on BRANDS 4 LESS on January 19, 2017. During the search, agents seized numerous counterfeit goods SALIM was selling that bore the false marks of makers of clothing and luxury goods, including True Religion, Rock Revival, Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Polo, Timberland, New Era, Nike, Adidas, Dolce & Gabbana, Mitchell & Ness, and North Face. The collective fair market value of all the items was approximately $193,980.
SALIM faces a maximum term of ten (10) years in prison, a fine of up to $2,000,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for May 14, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Northshore Mortgage Broker Sentenced to Making False Statements to the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES BRIANT, age 68, a resident of Covington, Louisiana and mortgage broker and senior loan officer at Alpha Mortgage, LLC was sentenced Thursday, February 7, 2019 to three years probation for making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to obtain Social Security Disability Payments. BRIANT was also ordered to pay approximately $134,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
According to court documents, from on or about June 10, 2010, the defendant, BRIANT, applied for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a department and agency of the United States, for a back disorder and heart disease. Thereafter, in December of 2011, he began receiving monthly disability benefits of approximately $2,370, based on the representation that he was unable to work. During the time he received disability payments, the defendant, BRIANT, had an obligation to report any income he made to the SSA.
At a time unknown, but prior to September 2012, the defendant, BRIANT, began working as a loan officer and mortgage broker at Alpha Mortgage, L.L.C, earning a salary. He worked there through in or around June 2017 and never reported to the SSA that he was working or earned any income. On or about December 15, 2015, BRIANT completed a Social Security Disability form specifically, an SSA-Form 795, “Statement of Claimant” and submitted it to the SSA. In this statement, he signed and certified, under penalty of perjury that he had not worked since 2011, knowing full well that this statement was materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent.
U.S. Attorney Strasser commended special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan Lieberman, who is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Narcotics ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS–U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MARVIN ARMSTRONG, age 32, of New Orleans, was sentenced for heroin charges.
According to court documents, ARMSTRONG conspired with others to distribute between 100 and 400 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, and distributed approximately 7 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ARMSTRONG to 68 months incarceration, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. ARMSTRONG was also ordered to pay a $100.000 special assessment.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne.
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Federal Court Bars Louisiana Tax Return Preparer from Preparing Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A federal court in New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a permanent injunction judgment against Adrienne Robinson Thomas, doing business as AT Tax Services, barring her from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced today.
In its order, the court noted that the government’s complaint alleged that Thomas prepared fraudulent tax returns for her customers and filed false tax returns using taxpayers’ identifying information without their knowledge or authorization.
As stated in the court’s order, the government’s complaint also alleged that Thomas unlawfully prepared federal tax returns that lowered her customers’ federal tax liabilities by claiming bogus earned income tax credits, bogus child tax credits, false education credits, and fabricated household employee income and withholdings.
In addition, the order recites the government’s allegations that Thomas prepared fraudulent returns for taxpayers without the knowledge of those taxpayers, via identity theft.
Return preparer fraud was one of the IRS’s Dirty Dozen Tax Scams for 2018 and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has some tips on their website for choosing a return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers.
In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.
Honduran National Charged with Misuse of a Social Security Number and Illegal Re-Entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced yesterday that ORLIN DANERI SUAZO-SUAZO, age 29, was charged in a two-count indictment for misuse of a Social Security number and reentry of deported alien, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B) and 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), respectively.
According to the indictment, ORLIN DANERI SUAZO-SUAZO (“Suazo”), used a Social Security number that did not belong to him to illegally obtain a Louisiana’s Driver’s License. The indictment also indicated Suazo reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 3, 2006.
If convicted, SUAZO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, 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 National Charged with Illegal Re-Entry of a Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced yesterday that EDWIN RAMON HERNANDEZ-ELVIR, age 39, was charged in a one-count indictment for reentry of deported alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a).
According to the indictment, EDWIN RAMON HERNANDEZ-ELVIR reentered the United States after he was previously deported on January 2, 2003.
If convicted, EDWIN RAMON HERNANDEZ-ELVIR 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 Irene Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PHILLIP GUIDRY, age 49, of Loranger, Louisiana, yesterday pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe.
According to court documents, a March 2, 2018 search of GUIDRY’s home revealed that he possessed five (5) firearms, including shotguns and pistols. GUIDRY faces a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman.
Mexican Man Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ISRRAEL ROCHA-BARRON, age 30, a native of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced ROCHA-BARRON to time served (2 months of imprisonment), followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on November 29, 2018, ROCHA-BARRON was found in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States on November 14, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Metairie Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a 14-Year-Old FemaleRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PASCAL CALOGERO, III, age 59, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to the one-count bill of information pending against CALOGERO, which charged him with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1594(c).
According to court documents, between at least May 9, 2017, and June 5, 2017, CALOGERO conspired with others to traffic a fourteen-year-old girl from Metairie, Louisiana. Specifically, J.B. met the victim on May 9, 2017 and recruited her to work for him as a prostitute. She worked for J.B. from about May 9 through about May 23. J.B. required her to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from prostitution to him. J.B. then created advertisements on online classified advertisement services commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which J.B. received telephone calls and text messages inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution dates with the victim. J.B. scheduled the time, location, and other logistics of prostitution dates with the victim.
Between May 16, 2017 and May 22, 2017, J.B. transmitted sexually explicit photographs of the victim to CALOGERO via email and text message for the purpose of offering and encouraging CALOGERO to arrange a prostitution date with the victim. CALOGERO engaged in prostitution dates with the victim on at least four separate days, paying less than $120 per occasion. In addition to engaging in prostitution dates with the victim, CALOGERO occasionally drove her to prostitution dates with other individuals. On numerous occasions, CALOGERO also attempted to facilitate the prostitution of the victim to multiple adult men by, among other things, transmitting sexually explicit pictures of her to them negotiating prices and arranging the times and locations of the prostitution dates, and providing his personal residence as the location of a prostitution date he arranged for the victim with an adult male. CALOGERO successfully brokered prostitution dates with the victim on at least three occasions.
CALOGERO faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, between 5 years and a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 5, 2019, at 9:30 am.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, and specifically the FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police, with the assistance of the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Misappropriation of Postal FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday that JACQUELINE M. BATISTE a/k/a Jacqueline Batiste Francois, age 48, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711.
According to documents filed in federal court, BATISTE was employed by the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) as a City Letter Carrier/Supervisor working in the New Orleans Bywater Station (“Bywater”) Post Office. One of BATISTE’s responsibilities was to prepare and dispatch the Bywater Station’s daily remittances for deposit with the New Orleans Process and Delivery Center Registry Section (“PDCRS”).
The case against BATISTE began when the PDCRS contacted the USPS Office of Inspector General (“OIG”) because the Bywater Post Office failed to submit remittances. The USPS OIG’s investigation revealed that Bywater employees gave deposit money to BATISTE for remittance to the Registry Section.
On March 29, 2018, Batiste agreed to meet with special agents of the USPS OIG. BATISTE was advised of her Miranda rights and was told that the agents wanted to discuss financial issues in the Bywater Post Office. BATISTE told the agents that she had a gambling issue and liked to play the slot machines at Boomtown Casino. BATISTE said, on the date in question, she notified a fellow postal employee that she was going to place the deposit money in the safe. Special agents asked BATISTE if that happened and BATISTE replied, “No, I had the urge.” BATISTE admitted to taking the deposit money for March 10, 2018 and going to Boomtown. Special agents asked BATISTE if it was safe to say the missing $1,214.00 was now at Boomtown and she replied “Yes sir.” According to BATISTE, she had already lost her own money at Boomtown on Saturday before losing the rest of the money she had taken from the USPS.
BATISTE faces a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment followed by up to one year of supervised release, a $100,000.00 fine, and a mandatory $25.00 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the United States Postal Service. 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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Avondale Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security FundsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JERRY CAMPBELL (“CAMPBELL”), age 60, of Avondale, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to documents filed in federal court, CAMPBELL’s sister was authorized to receive Social Security Administration (“SSA”) Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) disability benefits up until her death which occurred on November 8, 2013. An investigation by special agents with the SSA Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police revealed CAMPBELL was in possession of his late sister’s Chase Bank ATM card and began withdrawing money from her account after her death. CAMPBELL admitted to federal authorities on January 22, 2018, that he used his late sister’s ATM card to pay for his own personal expenses knowing he was not entitled to her Social Security benefits. CAMPBELL failed to notify the SSA of his sister’s death and took approximately $32,836.00 in SSI benefits from her account.
CAMPBELL faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2019.
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police. 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 Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to a Financial InstitutionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JARED CASTELLAW, age 34, of New Orleans, and a former employee of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on January 30, 2019 to a Bill of Information charging him 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, CASTELLAW, along with co-defendants PATRICK HEALEY 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 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.
CASTELLAW 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 May 15, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
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 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.
Men Charged with Violations of Federal Gun Control Act, Federal Narcotics Laws, and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 22, of New Orleans, and DERRICK GROVES, age 21, of New Orleans, were charged in a eight-count superseding indictment on January 31, 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 20 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three 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 and DERRICK GROVES each with separate counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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. 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.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force, 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.
Laplace Woman Charged with Stealing Federal Student Aid Funds and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDRA GRAVES, age 31, was charged on January 31, 2019 in a two-count bill of information 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 valued at approximately $200,000 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.
If convicted, GRAVES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of $250,000 as to Count 1 and 15 years in prison 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.
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 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Indiana Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that DANIEL J. KUESPERT, age 30, of LaPorte County, Indiana, was charged Thursday 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, KUESPERT faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. Following release from prison, KUESPERT also faces a period 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 Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Restaurant and Owner Charged with 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 46, a native of Thailand, were charged Monday, January 28, 2019 in a two-count bill of information with 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 the bill of information, in the past six months, THAI THAI, LLC. d/b/a Sticky Rice Thai Cuisine, through owner SOMPHON CHIWABANDIT, harbored and employed two illegal aliens at his restaurant.
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. CHIWABANDIT faces up to 6 months of imprisonment, and/or a fine of $5,000, and a special assessment fee of $10, as he is charged with a misdemeanour.
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 Homeland Security Investigations 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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Honduran Man Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced thatCARLOS PAIZ-CARDENAS, age 29, a native of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced PAIZ-CARDENAS to time served (5 months of imprisonment), followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on August 21, 2018, PAIZ-CARDENAS was found in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States on June 14, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
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Deltoine Scott Sentenced to 200 Months 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 DELTOINE SCOTT, age 25, of New Orleans, to 200 months in federal prison for his role 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.
As part of a plea, SCOTT admitted to conspiring with JEROME KIEFFER and ARMSTEAD KIEFFER, who are father and son, to commit 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. SCOTT testified against the KIEFFERs during an October 2018 trial, admitting his role and identifying JEROME KIEFFER as the other gunman in both robberies and ARMSTEAD KIEFFER as the lookout in the 2017 attempted robbery that resulted in McBride’s death. Both of the KIEFFERs were convicted on all counts at trial and face a mandatory life sentence.
SCOTT will served 200 months, to be followed by three years of supervised release after his incarceration. SCOTT was also ordered to pay in restitution the $160,000 that was stolen during the 2015 robbery, for which the KIEFFERs will be jointly and severely liable.
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 were in charge of the prosecution.
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Mississippi Couple Charged with 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 35, were charged on January 22, 2019, with 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.
As alleged in the bill of information, the defendants paid kickbacks to TRICARE beneficiaries to induce them to obtain compounded medications, costing TRICARE a total of approximately $9 million. According to the bill of information, the defendants received a total of about $1.7 million in kickbacks for referring the beneficiaries. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years’ imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the 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.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GABRIEL CARRETO-SANCHEZ, age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 19, 2018 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of cocaine.
United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CARRETO-SANCHEZ to 50 months of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment fee.
CARRETO-SANCHEZ traveled from New Orleans to Houston, Texas to receive approximately one kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride from a supplier. Subsequently, as he was returning to New Orleans, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a stop of his vehicle and seized the kilogram of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.
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