Eastern District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Traffick Heroin Using MegabusRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that REGINALD WASHINGTON, age 32, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.
WASHINGTON was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count Superseding Indictment on September 18, 2015. According to court documents, 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.
As a result of a prior felony drug offense, WASHINGTON is facing not less than 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $8,000,000. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier will sentence WASHINGTON on October 13, 2016.
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 United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Federal Bribery and Honest Services Wire FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that LESTER MORNAY, 68, of New Orleans, was charged in a one-count Bill of Information charging him with conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.
According to the Bill of Information, beginning in September 2013 and continuing until January 2015, MORNAY and several others participated in a conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud.
The Bill of Information alleges that IRA THOMAS, in his role as an Orleans Parish School Board Member, engaged in a scheme to defraud Orleans Parish and its citizens of his honest services through bribery and a kickback scheme, whereby THOMAS used his public office and official capacity to provide favorable treatment, including attempting to facilitate the awarding of a contract, that was designed to benefit the business and financial interest of an individual who provided him with a bribe and kickback in the form of cash payment disguised as a campaign contribution.
According to the Bill of Information, in September 2013, a cooperating witness (“CW”) was approached by ARMER BRIGHT, an OPSB employee, who offered the CW a janitorial services contract that would soon be up for bid by the OPSB in exchange for a monetary payoff. During the fall of 2013, the CW, THOMAS, BRIGHT, and at times MORNAY, met to discuss this contract. These conversations were recorded by the CW with the assistance of the FBI. Ultimately, it was decided that the CW would pay $5,000 to THOMAS in the form of a “campaign contribution” in exchange for THOMAS’ and the OPSB employee’s assistance regarding the janitorial services contract. In December 2013, the CW delivered $5,000 in cash to MORNAY acting as a conduit for THOMAS, which was video recorded. This money was then delivered to THOMAS. During the fall of 2014, THOMAS and BRIGHT discussed over recorded telephone conversations how to alter the bid process so that the CW would be given an improper advantage in bidding for the janitorial services contract, which was valued over $5,000.
If convicted of conspiring with others to commit bribery and honest services wire fraud, MORNAY faces statutory penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
The Bill of Information also contains Notice of Forfeiture which puts the defendant on notice that the Government intends on forfeiting any and all property and profits concerned with and/or derived from any illegal activity referenced in the Bill of Information.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that today’s Bill of Information describes allegations and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Toomey is in charge of the prosecution.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that NAVOR SOLIS-GARCIA, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count indictment that charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 U.S.C. Section 1326(a).
U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced SOLIS-GARCIA to time served and ordered him to pay a special assessment of $100. SOLIS-GARCIA will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
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 was in charge of the prosecution.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney, Kenneth A. Polite announced that ERIN PITRE, age 37, of Cut Off, Louisiana, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to possessing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve-years old.
U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced PITRE to 72 months in prison, to be followed by ten years of supervised release. PITRE was also ordered to pay both victims $1,500 each in restitution. Additionally, the Court ordered PITRE to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at PITRE’S residence on January 22, 2015, during which time they seized an external digital storage device that contained images and videos of child pornography. A forensic examination of the device revealed that PITRE used peer-to-peer file sharing programs on his computer to search for, download, and store images and videos of children as young as two-years-old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The forensic examination determined that PITRE possessed approximately 185 images and 7 videos of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
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U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MICHAEL RAY TAYLOR, age 47, of Houston, Texas, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
TAYLOR faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for October 13, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Retired Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Gerald Ursin, Jr. Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GERALD URSIN, JR., age 62, of New Orleans and a retired Chief Deputy of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (“OPSO”), was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to today’s Bill of Information, beginning in 2009 and continuing until January 2014, URSIN and others participated in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The Bill of Information alleges that URSIN, in his role as a Chief Deputy in the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, engaged in a scheme to defraud local entities and events, including Mardi Gras Krewes, music and food festivals, and sporting events, by padding the billing documents with names of individuals who did not in fact provide any security services (“Ghost Employees”).
According to the Bill of Information, after the fraudulently inflated invoices were submitted via interstate wires, a portion of the overbilled amount was given to URSIN in the form of checks made payable to URSIN’s family members under the fraudulent guise of payments for detail work that in fact did not take place.
If convicted of conspiring with others to commit wire fraud, URSIN faces statutory penalties of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and acknowledged the assistance provided by the Louisiana Legislative Auditors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Toomey is in charge of the prosecution.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Ensure Independent Oversight and Operations of Orleans Parish JailRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department, prisoner class and city of New Orleans reached a settlement with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman to resolve the department’s motion for contempt alleging the sheriff’s non-compliance with a consent judgment governing conditions of confinement at the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans. In lieu of a receiver, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an order approving the parties’ agreement to have the court appoint an independent jail compliance director with the final authority to operate the jail so that it achieves timely and substantial compliance with the consent judgment.
“The appointment of an independent and experienced corrections professional as compliance director will enable the jail to implement long overdue reforms to protect the rights and safety of prisoners,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will continue our steadfast efforts to ensure that all of the men and women serving prison sentences in Orleans Parish Jail receive the full protections that our Constitution guarantees.”
“The agreement to appoint a compliance director for the Orleans Parish Jail will facilitate the structural and systemic changes needed to achieve compliance with the consent judgment, while the sheriff’s continued participation in jail administration will ensure that improvements are sustainable at the end of the compliance director’s tenure,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
In a motion filed on April 25, 2016, the department requested that the court appoint a receiver with full authority to administer operations of the jail. In today’s order, the court found the sheriff in non-compliance with the consent judgment’s provisions on prisoner supervision, suicide prevention, use of force, incident reporting and tracking, prisoner grievances, investigations, classification, youthful prisoners and sanitation and environmental health. The court will appoint an independent compliance director, who will be charged with administering the day-to-day operations of the jail and will work closely with Sheriff Gusman regarding decisions and operations that materially impact compliance with the consent judgment. The sheriff will select a candidate for independent compliance director from nominees proposed by the department, prisoner class and the city. The court has the ultimate authority for appointment of the director.
The compliance director’s responsibilities will include formulating a remedial action plan to produce sustainable compliance with the consent judgment within his or her first year at the jail. The compliance director will be tasked with developing strategies to decrease jail violence; implementing sustainable hiring measures; ensuring adequate staff training, supervision and discipline; reducing incidents of prisoner self-harm and suicide and decreasing reliance on prisoner lockdown or cell confinement. In order to address staffing problems and foster a professional culture, the compliance director will have the authority to hire, fire and reassign jail staff. In addition, the compliance director will be responsible for formulating and presenting the jail budget to the city council and for administering payments, authorizing procurement and entering into contracts for jail operations, with oversight by the city.
The compliance director’s authority will continue until the court determines that sustained and sustainable material progress with consent judgment compliance is achieved, including development and implementation of required policies, adequate staff training and development of a quality assurance system to effectively evaluate whether staff are implementing the policies in practice and correct their conduct when they do not. More information on the compliance director position can be found in the job posting attached and applications for the job can be sent to [email protected].
This settlement follows a six-day evidentiary hearing, which had not concluded, and avoids further delay from extended litigation and appeals.
This case was initiated as a private prisoner class action filed in 2012. The department intervened pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which authorizes the department to seek a remedy for a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of persons confined in a jail, prison or other correctional facility. The department’s motion was filed jointly with the plaintiff class, represented by the MacArthur Justice Center.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Reaches Settlement to Ensure Independent Oversight and Operations of Orleans Parish JailRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department, prisoner class and city of New Orleans reached a settlement with Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman to resolve the department’s motion for contempt alleging the sheriff’s non-compliance with a consent judgment governing conditions of confinement at the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans. In lieu of a receiver, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an order approving the parties’ agreement to have the court appoint an independent jail compliance director with the final authority to operate the jail so that it achieves timely and substantial compliance with the consent judgment.
“The appointment of an independent and experienced corrections professional as compliance director will enable the jail to implement long overdue reforms to protect the rights and safety of prisoners,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will continue our steadfast efforts to ensure that all of the men and women serving prison sentences in Orleans Parish Jail receive the full protections that our Constitution guarantees.”
“The agreement to appoint a compliance director for the Orleans Parish Jail will facilitate the structural and systemic changes needed to achieve compliance with the consent judgment, while the sheriff’s continued participation in jail administration will ensure that improvements are sustainable at the end of the compliance director’s tenure,” said U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
In a motion filed on April 25, 2016, the department requested that the court appoint a receiver with full authority to administer operations of the jail. In today’s order, the court found the sheriff in non-compliance with the consent judgment’s provisions on prisoner supervision, suicide prevention, use of force, incident reporting and tracking, prisoner grievances, investigations, classification, youthful prisoners and sanitation and environmental health. The court will appoint an independent compliance director, who will be charged with administering the day-to-day operations of the jail and will work closely with Sheriff Gusman regarding decisions and operations that materially impact compliance with the consent judgment. The sheriff will select a candidate for independent compliance director from nominees proposed by the department, prisoner class and the city. The court has the ultimate authority for appointment of the director.
The compliance director’s responsibilities will include formulating a remedial action plan to produce sustainable compliance with the consent judgment within his or her first year at the jail. The compliance director will be tasked with developing strategies to decrease jail violence; implementing sustainable hiring measures; ensuring adequate staff training, supervision and discipline; reducing incidents of prisoner self-harm and suicide and decreasing reliance on prisoner lockdown or cell confinement. In order to address staffing problems and foster a professional culture, the compliance director will have the authority to hire, fire and reassign jail staff. In addition, the compliance director will be responsible for formulating and presenting the jail budget to the city council and for administering payments, authorizing procurement and entering into contracts for jail operations, with oversight by the city.
The compliance director’s authority will continue until the court determines that sustained and sustainable material progress with consent judgment compliance is achieved, including development and implementation of required policies, adequate staff training and development of a quality assurance system to effectively evaluate whether staff are implementing the policies in practice and correct their conduct when they do not. More information on the compliance director position can be found in the job posting attached and applications for the job can be sent to [email protected].
This settlement follows a six-day evidentiary hearing, which had not concluded, and avoids further delay from extended litigation and appeals.
This case was initiated as a private prisoner class action filed in 2012. The department intervened pursuant to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, which authorizes the department to seek a remedy for a pattern or practice of conduct that violates the constitutional rights of persons confined in a jail, prison or other correctional facility. The department’s motion was filed jointly with the plaintiff class, represented by the MacArthur Justice Center.
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.justice.gov/crt.
Order for Appointment of Compliance Director
Compliance Director Job Announcement
Gretna Man Found Guilty of Mail FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MELVIN LEWIS II, age 53, of Gretna, was convicted of thirty (30) counts of mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) today after a one-day bench trial before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier.
According court records, during the course of and subsequent to his employment by an off-shore services company located in Harvey, LEWIS devised a scheme to defraud various employees of that company and other public servants and officials. As a part of his mail fraud scheme, LEWIS caused “demand for payment” letters to be mailed to victims. When his demands were ignored, LEWIS filed fraudulent liens against personal real property of the victims and sent additional demands for payment stating that the liens would not be removed until payment was received.
LEWIS faces a maximum penalty, as to each count, of twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Judge Barbier set sentencing for October 13, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory M. Kennedy and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Pleads Guilty to Operating National Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHN SPOSATO, age 64, of Slidell, pled guilty today to wire fraud for his role in promoting and operating a national Ponzi scheme.
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 pay 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.
SPOSATO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than twenty (20) years, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine per count. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 5, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.
Family Running Non-Profit Indicted for Conspiracy and Theft of Federal Funds Intended for Needy IndividualsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RICKEY ROBERSON, age 48, his wife ADA CRAIGE-ROBERSON, age 42, and her mother MELANIE DUPLECHAIN, age 69, of New Orleans, were charged today in a three-count Indictment for conspiracy and theft of federal funds.
According to the Indictment, from at least 2009 to the present, ROBERSON, CRAIGE-ROBERSON, and DUPLECHAIN, operated Alternatives Living, Inc., a non-profit that received federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Alternatives Living provided affordable housing to the elderly, families who were homeless, and individuals suffering from mental disabilities. As a condition to receiving federal funds, Alternatives Living agreed to comply with applicable rules and regulations governing the manner and use of the CDBG funds. Applicable program rules, including OMB Circular No. A-122, prohibited the use of CDBG funds for entertainment purposes (i.e., social activities and tickets to shows and sporting events), fundraising, personal tuition costs, and costs of goods or services for personal use. Rules allowed reimbursement for travel costs and conferences only if those costs were related to the mission of the organization and consistent with those costs normally allowed.
Count 1 of the Indictment alleges that prior to in or around January 2009 and continuing through July 2015, ROBERSON, DUPLECHAIN, and CRAIGE-ROBERSON, and others, did knowingly and willfully combine, conspire, confederate, and agree to embezzle, steal or knowingly convert to their own use or the use of another, any money or thing of value of the United States or of any department or agency thereof, in excess of $1,000.
Count 2 alleges that on or about June 20, 2011, ROBERSON willfully and knowingly did steal, purloin, and convert to his own use Community Development Block Grant funds, which were designated for use by Alternatives Living for program related expenses, and which were property of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, when he purchased football tickets to see the New Orleans Saints, totaling more than $1,000.
Count 3 of the Indictment alleges that on or about December 29, 2012, CRAIGE-ROBERSON willfully and knowingly did steal, purloin, and convert to her own use Community Development Block Grant funds, which were designated for use by Alternatives Living for program related expenses, and which were property of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, when she purchased personal travel expenses on the Royal Caribbean Cruise line, totaling more than $1,000.
If convicted of the conspiracy in Count 1, ROBERSON, CRAIGE-ROBERSON, and DUPLECHAIN face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100. If convicted of theft of federal funds in Counts 2 and 3, ROBERSON and CRAIG-ROBERSON respectively face a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000 and a special assessment of $100.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, the Office of State Inspector General, and with the assistance of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.
Metairie Man Sentenced for Trafficking in over $150,000 in Counterfeit GoodsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Politce announced that BOUBACAR DIALLO, age 36, of Metairie, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods.
U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced DIALLO to five years probation and to pay restitution as follows: $760.65 to Polo by Ralph Lauren; $980 to Louis Vuitton; $400 to Hermes; and $170 to Nike.
According to court documents, on March 12, 2015, investigators with the Office of the Attorney General Investigation Division and agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, acting on information that DIALLO was involved in the purchase and subsequent sale of large quantities of counterfeit merchandise, met DIALLO at his residence in Metairie. Law enforcement officials observed numerous cardboard boxes full of counterfeit merchandise. They subsequently verified as counterfeit 111 pairs of “True Religion” blue jeans; 166 “Michael Kors” purses; 67 “Michael Kors” pocketbooks; 87 “Michael Kors” watches; 6 pair of “Nike” tennis shoes; 9 pair of “Polo” pants; 8 pair of “Polo” shirts; and 693 counterfeit Michael Kors labels. The collective fair market value of all the counterfeit items and was approximately $158,049. DIALLO admitted that he knew the items he was selling were counterfeit and that he had purchased them from individuals in Atlanta and New York City. DIALLO also admitted to renting storage units to hide and store the counterfeit merchandise.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Louisiana Department of Justice / Office of the Attorney General Investigation Division and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
Franklinton Man Sentenced for Structuring over $100,000 in Financial TransactionsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JERRY COX, age 72, of Franklinton, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to structuring financial transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements.
U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced COX to five years probation and a $100 special assessment. In October 2015, COX pled guilty and cooperated with the United States, including testifying in the trial of United States v. Walter and Steven Reed.
According to court documents, in September 2011, COX made, and caused to be made, a series of cash withdrawals from Citizens Savings Bank and Resource Bank that were designed to evade certain reporting requirements under federal law, namely the obligation of financial institutions to report currency transactions over $10,000. COX did so as part of a pattern of activity totaling $102,050 in a twelve-month period. Specifically, COX caused a series of seven withdrawals on September 20, 2011, September 24, 2011, two on September 27, 2011, September 30, 2011, October 4, 2011, and October 11, 2011, in amounts between $7,650 and $9,500. COX used the Resource account to conduct seven additional withdrawals in the manner, and for the same purpose of avoiding reporting requirements, between July 24, 2012, and August 4, 2012, totaling approximately $39,900. COX was aware of the reporting requirements, and he engaged in the withdrawals to avoid causing the banks to generate reports.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Sentenced to over 9 Years in Prison for Drugs and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that THOMAS BROWN, age 46, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced to 111 months imprisonment today on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to court records, in July 2015, Drug Enforcement Administration agents observed BROWN supplying heroin to a targeted trafficker. After further investigation, agents obtained and executed a search warrant at BROWN’s residence and found 188 grams of acetyl fentanyl, 66 grams of heroin, 150 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 17.9 grams of marijuana. Most of the narcotics seized were hidden between a furnace and a wall in a hallway closet, and the drugs had been packaged for sale. Near the narcotics agents also located a loaded .45 caliber pistol, a .38 caliber revolver, and a loaded 20-guage shotgun.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced the defendant to a 51-month term of imprisonment for the drugs charge, to be followed by a consecutive 60-month term of imprisonment for the firearms charge. BROWN was also ordered to serve a 4-year term of supervised release following imprisonment and to pay a $200 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.
Indictment Unsealed Charging Heroin and Cocaine Conspiracy in St. Charles and St. John the Baptist ParishesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced the recent unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging an array of federal narcotics and firearm violations by members of a drug trafficking organization operating in south Louisiana. The Superseding Indictment, which was returned by the grand jury on May 26, 2016 and unsealed today, charges eight defendants with conspiring to distribute controlled dangerous substances in the parishes of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist. The Superseding Indictment names the following defendants: ANDRE STAGGERS, a/k/a “Dre,” age 42, COREY SESSION, age 42, GREGORY LONDON, JR., a/k/a “Lil Gregg,” age 40, TERRANCE ANDERSON, a/k/a “City,” age 34, KIRK BALLARD, age 34, LEONARD MORRISON, a/k/a “Leonard London,” age 33, CHRISTOPHER OLAVARRIETA, age 30, and KIRKLAND JEROME STERLING, age 42.
According to the Superseding Indictment, these defendants conspired together, from approximately January 2015 through May 2016, to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere. The scope of the conspiracy encompassed at least five kilograms or more of cocaine and one kilogram or more of heroin. During the course of this investigation, federal and state law enforcement officers seized various drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. According to court documents, search warrants executed on February 25, 2016, at two residences used by COREY SESSION resulted in the seizure of two AK-style rifles, approximately $10,000 in cash, and a half kilogram of cocaine. A search warrant executed the same day at the residence of ANDRE STAGGERS resulted in the seizure of an AR-15 rifle, a half kilogram of heroin, and over $400,000 in cash.
If convicted for violating federal drug conspiracy laws, the defendants face the following penalties. STAGGERS, SESSION, LONDON Jr., ANDERSON, and BALLARD each face a maximum of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. MORRISON faces a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release. OLAVARIETTA and STERLING could receive a maximum of twenty years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.
STAGGERS and SESSION also are charged with federal firearms violations. STAGGERS is charged with possession of a firearm as a felon, for which he could receive up to ten years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. SESSION is charged with possession of a firearm as an armed career criminal, for which he could receive a minimum of fifteen years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Both STAGGERS and SESSION are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, for which they each face a minimum of five years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.
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.
This indictment represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program. The DEA’s HIDTA Group #11, operating out of the New Orleans Field Division, includes members of the Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies. Agents and officer with the DEA HIDTA Group arrested GREGORY LONDON Jr., TERRANCE ANDERSON, LEONARD MORRISON, CHRISTOPHER OLAVARRIETA, and KIRKLAND JEROME STERLING on June 15, 2016. KIRK BALLARD was arrested on August 23, 2015, on state charges that were incorporated into the federal indictment. ANDRE STAGGERS and COREY SESSION were both arrested after the February 25, 2016 search warrants that were executed at their respective residences.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne and Special Assistant United States Attorney Andre Gaudin, who is assigned from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office to the DEA HIDTA Group.
Harahan Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Sell Identification DocumentsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DAMIAN R. RODRIGUEZ, age 38, of Harahan, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to transfer identification documents in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(f).
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced RODRIGUEZ to four months imprisonment to be followed by two years of supervised release.
According to court documents, RODRIGUEZ conspired with two other individuals to sell a social security card and birth certificate to a confidential informant working with Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis was in charge of the prosecution.
Denham Springs Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Embezzlement of over $600,000Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KRISTIN KOENIG, a/k/a KRISTIN BARNES, age 41, of Denham Springs, was sentenced following a guilty plea to a one count Bill of Information for bank fraud.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced KOENIG to 30 months incarceration. In addition to incarceration, KOENIG was sentenced to five years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $623,3748.42, and assessed a $100 mandatory special assessment.
According to court records, KOENIG was hired to do accounting work for a Jefferson Parish business. From September of 2011 through July of 2014, KOENIG embezzled $601,822.90 from her client by forging her name on company checks and manipulating internal computer/accounting records. KOENIG also embezzled $21,925.53 from another client and placed the funds into her own account.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Whitney Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GREGORY CHISOLM, age 52, of New Orleans, was charged today by a federal grand jury in a one-count Indictment with the January 4, 2016 robbery of the Whitney Bank branch located at 228 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.
If convicted, CHISOLM faces a maximum sentence of twenty-five years in prison, a $250,000, and five years of supervised release.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.
Houston Man and Woman Plead Guilty in Cocaine Smuggling CaseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ISAAC FORD, age 38, and LACHELSEA KIRKSEY, age 27, both residents of Houston, pled guilty today to a Bill of Information charging possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court records, FORD and KIRKSEY were driving separate vehicles in tandem on I-10 West near New Orleans on September 5, 2014, when they were stopped by Louisiana State Police Troopers. Troopers searched KIRKSEY’s Chevrolet Camaro with her consent and discovered four vacuum-sealed bags hidden in the wheel wells of the car, each containing one kilogram of powder cocaine. FORD then admitted that he had rented both of the vehicles, concealed the cocaine in the Camaro, and promised KIRKSEY $2,000 to drive the Camaro to New Orleans, where he intended to deliver the cocaine.
Sentencing of both defendants is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on September 8, 2016. FORD faces a sentence of 5 to 40 years imprisonment, and KIRKSEY faces a sentence of up to twenty years.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the New Orleans Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is in charge of the prosecution.
Slidell Man Charged with Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHN GIBSON, age 31, of Slidell, was charged today in a one-count Bill of Information with mail fraud.
According to court documents, GIBSON solicited funds from individuals by falsely representing that he would use their funds to establish investment accounts from 2008 to 2014. During this time period, GIBSON defrauded his investors by diverting their investment funds for his own personal use and benefit.
GIBSON faces the maximum penalty of twenty 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 United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Toomey is in charge of the prosecution.
Additional Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Sex Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Additional defendants were sentenced today for their respective roles in a sex trafficking scheme operated out of the Riviera Motel in New Orleans, which compelled multiple women to engage in prostitution in New Orleans and elsewhere, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Duane Phillips, 31, was sentenced to 251 months in prison; Anthony Ellis, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in prison; and Zacchaeus Taylor, 23, was sentenced to 99 months in prison. Phillips, Ellis and Taylor are all from Memphis, Tennessee. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a separate hearing on July 13, 2016.
On April 20, 2015, Phillips and Ellis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. Ellis also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for prostitution. On June 25, 2014, Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and to interstate transportation for prostitution.
“People who engage in human trafficking violate the most basic standards of human decency,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Civil Rights Division is unwavering in our commitment to seeking justice on behalf of vulnerable individuals and to holding human traffickers accountable.”
“Ending human trafficking is a critical priority in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Polite. “The lengthy sentences imposed today should stand as a warning to would-be traffickers that we are investing considerable federal resources into combating this criminality.”
“Today’s sentencing of these four defendants brings an end to their mistreatment and abuse of women,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet of the FBI’s New Orleans Division. “The FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, HSI and our other state and local partners, will continue to investigate and bring justice for all victims of human trafficking throughout Louisiana.”
“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that ICE Homeland Security Investigations fights as one of its highest priorities via a coordinated global effort with the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) New Orleans. “The results speak for themselves: over the past two years HSI has doubled its number of human trafficking arrests. HSI will continue to investigate and seek prosecution of these criminals while also ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”
During their respective plea hearings and in their respective court filings, Phillips and Ellis admitted that they, along with their co-defendants Granville Robinson, Christopher Williams and Laquentin Brown, conspired to recruit, groom, force, compel and coerce adult women to engage in prostitution, enforcing rules and means of control that included requiring the women to earn a certain amount of money each day, requiring them to turn over the proceeds and prohibiting them from speaking to or looking at other pimps. To enforce the rules, Phillips, Ellis and another defendant each admitted that they and their co-conspirators used a variety of punishments, including withholding food and forcing the victims to engage in additional commercial sex acts, as well as physical assaults. Phillips and Ellis each admitted that they and their co-conspirators consulted one another on means of furthering their pimping activities and would monitor each other’s victims when a co-conspirator was incarcerated. The defendants also admitted that they brought women to other cities, including Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, for coerced prostitution
According to his plea agreement, Taylor, who was charged separately, admitted that he met Phillips in 2012 and agreed to become Phillips’ protégé. After learning the strict rules that Phillips, Ellis and others used to force and coerce women to engage in prostitution, Taylor began applying the rules himself. Like his co-conspirators, he kept the identification cards of the women in order to keep them from leaving. On several occasions, Taylor physically assaulted a woman because she did not earn enough money by engaging in commercial sex acts. He also kept the money that the women earned, and if a woman did not earn enough money, he would order her to continue until she had. Taylor also admitted that he brought an adult woman from Memphis to New Orleans and elsewhere for the purpose of forcing and coercing her to engage in prostitution. The co-conspirators operated out of certain motels, including the Riviera, which generally did not report their activities to the police. The defendants rented multiple rooms at the Riviera where the women would meet prostitution clients and paid higher rates for the rooms because of the increased traffic.
Former Riviera Motel owner, Kanubhai Patel, 75, of Kenner, Louisiana, was also sentenced today to five years probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. On July 1, 2015, Patel pleaded guilty to benefitting financially from human trafficking. Robinson was sentenced to 294 months in prison on May 4, 2016. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit sex trafficking and one count of sex trafficking.
Williams and Brown have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and are awaiting sentencing.
On Oct. 3, 2014, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana returned a second superseding indictment charging Phillips and Ellis, along with Robinson, Brown and Williams, with sex trafficking conspiracy and varying counts of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. The second superseding indictment also charged Patel. Taylor was charged separately on March 28, 2014.
This case was investigated jointly by the FBI’s New Orleans Division and HSI’s New Orleans Field Office, with assistance from the FBI’s Memphis Division. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Additional Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Sex Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
Sex Trafficking Scheme Used Threats, Violence and Coercion to Compel Women into Prostitution in New Orleans and Elsewhere
Additional defendants were sentenced today for their respective roles in a sex trafficking scheme operated out of the Riviera Motel in New Orleans, which compelled multiple women to engage in prostitution in New Orleans and elsewhere, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Duane Phillips, 31, was sentenced to 251 months in prison; Anthony Ellis, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in prison; and Zacchaeus Taylor, 23, was sentenced to 99 months in prison. Phillips, Ellis and Taylor are all from Memphis, Tennessee. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a separate hearing on July 13, 2016.
On April 20, 2015, Phillips and Ellis pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. Ellis also pleaded guilty to interstate transportation for prostitution. On June 25, 2014, Taylor pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and to interstate transportation for prostitution.
“People who engage in human trafficking violate the most basic standards of human decency,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Civil Rights Division is unwavering in our commitment to seeking justice on behalf of vulnerable individuals and to holding human traffickers accountable.”
“Ending human trafficking is a critical priority in this district,” said U.S. Attorney Polite. “The lengthy sentences imposed today should stand as a warning to would-be traffickers that we are investing considerable federal resources into combating this criminality.”
“Today’s sentencing of these four defendants brings an end to their mistreatment and abuse of women,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey S. Sallet of the FBI’s New Orleans Division. “The FBI Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, HSI and our other state and local partners, will continue to investigate and bring justice for all victims of human trafficking throughout Louisiana.”
“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that ICE Homeland Security Investigations fights as one of its highest priorities via a coordinated global effort with the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) New Orleans. “The results speak for themselves: over the past two years HSI has doubled its number of human trafficking arrests. HSI will continue to investigate and seek prosecution of these criminals while also ensuring the victims of this terrible crime are rescued and get the care they need.”
During their respective plea hearings and in their respective court filings, Phillips and Ellis admitted that they, along with their co-defendants Granville Robinson, Christopher Williams and Laquentin Brown, conspired to recruit, groom, force, compel and coerce adult women to engage in prostitution, enforcing rules and means of control that included requiring the women to earn a certain amount of money each day, requiring them to turn over the proceeds and prohibiting them from speaking to or looking at other pimps. To enforce the rules, Phillips, Ellis and another defendant each admitted that they and their co-conspirators used a variety of punishments, including withholding food and forcing the victims to engage in additional commercial sex acts, as well as physical assaults. Phillips and Ellis each admitted that they and their co-conspirators consulted one another on means of furthering their pimping activities and would monitor each other’s victims when a co-conspirator was incarcerated. The defendants also admitted that they brought women to other cities, including Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, for coerced prostitution.
According to his plea agreement, Taylor, who was charged separately, admitted that he met Phillips in 2012 and agreed to become Phillips’ protégé. After learning the strict rules that Phillips, Ellis and others used to force and coerce women to engage in prostitution, Taylor began applying the rules himself. Like his co-conspirators, he kept the identification cards of the women in order to keep them from leaving. On several occasions, Taylor physically assaulted a woman because she did not earn enough money by engaging in commercial sex acts. He also kept the money that the women earned, and if a woman did not earn enough money, he would order her to continue until she had. Taylor also admitted that he brought an adult woman from Memphis to New Orleans and elsewhere for the purpose of forcing and coercing her to engage in prostitution. The co-conspirators operated out of certain motels, including the Riviera, which generally did not report their activities to the police. The defendants rented multiple rooms at the Riviera where the women would meet prostitution clients and paid higher rates for the rooms because of the increased traffic.
Former Riviera Motel owner, Kanubhai Patel, 75, of Kenner, Louisiana, was also sentenced today to five years probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. On July 1, 2015, Patel pleaded guilty to benefitting financially from human trafficking. Robinson was sentenced to 294 months in prison on May 4, 2016. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit sex trafficking and one count of sex trafficking.
Williams and Brown have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and are awaiting sentencing.
On Oct. 3, 2014, a grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana returned a second superseding indictment charging Phillips and Ellis, along with Robinson, Brown and Williams, with sex trafficking conspiracy and varying counts of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. The second superseding indictment also charged Patel. Taylor was charged separately on March 28, 2014.
This case was investigated jointly by the FBI’s New Orleans Division and HSI’s New Orleans Field Office, with assistance from the FBI’s Memphis Division. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia K. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that STEVEN LONG, age 30, of Pearl River, Louisiana, pled guilty today to illegally possessing five firearms in his home on March 10, 2016, after having previously been convicted of three narcotics felonies in St. Tammany Parish.
If convicted, LONG faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for September 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier is in charge of the prosecution.
Panamanian National Indicted 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, age 56, a citizen of Panama, was charged today in a two-count Indictment for making a false statement in an application for a U.S. passport and reentry of removed alien.
According to the Indictment, on or about March 4, 2016, JOHN applied for a passport and falsely stated that she had been born in the Panama Canal Zone, which she knew to be false. The Indictment also charges that, on or about May 23, 2016, JOHN was found in the United States after having been officially deported on or about May 24, 1996, following a conviction for attempted cocaine distribution.
If convicted, JOHN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000, five (5) years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $200 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 Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty to ATM Skimming FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that MIHAI ALEXANDRU DINU, age 41, of Romania, pled guilty to one count of bank fraud related to the use of ATM “skimming” devices.
According to court records, in January of 2015, the United States Secret Service and the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force began investigating the unauthorized collection of debit card numbers through the installation of “skimming devices” on various ATM machines and the subsequent illegal use of fake debit cards in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In March of this year, DINU and another man were captured on surveillance video using fake debit cards to withdraw funds from three local bank accounts. Subsequently, DINU admitted to investigators that he had illegally entered the United States and joined in with a group of individuals who used fake passports and fake driver’s licenses to travel within the United States for the purpose of making the illegal ATM withdrawals. DINU also participated in a similar ATM skimming conspiracy in Virginia prior to arriving in Louisiana.
DINU faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, a maximum of $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing on September 8, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Agents from the United States Secret Service and the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Carter Guice are in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ROGER AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME, age 29, a native of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME was previously removed from the United States on August 4, 2009. He was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 17, 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.
AGUIRRE-SAGASTUME faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for July 28, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal RentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JORGE MALDONADO-RIOS, age 29, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien and conspiracy to transfer identification documents.
U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced MALDONADO-RIOS time served to be followed by one year of supervised release. MALDONADO-RIOS will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court documents, MALDONADO-RIOS illegally reentered the United States after he was deported on August 16, 2012. The court documents also indicated that MALDONADO-RIOS conspired with two other individuals to sell a social security card and birth certificate to a confidential informant working with special agents of the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis was in charge of the prosecution.
Former Terrebonne Sheriff’s Officer Pleads Guilty to Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DARRYL B. STEWART, age 49, of Houma, pled guilty today to one count of theft of government funds.
According to court records, STEWART was the Narcotics Unit Supervisor for the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) during a time period when the TPSO applied for a received two separate federal grants from the Department of Justice. The two grants were for personnel overtime and equipment to support a Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force. From 2009 through 2012, STEWART claimed and approved his own overtime from the two grants. The Federal Bureau of Investigation began to look into the billing and discovered through documents and interviews that STEWART occasionally claimed overtime for the two federal grants at the same time that he was working private security details. There were other instances where STEWART claimed federal overtime hours from the grants but he did not actually participate in the narcotics enforcement work. The amount that was improperly billed totals $15,925.
STEWART, who resigned from the TPSO on or about April 12, 2016, faces a sentence of up to ten (10) years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing on September 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its handling of the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
Bogalusa Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Conspiracy and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR, age 35, of Bogalusa, pled guilty today to three counts of a superseding Bill of Information, in which he was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base (“crack”), and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, beginning on a date unknown and continuing to the present, TAYLOR did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with other persons to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. A lawful search of TAYLOR’s home, found him to be in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine and a stolen Beretta, Model 96, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. TAYLOR has a prior felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing a firearm by both state and federal law.
If convicted of the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride charge, TAYLOR faces a minimum term of ten years imprisonment, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a fine of $10,000,000. The possession with intent to distribute count carries a maximum term of twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000, and the felon in possession count carries a maximum term of ten years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for September 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andre’ Jones is in charge of the prosecution.
Napoleonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AgentRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHERKISSA JACKSON, 33, of Napoleonville, pled guilty yesterday to an Indictment charging her with one count of false statements.
According to court documents, on September 3, 2008, following Hurricane Gustave impacting Napoleonville, JACKSON filed an application with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency on claiming the loss of a trailer. On October 31, 2008, JACKSON received via wire transfer $28,800 into her account based on her claim. However, on January 6, 2007, the year before the storm, JACKSON sold the trailer to another party as was evidenced by a bill of sale and did not own the trailer when Hurricane Gustav struck Napoleonville. On or about February 23, 2012, JACKSON lied to a Special Agent of the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security when she told the agent that she owned the trailer in Napoleonville at the time of Hurricane Gustav.
JACKSON faces a possible maximum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 and up to three (3) years of supervised release, as well as restitution. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for September 1, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that FRANCISCO MENDOZA-ZAVALA, age 41, a native of El Salvador, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, MENDOZA-ZAVALA was previously removed from the United States on September 6, 2012. MENDOZA-ZAVALA was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 30, 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.
If his prior conviction is proven at sentencing, MENDOZA-ZAVALA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for July 7, 2016.
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.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RENE MARTINEZ-QUIJANO, age 34, a native of El Salvador, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, MARTINEZ-QUIJANO was previously removed from the United States on June 27, 2014. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on
March 1, 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.
MARTINEZ-QUIJANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for July 7, 2016.
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.
New Orleans Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Theft of Federal Funds and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that DOMINIEL TRINETTE JONES, age 26, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to steal federal funds, theft of federal funds, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, in September 2014, JONES conspired with others to unlawfully acquire two United States Treasury checks that did not belong to her. The refund checks were the property of the United States and payable to two actual taxpayers who were owed tax refunds. JONES also obtained two false Georgia driver’s licenses in the names of the two taxpayers who were payees on the refund checks, for the purpose of opening bank accounts to deposit and steal the Treasury funds. Using the fake driver’s license bearing the name S.H., JONES opened a bank account at Woodforest National Bank in Covington, in S.H.’s name, but deposited the check later that day at a different branch in Gulfport. Later that day, JONES traveled to the Woodforest National Bank in New Orleans and withdrew $10,000 from the account bearing the name S.H. using the fake driver’s license.
Additionally, JONES and a coconspirator opened an account in the names of S.V. and J.V. at Woodforest National Bank located in LaPlace. JONES and the coconspirator presented fraudulent Georgia driver’s licenses in the names of S.V. and J.V. to open the account. The same day, JONES, and the co-conspirator used the Treasury check, payable to S.V. and J.V., as the initial deposit to open the account at Woodforest National Bank in LaPlace.
Count One, Conspiracy to Steal Federal Funds carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of not more than three years, and a special assessment of $100.
Counts Two and Three, Theft of Federal Funds, each carry a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of not more than three years and a special assessment of $100, per count.
Counts Four and Five each charge JONES with Aggravated Identity Theft. Those counts each carry a two years imprisonment that must run consecutively to the sentence for Counts Two and Three.
U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for September 1, 2016.
Special Agent in Charge of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Jerome R. McDuffie, stated: “We are pleased with the guilty plea entered today by Ms. Jones. Our agency will continue to work with the United States Attorney's Office to protect innocent taxpayers and preserve the integrity of our tax system. Identity theft is an on-going problem and IRS-CI will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those engaged in these illegal activities. Participation in refund fraud schemes does not pay and those who do so will be held accountable for their illegal activities.”
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Traffic Heroin Using MegabusRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that THOMAS GORDON, age 32, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute over one kilogram of heroin.
GORDON was one of eight defendants charged in a 21-count Superseding Indictment on September 18, 2015. According to court documents, this 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.
GORDON is facing not less than 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, as well as a possible fine of up to $10,000,000. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing on September 1, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGTF), St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.
Luling Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KALI IRONS, age 39, of Luling, pled guilty today to one count of filing a false tax return.
According to court records, IRONS, a self-employed tax preparer, under-reported her taxable income for 2009 and 2010 to the IRS. This resulted in a tax loss to the United States in the amount of $88,203.00.
IRONS faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon set sentencing on September 1, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Department of the Treasury/Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation team. Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.
Jamaican National Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ANDREW O’NEIL BOWYER, age 26, a resident of Jamaica, was charged today in a one-count Indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud.
According to the Indictment, on or before August 2013, BOWYER and others operated a scheme to contact elderly individuals and people with diminished capacity who would be susceptible to being scammed. The scheme involved contacting victims by telephone through Voice Over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and informing them they had won the Publisher’s Clearing House Sweepstakes or similar lottery and needed to pay BOWYER and others monies by cash, check, wire, and other methods in order to claim their lottery winnings.
BOWYER and others obtained names, addresses, and other biographical information from an unknown source. They used the information to identify victims, telephone them, or direct others to telephone them, to represent that they had won the sweepstakes and inform them they would need to send him or others money in order to claim their winnings.
It was part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that on or around March 30, 2015, the defendant, BOWYER, employed false representations and promises in order to convince V.L., an elderly person, into believing V.L. had won a sweepstakes, causing V.L. to send money via the United States Postal Service to CC-1, a co-conspirator living at an apartment in New Orleans. V.L. sent the money to CC-1 in reliance on BOWYER’s false representations and promises that if V.L. sent the money to CC-1, she would be awarded sweepstakes winnings. Immediately after receiving the funds in the mail from V.L., CC-1 deposited the money into his bank account in New Orleans, and initiated a wire transfer of the funds from the account to BOWYER’s account in Jamaica.
If convicted, BOWYER faces a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a special assessment of $100.
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.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JORGE PULIDO-HERRERA, a/k/a JORGE LICONA-CERRATO, age 45, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of removed alien.
According to court records, on or about March 15, 2016, PULIDO-HERRERA was found in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about December 8, 1999.
PULIDO-HERRERA 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 Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for July 7, 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.
New Orleans Businessman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOHN F. KELLY, III, age 55, of Metairie, pled guilty today to wire fraud.
According to court documents, KELLY operated a tax sale investment business with investor monies from 2011 through 2014. During this time period, KELLY defrauded his investors by diverting their investment funds for his own personal use and benefit. As part of the scheme to defraud, KELLY used investor monies to pay off personal loans and to purchase real estate properties in New Orleans that he titled in separate corporate entities he controlled.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is twenty years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victims. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for August 24, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations Division, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Richard R. Pickens, II, Andre J. Lagarde, and Hayden M. Brockett are in charge of the prosecution.
Houma Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ELVIRA DUTHU DUPLANTIS, age 51, of Houma, pled guilty today for theft of mail.
According to court records, as a result of a complaint from the Postmaster of the Houma Post Office regarding missing mail, the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“Postal OIG”) initiated an investigation into DUPLANTIS, who was a letter carrier assigned to the Houma Post Office. The investigation determined that DUPLANTIS stole approximately 113 gift cards, which included Visa debit cards and gift cards for major retail stores and restaurants, with a total value of over $3,200.
DUPLANTIS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for August 24, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for investigating this matter. Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ORLI DAGOBERTO ARGUETA-SANCHEZ, a/k/a "Orli Dagoberto Argueta," age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegal reentry of removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced ARGUETA-SANCHEZ to time served, one (1) year supervised release and $100 mandatory assessment. ARGUETA-SANCHEZ will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court records, on or about January 6, 2016, ARGUETA-SANCHEZ was found illegally present in the United States after having been officially deported and removed on or about November 7, 2008.
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.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that HECTOR ORLANDO RECATE-REYES, age 30, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced RECATE-REYES to time served, to be followed by one year on supervised release. RECATE-REYES will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.
According to court records, RECATE-REYES reentered the United States after having been previously deported on August 8, 2012.
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.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Illegally ReentryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that ALLAN WENDERLAY DOMINGUEZ, age 47, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of removed alien previously convicted of an aggravated felony.
According to the Indictment, on or about February 11, 2016, DOMINGUEZ was found in the United States after having been officially deported on or about June 24, 2011 and September 12, 2012, following a conviction for theft of goods.
DOMINGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years and a fine of $250,000, up to three (3) years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for August 23, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
Superseding Indictment Returned Charging Robbery, Murder of a Witness, and ObstructionRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GREGORY DENSON, 53, ESCRELITA CARMOUCHE, 49, and KYRA D. MORRIS-GRIFFITH, 35, all of New Orleans, were charged today in a thirteen-count Seventh Superseding Indictment. DENSON and CARMOUCHE were charged with Conspiracy to violate the Hobbs Act, which prohibits interference with interstate commerce through violence. Defendant DENSON was also charged with various robberies and weapons offenses as well as the murder of an individual to stop that individual from providing information to law enforcement authorities about his (DENSON’S) activities. Defendant, MORRIS-GRIFFITH is charged with obstruction of a federal grand jury investigation.
U.S. Attorney Polite reiterated that the charges in the Seventh Superseding Indictment are merely charges, and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Simpson and Michael E. McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
Ride or Die Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison Following Convictions on RICO, Drugs and Murder ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that SIDNEY PATTERSON, a/k/a “Duda Man” age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after having previously been found guilty of violating the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization Act “RICO,” as well as drug conspiracy, firearms conspiracy and murder charges.
U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced PATTERSON to serve the remainder of his life in prison.
In August 2015, PATTERSON, DELOYD JONES and BYRON JONES were convicted following an eight-day trial. According to evidence presented at trial, the defendants were members of the “Ride or Die” gang, which they also referred to as “R.O.D.” The Ride or Die gang was initially formed in or about 2007 and continued to exist through in or about 2013. During the course of the federal investigation into the gang, agents learned that the defendants used a house, located at 1632 Mandeville Street, among other locations, as a base of operations to package, sell, and store narcotics, as well as store firearms. The gang controlled the St. Roch neighborhood for its narcotics distribution activities through violence and threats of violence, to include murder, attempted murder, and assaults. The jury found PATTERSON guilty of one murder and two attempted murders.
The defendants were three of twelve defendants charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine base and possess firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. DELOYD JONES and BYRON JONES were previously sentenced to life in prison. Prior to trial, nine defendants pled guilty to various charges. ANDREALIE LEWIS was previously sentenced to 48 months incarceration; TYONE BURTON was previously sentenced to 121 months of incarceration; ERVIN SPOONER and PERRY WILSON were each previously sentenced to 108 months of incarceration; TRE CLEMENTS was previously sentenced to 96 months of incarceration; NYSON JONES was previously sentenced to 87 months of incarceration; ROMALIS PARKER was previously sentenced to 70 months of incarceration; TYRONE BURTON and MORRIS SUMMERS were each previously sentenced to 60 months of incarceration.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of the metro area’s Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MAG) in investigating this matter. As an integral component of NOLA FOR LIFE’s Group Violence Reduction Strategy, the MAG Unit consists of a partnership with New Orleans Police Department (NOPD); Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (DA); Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO); Louisiana State Police (LSP); Parole Board of the Louisiana Department of Corrections; United States Attorney’s Office (USAO); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); United States Marshal’s Service (USMS); and the United States Probation & Parole Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan D. Paige and Marquest Meeks, along with former Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Ebarb, who was assigned from the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, were in charge of the prosecution.
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JULIO RAYMUNDO-SANTOS, age 41, a citizen of Guatemala, 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 the Indictment, RAYMUNDO-SANTOS reentered the United States after he was previously deported on April 4, 2014. If convicted, RAYMUNDO-SANTOS 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 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.
Westbank Drug Dealer Sentenced to Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that JOEQUELL LEWIS, age 28, of Westwego, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.
LEWIS pled guilty to being a member of a twelve-defendant offshoot of the larger Harvey Hustlers group that was involved in the distribution of heroin and crack cocaine in the Avondale and Waggaman areas of Jefferson Parish. LEWIS admitted to selling over one kilogram of heroin on the streets of the Westbank over a two-year period. LEWIS’s co-conspirators have admitted their participation in multiple murders and shootings in Jefferson Parish.
This case is a product of an ongoing investigation into the violent acts in furtherance of the drug trafficking by the Harvey Hustler gang and its various offshoots on the West Bank. It represents the continued coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities, including the United States Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Officers of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy, David Haller, and Myles Ranier and Special Assistant United States Attorney Collin Sims, who is a former Assistant United States Attorney and the Criminal Chief at the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, are in charge of the prosecution.
New Orleans Man and his Restaurant Sentenced for Employing Unauthorized Aliens and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that KE LIAN ZHAO, age 50, of Kenner, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to employing aliens at his restaurant, LA JUMBO CHINA BUFFET (“JUMBO BUFFET”). The restaurant, JUMBO BUFFET, was also sentenced for making false statements.
U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced ZHAO to one year of probation and a $100 special assessment. ZHAO was also ordered to pay $52,305.75 in restitution to the victims, which has been paid. JUMBO BUFFET was sentenced to one year of probation and a $400 special assessment.
According to court documents, ZHAO and JUMBO BUFFET had been employing aliens at the restaurant for almost four years. A federal investigation revealed that between August 2011 and March 2015, ZHAO recruited, hired, and continued to employ personnel he knew were unlawfully present in the United States. During this time frame, JUMBO BUFFET knowingly and willfully provided materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations to agents of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the United States Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Furthermore, when investigators requested payroll information from JUMBO BUFFET, the company altered payroll documents to make it look as if it had complied with minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, when witness statements, surveillance, and other evidence showed that employees worked in excess of a 40 hour work week, without being paid overtime, or minimum wage.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan Lieberman was in charge of the prosecution.
Kenner Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Lying on Tax Returns and Failing to Declare More than $300,000 in IncomeRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that CHRISTIE ROBINSON, 39, of LaPlace, pled guilty yesterday to four counts of false statements on tax returns, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1).
According to court records, ROBINSON is the owner and operator of a tax return preparation business in Kenner, Louisiana, called CRR Services, LLC. ROBINSON received fees charged for the preparation of individuals’ tax returns. ROBINSON failed to include all of the substantial fees she received for income tax return preparation on her own returns. In 2007, she declared $80,000 in fees and failed to disclose $195,000. In 2009, she disclosed $100,000 but failed to include an extra $28,000. In 2010, she declared $76,000 but failed to declare $82,000. Finally, in 2011 she declared $175,000 but excluded $8,000. The total undeclared income for the four years 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 is approximately $315,000. The total taxes due and owing are approximately $104,000.
ROBINSON faces a possible maximum sentence of three years imprisonment on each count, and/or a fine of $100,000 and up to three years of supervised release. as well as having to reimburse the United States for the cost of the investigation. U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set sentencing for August 17, 2016.
U.S. Attorney praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. of the Fraud Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that RONY GAVARRETTE, age 23, a native of Honduras, pled guilty yesterday to a one-count Indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, GAVARRETTE was previously removed from the United States on September 26, 2011. GAVARRETTE was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on November 10, 2015, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.
GAVARRETTE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, as well as a fine of $250,000. U.S. District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for September 7, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite 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.
New Orleans Couple Plead Guilty to Drugs, Firearms and Obstruction ChargesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced that GROSS WILLIAMS, age 49, and his wife, KATHLEEN WILLIAMS, age 46, both residents of New Orleans, pled guilty today. GROSS WILLIAMS pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin and five kilograms or more of cocaine, as well as illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. KATHLEEN WILLIAMS pled guilty to obstruction of justice for destroying a cellular phone used by GROSS WILLIAMS in his drug dealing activity.
According to court documents, GROSS WILLIAMS was a large-scale narcotics dealer. He operated a used car business in Arabi that served as a cover and means of laundering his drug proceeds. Law enforcement officers seized over $425,000 in cash and a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol from the WILLIAMS’s bedroom during a search, and later discovered another $240,000 in cash in a safe deposit box that KATHLEEN had opened in her name. Through a detailed financial investigation, law enforcement was able to show that GROSS deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash into the bank accounts of his used car business despite selling only a few midrange models each year. KATHLEEN also admitted that she destroyed her husband’s “dope phone” the day that he was arrested.
GROSS WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years to a maximum of life, a fine of up to $20,000,000 and ten years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. KATHLEEN WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $25,000, and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt set sentencing for August 17, 2016.
U.S. Attorney Polite praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and Louisiana Probation and Parole, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Hayden Brockett are in charge of the prosecution.