Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Defendant Sentenced Today for Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMIRON BARNES, a/k/a “Miron,” a/k/a “Myron,” age 22, was sentenced today to 60 months imprisonment for one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier additionally sentenced BARNES to five years supervised release following his 60-month term of imprisonment and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the continued coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities, including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera is in charge of the prosecution.
Defendant Sentenced Today for Firearm and Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SEAN BRIGGS, a/k/a “Big Sean,” a/k/a “Big C,”, age 33, was sentenced today to 60 months imprisonment for one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier additionally sentenced BRIGGS to five years supervised release following his 60-month term of imprisonment and a $100.00 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the continued coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities, including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera is in charge of the prosecution.
Chalmette Woman Charged with Stealing over Two Million Dollars from Her EmployerRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JENNIFER GUILLOT (GUILLOT), age 40, of Chalmette, Louisiana was charged on Monday, July 9, 2018 by a Bill of Information for Bank Larceny, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b).
According to the Bill of Information, GUILLOTT began working at a local business, located in the Eastern District of Louisiana, in 1996 as a secretary/bookkeeper. Sometime after she started working there GUILLOT and her husband began having financial difficulties. GUILLOT, through three separate and distinct schemes stole money from the accounts of the victim in the custody of Hibernia National Bank, now Capital One Bank. The accounts of Hibernia National Bank were then insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (F.D.I.C.), thus giving the federal jurisdiction.
GUILLOT defrauded the company by writing company checks to herself without the permission of the victim. The loss to the victim through GUILLOT’s first scheme was $563,927.26.
GUILLOT stole money in a second scheme by writing company checks to her credit card companies for personal expenses without the company’s permission. The loss to victim through this scheme was $866,077.10.
GUILLOT stole money in a third scheme by logging on to the victim company’s Automated Clearinghouse Account (ACH) electronically and without the victim company’s permission and paying personal credit bills. The loss to the victim through this scheme was $640,668.85.
When bank statements would arrive in the mail, GUILLOT would “white out” any entities which showed she stole money. She made copies of the altered statements. She would shred the originals and cancelled checks. GUILLOT would further conceal her schemes by falsely showing payments made to herself to appear as payments to vendors of the victim.
The grand total of GUILLOT’s schemes is $2,070,673.21.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, GUILLOT faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment, as well as restitution to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Carter K. D. Guice, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PETER GIANDALONE, age 43, of New Orleans pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. GIANDALONE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for GIANDALONE on October 11, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Former Delgado Community College Financial Aid Officer Charged with Solicitation and Receipt of BribesRead the Press Release
DAVIN D. THOMAS (“THOMAS”), age 32, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was charged July 5, 2018 in a one-count Superseding Bill of Information with soliciting money from students in exchange for awarding students financial aid, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to the Bill of Information, THOMAS was employed as a Financial Aid Assistant Director at Delgado Community College ("DCC"). THOMAS was responsible for the verification of student financial aid applications and for identifying the students who were eligible for financial aid funds. From April 2014 through August 2016, THOMAS solicited funds in the amount of $6,700 from three DCC students in exchange for awarding the students financial aid.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, THOMAS faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Julia K. Evans.
New Orleans Woman Charged with Identity Theft and Attempted FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEYIRA GABLE, age 31, a resident of New Orleans, was charged today by a federal grand jury with attempted access device fraud and aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, GABLE faces the following penalties. If convicted of attempted access device fraud, she faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2). If convicted of aggravated identity theft, she would receive a mandatory two-year prison sentence consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service New Orleans Field Office and the Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Evans thanked the District Attorney’s Office for the 22nd Judicial District for its assistance in this prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
Arizona Man Indicted After Traveling from Arizona to New Orleans on Amtrak Train with HeroinRead the Press Release
ADRIAN F. DANIEL, 24, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, was indicted on the charge of possession with intent distribute one kilogram or more of heroin announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, a detective of the Amtrak Police Department reviewed the manifests for incoming passengers to the Amtrak Station in New Orleans and noticed DANIEL’S train travel patterns. Specifically, the detective noticed that beginning in January 2018, DANIEL made multiple train trips from Tucson, Arizona to New Orleans. The trips were paid for in cash and were usually booked the day before DANIEL’S departure from Tucson. Also, DANIEL used a different telephone number each time he booked a reservation.
When the train arrived at the station, the detective approached DANIEL and asked to speak to him. DANIEL agreed to speak and became noticeably nervous. When questioned about his prior train trips, DANIEL lied about the frequency of the trips further arousing suspicions.
The detective asked to search DANIEL’S bags and DANIEL consented. Among DANIEL’S belongings were bags containing approximately 2.6 kilograms of heroin.
DANIEL faces a minimum of ten years’ imprisonment, a maximum term of life imprisonment, and a fine of $10,000,000.00.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Amtrak Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.
New Orleans Men Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ELTON WELLS, age 39, and JUSTIN CRAFT, age 29, of New Orleans, were sentenced today after pleading guilty to several drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin. CRAFT also pled guilty to firearms offenses, including felon in possession of a firearm and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. WELLS was sentenced to 120 months incarceration and eight years supervised release. CRAFT was sentenced to 180 months incarceration and eight years supervised release.
According to court documents, In March of 2017, members of the NOPD/HIDTA Task Force received information from a source of information that three individuals, including WELLS and CRAFT, were heroin distributors in the area of Mandeville Street and Derbigny Street in New Orleans. Based on that information, officers conducted surveillance in that area.
On April 5, 2017, surveillance officers in the area of Mandeville and Derbigny Streets observed WELLS conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction and return to his vehicle. Officers arrested WELLS and seized a quantity of heroin from WELLS.
On April 11, 2017, officers conducted surveillance in the same area and observed CRAFT conduct a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction with an individual. Officers arrested the individual and seized heroin that he purchased from CRAFT. A second individual who was also arrested after purchasing heroin in the area, informed officers that he regularly called one telephone that was shared by CRAFT, WELLS and another individual, and that any one of them would sell him an ounce of heroin.
Officers and DEA Special Agents obtained a search warrant for CRAFT’S residence at 14070 Wales Street in New Orleans. During the search, officers and agents seized 4.9 grams of heroin and several firearms, including two semi-automatic rifles, a semi-automatic pistol, and a shotgun.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney André Jones was in charge of the prosecution.
National Healthcare Fraud Takedown Results in Charges Against 590+ Individuals Responsible for $2+ Billion in Fraud LossesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III, announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, involving 590+ charged defendants across 56 federal districts, including 150+ doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving approximately $2 billion in false billings. Of those charged, over 150 defendants, including doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics. Twenty-nine state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests. In addition, HHS announced today that from June 2017 to the present, 587 providers have been served with exclusion notices for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse.
Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Azar were joined in the announcement by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Deputy Director David L. Bowdich of the FBI, Assistant Administrator John Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson of the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Deputy Chief Eric Hylton of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Director Alec Alexander of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Program Integrity and Director Dermot F. O’Reilly of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) partners, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, IRS-CI, Department of Labor, other various federal law enforcement agencies, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
The charges announced today aggressively target schemes billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families), and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary prescription drugs and compounded medications that often were never even purchased and/or distributed to beneficiaries. The charges also involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department. According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.
“Health care fraud is a betrayal of vulnerable patients, and often it is theft from the taxpayer,” said Attorney General Sessions. “In many cases, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists take advantage of people suffering from drug addiction in order to line their pockets. These are despicable crimes. That’s why this Department of Justice has taken historic new steps to go after fraudsters, including hiring more prosecutors and leveraging the power of data analytics. Today the Department of Justice is announcing the largest health care fraud enforcement action in American history. This is the most fraud, the most defendants, and the most doctors ever charged in a single operation—and we have evidence that our ongoing work has stopped or prevented billions of dollars’ worth of fraud. I want to thank our fabulous partners with the FBI, DEA, our Health Care Fraud task forces, HHS, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Medicare, and especially the more than 1,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers from across America who made this possible. By every measure we are more effective at finding and prosecuting medical fraud than ever.”
“Every dollar recovered in this year’s operation represents not just a taxpayer’s hard-earned money—it’s a dollar that can go toward providing healthcare for Americans in need,” said HHS Secretary Azar. “This year’s Takedown Day is a significant accomplishment for the American people, and every public servant involved should be proud of their work.”
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private insurance companies for treatments that were medically unnecessary and often never provided. In many cases, patient recruiters, beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were allegedly paid cash kickbacks in return for supplying beneficiary information to providers, so that the providers could then submit fraudulent bills to Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary or never performed. Collectively, the doctors, nurses, licensed medical professionals, health care company owners and others charged are accused of submitting a total of over $2 billion in fraudulent billings. The number of medical professionals charged is particularly significant, because virtually every health care fraud scheme requires a corrupt medical professional to be involved in order for Medicare or Medicaid to pay the fraudulent claims. Aggressively pursuing corrupt medical professionals not only has a deterrent effect on other medical professionals, but also ensures that their licenses can no longer be used to bilk the system.
Cases within the Eastern District of Louisiana include:
United States v. Luis Cabrera, Jr., et al. (E.D. La) (Opioids): On June 22, 2018, Luis R. Cabrera, Jr., Victoria J. Skeldon, Bennie R. Harris, Jesse J. Wildenfils, Stephanie N. Free, Jarrod A. Doubleday, John A. Doubleday, Whitney J. Swan, III, Stephanie M. Faciane, and Cynthia B. Foret, were charged in a twelve-count indictment related to their roles in violating the Controlled Substances Act. Cabrera, Jr., Skedon, Harris, Wildenfils, Free, Jarrod Doubleday, John Doubleday, Swan, III, and Faciane were charged with a dual-object conspiracy to acquire and obtain oxycodone by fraud and to possess oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Cabrera, Jr., and Skeldon were each charged with one count of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Harris, Wildenfils, Free, Jarrod Doubleday, John Doubleday, Swan, III, and Faciane were each charged with one count of obtaining oxycodone through fraud. Cabrera, Jr. and Foret were charged with a dual-object conspiracy to acquire and possess oxycodone through fraud and to possess oxycodone with the intent to distribute. Cabrera, Jr. and Foret were also charged with one count of possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
The charges stem from the defendant’s involvement in a prescription drug ring in the greater New Orleans area where the defendants used stolen fraudulent prescriptions to obtain and sell oxycodone pills. U.S. Attorney Evans praised the investigative work by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, HHS-OIG, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case is being handled by DOJ Trial Attorney Jared Hasten and Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier (AUSA).
United States v. Wayne Jerome Celestine (E.D. La) (Opioids): On June 27, 2018, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment against Wayne Jerome Celestine, age 57, a physician who practices in Gretna, Louisiana and resides in the New Orleans area. The superseding indictment contained the original charge of distribution of controlled substances, plus a money laundering charge involving approximately $1.6 million.
On Monday, April 30, 2018, Dr. Celestine was arrested. According to court records, Dr. Celestine illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including oxycodone, oxycodone/acetaminophen, oxycontin HCL, oxymorphone HCL, hydromorphone, opana, fentanyl, suboxone, and morphine sulfate, a Schedule II drug controlled substances; hydrocodone/acetaminophen, a Schedule III drug controlled substance until October 6, 2014, thereafter, a Schedule II drug controlled substance; and alprazolam, diazepam, and carisoprodol, Schedule IV drug controlled substances.
Celestine made his initial appearance on the original indictment before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Daniel E. Knowles, III, on Monday, April 30, 2018. A detention hearing was held on May 1, 2018, and he was detained.
If convicted of the original charge (Count 1), Celestine will face a maximum of not more than 20 years in prison on the drug conspiracy charge, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. Celestine will also be subject to a fine of not more than one million dollars and a minimum term of supervised release of three years, following any term of imprisonment.
If convicted on the new additional charge (Count 2), Celestine faces not more than 20 years in prison, a $500,000 fine or twice the value of property involved, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Harahan Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney John F. Murphy is in charge of the prosecution.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in nine locations nationwide. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,700 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Loranger Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PHILLIP GUIDRY, age 48, a resident of Loranger, was charged today in a one count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to the indictment, PHILLIP GUIDRY possessed on March 2, 2018, two pistols and three shotguns. PHILLIP GUIDRY had previously been convicted in Orleans Parish and in Tangipahoa Parish for state-law felonies.
If convicted, PHILLIP GUIDRY 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.
U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman.
Lafourche Parish Arrest Leads to Federal Grand Jury Indictment of a Prohibited Person Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SAMUEL RAY LUCK, age 40, a resident of Raceland, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
On January 21, 2005, LUCK was convicted in McLean County, Kentucky for a violation of Kentucky Revised Statue (KRS) 508.030, Assault in the Fourth Degree, a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
If convicted, LUCK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by the Strike Force/Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Launder over $1 Million in Bribes and Funds Misappropriated from the Honduran Social Security AgencyRead the Press Release
A Honduran man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to launder into the United States more than $1.3 million in foreign bribe payments and public funds from the Republic of Honduras. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
Carlos Zelaya, 47, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in the New Orleans area, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman of the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sentencing is set for Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m. CT.
According to admissions made as part of the plea agreement, Carlos Zelaya conspired with his brother, the former Executive Director of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, and others to launder over $1.3 million in bribe payments. These bribes were paid by two Honduran businessmen for the benefit of the Executive Director. The funds were then laundered into the New Orleans area through international wire transfers and used to purchase real estate, including for a commercial property. Carlos Zelaya collected and spent the rental income derived from the properties, even after a federal judge ordered him to preserve the funds pending resolution of a federal civil forfeiture suit. During that case, he also made false statements to the U.S. government in written discovery responses and to a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana while testifying under oath. As part of the conspiracy, Carlos Zelaya also used his brother’s high-ranking official position to profit from lucrative Honduran government contracts and then laundered the misappropriated funds into the New Orleans area. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Carlos Zelaya agreed to forfeit those properties.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans and Miami. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen A. Gibbons, Marybeth Grunstra, and Michael B. Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
This case was brought under the Department of Justice’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. These prosecutors partner with federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who engage in and facilitate foreign official corruption which has effects on the U.S. financial system, to forfeit assets purchased with the proceeds of that corruption, and, where appropriate, to repatriate the recovered funds for the benefit of the people of the country harmed by such abuse of public office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in, or laundered through, the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Launder over $1 Million in Bribes and Funds Misappropriated from the Honduran Social Security AgencyRead the Press Release
A Honduran man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to launder into the United States more than $1.3 million in foreign bribe payments and public funds from the Republic of Honduras. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Deputy Director Thomas D. Homan of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) made the announcement.
Carlos Zelaya, 47, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in the New Orleans area, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman of the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Sentencing is set for Oct. 3 at 1:30 p.m. CT.
According to admissions made as part of the plea agreement, Carlos Zelaya conspired with his brother, the former Executive Director of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, and others to launder over $1.3 million in bribe payments. These bribes were paid by two Honduran businessmen for the benefit of the Executive Director. The funds were then laundered into the New Orleans area through international wire transfers and used to purchase real estate, including for a commercial property. Carlos Zelaya collected and spent the rental income derived from the properties, even after a federal judge ordered him to preserve the funds pending resolution of a federal civil forfeiture suit. During that case, he also made false statements to the U.S. government in written discovery responses and to a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana while testifying under oath. As part of the conspiracy, Carlos Zelaya also used his brother’s high-ranking official position to profit from lucrative Honduran government contracts and then laundered the misappropriated funds into the New Orleans area. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Carlos Zelaya agreed to forfeit those properties.
The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans and Miami. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen A. Gibbons, Marybeth Grunstra, and Michael B. Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
This case was brought under the Department of Justice’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. These prosecutors partner with federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who engage in and facilitate foreign official corruption which has effects on the U.S. financial system, to forfeit assets purchased with the proceeds of that corruption, and, where appropriate, to repatriate the recovered funds for the benefit of the people of the country harmed by such abuse of public office. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in, or laundered through, the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected].
Dallas Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL LEVERIDGE, age 45, of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. For this offense, LEVERIDGE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000 and at least five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for LEVERIDGE on September 27, 2018.
According to court documents, in 2014, during the New Orleans Decadence Festival, LEVERIDGE traveled to New Orleans with approximately 21 ounces (over one-half kilogram) of a mixture containing methamphetamine. LEVERIDGE intended to resell the methamphetamine in the New Orleans area. Agents recovered the 21 ounces of methamphetamine, along with other contraband, during a search warrant of LEVERIDGE’s room at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in the French Quarter over Decadence Festival weekend.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney’s Holds Seminar Focusing on Medication Assisted Treatment and the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana organized and hosted a seminar for local sheriffs and drug-court judges on the availability of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as means to combat the crisis of opioid addiction in local prison populations and the larger community. “It is well beyond reasonable dispute that opioid proliferation and addiction are at crisis levels both locally and nationwide,” U.S. Attorney Evans stated. He continued: “Combating this crisis with all available resources is a top DOJ priority.”
Representatives of six parishes in the Eastern District of Louisiana attended the June 27th seminar, which opened with a keynote address from Dr. John Morrison, Medical Director for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. AUSA David Howard Sinkman, the U.S. Attorney’s civil-rights coordinator, next provided an overview of the interaction between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the use of MAT in correctional facilities, specialty courts, and other public entities. A panel discussion on the practical aspects of MAT use in prison populations featured testimonials from national experts Dr. Josiah Rich, a professor from Brown University, Dr. Jonathan Giftos, the Clinical Director of Substance Use Treatment at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility in New York, and officials from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons.
A panel of state officials next addressed the use of MAT locally. Featured state officials included: Dr. Janice Petersen from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Gary Young and Tracy Falgout from the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, and Kerry Lentini, the Director of the Louisiana Drug Court Program. A final address from Ms. Tara Kunkel, Senior Drug Policy Advisor from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, highlighted potential grant and funding opportunities available to local providers to institute MAT programs in their respective facilities and courts. An open question-and-answer session concluded the event.
U.S. Attorney Evans commented on the interest in the seminar:
A collaborative, multi-faceted approach is necessary to attack opioid addiction from both supply and demand angles. We set an ambitious agenda to cover medical, legal, practical, and financial aspects of MAT in prisons, but found receptive local partners ready to implement new ideas and strategies.
The United States Attorney’s Office anticipates holding future meetings and possibly implementing a working group to further pursue this initiative. Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Sharon Smith organized the event.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant AnnouncementRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the availability of approximately $133,879 in Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) funds for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is seeking applications for funding under the Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program, also known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN furthers the Department’s mission and violent crime strategy by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to reduce violent crime, which includes, firearm crimes and criminal gang violence.
Applicants must register in the OJP Grants Management System (GMS) prior to submitting an application. The GMS website is https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov. All registrations and applications are due by 11:59 pm EST on July 19, 2018.
The FY 2018 PSN Grant Announcement, OMB No. 1121-0329, can be referenced at www.bja.gov/funding/PSNFormula18.pdf. Please visit www.bja.gov/programs/psn for more information on the PSN solicitation.
Man Sentenced to Gun Charge, Drug Conspiracy, and Possession with Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN SAM, age 43, of New Orleans, was sentenced today, by the Honorable Susie Morgan, United States District Court Judge, to a 105 month term of imprisonment, to be followed a three year period of supervised release. On March 19, 2018, SAM plead guilty to a Superseding Bill of Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, SAM was the target of a narcotics investigation that was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Members of the FBI received information that SAM was selling heroin from his residence, located in the 1300 block of Reyes Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Agents obtained a search warrant of SAM’s residence and located multiple bags of heroin that were packaged for sale. A pistol was also located inside of the residence. SAM, a convicted felon, is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. At the time of his arrest, agents, while conducting a pat down of SAM, located additional individually wrapped bags of heroin inside of SAM’s clothing.
In August of 2017, SAM was sentenced to serve 120 month term of imprisonment for his role in a drug conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas (Beaumont Division). The sentence imposed today will run concurrent with the Texas sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Assumption Parish Man Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that U. S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced TOMMY WAYNE THOMPSON, age 32, of Labadieville, Louisiana, to 85-months imprisonment and four years of supervised release after THOMPSON pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”), and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, between November 2012, and June 2013, Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, using undercover agents and confidential sources, made several purchases of cocaine hydrochloride and crack cocaine from THOMPSON in Labadieville, Louisiana. In May 2013, agents obtained a wiretap of THOMPSON’S telephone and intercepted several telephone calls between THOMPSON and another individual, with whom THOMPSON discussed obtaining and purchasing drugs. On June 6, 2013, agents executed search warrants at THOMPSON’S residence in Napoleonville, Louisiana and a second residence frequented by THOMPSON in Labadieville. In the Napoleonville residence, agents located and seized a Lorcin 9mm handgun in a cabinet in the residence. THOMPSON, who had previously been convicted of a felony, was prohibited from possessing a firearm. In that same residence, agents seized $68,617.00 in cash from a utility room. In the Labadieville residence, agents located and seized $5,500.00 in cash from the top of a refrigerator. In THOMPSON’S vehicle located at the residence, agents found and seized a clear plastic bag containing cocaine hydrochloride.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division. Assistant United States Attorney André Jones was in charge of the prosecution.
Minnesota Man Charged with Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC EDWARD ARMSTRONG, age 31, of Anoka, Minnesota, was charged Friday 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, ARMSTRONG faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. He also would have to be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in this matter. He extended his thanks to the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.
Guatemalan National Charged with Making False Statement on Passport Application and with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RINA PAOLA CONDE GARCIA, age 37, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged Friday in a two-count indictment for false statements made on a passport application, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542, and for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to the indictment, on or about April 6, 2017, CONDE GARCIA, applied for a passport and falsely stated that she was born in Puerto Rico, when in fact she was not. Further, on or about July 24, 2017, CONDE GARCIA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about January 4, 2006.
If convicted, CONDE GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten 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 Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
United States Files Complaint to Stop Louisiana Company and its Owners from Distributing Adulterated FoodRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States filed a civil complaint against Freshy Foods, LLC of Elmwood, Louisiana, its co-owner and Chief Executive Officer Floyd D. James, and its co-owner and President Ida M. James (defendants) to stop them from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food in violation of federal law, the Department of Justice announced today.
According to the complaint, defendants prepare, manufacture, process, pack, label, hold, and distribute refrigerated, ready-to-eat (RTE) food, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit cups, and snack cups. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleges that the RTE food that defendants prepare, manufacture and/or distribute is adulterated in that it has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby the food may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health. The allegations in the complaint apply to RTE food regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Department filed the complaint at the request of the FDA.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that food manufacturers and distributors comply with laws designed to protect consumers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice continues to work actively with the FDA to ensure that consumers are protected from potentially unsafe food.”
The complaint alleges that a July 2017 inspection by FDA of Freshy Foods’ facility established that RTE food that defendants prepare, manufacture and/or distribute is adulterated. Specifically, according to the complaint, FDA found evidence of a resident strain of Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) in the facility. The complaint alleges that in addition to the July 2017 inspection, federal and state government agencies have found L. mono in Freshy Foods’ facility or in defendants’ RTE sandwiches on six separate occasions.
According to the complaint, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) found L. mono in one of defendants’ sandwiches in 2013 and in another of defendants’ sandwiches in 2016. In addition, the complaint alleges that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected Freshy Foods’ facility in June 2017, collected environmental subsamples from the facility, with three subsamples testing positive for L. mono.
The complaint states that FDA compared positive L. mono samples collected by FDA in July 2017, April 2017, and April 2016; by USDA in June 2017; and by FDACS in March 2016 and December 2013. According to the complaint, lab analysis identified a resident strain of L. mono, which has persisted in Freshy Foods’ facility since at least 2013, as well as a second, non-resident strain of L. mono at the facility.
As noted in the complaint, L. mono is one of several bacteria contained within the Listeria species. According to the complaint, L. mono can causes listeriosis, a disease commonly contracted by eating food contaminated with the bacterium. The complaint notes that Listeriosis can be serious, even fatal, for vulnerable groups such as newborns and those with impaired immune systems, and that the most serious forms of listeriosis can result in meningitis and septicemia.
The complaint alleges that defendants violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by causing adulterated food to be introduced into interstate commerce or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce. It also alleges that the defendants further violated the law by causing food to become adulterated while it was being held for sale after the shipment of one or more of its components in interstate commerce.
“Southeast Louisiana is famous for its delicious food and regardless of where it is ultimately consumed, food originating from our District should be safe,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “This complaint furthers the Eastern District of Louisiana’s mission to protect and improve the quality of life for consumers both here and throughout the states where Freshy Foods, LLC’s products are distributed.”
“We have an obligation to make sure that foods are safe for people to consume. The conditions that this company was holding ready-to-eat food in were unacceptable,” said FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Melinda K. Plaisier. “FDA investigators repeatedly found Listeria monocytogenes at Freshy Food’s facility, and the company should stop operations until they can demonstrate to the FDA that their products are safe.”
The government is represented by Trial Attorney Kathryn Schmidt of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Paige O’Hale of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Anna K. Thompson of the FDA, Office of General Counsel, and Department of Health and Human Services.
A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-edla.
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United States Files Complaint to Stop Louisiana Company and its Owners from Distributing Adulterated FoodRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The United States filed a civil complaint against Freshy Foods, LLC of Elmwood, Louisiana, its co-owner and Chief Executive Officer Floyd D. James, and its co-owner and President Ida M. James (defendants) to stop them from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food in violation of federal law, the Department of Justice announced today.
According to the complaint, defendants prepare, manufacture, process, pack, label, hold, and distribute refrigerated, ready-to-eat (RTE) food, including sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit cups, and snack cups. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleges that the RTE food that defendants prepare, manufacture and/or distribute is adulterated in that it has been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby the food may have been contaminated with filth or rendered injurious to health. The allegations in the complaint apply to RTE food regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The Department filed the complaint at the request of the FDA.
“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that food manufacturers and distributors comply with laws designed to protect consumers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice continues to work actively with the FDA to ensure that consumers are protected from potentially unsafe food.”
The complaint alleges that a July 2017 inspection by FDA of Freshy Foods’ facility established that RTE food that defendants prepare, manufacture and/or distribute is adulterated. Specifically, according to the complaint, FDA found evidence of a resident strain of Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono) in the facility. The complaint alleges that in addition to the July 2017 inspection, federal and state government agencies have found L. mono in Freshy Foods’ facility or in defendants’ RTE sandwiches on six separate occasions.
According to the complaint, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) found L. mono in one of defendants’ sandwiches in 2013 and in another of defendants’ sandwiches in 2016. In addition, the complaint alleges that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected Freshy Foods’ facility in June 2017, collected environmental subsamples from the facility, with three subsamples testing positive for L. mono.
The complaint states that FDA compared positive L. mono samples collected by FDA in July 2017, April 2017, and April 2016; by USDA in June 2017; and by FDACS in March 2016 and December 2013. According to the complaint, lab analysis identified a resident strain of L. mono, which has persisted in Freshy Foods’ facility since at least 2013, as well as a second, non-resident strain of L. mono at the facility.
As noted in the complaint, L. mono is one of several bacteria contained within the Listeria species. According to the complaint, L. mono can causes listeriosis, a disease commonly contracted by eating food contaminated with the bacterium. The complaint notes that Listeriosis can be serious, even fatal, for vulnerable groups such as newborns and those with impaired immune systems, and that the most serious forms of listeriosis can result in meningitis and septicemia.
The complaint alleges that defendants violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by causing adulterated food to be introduced into interstate commerce or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce. It also alleges that the defendants further violated the law by causing food to become adulterated while it was being held for sale after the shipment of one or more of its components in interstate commerce.
“Southeast Louisiana is famous for its delicious food and regardless of where it is ultimately consumed, food originating from our District should be safe,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “This complaint furthers the Eastern District of Louisiana’s mission to protect and improve the quality of life for consumers both here and throughout the states where Freshy Foods, LLC’s products are distributed.”
“We have an obligation to make sure that foods are safe for people to consume. The conditions that this company was holding ready-to-eat food in were unacceptable,” said FDA Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Melinda K. Plaisier. “FDA investigators repeatedly found Listeria monocytogenes at Freshy Food’s facility, and the company should stop operations until they can demonstrate to the FDA that their products are safe.”
The government is represented by Trial Attorney Kathryn Schmidt of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Paige O’Hale of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with the assistance of Associate Chief Counsel for Enforcement Anna K. Thompson of the FDA, Office of General Counsel, and Department of Health and Human Services.
A complaint is merely a set of allegations that, if the case were to proceed to trial, the government would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, visit its website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-edla.
Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Embezzlement of Mail MatterRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – YVONNE WILSON, age 37, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to embezzlement of mail matter by a postal service employee, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced WILSON to three (3) years’ probation and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $1,402.99.
According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) received information regarding complaints of theft of mail. After further investigation, it was determined that YVONNE WILSON (WILSON), a U.S. Postal Service City Carrier Assistant during this relevant time period, was the postal service employee who might have been involved in the thefts.
On July 14, 2016, a USPS-OIG agent prepared two decoy letters, one being a first class letter addressed to W.P. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $115.00, and another first class letter addressed to M.H. in Metairie, Louisiana, containing cash in the amount of $100.00. The agent placed them in the mail stream at the Metairie Main Post Office located at 3301 17th Street, Metairie, Louisiana. Both letters were to be handled and delivered by WILSON as the letters were on her assigned route. USPS-OIG agents maintained surveillance of WILSON as she serviced her assigned route. After they determined that WILSON had opened the decoy letters, the agents approached her, identified themselves, and explained why they had approached her. They also observed a plastic Wal-Mart bag in her postal vehicle containing the two open decoy letters. WILSON admitted that she had opened the decoy letters, took the cash from the letters, and placed the $215.00 cash in her wallet.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service- Office of Inspector General, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen.
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Superseding Indictment Returned Against Irvin Mayfield and Ronald Markham for Defrauding New Orleans Public Library FoundationRead the Press Release
IRVIN MAYFIELD, age 40, and RONALD MARKHAM, age 39, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged by a federal grand jury in a 23 count superseding indictment for conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Adding two counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering, the superseding indictment alleges that MAYFIELD and MARKHAM transferred and caused to be transferred $139,793.48 from the New Orleans Public Library Foundation (NOPLF) in addition to the unlawful transfers detailed in the December 14, 2018 indictment and accompanying press release. The superseding indictment further alleges that the NOPLF funds were used for additional New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO) operating expenses, NOJO salary payments for the defendants, expenses related to NOJO’s Gala, $20,000 in payments to a booking agency for a performance in Chicago, Illinois, and $12,793.94 for another stay by MAYFIELD at the Ritz Carlton in New York.
If convicted, the defendants face five years of imprisonment as to Count 1, 20 years of imprisonment as to Counts 2 through 8, ten years of imprisonment as to Counts 9 through 22, and 20 years imprisonment as to Count 23. All counts also carry a possible $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Duane Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Inspector General’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer, Deputy Chief of the Fraud Unit, Brandon Long, and Hayden Brockett.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENZIE FAULK, age 58, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 14 by United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette-Brown to credit for time served, for violating federal gun and drug laws. The United States Attorney’s Office charged KENZIE FAULK with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon and conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute.
According to court documents, on October 16, 2016, FAULK, a convicted felon, attempted to board a Southwest Airlines flight, departing from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, while he was in possession of a fully loaded revolver. TSA personnel located the weapon in a bag that FAULK was attempting to carry aboard the plane, which was destined to Los Angeles. TSA personnel became aware that a gun was inside of the bag when the TSA x-ray scan machine alerted to its presence. TSA agents confiscated the gun prior to FAULK boarding the plane.
In the days following his arrest, members of the FBI learned that FAULK was trafficking marijuana though the U.S. postal service. FBI agents conducted a search of FAULK’s residence and located a wooden crate that had been shipped from Los Angeles to New Orleans. After executing a search warrant, FBI agents located and confiscated three cellophane wrapped packages of high-grade marijuana inside of the crate, which was addressed to FAULK.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the TSA in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RAMIRO MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, age 42, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on June 15, 2018, to time served by U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
In addition to being sentenced to time served, MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ was sentenced to one year of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon was in charge of the prosecution.
Man Sentenced to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL PENN, age 41, of Tickfaw, was sentenced on June 13 by United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan to a term of imprisonment 72 months for violating a federal drug law, conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, PENN was the target of a narcotics investigation that was investigated by members of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hammond Police Department. On five separate occasions, PENN sold heroin to an undercover officer with the Hammond Police Department at various locations within the Hammond area. Each transaction was audio and video recorded.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hammond Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.
Eastside Hollygrove Resident Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DWAYNE LABRANCH, a/k/a “Mondo,” a/k/a “Black,” age 35, of New Orleans, pled guilty on June 18 to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl; one count of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of discharging a firearm in a school zone.
On LABRANCH’s drug conspiracy count, LABRANCH is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, a possible fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least eight years of supervised release upon his release from prison. On the firearm conspiracy count, LABRANCH is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release. On the discharging a firearm in a school zone count, LABRANCH is facing a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $100,000, and not more than one year of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance will sentence LABRANCH on October 3, 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGFT), which led this investigation and was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long, David Haller, and Edward Rivera are in charge of the prosecution.
Third Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft in Card-Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Andre Lion Goncalves Pereira (“PEREIRA”), age 29, a citizen of Brazil, pleaded guilty on June 14 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to aggravated identity theft.
According to the court documents, Pereira and three other Brazilian nationals were arrested by members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force at a hotel in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on August 3, 2017. Federal and state law enforcement officers found the defendants in possession of re-encoded credit cards that contained stolen debit card information from actual customers. These individuals also possessed embossers, encoders, ATM skimmers, false identification, and other contraband. In a coordinated investigation in Oklahoma City, U.S. Secret Service agents arrested another Brazilian national who had been mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy.
Pereira pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A. He faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine or a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss caused by this offense. Judge Vance scheduled the sentencing for September 12. 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the agencies that contributed to this investigation, which was a coordinated effort among federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the New Orleans Police Department. U.S. Attorney Evans thanked the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office and the Midwest City, OK Police Department for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE DECIDERIO ALVARADO-CARDOZA, age 31, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced Thursday, June 14, after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
United States District Judge Sara S. Vance sentenced JOSE DECIDERIO ALVARADO-CARDOZA to six months in prison and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the indictment, on February 26, 2018, ALVARADO-CARDOZA was found to have reentered the United States after he was been previously deported on January 8, 2011.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Lying to FBI about Fraudulent BP Oil Spill ClaimRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JETTY HUI age 44, of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to three (3) years probation, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, on February 28, 2018, JETTY HUI (HUI) pled guilty to a one count Indictment charging him with making false statements to the FBI, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001. HUI was a business owner of Cabinets and Countertops Direct in Lakeview. After the April 20, 2010, Deepwater Horizon explosion, HUI submitted documentation of losses to his business to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust. Those losses were fraudulent and were only submitted to facilitate a refund. On December 2, 2010, HUI received approximately $72,500 in funds. In May 2012, HUI was interviewed by the FBI. He made statements regarding the veracity of his claim for those funds, indicating to the FBI that the losses were real, when in fact they were not.
HUI was also ordered to pay $72,500 in restitution to British Petroleum (BP).
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case was handled by Carter K. D. Guice, Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney, Disaster Fraud Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New Jersey Man Charged with Lacey Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT GLENN HENNESSY, age 65, a resident of Bayonne, New Jersey, was charged in a four count indictment with violating the Lacey Act.
According to the indictment, on four occasions between March 18, 2016 and June 14, 2017, ROBERT GLENN HENNESSY, did knowingly import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, and purchase in interstate commerce Louisiana box turtles having a value in excess of $350.00 knowing that the turtles were taken, possessed, transported, and sold in violation of and in a manner unlawful under Louisiana law. Louisiana law requires that all persons engaged in the sale of native reptiles and amphibians collected in Louisiana must possess a license, and that all persons taking reptiles or amphibians, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the reptile and amphibian industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters be licensed. As regards box turtles, Louisiana law states that no box turtles, box turtle eggs or parts shall be sold, traded or otherwise entered into commerce, and there shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes.
If convicted, ROBERT GLENN HENNESSY faces a maximum penalty per count of not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and three years supervised release after imprisonment.
U. S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans praised the work of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. He also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey for their assistance. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily K. Greenfield and Jon Maestri.
Local Resident Charged with Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that VINCENTIA ROQUES (“ROQUES”), age 40, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in a Bill of Information with Access Device Fraud.
According to documents filed in federal court, ROQUES worked part-time as a bookkeeper and office manager for several businesses located within the Eastern District of Louisiana. As the bookkeeper, ROQUES gained access to passwords and account numbers related to accessing bank accounts associated with each business. ROQUES also obtained direct access to financial account information and identifiers that permitted her to conduct unauthorized financial transactions with the money and credit accounts belonging to her employers.
The maximum penalty for access device fraud is ten years of imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Investigative Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney, Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ, age 31, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk sentenced MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ to six months in jail and ordered him to pay mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Additionally, MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ was also placed on supervised release for one year. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on January 8, 2018, MARVIN OYUELA LOPEZ was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on December 10, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Violations of the Federal Gun Control ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA, age 27, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty yesterday to a two-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the indictment, ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA, an alien illegally present in the United States, possessed of two firearms. ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA is prohibited from possessing any firearm because he is an alien illegally in the United States.
At sentencing, which is currently set for, September 13, 2018, ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Additionally, ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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 ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Ronys Osorto-Osorto, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, was charged today in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, on or about May 31, 2018, Ronys Osorto-Osorto was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about October 8, 2015. If convicted, Ronys Osorto-Osorto 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 Duane A. Evans 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.
Harvey Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK STEPHEN, age 37, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to one count of distributing cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced STEPHEN to a term of imprisonment of 120 months, 8 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.
According to court documents, STEPHEN sold approximately 57.1 grams of cocaine base to a confidential source in exchange for $2,500.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Sentenced in Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ADRIAN ROBLES, JR., age 38, and FRANCISCO RUIZ, age 42, were sentenced yesterday after being charged by an indictment with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to court documents, RUIZ and ROBLES, along with three others, were arrested in November 29, 2016 with fifteen kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride while conducting a drug transaction in the parking lot of a Walmart in Houma, Louisiana.
ROBLES was sentenced to 102 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release. RUIZ was sentenced to 40 months imprisonment and three years supervised release. Three more defendants will be sentenced as part of the same conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Agency, Louisiana State Police, Customs and Border Patrol, Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Haller and James S. C. Baehr are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEITH A. JAMES, age 27, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set JAMES’s sentencing on September 26, 2018.
According to court documents, JAMES was found in possession of a firearm on July 11, 2017, after pleading guilty in 2008 to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of purse snatching in the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans. JAMES faces a maximum prison term of 10 years to be followed by a three year term of supervised release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime-reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Louisiana Probation & Parole. Assistant United States Attorney Michael McMahon is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAROLD McARTHUR, age 33, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier to one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents, On about August 26, 2010, McARTHUR was convicted in 2010 of indecency with a child (sexual contact) in Harris County, Texas. He was sentenced to 6 years with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Department of Corrections and required to register as a sex offender for life.
Since at least 2016, McARTHUR registered as a sex offender in Harris County, Texas, claiming a residential address in Katy, Texas. However, federal and state law enforcement officers determined that McARTHUR actually had been residing in New Orleans, since at least July 2017. McARTHUR was arrested at his residence in New Orleans on April 18, 2018, by members of the U.S. Marshal’s Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force.
McARTHUR faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. He also would have to be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life. Judge Barbier scheduled McARTHUR’s sentencing for September 6, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police in this matter. He extended his thanks to the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.
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Honduran Man Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERTO UMANA-ROSA, age 46, a native of Honduras, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced UMANA-ROSA to time served (11 months) and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on June 13, 2017, UMANA-ROSA was found in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States on October 15, 1998.
U.S. Attorney Evans 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.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FERNANDO PEREZ-YOK, age 26, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a).
According to the bill of information, FERNANDO PEREZ-YOK reentered the United States on or about March 8, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about May 29, 2012.
If convicted, FERNANDO PEREZ-YOK faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for August 2, 2018.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
California Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROT VAN NGUYEN, a/k/a “Minh Dung,” a/k/a “Minh Dung Duong,” age 56, of San Jose, California, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier for failing to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents, NGUYEN was convicted in California in 2009 for lewd or lascivious acts on a child under 14 years of age, a violation of California Penal Code Section 288(a). After his release from prison, NGUYEN was obligated to register as a sex offender for life. In November 2015, while he was on probation, NGUYEN cut off a GPS monitor required by California Parole and absconded from supervision. He remained at large until December 12, 2017, when members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force and Louisiana State Troopers apprehended NGUYEN at a casino in New Orleans. After his arrest, NGUYEN admitted to living in Houma prior to moving to New Orleans, and that he was aware of his obligation to register as a sex offender in Louisiana pursuant to SORNA. He was initially arrested on charges of violating Louisiana state registration laws until the matter was charged in federal court.
In addition to being sentenced to one year and one day in prison, NGUYEN also was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service and the Louisiana State Police in this matter. He extended his thanks to California Division of Parole Operations, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.
Houma Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
ELBERT MOORE, age 36, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today before the Honorable Susie Morgan. MOORE was charged by way of a bill of information with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to the court records, MOORE conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. MOORE admitted to being captured on a Title III wire intercept.
MOORE was sentenced to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons and eight years of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Houma Man Sentenced for Violating the Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
ELBERT MOORE, age 36, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced today before the Honorable Susie Morgan. MOORE was charged by way of a bill of information with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
According to the court records, MOORE conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. MOORE admitted to being captured on a Title III wire intercept.
MOORE was sentenced to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons and eight years of supervised release following his release from prison.
This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Miguel Ortiz-Guevara, age 42, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty today to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, on or about April 16, 2018, Miguel Ortiz-Guevara was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about September 29, 2011.
After accepting his guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced Miguel Ortiz-Guevara to time served, ordered him to serve one year of supervised release, and pay a special assessment of $100. Miguel Ortiz-Guevara will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal Use of a Social Security NumberRead the Press Release
JOSE ALBERTO SANTOS-MONTALVAN, age 42, a citizen of Honduras was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal use of a Social Security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).
According to court documents, SANTOS-MONTALVAN used a social security number that was not assigned to him by the Social Security Administration to register for a safety training course that he was required to complete before he could begin working for a local construction company on various job sites in the local area.
U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced SANTOS-MONTALVAN to a sentence of time served. Following the completion of his sentence, SANTOS-MONTALVAN will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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.
Corpus Christi Man Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Multiple Wire Fraud Counts in Scheme to Defraud Louisiana and Texas Companies and ForfeitureRead the Press Release
A Federal Grand Jury sitting in New Orleans returned an 11-count indictment against MARC JESSE ESTES charging approximately $414,982 in fraud, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
Specifically, ESTES, age 43, Corpus Christi, TX was indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and eleven counts of wire fraud related to his employment with 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 joined 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 resulted in a fraud to Texas Steam and Louisiana Steam of approximately $414,982.
If convicted, ESTES faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count.
U. S. Duane Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan.
Northshore Mortgage Broker Charged with Making False Statements to the Social Security AdministrationRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES BRIANT, age 68, a resident of Covington, Louisiana and mortgage broker and senior loan officer at Alpha Mortgage, LLC was charged today with making false statements to the Social Security Administration in order to obtain Social Security Disability Payments.
According to the Bill of Information, from on or about June 10, 2010, the defendant, JAMES 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, JAMES BRIANT, had an obligation to report any income he made to the SSA.
At a time unknown, but prior to September 2012, the defendant, JAMES 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 and submitted it to the SSA, an SSA-Form 795, “Statement of Claimant.” 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 Duane A. Evans stated that a Bill of Information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.
Nine Foreign Nationals Indicted for Conspiracy to Import Approximately 3,400 Kilograms of Cocaine into the United States and to Violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the return of a two-count superseding indictment charging two Columbians, JHONNY RODRIGUEZ ALVAREZ, age 35, and ARIEL CALVO HENAO, age 51, two Ecuadorians, HECTOR RAFAEL GOMEZ LIMONES, age 37, VICENTE LOPEZ MERO, age 60, and five Peruvians JESUS JUSTO TASA CERVANTES, age 64, BORIS WISMARK VERGARA MONCADA, age 53, WILMER ROJAS MILLAN, age 46, WALTER REYNALDO VIERA SULLON, age 44 and EDISON OMAR OTERO CRUZ, age 25, with conspiracy to import into the United States 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, each of the defendants faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison for each count.
According to the superseding indictment and other documents filed in the case, the defendants were on a large container vessel interdicted by the U.S. Coast Guard in international waters south of Costa Rica. After extensive searching, law enforcement found a hidden compartment inside a ballast tank on the vessel. Inside the hidden compartment, law enforcement located approximately 3,400 kilograms of cocaine. When interdicted, the vessel was headed toward Ensenada, Mexico, which is approximately 50 miles south of the U.S. border.
“Homeland Security Investigations is highly focused on stopping cross-border drug trafficking as these individuals and organizations show a complete disregard for the violence and destruction that often accompanies the sale and use of these highly addictive drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Jere T. Miles. “The boldness of this criminal group’s efforts to smuggle more than a ton of cocaine into the country showed a callous disregard for public safety and seriously underestimated the dedication of HSI and its law enforcement partners to identify and seek prosecution of those engaged in this criminal conspiracy.”
A superseding indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Coast Guard. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.