Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MARIO FUENTES-VELASQUEZ, age 29, a native of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, FUENTES-VELASQUEZ was previously removed from the United States on August 29, 2013. FUENTES-VELASQUEZ was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on September 7, 2016, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
FUENTES-VELASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for March 16, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Two Men Plead Guilty in Conspiracy to Traffick MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MELVIN STEEN, a/k/a “SKEET,” age 35, of Slidell, and RYAN ELLENDER, age 36, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Under STEEN’s plea agreement, STEEN is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. Pursuant to ELLENDER’s Rule 11(c)(1)(C) plea agreement, which the Court may accept or reject, ELLENDER will be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between one year and five years. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance will sentence STEEN and ELLENDER on April 19, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MARVIN ANTONIO GARCIA-PINOTT, age 30, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court records, GARCIA-PINOTT was found in the United States on October 3, 2016, after having been previously deported.
GARCIA-PINOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for April, 12, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Custom Enforcement and Removal in investigating this matter.
Former Terrebonne Sheriff’s Detective Sentenced for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. announced that former Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) Detective DAWN C. FORET, age 38, of Houma, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty today to a one count Bill of Information for theft of government funds.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced FORET to 3 years of probation, restitution of $14,728 to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, and a $100 special assessment.
According to the court documents, FORET was charged for improperly overbilling a federally funded law enforcement grant designed to curb underage drinking known as the Juvenile Underage Drinking Enforcement Grant (“JUDE”) for the years 2009 through 2012. The JUDE Grant was funded by the United States Department of Transportation to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, which also administered the grant. After receiving the approval to access the grant funds in October of 2009, the TPSO appointed FORET to administer the grant with regards to recruiting volunteers for the overtime work, determining the operations plan, and then writing up the reports from the evening’s work. In sum, this law enforcement grant paid overtime hours for officers to investigate bars and convenience stores to see if they were illegally providing alcohol to minors.
The focus of the inquiry concerned FORET’s billing of the JUDE grant began in the fall of 2010. Starting on November 6, 2010, FORET began including herself in the TPSO police reports/narratives that followed each JUDE operation in a way that suggested that FORET was physically participating in each operation. From that point on, FORET inserted herself into practically every TPSO JUDE grant narrative as being present and she billed for every hour of operation as the other TPSO officers who did the work. In fact, FORET billed for the full time even if the evening’s operation resulted in no summons being issued and the report was essentially a page or two in length. From November 6, 2010, through the end of the grant on July 18, 2012, TPSO conducted 130 JUDE grant overtime operations and FORET’s name appeared on every single police report except for six occasions. FORET admitted in the factual basis that she did not in fact physically participate in any of the JUDE grant operations from November 6, 2010 until the grant expired in July of 2012. The total loss to the grant is $14,728.00.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Bill McSherry were in charge of the prosecution.
Harvey Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Financial Aid FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BOBBY R. LOWE, age 66, a resident of Harvey, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to court documents, LOWE owned and operated a printing company in Harvey. In early 2013, LOWE conspired with student applicants to produce fraudulent high school transcripts and diplomas, as well as fraudulent GED certificates and transcripts, which were sent to the Office of Admissions at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. LOWE also provided his co-conspirators with envelopes with return addresses for the Department of Education and the Louisiana Community & Technical College System in Baton Rouge. LOWE instructed his co-conspirators to mail the documents from Baton Rouge, so the documents would look more legitimate. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain federal financial aid from the United States Department of Education and Delgado Community College.
LOWE faces up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $250,000, a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years, plus a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for April 10, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Education-Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
Louisiana Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
A Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana resident pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to the plea agreement, Jackie Chaney, aka Jackie Scott, 46, admitted to conspiring with others to prepare false tax returns using stolen identities. Chaney admitted that she and her co-conspirators obtained the names and social security numbers of individuals which were used to prepare and file false tax returns. At least one of Chaney’s co-conspirators electronically filed the false tax returns and Chaney and others received the fraudulently obtained refunds in the form of checks or prepaid debit cards. Chaney also admitted that she and her co-conspirators further conspired to convert fraudulently obtained tax refund checks into cash.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 29, 2017 before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan. Chaney faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge, a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
New Orleans East Resident Sentenced in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAMIE JONES, age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. According to court documents, between July 2014 and July 2015, JONES conspired with co-defendants LEROY SMITH and KENNETH MIXON to distribute heroin in the New Orleans East area.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced JONES to 30 months of incarceration, to be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Customs and Border Protection, United States Postal Service, Louisiana State Police, New Orleans Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and Nicholas D. Moses are responsible for the prosecution.
Thibodaux Resident Charged with Theft of Social Security Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLINT A. SCHWAB, age 42, of Thibodaux, was charged today in a Bill of Information with Theft of Government Funds.
According to documents filed in federal court, CLINT A. SCHWAB began receiving social security disability benefits in 1998. In or around 2008, SCHWAB returned to work but did not inform the Social Security Administration as required by law. In January 2016, SCHWAB was interviewed by the Social Security Administration and falsely informed the agency that he had never worked as a disabled claimant. However, SCHWAB failed to inform the administration that he was working while receiving monthly disability payments. SCHWAB collected social security disability payments he was not entitled to receive from 2008 until early 2016.
The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is ten years 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 Polite 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 Polite praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Traffick HeroinRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WILBERT CLARK, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced CLARK to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by 6 years of supervised release.
According to court records, CLARK was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count Superseding Indictment on September 18, 2015. This Superseding Indictment resulted from an FBI investigation into a heroin-trafficking organization operating primarily around Loyola Avenue and Harmony Street in Central City. The sources of heroin for this organization traveled via Megabus from Houston to New Orleans, carrying half-kilogram quantities of heroin for distribution in the New Orleans area.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long was in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that YAIR ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ, age 37, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ to serve one year of incarceration, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.
According to court documents, ROCHEZ-MARTINEZ was previously removed from the United States on December 27, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 22, 2016 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.
Harvey Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHRISTOPHER ORGERON, age 33, of Harvey, pled guilty yesterday to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
According to court records, beginning at an unknown time and continuing to on or about June 25, 2015, ORGERON knowingly received child pornography. On June 25, 2015, Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations executed a federal search warrant at ORGERON’s Harvey home. Computer forensic agents located over 26,000 images and 612 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors on ORGERON’s computers.
ORGERON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum penalty of up to twenty years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for March 16, 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc for more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLIFF DURIO, age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with fraud in connection with access devices.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DURIO to 78 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay over $35,000 in restitution to the victims of his fraud.
According to court documents, DURIO knowingly and with intent to defraud, possessed numerous counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, including credit cards and gift cards. DURIO was arrested at the New Orleans Airport after TSA screeners, while investigating a suspicious object in his luggage, discovered a bundle of over 500 credit cards. The cards were encoded and embossed with stolen accounts numbers, several of which had reported fraud. In total, DURIO was found with 46 gift cards with an aggregate value of $7,000, as well as 738 fraudulent credit cards with a total credit limit of over $4.3 million.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Haller was in charge of the prosecution.
Kenner Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHN PAUL PIERRE, age 29, of Kenner, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.
According to court documents, PIERRE’s co-conspirator, RYAN CLAVERIE, worked as a waiter in a restaurant in Metairie. During the course of his employment, CLAVERIE routinely handled the credit and debit cards of restaurant patrons. CLAVERIE had a credit card “skimmer” that extracted customer account information from the magnetic strip on the back of a credit card and a bank debit card and logged it for later download to a computer.
PIERRE and his co-conspirators used the captured electronic account information contained on the magnetic strips of these valid cards in order to manufacture and produce counterfeit credit cards with which to fraudulently obtain things of value for their own personal gain at several retail stores and establishments in the metropolitan New Orleans area.
PIERRE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for March 16, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Secret Service, New Orleans Field Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Kenner Police Department for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Loan AMimi@ Nguyen is in charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Woman Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TRACY NICHELSON, age 43, a resident of Metairie, was sentenced today for defrauding a local business.
U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced NICHELSON to 12 months plus 1-day incarceration to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, NICHELSON was ordered to pay $16,418 in restitution to the banks she defrauded.
According to court documents, NICHELSON worked as an assistant of rental management for a New Orleans real estate business. From June 2012 until July 2013, NICHELSON embezzled $16,418 from her employer. NICHELSON issued approximately 13 unauthorized checks to herself and others by forging the signature of the business’s owner.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office who assisted with the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans was in charge of the prosecution.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SALVADOR ACOSTA-SALAS, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced ACOSTA-SALAS to seven months’ imprisonment and one year supervised release following imprisonment. Following completion of his sentence, ACOSTA-SALAS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to the court documents, on July 30, 2016, ACOSTA-SALAS was stopped by the Mandeville Police Department for driving over the speed limit. ACOSTA-SALAS exited his truck and produced a Mexican identification card but did not have a driver’s license. The officer asked ACOSTA-SALAS if he had any weapons on him or in the vehicle. ACOSTA-SALAS advised that he had a pistol in the center console of the truck. The officer entered the cab of the truck and retrieved a Taurus Model PT 111 Pro, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol bearing serial number TDO85685. The officer also found two Taurus magazines loaded with ammunition. ACOSTA-SALAS illegally entered the United States prior to July 30, 2016, and had no pending status adjustments with the Citizenship and Immigration Services.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Mandeville Police Department in investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Emily K. Greenfield was in charge of the prosecution.
Physician Charged with Conspiracy to Receive and Pay Illegal Health Care KickbacksRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that a one-count Bill of Information was filed yesterday against a local ophthalmologist charging him with paying approximately $231,034 in illegal kickbacks.
Specifically, JOBIE CREAR, M.D., age 65, New Orleans, was charged with conspiracy to receive and pay health care kickbacks. CREAR operated Comprehensive Nursing and Home Health Service, Inc. (Comprehensive) in New Orleans. CREAR is charged with illegally paying recruiters to bring Medicare beneficiaries to Comprehensive.
If convicted, CREAR, faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Patrice Harris Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for BP FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GRAEGG L. HOLMES, age 43, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to committing wire fraud related to the 2010 British Petroleum Oil Spill.
U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced HOLMES to twelve months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $33,900 in restitution.
According to court records, at his guilty plea in August, 2016, HOLMES admitted that he filed a fraudulent application for relief relating to the April 20, 2010 explosion and fire, which occurred on the Deepwater Horizon, an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico where BP had been drilling a well. In reality, HOLMES admitted that he worked at Abide Home Care from approximately 2001 through 2014. HOLMES used false documentation related to a non-existent catering business that he claimed lost money because of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster. On August 4, 2016, HOLMES was ordered detained pending trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld after his arrest for home invasion in Orleans Parish.
This case was brought as part of this District’s partnership with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), a nationwide initiative to protect available funds and assistance for those victims of both natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and the recent Gulf oil spill. If you have knowledge of fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, you can contact the NCDF by either calling the hotline at (866) 720-5721, faxing (225) 334-4707, emailing at [email protected] or in writing to National Center for Disaster Fraud, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4909.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan and Hayden Brockett were in charge of the prosecution.
Twenty-Six Count Superseding Indictment Unsealed Charging Eight Defendants from Eastside Hollygrove Neighborhood with Drug and Firearm ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today’s unsealing of a 26-count Superseding Indictment charging JONATHAN LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Chop,” a/k/a “Mego,” age 29; DONALD MARCELIN, a/k/a “Snook,” a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Golfer,” age 39; BRANDON HALL, a/k/a “B-Hilly,” age 27; BRIAN MAXSON, a/k/a “Chin,” age 33; ALOYSIUS KORIEOCHA, a/k/a “Madi,” a/k/a “Ball,” age 34; DWAYNE LABRANCH, a/k/a “Mondo,” a/k/a “Black,” age 34; LANCE STOVALL, a/k/a “Lele,” a/k/a “Allen,” age 27; and VONZO MAGEE, a/k/a “Zo,” a/k/a “Dark Low,” age 29; all of New Orleans, with numerous violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act. All of the defendants are charged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, along with other substantive offenses.
The following chart summarizes the charges alleged in the Superseding Indictment, along with the penalties that each defendant faces if convicted of the alleged offense.
Count
Charge
Defendants
Penalties
1
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846
All
LAWRENCE, HALL, MARCELIN, KORIEOCHA: 10 years to life imprisonment, at least 5 years supervised release, $10,000,000 fine
MAXSON, LABRANCH, STOVALL, MAGEE:
5 to 40 years, at least 4 years supervised release, $5,000,000 fine
2
Conspiracy to Possess Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking Offense – Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(o)
LAWRENCE, HALL, LABRANCH, MAGEE, MAXSON
0 to 20 years, not more than 3 years supervised release, fine of up to $250,000
3
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
KORIEOCHA
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
4
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LAWRENCE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
5
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LAWRENCE, MARCELIN
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
6
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LAWRENCE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
7
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LAWRENCE
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
8
Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking (Discharge) – Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii); 18 U.S.C. § 2
LAWRENCE, HALL, LABRANCH
10 years to life imprisonment, not more than 5 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
9
Discharge of a Firearm in a School Zone – Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(q)(3)(A); 18 U.S.C. § 2
LAWRENCE, HALL, LABRANCH
0 to 5 years, not more than 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
10
Distribution of Heroin and Acetyl Fentanyl, Resulting in Death – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
HALL
Mandatory life sentence (given HALL’s prior felony drug conviction), $1,000,000 fine
11
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
HALL
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
12
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
HALL
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
13
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
MAXSON
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
14
Distribution of Heroin, Resulting in Death – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LAWRENCE
Mandatory life sentence (given LAWRENCE’s prior felony drug conviction), $1,000,000 fine
15
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
STOVALL
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
16
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LABRANCH
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
17
Distribution of Fentanyl – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
STOVALL
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
18
Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking (Discharge) – Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii); 18 U.S.C. § 2
LAWRENCE, HALL
10 years to life imprisonment, not more than 5 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
19
Possessing a Firearm, Convicted Felon – Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
LAWRENCE
0 to 10 years, not more than 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
20
Possessing a Firearm, Convicted Felon – Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
HALL
0 to 10 years, not more than 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
21
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
MAXSON
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
22
Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
MAXSON
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
23
Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking– Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
MAXSON
5 years to life imprisonment, not more than 5 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
24
Distribution of Heroin – Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)
LABRANCH
0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine
25
Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking– Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i)
MAGEE
5 years to life imprisonment, not more than 5 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
26
Possessing a Firearm, Convicted Felon – Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)
MAGEE
0 to 10 years, not more than 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Superseding Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite 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 Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that REYNALDO BRAN FONSECA, age 35, was charged today in a three-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien and possession of firearms by an illegal alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 18, United States Code 922(g)(5)(A), respectively.
According to the Indictment, FONSECA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 5, 2010. The Indictment also alleges that FONSECA illegally possessed a Colt .357 revolver on February 22, 2016, and a Glock semi-automatic pistol on April 7, 2016.
If convicted of illegal reentry, FONSECA 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. If convicted of weapons possession, FONSECA 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 Polite 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 Polite 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.
Mandeville Man Sentenced for Theft of Veterans’ BenefitsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Politc announced that RICKY P. TEMPLET, age 54, of Mandeville, was sentenced today for Theft of Government Funds.
According to court records, this investigation was initiated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”), Office of Inspector General (“VA-OIG”) after the VA determined TEMPLET was fraudulently obtaining VA benefits. The VA-OIG determined that TEMPLET had become his mother’s VA Fiduciary the day before his mother passed away in 2013. As a VA Fiduciary, TEMPLET was obligated to notify the VA when his mother passed away. After his mother’s death, TEMPLET received and deposited fifteen U.S. Treasury checks totaling approximately $16,673. TEMPLET was arrested by special agents with the VA-OIG at the St. Tammany Parish Jail.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced TEMPLET to nine months incarceration and was ordered to report to Northlake Behavioral Hospital for drug treatment within 24 hours of release from prison. Additionally, TEMPLET was ordered to pay $16,760 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba was in charge of the prosecution.
Panamanian National Sentenced for False Statement in a Passport Application and Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CAROL JOHN, a/k/a INES ISABEL RUIZ, a/k/a CAROL ATKINS (JOHN), age 56, a citizen of Panama, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a two-count Indictment for making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport and reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced JOHN to time served. JOHN was also sentenced to 2 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. JOHN will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court records, on or about March 4, 2016, JOHN submitted a false passport application using a fraudulent birth certificate. Further, JOHN was found in the United States after having been officially deported. She was ordered removed and deported on or about May 24, 1996, after having been convicted of a felony drug offense.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JEFFREY WILSON, age 31, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base or "crack."
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced WILSON to 180 months of incarceration to be followed by 5 years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment.
According to court documents, WILSON made a sale of cocaine hydrochloride on May 13, 2014, to two confidential informants working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the area near the former Melpomene Housing Development near Martin Luther King Boulevard. WILSON later made a second sale of cocaine base or crack on May 30, 2014, to the same two informants.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the ATF in leading this investigation along with members of the NOPD led Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG UNIT). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Rivera, Maurice Landrieu, Jr., Nolan Paige and Nicholas Moses were in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that OLVIN CASTILLO-CRUZ, age 34, pleaded guilty today to a one count indictment that charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, CASTILLO-CRUZ reentered the United States after he was previously deported on January 19, 2011.
CASTILLO-CRUZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. U. S. District Judge Martin Feldman set sentencing for February 8, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite 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.
New Orleans Man Charged with Illegal Possession of Firearm and Making False Statements to Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARRION YOUNG, age 32, was indicted yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements to federal agents.
According to the Indictment, YOUNG, who had previously been convicted of a felony in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, possessed a firearm on November 24, 2015. Moreover, after he was arrested, on two occasions, YOUNG made false statements to agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, during which he falsely accused a person of taking part in a shooting at the Bunny Friend Park on November 22, 2015. In fact, the person that YOUNG falsely accused was not in Louisiana on the date of the Bunny Friend Park shooting.
If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For each count of making false statements, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Maritime Instructor Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MAURICE GEORGE, age 45, of Napoleonville, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for one count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and eight counts of Wire Fraud.
According to the Indictment, GEORGE was employed by Beier Radio, L.L.C., located in Louisiana, which manufactured maritime electronics products including Dynamic Positioning Systems (“DPS”). DPS is a maritime vessel computer system that automatically maintains a vessel’s position and heading by using position reference sensors and the vessel’s propellers and thrusters. Beier operated a DPS training center in Gray, Louisiana under the name “The Marine Training Institute.” Beier’s Marine Training Institute provided technical and operational training courses for Beier DPS customers. In 2007, GEORGE began working as an instructor for Beier Radio’s Marine Training Institute and taught DPS courses at Beier’s Louisiana classroom facility. Typically, Beier charged tuition in the amount of $2,000 to $2,500 for their DPS courses.
Between 2007 and 2013, GEORGE devised a scheme to embezzle approximately $334,892 from Beier Radio. On approximately 225 occasions, GEORGE negotiated monetary payments of approximately $1,200 to $2,000 with “students,” which he kept for himself, in exchange for endorsing and certifying their log books and for issuing DPS certificates of training from Beier Radio. In order to conceal his activities, GEORGE failed to create invoices for his illegal transactions and failed to have DPS students complete registration materials
GEORGE instructed DPS students to pay him directly by check made payable to “MAURICE GEORGE.” GEORGE also forged the signatures of various employees of Beier Radio on the DPS training certificates. The Indictment alleges that GEORGE deposited the illegal payments into his personal checking account with ASI Federal Credit Union. It is important to note that the investigation determined the overwhelming majority of GEORGE’s students did actually attend the DPS courses.
U. S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, for each count GEORGE faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,0000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), as well as the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service who assisted HSI in this investigation. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANGEL GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ, age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to the Indictment, GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ reentered the United States after having been previously deported on March 9, 2012.
If convicted, GUZMAN-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty 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 Polite 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 Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Operating a National Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHN SPOSATO, age 64, of Slidell, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to wire fraud for his role in promoting and operating a national Ponzi scheme.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced SPOSATO to 84 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Additionally, SPOSATO was ordered to pay $2,559,725 in restitution.
According to court documents, since approximately 2010, SPOSATO was affiliated with, owned, or operated numerous different companies, including Pegasus Investment & Development Corporation, LLC; Pegasus Investments; Oil Eaters, LLC; Organic Miracle Incorporation; S&J Corporate Properties, LLC; Pegasus Demolition & Debris Removal Service, LLC; and Pegasus Truck Lines, Inc. SPOSATO represented to potential investors that the companies were all investment entities that offered participants the chance to invest in various low-risk, high-reward investment vehicles, including international bank instruments, cutting edge oil remediation and recovery products, and real estate transactions. SPOSATO primarily relied upon word-of-mouth and e-mail correspondence, in which he fraudulently represented that he had knowledge and expertise in financial investing, to attract new investors. SPOSATO told investors that the alleged investments were safe, secure, and never at risk.
In fact, SPOSATO did not actually invest the money in any legitimate investment vehicle, instead using it to make retail purchases for himself and his friends for various goods and services, including luxury items such as a new Chevrolet Camaro for one girlfriend and breast augmentation surgery for another girlfriend. In total, between about January 2010, and April 2014, approximately forty-eight (48) individuals invested approximately $811,305 with SPOSATO and his companies.
To perpetuate his scheme, SPOSATO guaranteed extraordinarily high rates of return – rates much higher than market rates – for so called “guaranteed” investments to potential investors, such as a $25,000 investment in “oil-clean remediation work” in the Gulf of Mexico and another $25,000 investment in the purchase of “1,000,000 gallons of EP 55 Bio Fertile” fertilizer. SPOSATO promised that the first investment would result in a profit of $25,000 within approximately two weeks and the second investment would result in a profit of up to $3,000,000 within one year. SPOSATO provided prospective investors false or fraudulent documents to make the investments appear legitimate and to conceal the true nature of the Ponzi scheme. When investors became impatient, SPOSATO used new investor money to make lulling payments to other investors, which he characterized as partial payments for investments with an overdue return, in an effort to give investors a false sense of security, to deceive investors into believing their money was invested legitimately, and to conceal the true nature of the Ponzi scheme.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
Retired OPSO Colonel Sentenced for Fraudulent Employment SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ROY AUSTIN, age 69, of St. Tammany Parish and a retired Colonel of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (“OPSO”), was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced AUSTIN to six months imprisonment followed by six months of home confinement, all to be followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, AUSTIN was ordered to pay $83,914 in restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.
According to court documents, AUSTIN admitted that in his role as a Colonel in OPSO he arranged for security details through a private company (Austin Sales and Service) for local entities and events, including Mardi Gras Krewes, music and food festivals, and sporting events, and engaged in a scheme to defraud those local entities and events by padding the billing documents with names of individuals who did not in fact provide any security services (“Ghost Employees”).
Additionally, AUSTIN admitted that after submitting the fraudulently inflated invoices via interstate wires, AUSTIN kept a portion of the overbilled amount in the Austin Sales and Service corporate bank account for his own personal use. In some instances, AUSTIN drafted Austin Sales and Service corporate checks made payable to the Ghost Employees who did not work and then fraudulently endorsed those checks and deposited them into his personal bank account for his own personal use. AUSTIN also admitted drafting checks made payable to other OPSO employee(s)’ family members under the fraudulent guise of payments for detail work that in fact did not take place as those employee(s)’ share of the fraudulently collected funds.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by the Louisiana Legislative Auditors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Toomey was in charge of the prosecution.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAMES PUCKETT, age 46, of Livingston, Texas, pled guilty today to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
PUCKETT admitted to viewing, receiving, and sending child pornography on the Internet using email and a KIK user name. HSI computer forensic examiners located images depicting the sexual victimization of children on the defendant’s Padfone X Mini after he was encountered by federal agents at Port Fourchon. The emails distributed by PUCKETT contained images depicting the rape, bondage, and sexual exploitation of pre-pubescent children.
PUCKETT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five (5) years and not more than twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. PUCKETT will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey set sentencing for February 21, 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Ponchatoula Woman Sentenced for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JESSICA HENDERSON BERTHELOT, age 29, of Ponchatoula, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to Theft of Mail.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced BERTHELOT to six (6) months incarceration, restitution in the amount of $2,650.00, as well as three (3) years supervised release.
According to court records, the investigation was initiated in September 2015, by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service after determining that BERTHELOT was stealing mail from residential mailboxes on the Northshore. Postal inspectors determined BERTHELOT stole approximately 1,428 items of mail.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case was handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
New Orleans Man Sentenced to 20 Years Imprisonment for Home Invasion RobberiesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CLARENCE R. SINGLETON, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery and use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced SINGLETON to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment.
According to court documents, SINGLETON participated in home invasion robberies of drug dealers in an effort to make money and/or obtain illegal drugs for later retail sale. He also conspired to use, possess and discharge firearms to further their drug trafficking activity, and crimes of violence during the robberies of these drug dealers to obtain drugs and drug proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department led Multi-Agency Gang Unit in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Simpson and Michael E. McMahon were in charge of the prosecution.
Louisiana Check Cashers Sentenced for Conspiracy and Filing False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Kenner, Louisiana couple was sentenced today for crimes related to the operation of their check cashing business, VJ Discount Inc., announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Susantha Wijetunge, aka VJ, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk of the Eastern District of Louisiana to serve 44 months in prison and his spouse, Manula Wijetunge, aka Manu, 48, was sentenced by Judge Africk to serve three years of probation. The Wijetunges owned VJ Discount Inc., a Louisiana corporation that operated a convenience store and check cashing business in Kenner. Susantha Wijetunge, VJ Discount Inc. and others cashed, for an inflated fee, fraudulently obtained tax refund checks for multiple co-conspirators. These transactions often involved multiple checks and tens of thousands of dollars. In an attempt to conceal this illegal activity, Susantha Wijetunge and others failed to file, or filed false, required currency transaction reports with the government.
Susantha Wijetunge also filed multiple false individual and corporate income tax returns that underreported income. The Wijetunges admitted that VJ Discount Inc. had third party check deposits totaling more than $59 million in 2011; $47 million in 2012; and $66 million in 2013. Despite this large volume of business, the Wijentunges’ individual income tax returns reported total income of less than $100,000 per year.
In March 2016, Susantha Wijetunge pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and to committing mail and wire fraud, and Manula Wijetunge pleaded guilty to willfully filing a false 2013 individual income tax return.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Susantha Wijetunge was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a fine of $750,000 and pay $562,500 in restitution to the IRS. In addition to the term of probation imposed, Manula Wijetunge was ordered to pay a fine of $250,000 and $208,125 in restitution to the IRS. The Wijetunges were ordered to forfeit $4.1 million.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U. S. Attorney Polite commended special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and IRS – Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hayden Brockett and David Haller and Trial Attorney Michael Hatzimichalis of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Aryan Brotherhood Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Murder-for-Hire SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JEFFERY HOWARD, age 46, of Nicholson, Mississippi, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1958(a).
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced HOWARD to a 120-month term of imprisonment to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release.
According to court documents, as a result of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Domestic Terrorism investigation, the New Orleans Joint Terrorism Task Force (“JTTF”) became aware of HOWARD, a known member of the Aryan Brotherhood, a violent white supremacy prison gang. HOWARD, who was allegedly involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine, sold drugs to an undercover law enforcement officer on numerous occasions. During one of the drug sales, HOWARD volunteered that he would be willing to commit a murder in exchange for money. HOWARD later accepted payment to commit a murder.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Division JTTF for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy was in charge of the prosecution
Walter Porter Sentenced to Life for Murder-for-HireRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced WALTER PORTER, a/k/a “Moonie,” a/k/a “Urkel,” age 40, of New Orleans, was sentenced today for his participation in the November 2010 murder of Christopher “Tiger” Smith.
On March 9, 2016, a federal jury found PORTER guilty as charged for use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, causing death through the use of a firearm, and conspiracy to possess firearms.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced PORTER to life imprisonment on Count 2 (conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire), and on Count 3 (causing death through the use of a firearm), while sentencing him to 240 months, the statutory maximum, on Count 4 (conspiracy use and carry firearms). All sentences were run concurrently to each other. Today’s sentence will also run concurrently with PORTER’s life sentence imposed on November 9, 2016, for his involvement as a HANKTON gang associate.
According to court documents, on November 21, 2010, at 8:10 pm, Christopher Smith was found by Jefferson Parish Sheriff (“JPSO”) deputies lying in the doorway of his Gretna apartment, after having been shot at least twenty times. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. JPSO’s investigation ultimately revealed that NEMESSIS BATES paid co-defendants, PORTER and AARON SMITH, a/k/a “Beadie,” a/k/a “Beedie,” $20,000 to murder Christopher Smith. AARON SMITH previously pled guilty and awaits sentencing. BATES was sentenced to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Greg Kennedy were in charge of the prosecution.
Port Sulphur Oysterman Pleads Guilty to $300,000 B.P. FraudRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced that STEVE COLLINS TURNER, SR., age 73, of Port Sulphur, pled guilty to mail fraud in connection with a false claim of $300,000 related to the BP Oil Spill.
The Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) made disaster assistance money available to individuals and businesses affected by the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon explosion that occurred on April 20, 2010. The GCCF required individuals to verify loss of income. According to the Bill of Information, TURNER applied for an Emergency Advance Payment seeking $300,000 in damages for lost money because of the Deepwater Horizon Disaster by submitting false documentation. TURNER submitted false documents regarding oyster buying businesses showing he sold oysters to the businesses when he really did not.
TURNER faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Additionally, TURNER may be ordered to pay restitution. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for February 22, 2017.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Secret Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
High-Level International Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 16 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SERGIO GRIMALDO age 34, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. GRIMALDO’s organization distributed more than one-thousand kilograms of cocaine throughout United States, to include Jackson, Mississippi, Pensacola, Florida, New York City, New York, and Houma, Louisiana.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced GRIMALDO to serve 195 months incarceration, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in September 2009, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents seized cocaine hydrochloride in Houma and in April of 2010, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine hydrochloride from a co-conspirator in Beaumont, Texas.
GRIMALDO was extradited from Mexico in July 2014, based on a warrant from the Eastern District of Louisiana. EFRAIN GRIMALDO, co-defendant and the brother of SERGIO GRIMALDO, was convicted of the same offense following a jury trial and was sentenced to 405 months imprisonment. SERGIO GRIMALDO was also affiliated with NOE JUAREZ, the former Houston Police Officer who was convicted by a federal jury on drug and firearm charges and was sentenced to 365 months imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration New Orleans Office, DEA Houston HIDTA Task Force, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop C, Houma Police Department and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John F. Murphy and Theodore R. Carter III were in charge of the prosecution.
Algiers Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that TARAY BUTLER, age 21, of Algiers, pled guilty today to multiple counts of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws.
BUTLER pled guilty to illegally being a felon in possession of a firearm on October 14, 2014. Members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) arrested BUTLER while he was trespassing on Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) property in the Fischer development, and found him to be in possession of a stolen Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine.
BUTLER also pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin. BUTLER was observed by members of the NOPD’s MAG unit committing traffic violations and attempted to stop BUTLER, who fled. BUTLER’s vehicle was ultimately recovered and NOPD officers located a quantity of heroin pre-packaged for sale on the floor of the vehicle.
Additionally, BUTLER pled guilty to illegally being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. These charges arise from a search warrant executed at BUTLER’s residence on May 6, 2016, when law enforcement officers located six firearms and a quantity of heroin.
BUTLER faces a minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for February 22, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier is in charge of the prosecution.
Former High-Ranking Louisiana Army National Guardsman Indicted on Fraud and False Statements ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RANDY M. KILEY, SR., 63, of Slidell, a former Sergeant Major in the Louisiana Army National Guard, was charged Thursday, November 10th, with wire fraud and making false statements in furtherance of an alleged scheme to defraud the United States Department of Defense.
According to the Indictment, KILEY devised a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense by misrepresenting his marital status to receive increased Basic Allowance for Housing and Family Separation Allowance pay. In furtherance of his scheme, KILEY knowingly submitted false documents.
The Indictment alleges that in or about July 2005, KILEY and his former spouse divorced, and KILEY failed to immediately notify officials at the Louisiana Army National Guard of the change in his marital status as required. The Indictment also alleges that between in or about July 2005 through in or about July 2014, KILEY submitted four forms requesting Basic Allowance for Housing and Family Separation Allowance pay and falsely claimed that he was either married or not divorced. Based on these misrepresentations, which KILEY knew to be false at the time, he received more Basic Allowance for Housing and Family Separation Allowance pay than he was entitled.
KILEY faces a possible maximum sentence of twenty years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and/or five years of supervised release.
U. S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr. 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 Polite praised the work of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marquest J. Meeks is in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BRIAN GRACO, age 36, of Slidell, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to receiving images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced GRACO to 97 months imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Additionally, GRACO was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,000 and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act.
According to court documents, on May 27, 2014, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at GRACO’s residence, during which time they seized several electronic items, including three computers, one external digital storage device, and three removable digital storage devices. A preliminary review of the electronic devices determined that a desktop computer contained images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children. A more intensive forensic examination of the device revealed that GRACO had used the desktop computer to access Internet websites and networks devoted to the advertisement and distribution of child pornography. Between June 4, 2013 and May 27, 2014, GRACO discussed matters pertinent to the sexual abuse of children to search for, download, and save images and videos of children as young as five (5)-years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The forensic examination determined that GRACO possessed at least10,264 images and 130 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. After downloading the images and videos, GRACO stored them on special folders he created on his computer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg and Special Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan McLaren were in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Use of an Interstate Facility to Promote ProstitutionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DAVID MICHAEL WHITE, JR., a/k/a “Prince Loyalty,” age 33, of New Orleans pled guilty today to two counts of use of an interstate facility to promote prostitution.
According to court documents, WHITE operated a prostitution business based in New Orleans. To recruit costumers, WHITE used the internet website Backpage to post “escort” ads and market women for prostitution. In August 2015, WHITE arranged for a victim, a 19-year-old woman from Shreveport, whom he met over the internet, to visit him for a date. When WHITE picked up the victim from the bus station, WHITE told the victim he was a pimp. WHITE persuaded and enticed the victim to engage in commercial sex acts for his personal financial benefit, by posting advertisements of her for commercial sex services on Backpage. WHITE also pled guilty to advertising a 19-year-old female victim from New Orleans on Backpage in January 2013. WHITE received all the proceeds from the commercial sex acts both victims performed as result of WHITE’S Backpage postings.
For each count, WHITE faces up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of not more than $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment, plus a mandatory special assessment of $200. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for February 16, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Heroin Dealer SentencedRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that HOMER GROSS, age 32, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846 and 18 U.S.C. § 924, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced GROSS to 180 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $200.
According to court documents, GROSS pled guilty to distributing heroin to confidential informants working with ATF from 2011 to 2013. The court documents also indicated that GROSS admitted to using a .40 caliber Glock in furtherance of his heroin distribution business.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis was in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite, Jr., announced that on Tuesday, EBONIE SMITH, age 37, of Houma, pled guilty to one counts of bribery of a public official, and DARNOLD DEVILLE, age 50, of Houma, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in January 2015, DEA agents began investigating a drug-trafficking organization based in Terrebonne Parish that obtained methamphetamine through sources of supply in Texas and in California, including through the mail. Upon his arrest on December 10, 2015, DEVILLE was in possession of 84 grams of methamphetamine and a digital scale. Between August and October 2015, SMITH, in exchange for cash payments, used her employment with the United States Postal Service to facilitate the shipment and delivery of parcels, which contained methamphetamine, to other members of the same conspiracy in Terrebonne Parish.
DEVILLE, who was charged by Bill of Information with a prior conviction for a felony drug offense, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison, at least 10 years of supervised release after the term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. SMITH faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release after the term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey will sentence both DEVILLE and SMITH on February 7, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses, James S. C. Baehr, and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.
Three Sentenced in Oxycodone CaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that WALLACE STOGNER, age 61, of Bogalusa; DANIELLE MEISNER, age 31, of Mandeville; and KAREN SMITH, of Slidell, were each sentenced today in connection with an investigation into the illegal diversion of Oxycodone pills through a clinic formerly operating in Bogalusa and New Orleans East. Oxycodone is a prescription-only Schedule II controlled substance and a highly addictive and abused opioid drug.
U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt sentenced STOGNER, who had previously pled guilty to two counts of illegal distribution of Oxycodone, to 25 months’ imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment. MEISNER, who had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to obtain Oxycodone through misrepresentation and subterfuge, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, 1 year of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. SMITH, who had also pled guilty to the conspiracy charge, was sentenced to 4 years of probation and a $1,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann was in charge of the prosecution
Telly Hankton and Three Gang Associates Receive Life SentencesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today the sentencing of Telly Hankton and three members of the Hankton Organization.
According to the court documents, members of this organization and their associates ran a violent drug ring in and around the City of New Orleans dating back to 1996. During the course of this organization’s life, its members and associates killed rival drug dealers, intimidated witnesses who dared to cooperate with law enforcement, attempted to obstruct the state criminal justice system by having associates provide false alibi testimony in state court, and killed witnesses, along with a witness’ family member, in an effort to obstruct justice. Each defendant listed below was convicted by a federal jury on June 29, 2016, following a three-week jury trial.
U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced the defendants as follows:
TELLY HANKTON, age 40, was sentenced to life imprisonment. TELLY HANKTON was convicted of:
- one count of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO);
- one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances;
- one count of conspiracy to possess firearms;
- three counts of murder in aid of racketeering (Darvin Bessie, Darnell Stewart Jesse Reed); and,
- three counts of causing death through the use of a firearm.
WALTER PORTER, age 40, was sentenced to life imprisonment. PORTER was convicted of:
- one count of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO);
- one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice;
- three counts of murder in aid of racketeering (Jesse Reed, Hasan Williams, and Darnell Stewart);
- three counts of causing death through the use of a firearm; and,
- three counts of felon in possession of a firearm;
- one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering;
- one count of use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime.
ANDRE HANKTON, age 38, was sentenced to life imprisonment. ANDRE HANKTON was convicted of:
- one count of conspiracy to possess firearms;
- one count of causing death through the use of a firearm; and,
- one count of possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
KEVIN JACKSON, age 43, was sentenced to life imprisonment. JACKSON was convicted of:
- one count of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO); and
- one count of murder in aid of racketeering (Jesse Reed).
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, William J. Quinlan, Jr., David Haller, and Brittany Reed were in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAVIER DE JESUS PEREZ-JIMENEZ age 30, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced PEREZ-JIMENEZ to time served and a $100 special assessment. PEREZ-JIMENEZ will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, on or about August 23, 2010, JAVIER DE JESUS PEREZ-JIMENEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported. He was ordered removed and deported on or about August 4, 2010.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González was in charge of the prosecution.
Jefferson Parish Man Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Financial Aid FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that BOBBY R. LOWE, age 66, a resident of Harvey, was charged today in a Bill of Information with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
According to the Bill of Information, LOWE owned and operated a printing company in Harvey. In early 2013, LOWE conspired with student applicants to produce fraudulent high school transcripts and diplomas, as well as fraudulent GED certificates and transcripts, which were sent to the Office of Admissions at Delgado Community College in New Orleans. LOWE also provided his co-conspirators with envelopes with return addresses for the Department of Education and the Louisiana Community & Technical College System in Baton Rouge. LOWE instructed his co-conspirators to mail the documents from Baton Rouge, so the documents would look more legitimate. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain federal financial aid from the United States Department of Education and Delgado Community College.
If convicted, LOWE faces up to five years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000. LOWE also faces three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that a Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General and the United States Secret Service for investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Men Indicted in Heroin and Firearms ConspiracyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that KEITH FOSTER, age 37; KERMERIC JOHNSON, age 33; and THOMAS MAROLD, age 52; all of New Orleans, were charged yesterday in a six-count Indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.
According to the Indictment, from June to October 2015, FOSTER, JOHNSON and MAROLD conspired to distribute heroin. FOSTER was also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamines. If convicted of the either of the charges, FOSTER, JOHNSON and MAROLD face a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, a fine of $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
FOSTER and JOHNSON were also charged with conspiracy to possess and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. JOHNSON, who had previously been convicted of a felony, was also charged with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon. On October 29, 2015, FOSTER and JOHNSON possessed a .22 caliber rifle and a 9mm caliber semi-automatic handgun. If convicted of these gun charges, each defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of at least five years, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that REHER MORRIS, age 28, of Houma, pled guilty yesterday to crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children.
The joint U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and Louisiana Bureau of Investigations’ Cyber Crime Unit investigation began as a result of a complaint from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators determined MORRIS was downloading images of child pornography at his place of employment in Houma. On December 7, 2015, state and federal investigators executed a search warrant and found MORRIS in possession of an Apple iPhone containing over 12,000 images and 115 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
MORRIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years and a maximum sentence of up to twenty years’ imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. MORRIS will also be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for February 2, 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations’ Cyber Crime Unit in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.
Former New Orleans Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Being an Accessory After the Fact to Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GERARD DUGUE, age 66, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a Superseding Bill of Information charging him with being an accessory after the fact to the deprivation of rights under color of law. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt accepted the plea and sentenced DUGUE to a one-year term of probation.
Sometime after the shooting on the Danziger Bridge, DUGUE replaced ARTHUR KAUFMAN as the NOPD’s principal investigator of the incident. KAUFMAN continued to assist DUGUE as a co-investigator. During the course of the investigation, KAUFMAN, under color of law, willfully deprived Lance Madison of rights secured by the Constitution and laws of the United States by having him falsely arrested, preparing a false report, fabricating evidence, and failing to disclose exculpatory evidence. DUGUE knew or was deliberately ignorant of the crimes committed by KAUFMAN and thereafter assisted KAUFMAN by preparing a report implicating Madison and exonerating the officers involved in the shooting. DUGUE knew that any report or conclusion to the contrary could lead to further investigations and possible prosecutions, and did the above act intending to hinder and prevent KAUFMAN’s apprehension, trial, and punishment.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JAVIER DE JESUS PEREZ-JIMENEZ age 30, a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents, on or about August 23, 2010, PEREZ-JIMENEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about August 4, 2010.
PEREZ-JIMENEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of $250,000, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for November 9, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration Enforcement, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.