Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department Announces Investigation of the Louisiana State PoliceRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - The Justice Department has announced that it has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the Louisiana State Police (LSP). This civil investigation will assess whether LSP uses excessive force and whether it engages in racially discriminatory policing. The investigation will include a comprehensive review of LSP policies, training, supervision, and force investigations, as well as LSP’s systems of accountability, including misconduct complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition, and discipline.
“In times of attempting to resolve controversy and conflict, the parties involved must get comfortable having uncomfortable conversations,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Today, the U.S. Department of Justice has pledged to be a conduit between the Louisiana State Police and community stakeholders, so that open lines of communication can start flowing and any concerns will not fall on deaf ears.”
“Protecting the civil rights of all Americans and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve are among the Justice Department’s most important responsibilities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This investigation, like all of our pattern or practice investigations, will seek to promote the transparency, accountability, and public trust that is essential to public safety.”
“Every American, regardless of race, has the right to constitutional policing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Based on an extensive review of publicly available information and information provided to us, we find significant justification to investigate whether Louisiana State Police engages in excessive force and engages in racially discriminatory policing against Black residents and other people of color. The Justice Department stands ready to use every tool in our arsenal to confront allegations of misconduct and to ensure legitimacy during encounters with law enforcement.”
The investigation is being conducted pursuant to the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which prohibits state and local governments from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct by law enforcement officers that deprives individuals of rights protected by the Constitution or federal law. The statute allows the Department to remedy such misconduct through civil litigation. The Department will be assessing law enforcement practices under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as well as under the Safe Streets Act of 1968 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The investigation is separate from any federal criminal investigation of LSP troopers.
Prior to the announcement, Department officials informed Governor John Bel Edwards, Colonel Lamar Davis, and Deputy General Counsel Gail Holland of the investigation. They pledged to cooperate with the investigation. As part of this investigation, the Department officials will reach out to community groups and members of the public to learn about their experiences with LSP.
The Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Louisiana will jointly conduct this investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department of Justice via email at [email protected] or by phone at (202) 353-0684. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov.
Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.
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Former Prison Inmate from Georgia Sentenced for Defrauding Victims Out of over $9,700Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Andre Deaveon Reese, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 33 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Reese was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims in this case in the amount of $9,797.95.
According to evidence presented to the court, while serving time in the Autry State Prison (Autry) in Georgia in 2015, and continuing through July 2020, Reese participated in a scheme to defraud victims by telling them they had failed to appear for jury duty and a warrant had been issued for their arrest. To carry out this scheme, inmates used contraband cellular telephones from inside Autry to access internet websites to identify the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of potential fraud victims. Using the cellular telephones, inmates called the victims who name, and number had been obtained and made certain false misrepresentations to the victims. The inmates told the victims that they were law enforcement officials and that the victim had unlawfully failed to appear for jury duty. In addition, the victims were told that because they had failed to appear for jury duty, warrants had been issued for their arrest and the victim had a choice of being arrested on the warrant or pay a fine to have the arrest warrant dismissed.
To make the calls seem real, Reese, along with other inmates, created fictitious voicemail greetings on their contraband cellular telephones used by the inmates, identifying themselves as members of legitimate law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal Service. For those victims who wanted to pay a fine, the inmates instructed them to purchase pre-paid cash cards and provide the account number of the cash card or the victim could wire money directly into a pre-paid debit card account held by the inmates or one of the co-conspirators. Based on these false representations, the victims electronically transferred money to the inmates because they believe that the funds would be used to pay the fine.
After a victim provided an inmate with the account number of the pre-paid cash card, the inmates then used their contraband cellular telephones to contact co-conspirators, who were not incarcerated, to have those individuals transfer the money from the cash card purchased by the victims to a pre-paid debit card possessed by the co-conspirators. The co-conspirators would then withdraw the victim’s money via an automated teller machine or at a retail store.
In August of 2016, two individuals, ages 75 and 78, living in the Western District of Louisiana, became victims of Reese’s scheme. The victims believed the callers, who were inmates posing as legitimate law enforcement officers, and followed their instructions to pay them to have the alleged warrants for their arrest for failing to appear for jury duty dismissed. The two victims $9,797.95 to Reese and his co-conspirators.
The case was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Marshal Service and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Cases Result in the Conviction of Three Shreveport Men and the Removal of Five Firearms Possessed IllegallyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Three men from Shreveport, Louisiana have been sentenced for illegally possessing firearms, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. has sentenced two of the men, LilTerrence Pierce, 27, and Keyon Coleman, 19. Pierce was sentenced to 87 months (12 years, 3 months) in prison, and Coleman was sentenced to 30 months (2 years, 6 months) in prison. Both men will serve 3 years of supervised release following their release from prison.
On or about July 20, 2021, a Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for traffic violations, including speeding and expired inspection registration. Pierce was the driver of the vehicle and Coleman was seated in the back passenger side. During the encounter, the deputy conducted a lawful search of the vehicle and recovered three firearms, including a FNH .45 caliber pistol loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition, a Palmetto State Armory 5.56 caliber pistol loaded with 41 rounds of ammunition, as well as a Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition. One of the firearms had been reported stolen. Pierce admitted to possessing the firearms, knowing that he was prohibited from doing so due to being a convicted felon. Coleman admitted that he purchased the stolen firearm with a loaded, extended magazine off the streets for a fraction of the retail price, knowing that it was likely to have been stolen.
Pierce has prior felony convictions for illegal use of a weapon (January 2012 and April 2018) and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling (May 2012 and October 2013) and knew that as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.
In an unrelated case, Darrien Demarqez Johnson, 29, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. On May 12, 2021, troopers with the Louisiana State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and Johnson was a passenger. After the stop, Johnson fled on foot carrying a Saiga rifle and a backpack containing a Beretta pistol. During the foot chase, Johnson tossed the backpack and rifle but they were recovered by troopers a short time later. Johnson was later arrested and charged with possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He had previously been convicted of domestic abuse battery in 2010 and 2018 and was therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Johnson was charged and pleaded guilty on February 11, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Two Men Sentenced for Illegal Possession of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty has sentenced two men to federal prison for illegal possession of narcotics.
Antoyn A. Wordlaw, 43, of Delhi, Louisiana, was sentenced to 234 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On July 6, 2021, Louisiana State Police (LSP) received a call from a company in Delhi, stating there were narcotics found in an employee locker room. The company found a soft-side cooler bag with a large amount of narcotics inside a locker belonging to Wordlaw. Law enforcement agents with the LSP and Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and were able to review surveillance cameras for the day and identified Wordlaw walking into the plant and locker room with the same cooler bag. Wordlaw was arrested and a search of the cooler bag revealed that it contained a clear bag with methamphetamine, four bags with marijuana, numerous baggies for distribution and several other controlled substances. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a chemical analysis and determined that the substance was in fact methamphetamine with a net weight of 88.9 grams and a 95% purity level.
The case was investigated by the DEA, LSP and Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan.
In an unrelated case, Preston Ryan Eckard, 23, of Fort Necessity, Louisiana, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. Deputies with the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Eckard in December 2020. Law enforcement agents were able to obtain video evidence of Eckard selling methamphetamine for cash on two occasions in January and February of 2021. The narcotics were seized and sent to the lab for analysis. The North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory determined the narcotics seized on January 28, 2021 to be 28.01 grams of methamphetamine. The DEA Laboratory determined that narcotics seized on February 2, 2021 had a net weight of 44.92 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
“Our office has a heightened interest in conducting parallel drug trafficking investigations with state law enforcement in the more rural areas of our district, where there is a violation of federal law,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “There are instances where local law enforcement, through no fault of their own, may have limited resources to conduct such investigations. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with these jurisdictions and communities so that these residents can live in a safe environment.”
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Joshua Ray Webb McGee, 34, of Olla, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to a total of 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. McGee was sentenced to 46 months for possession of firearm by convicted felon and an additional 14 months for violating the terms of his supervised release. McGee was previously convicted of conspiracy to commit bank robbery in the Eastern District of Arkansas and was sentenced to 46 months in prison on November 14, 2018.
On July 27, 2021, a concerned motorist called 911 to report a motor vehicle accident in LaSalle Parish. When law enforcement arrived, the motorist told officers what had transpired. He explained that as he was traveling near a sharp curve in the road a blue SUV came around the curve traveling at a high rate of speed. This caused him to make an abrupt turn into the opposite lane to avoid a head-on collision and the other vehicle traveled off the roadway and hit a tree and went into the drainage ditch. The motorist turned around and went back to the accident site to check on the erratic driver. As he drove back up to the accident site, he saw the man, later determined to be McGee, walking in front of the car on the highway. He asked if the man was okay, and he said yes but asked the motorist not to call it in because he had just gotten out of jail and did not want any trouble. The motorist offered to let the man sit in his vehicle as it began to rain, and McGee asked if he could get his gun and the motorist told him no. The motorist then watched McGee throw a long black gun into the woods nearby. He then told McGee that he had already called 911 and McGee then fled into the woods. Officers found paperwork in the vehicle with McGee’s name on it and were able to recover the firearm from the wooded area where McGee had thrown it. A few days later, the motorist was able to positively identify McGee as the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle and who he had seen with the firearm. McGee was charged with one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the ATF and LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan.
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Four Men Sentenced for Stealing over 30 Firearms from Gun Dealer in Maurice, LARead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four men have been sentenced for their involvement in the theft of 32 firearms from a gun dealer in Maurice, Louisiana. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced the defendants as follows:
Damien Damon Briggs, 28, of Kaplan, Louisiana, was sentenced to 96 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Tawaski Tavon Lewis, 32, of Abbeville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.
Travon Travel Citizen, 18, of Abbeville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The fourth defendant in this case, Dante Citizen, 23, of Abbeville, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 2, 2022 to 14 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.
Each of the defendants pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee. All four of the men admitted to their involvement in stealing 32 firearms from the premises of Swampland Trading Co., a licensed firearms dealer located in Maurice, Louisiana, on September 7, 2021. All 32 firearms were in the licensee’s business inventory.
“This is a great example of cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agencies,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Because of their synergy and cohesion, all 32 firearms were recovered the same night they were stolen, and Swampland Trading Co. was able to properly sell the firearms to customers who had a legal right to purchase them.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Shreveport Man Found with Stolen Firearm is Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Lovoriss Montray Powell, 39, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On May 9, 2020, a trooper with the Louisiana State Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation and Powell was identified as the driver and sole occupant. The trooper asked for permission to search the vehicle and Powell gave consent. During the search, the trooper found a loaded 9mm firearm under the driver’s seat. Powell was arrested and later admitted that he had put the firearm under the seat and knew that because he had prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from having a firearm. An investigation by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that the firearm was stolen. Powell’s prior felony convictions are for simple burglary (2000), accessory after the fact armed robbery (2001), illegal use of a weapon (2002), and domestic abuse battery (2010).
“This defendant has multiple felony convictions and chose to illegally possess a stolen firearm,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Given the epidemic concerning the illegal possession of firearms in the Shreveport area, I want it to be clear that the United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute those who violate federal firearm laws and will seek sentences of imprisonment.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and Louisiana State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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Four Defendants Sentenced for Involvement in Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in Monroe, LouisianaRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – John Henry Butler, Jr., 44, of Providence Village, Texas, has been sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana on drug conspiracy charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Butler to 240 months (20 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Butler pleaded guilty December 16, 2021 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Butler, along with three others, were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2021 and charged with a methamphetamine conspiracy in connection with their drug trafficking activities in the Monroe, Louisiana area. Evidence presented in court established that from February through November of 2019, agents conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from one of Butler’s co-defendants. In November 2019, agents were able to obtain approval from the court to monitor calls on the phone of Darryl Andrea Williams, one of Butler’s co-defendants. Agents were able to intercept phone calls between Williams and Butler concerning the distribution of methamphetamine, along with calls between Williams and the other co-defendants. The other defendants charged in this case and their sentences are as follows:
Darryl Andrea Williams, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Travis Dishun Little, 36, of Monroe, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Jeremy Michael Davis, 37, of Monroe, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 196 months (16 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and J. Aaron Crawford.
This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Distribution of Fentanyl and Illegal Possession of Firearms Results in Lengthy Federal Prison Sentence for Alexandria ManRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Dustin Thompson, 36, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for his involvement in the trafficking of fentanyl and illegal possession of firearms. Thompson was sentenced to 270 months (22 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Thompson was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. On October 4, 2021, Thompson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On March 12, 2018, Thompson distributed a controlled substance to an individual in Alexandria and represented to him that the substance was heroin, when in truth and in fact, it was fentanyl. After consuming what he thought to be heroin, the individual became unconscious and crashed his vehicle into the Alexandria, Louisiana Police Department.
Law enforcement officers administered NARCAN, a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose, in order to revive the victim and he was taken to a local hospital where a NARCAN drip was given to him for an extended period of time. Law enforcement officers later searched Thompson’s residence and found three loaded firearms, 54 grams of fentanyl, and a large sum of cash.
“In this case, a large amount of fentanyl was recovered. However, let it be known that the Western District of Louisiana’s United States Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute all illegal fentanyl trafficking cases regardless of the quantity involved and we will seek stiff sentences of imprisonment. This has become an epidemic throughout the southern part of the country and this district is no exception. These law enforcement officers are to be commended for their swift, heady action resulting in this victim’s life being spared.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF and Alexandria Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and J. Aaron Crawford.
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Department of Justice Recognizes Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Team with Federal Service AwardRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown joins the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), in recognizing Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell and his fellow team members for receiving the Federal Service Award last week in Washington, D.C. Mr. Campbell serves as the Criminal Chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana.
The Office for Victims of Crime presented the Federal Service Award to the Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Team, a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training and the Justice Department’s Environmental and Natural Resources Division. This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of federal agency personnel who lead initiatives and make contributions that impact victims of federal, tribal and military crimes, or promote victims’ rights and services nationally and internationally.
“Acts that degrade the environment exact a heavy toll on our planet, but we often forget that individual victims pay a high price as well, and are often left to suffer in silence,” said Amy L. Solomon, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of OJP. “Those who commit these crimes do enormous damage that often goes undetected until injury and illness reach the point of personal crisis. The vigilance and resourcefulness of this dedicated team of professionals are worthy of our highest esteem and our deepest gratitude.”
Created in 2017, the Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Team identifies and supports victims of environmental injustices. Injuries from environmental crimes, such as widespread pollution and exposure to carcinogens, may not manifest for years after the crime, and even then, it is difficult to distinguish between external causes and underlying medical conditions. Until the creation of the program, there were no national protocols or dedicated federal resources to ensure that victims of environmental crimes were identified, notified and treated consistently nationwide.
The program created a decision tree to identify victims, a victim impact statement template tailored to environmental crimes, an investigation and prosecution checklist to ensure victims are considered and model charging language and jury instructions for certain victim and witness retaliation offenses. The team is also improving outreach to victims in overburdened communities and ensuring that investigations are structured to pursue remedies that guarantee adequate protection for those communities. Program accomplishments include establishing a national victim-witness coordinator position at EPA, hiring a victim-witness coordinator for ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, launching public webpages for outreach to victims of environmental crimes and developing national training.
"This outstanding team of advocates and attorneys exemplifies compassion in the pursuit of often elusive justice, giving hope to those whose communities have borne the burden of careless and criminal environmental practices,” said Kristina Rose, Director of the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). “We owe these professionals an enormous debt of gratitude.”
Every April, OVC leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. President Ronald W. Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. This year’s observance took place last week, April 24-30, and featured the theme, “Rights, Access, Equity, for All Victims.”
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week which has been observed during this week of April 24-30, 2022. This year’s theme is “Rights, Access, and Equity for all Victims.” This week is all about honoring victims, survivors, and the people and organizations throughout the United States who support and serve them.
“There are many people in our community who know first-hand what it feels like to have been a victim of crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown. “When it happens to you, it affects you for a lifetime and we never forget the events that caused us to be a victim. Our office is committed to protecting the rights of those who are crime victims. We will continue to work with both state and local agencies to bring those who commit those crimes to justice and by providing support to the crime victims throughout the judicial process.”
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an opportunity to remember not only victims who we are currently serving, but also those who have lost their lives as the result of senseless acts of terrorism such as the Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995, the attacks on September 11, 2001 in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. Not only are there victims of crime in other cities, but also right here in the Western District of Louisiana where our office has prosecuted numerous cases and justice was served for many victims. Some significant cases involving victims which our office has prosecuted are as follows:
- In US v. Thomas Steven Sanders, the victims, a mother and daughter, were both kidnapped from Las Vegas and killed by Sanders. A jury in Alexandria, Louisiana, convicted Sanders and he was sentenced to death and is currently on death row.
- In US v. Dillon Merritt, a jury in Shreveport, Louisiana convicted Merritt of kidnapping the victim and brutally beating, raping and torturing her for nearly a week, but she survived and was able to tell her story about the awful things he did to her. Merritt was sentenced to life in prison.
- In US v. Kirbyjon Caldwell and Gregory Smith, both defendants pleaded guilty to defrauding investors out of over $3.5 million. Most of the victims were friends and clients of Smith, who was a financial advisor in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Caldwell, who was the pastor of a mega church in Houston, Texas. Caldwell and Smith were sentenced to six years in prison and ordered to pay $3,588,500 in restitution to the victims in this case.
- In US v. Mehmood Patel, a jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, convicted Patel, who was a cardiologist in Lafayette. Patel was found guilty of health care fraud as a result of his performing heart catheterizations, stents, and angiograms on patients and many of these procedures were found to be medically unnecessary. Patel was sentenced to ten years in prison and was ordered to pay $387,511.56 in restitution to his many victims.
- In US v. David D. DeBerardinis, he pleaded guilty to defrauding numerous victims who were his friends and business associates out of millions of dollars. DeBerardinis, who was a businessman in Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $51,462,909.66 in restitution to his victims.
“These are just a few examples of victims we have sought and obtained justice for,” stated U.S. Attorney Brown. “However, we know our job is never done. This office will continue to work hard to ensure that the rights of victims are protected, and the laws are upheld in the Western District of Louisiana.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, many organizations who work with victims everyday rally together to bring awareness of victims’ rights and services. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs and supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state in the United States. Funding for these programs comes from the Crime Victims Fund, which is obtained by the collection of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures. Many of our state and local non-governmental agencies receive grants and funding from these sources in order to provide victim services here locally.
The OVC leads the nation in the observance of this week and groups across the nation join in to bring awareness to the need for rights and services to be provided to victims of crime. The annual Awards Ceremony will be held today in Washington, D.C. If you would like to observe the event, click on this link to register: www.ovc.ojp.gov/live.
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Dallas, Texas Man Sentenced for Illegally Obtaining Money from Pre-Paid Debit CardsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Chukwuma N. Okoye, Jr., 38, of Dallas, Texas, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally obtaining money using pre-paid debit cards. Okoye was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,379,860. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to use unauthorized access devices on November 9, 2021.
According to evidence introduced in court at the guilty plea hearing, Okoye and his co-defendants used unauthorized access devices, specifically, pre-paid Green Dot debit cards which were registered to other individuals to purchase money orders and conduct cash withdrawals. Between July and September of 2020, Okoye and others traveled from Texas to Bossier City, Louisiana, where the Green Dot cards were used at a Walmart store on Airline Drive in Bossier City.
The funds on the Green Dot cards originated from fraudulently obtained Washington State unemployment insurance and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans which were obtained by unknown individuals. After those funds were deposited into PayPal accounts, unknown individuals transferred funds to the Green Dot cards and the cards were then used at online retailers and various physical retail stores. All of the PayPal accounts and Green Dot cards involved in the scheme had been opened by unknown individuals, using stolen personal identifying information.
The investigation uncovered 29 PayPal accounts which were utilized to fund the Green Dot cards used at the Bossier City Walmart during the conspiracy. These 29 accounts were found to contain a total of $729,300 in illicit funds which were seized.
Okoye’s co-defendants, Patrick N. Madubuko and Barnabas Akporehe, are fugitives. If you have any information about their whereabouts, please contact your local U.S. Secret Service office or go to www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.
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Two Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Defendants Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – Two defendants involved in separate Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) cases were sentenced yesterday on drug charges in the Western District of Louisiana, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
Djavious T. Evans, 23, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In July 2020, agents with the DEA began an investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Shreveport area. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation was named “Operation Lost and Found” and resulted in federal indictments against nine defendants for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Through their investigation, agents learned that Demetrius Loston, Evans and other co-defendants were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine in the Shreveport area.
Law enforcement agents intercepted phone calls between Loston and an unnamed individual wherein they communicated about meeting to pick up methamphetamine at a local gas station. Agents observed Loston’s vehicle travel to the gas station, then to a residence in Shreveport. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was Evans. He had an outstanding warrant for child support and was arrested. During a search of the vehicle, officers found two loaded firearms, and a bag with several bags of methamphetamine inside. Another bag of methamphetamine was found under the radio console, along with 141 ecstasy pills. The narcotics were taken to the crime lab and were determined to have a net weight of 253.6 grams of methamphetamine and the ecstasy pills weighed 30.7 grams.
This case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
Jhailen Zeno, of 27, of Lafayette, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 85 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin. This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation was named “Operation All Star Millennials” and resulted in a federal indictment against ten defendants for conspiring together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine in the Morgan City area. Law enforcement agents began an investigation in September 2019 into the drug trafficking activities of Zeno and his co-defendants and learned that Zeno conspired with nine others to acquire and distribute heroin for profit. During their investigation, Zeno was stopped on two occasions in June 2020 and found to have heroin in his possession, along with a 9mm handgun. Zeno pleaded guilty on charge on July 7, 2021.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Lafayette Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel and Robert C. Abendroth.
These cases are part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Distribution of Fentanyl Sends Abbeville Man Back to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Raymond Hawthorne, Jr., 48, of Abbeville, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 57 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. Hawthorne pleaded guilty to the charge on November 4, 2021.
On August 27, 2019, law enforcement officers operating in an undercover capacity made arrangements to purchase fentanyl from Hawthorne. He directed them where to meet to purchase the narcotics. Upon arrival as directed by Hawthorne, his co-defendant provided the purchaser with approximately 25 grams of a mixture containing a detectable amount of fentanyl in exchange for cash. Following the transaction, law enforcement officers observed Hawthorne’s co-defendant drive directly to meet Hawthorne and provide him with the money from the drug transaction.
Hawthorne was previously convicted in 2002 of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.
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Shreveport Man Sentenced for Trafficking NarcoticsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport man was sentenced today on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Timmie Ford, 60, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Ford pleaded guilty on December 21, 2021 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Law enforcement officers with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department executed a search warrant on Ford’s home on July 13, 2020. During the search, agents recovered three loaded firearms, along with various rounds of ammunition and high-capacity magazines. Also inside Ford’s home was a bag containing approximately 287 suspected narcotics pills, packaging materials for sale and distribution, and two digital scales. The pills were chemically analyzed and confirmed that they were comprised of a mixture or substance containing over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon.
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Former Owner of Shreveport Tax Preparation Businesses Sentenced on Tax Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Latasha Thomas, 44, of Crowley, Texas, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Thomas was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 18 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for making and subscribing a false tax return. Thomas was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $143,611.
Thomas was the owner and operator of Tax Related, LLC and ASAP Tax Service, LLE, both tax preparation businesses located in Shreveport. She was employed as a Revenue Officer with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for two years prior to opening her own tax preparation businesses. She was also the owner of Kidz World Learning Center and Best & Brightest Preschool Center in Shreveport.
Thomas’ primary business was the preparation and electronic filing of individual income tax returns. An investigation by the IRS revealed that Thomas aided and assisted in the preparation of false Forms 1040 for her clients by intentionally creating false Form W-2s to increase the reported income of her clients and she also falsified her personal tax returns. Thomas received the fees for the filing of client’s individual tax returns into business accounts in the name of Tax Related, ASAP Tax and another company owned by Thomas, Diamond Elite Corporation. These accounts were opened and primarily maintained by Thomas. She received but did not report $168,297 in fees in 2016 and $139,736 in fees in 2017. Thomas did not file a business return, nor did she include her business income on her personal tax returns for either tax year. Thomas personally prepared her 2016 and 2017 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, which were verified by a written declaration that they were made under penalty of perjury and were purported to be truthful. When in truth and in fact, Thomas made false statements in both returns and the total income was false. In 2016, Thomas only reported total income of $28,202 and failed to report income totaling $168,297 which she received as tax preparation fees, thus making her 2016 taxes due and owing. In 2017, Thomas only reported total income of $17,475 and failed to report income totaling $139,736 which she received as tax preparation fees, thus making her 2017 taxes due and owing.
As part of her plea agreement, Thomas agreed to be permanently enjoined from preparing, assisting, advising, or counseling in the preparation of, or filing federal tax returns for anyone other than herself. She is also prohibited from maintaining any association with a tax preparation business, instructing, teaching or otherwise training any person in the preparation of federal tax returns.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick.
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Four Defendants Sentenced in the Western District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants were sentenced today in the Western District of Louisiana on various charges. Their sentencing information is as follows:
SHREVEPORT, La. - Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Christopher Donta Willis, 46, of Mansfield, Texas, to 264 months (22 years) in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges. Willis was charged in February 2019 and pleaded guilty on September 13, 2021 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. During an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Shreveport/Bossier City area, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Willis and another individual were attempting to distribute methamphetamine on January 25, 2019. Later that day, a trooper with the Louisiana State Police (LSP) conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Willis. Once stopped, Willis fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement officers and was found to have methamphetamine on his person. Additional methamphetamine was recovered pursuant to a residential search warrant. The drugs that were seized were sent to the crime laboratory for analysis and were confirmed to be methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the DEA, ATF and Louisiana State Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Earl M. Campbell.
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the following defendants in Lafayette, Louisiana:
Marquel Devon Robinson, 34, of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, was sentenced to 72 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute heroin. On February 15, 2019, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence of Robinson in Lake Arthur. During the execution of the warrant, officers recovered methamphetamine, heroin, and a heroin-fentanyl mixture along with other drug paraphernalia. The seized narcotics were sent to a laboratory for testing and were determined to contain 168.6 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 17.1 grams of a mixture and substance containing heroin, and 13.23 grams of a mixture and substance containing heroin and fentanyl. Robinson pleaded guilty to the charge on November 30, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigation, the Lake Arthur Police Department and Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office and the CAT Team, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.
Isaac J. Fontenot, 23, of Church Point, Louisiana, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for sexual abuse of a minor. Fontenot was also ordered to register as a sex offender. In October 2020, when Fontenot was 22 years old, he engaged in sexual relations with a female victim under the age of 15 years old. Fontenot knew that the victim was a minor but continued having sexual relations with her. He pleaded guilty to the charge on November 30, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Coushatta Tribal Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel.
Clifton Lamar Dodd, 50, a federal inmate, was sentenced to 21 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for mailing a number of hoax letters to United States Senate post office boxes. Dodd was found guilty at his trial in July 2021 by a federal jury in Lafayette.
On May 2, 2016, personnel at the United States Senate mail facility received four suspicious mailed envelopes, each containing a white powdery substance. Each envelope bore a return address of FCI Oakdale, and each listed a different inmate as the purported sender. The United States Capitol Police’s Hazardous Response Unit responded and confirmed that the white powder was merely talcum powder. In addition to the talcum powder, each letter contained a note scrawled in all caps on a small scrap of paper that stated, “MY BOSS MADE ME DO THIS.” On the back of each note was the name of four different inmates, all of which were housed at FCI Oakdale.
U.S. Capitol Police and agents from the FBI and Bureau of Prisons began an investigation into the origin of the letters. Agents interviewed the inmates whose names were listed as senders of the letters and learned that Dodd had sent one of the inmates threatening notes and bragged about getting the inmate removed from the prison yard. FBI submitted the hoax letters to its crime lab for forensic evaluation and found one of Dodd’s fingerprints on the outside of one of the envelopes.
The FBI, Bureau of Prisons, and U.S. Capitol Police conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips prosecuted the case.
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Two Defendants Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Two men from the Shreveport/Bossier City area have been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. in separate cases on child pornography charges, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced.
Daniel Robert Bissell, 55, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 172 months (14 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography. Bissell was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $33,000 to victims in the case.
Bissell pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021 to receipt of child pornography as the result of an investigation by the Special Victims Unit with the Louisiana State Police and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Investigators located a suspect IP address which was sharing numerous files of child pornography and obtained information from a cable provider identifying the customer to be Bissell. On July 30, 2020, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Bissell’s residence and found him at the home. He admitted to using software to download to his computer and share files containing child sex abuse material. A forensic examination of Bissell’s computer hard drives revealed that he had approximately 365,523 images and 8,520 videos of child pornography, which included images of prepubescent minors who had not reached the age of 12 and of minors being bound with rope/straps around their ankles, wrists, and necks. The images and videos specifically depicted children under 12 years of age being sexually exploited.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Louisiana State Police, and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.
In a separate case, Johnny Lee Henderson, Jr., 45, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Henderson pleaded guilty on December 13, 2021 to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity.
In March 2020, the mother of a 12-year-old female issued a complaint at the local police department in Kansas where the victim lived alleging that her minor daughter had been communicating with an adult male from Shreveport on social media and a cell phone. The mother claimed that her minor daughter and the adult male had exchanged sexually explicit video clips of each other and engaged in sexually explicit video chats. Detectives with the police department interviewed the minor daughter and she confirmed her mother’s allegations. The minor admitted that from January to March of 2020, she had been communicating with the adult male named “Chuck” Henderson. The communications included social media chat messages, phone conversations, text messages and video chats. The minor told detectives that when she and “Chuck” began communicating, she told him that she was 12 years old.
Detectives obtained search warrants for the social media accounts for “Chuck” and the minor female and examined phone records and logs. They discovered evidence of numerous sexually explicit video clips that were sent to “Chuck” as well as messages from him encouraging and enticing the minor female to produce and send them to him. Law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were able to determine that the phone number and social media accounts belonged to Henderson. The minor victim positively identified Henderson’s picture from his Facebook profile and his voice as the person she knew as “Chuck.” At the time of the offense, Henderson was a registered sex offender in Louisiana as the result of a conviction in 2006 for Sexual Molestation of a Juvenile.
The case was investigated by the FBI and Baldwin City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell.
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Noble, LA Man Receives Sentence of 23+ Years in Federal Prison on Sexual Exploitation ChargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Dustin Lee Crow, 33, of Noble, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 286 months (23 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
In July 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported three cybertips to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations. The cybertips concerned images and videos of child pornography contained on three Twitter accounts belonging to Crow. The child pornography images which were uploaded contained videos and a still image of a victim under the age of 6. These videos and image were uploaded to Twitter and sent in a direct message to another Twitter account. Agents executed a search warrant at Crow’s house and admitted his involvement in the offenses to law enforcement agents. Crow pleaded guilty on June 9, 2021 to one count of sexual exploitation of children.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations Cyber Crime Unit and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Earl M. Campbell.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines 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.
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Defendants Receive Sentences Totaling 30+ Years in Federal Prison on Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that three defendants were sentenced in U.S. District Court yesterday for drug trafficking and firearms violations.
Christopher Antrell Bernard, 43, of Shreveport, was sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 262 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition, Bernard was found guilty of violating his probation and was sentenced to an additional 37 months in prison. Bernard’s total sentence today was 299 months (24 years, 11 months) in prison.
On May 6, 2020, officers with the Shreveport Police Department initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Bernard and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. As he exited the vehicle, officers observed a handgun in plain view between the console and driver’s seat. Officers searched Bernard’s vehicle and found individual baggies containing approximately 76 grams of marijuana and a scale. The firearm which was in plain view was found to be a loaded 9mm pistol. At the time of Bernard’s arrest, he was on supervised release after receiving an Executive Grant of Clemency signed by President Barack Obama on January 19, 2017 commuting his sentence. Bernard was previously sentenced in federal court on March 31, 2009 to 240 months in prison for distribution of cocaine.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
In a separate case, Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Bennie Sylvester Epps, 32, of Zwolle, Louisiana, to 66 months (5 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Epps pleaded guilty on December 14, 2021 to one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On July 21, 2020, agents with the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team made a traffic stop on a vehicle for having a shattered windshield. Upon stopping, the driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene and agents were unable to locate him. Moments later, an individual later determined to be Epps, exited from the rear of the same vehicle carrying a black duffel bag and fled. During the pursuit, Epps tossed the bag as he ran but he was soon apprehended. The duffel bag was recovered and found to contain marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. Agents also recovered a loaded handgun near the bag.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team and prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
In another case, United States District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced Nicholas J. Bryant, 21, of Shreveport, to 46 months (3 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Bryant pleaded guilty on January 19, 2022 to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Following a July 4, 2021 shooting, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms (ATF) Task Force located Bryant and read him his Miranda warnings. In questioning him following the arrest, Bryant admitted to agents that he had a gun his car. Agents searched the vehicle and found a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine containing 25 rounds of ammunition. Bryant was previously convicted of domestic abuse battery in the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish, Louisiana in 2021. This conviction prohibited Bryant from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the ATF and Shreveport Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
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Owner of Counseling Agency and Supervising Manager Sentenced on Healthcare and Wire Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Marty T. Johnson and Keesha Dinkins were both sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter in connection with a healthcare fraud and wire fraud scheme they were involved in.
Johnson, 59, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release. Dinkins, 45, of Bossier City, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release. In addition, Johnson and Dinkins were ordered to jointly pay restitution in the amount of $3,500,000.
On October 26, 2021, Johnson and Dinkins each entered guilty pleas in connection with the case. Johnson pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and wire fraud. Dinkins pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging her with misprision of a felony charge of healthcare fraud. Johnson and Dinkins each admitted to defrauding the Medicaid Program out of $3.5 million.
According to information presented to the court, Johnson owned and operated Positive Change Counseling Agency (Positive Change) located in Shreveport, Louisiana, from January 2013 to January 2018. Keesha Dinkins was a manager and supervisor at Positive Change. Positive Change provided mental health rehabilitation and related services to Medicaid beneficiaries in the Caddo and Bossier Parish areas. From 2014 to January 2018, Johnson submitted and caused to be submitted fraudulent claims for mental health rehabilitation and non-emergency transportation services on behalf of Positive Change. Dinkins knew that Johnson submitted these fraudulent claims which she and Johnson both knew were not performed or rendered. These fraudulent claims resulted in Positive Change receiving payments from Medicaid to which it was not entitled.
Johnson admitted to paying individuals money to enroll with Positive Change, increasing the capacity for Positive Change to bill Medicaid for services that were not rendered. Johnson instructed employees, and Dinkins supervised those employees, at Positive Change to create false client files to conceal from Medicaid and insurance company auditors and inspectors that it had not performed the services related to its previously submitted claims which had already been reimbursed by Medicaid. In order to create these false client files, sections from different client documents were physically cut to create inserts which were glued into blank client log templates. These templates with the glued inserts were then photocopied to create the appearance of legitimate documents. Johnson and Dinkins supervised and knowingly and willfully instructed the employees that were creating these false client files to place the false and fictitious photocopied, cut and pasted, documents into the client files. Johnson and Dinkins knew that these false client files were used to conceal from Medicaid officials that Positive Change did not render the services in the claims submitted by it and paid by Medicaid.
In addition, Johnson knowingly caused Positive Change to use Medicaid recipients’ names and identification information without their knowledge or consent to submit fraudulent claims for mental health rehabilitation and non-emergency transportation.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General, Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office-Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
If you have any information pertaining to this or any other type of Medicaid fraud, please contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services–Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477) or the Louisiana Medicaid Fraud Hotline at 1-800-488-2917.
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Haynesville Man Indicted for Making Explosive ThreatsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Cortez L. Brown, 33, of Haynesville, Louisiana, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on numerous charges, including threatening to unlawfully damage and destroy buildings in Sarepta and Springhill, Louisiana. Brown is charged in the indictment with four counts of wire fraud, two counts of theft of government money, and five counts of making explosive threats.
On March 27, 2020 the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act which was meant to mitigate the economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and created the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. The FPUC program was intended to increase benefits for individuals who were unemployed and gave them an extra $600 each week in addition to their regular unemployment benefits. The FPUC program was administered by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC).
The indictment alleges that on or about May 10, 2020 Brown applied for unemployment benefits to the LWC through its online portal and in his application falsely stated that he was “not working” when in truth and in fact, he was employed and receiving wages from two jobs. The LWC approved Brown’s application and issued a debit card for the unemployment benefits to him.
The indictment further alleges that Brown used the debit card, which was funded with unemployment benefits, to purchase, among other things, a cellular telephone which he used to send bomb threats to his employers, a factory in Sarepta, and a restaurant in Springhill.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, Brown faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud counts, not more than 10 years in prison on the theft of government money and explosive threat counts, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Springhill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Fentanyl CaseRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging three individuals with drug conspiracy and firearm charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
Martin William Thompson, 51, of Stonewall, Louisiana, Rachel Ann Hassell, 44, and Courtney Renee Cox, 38, both of Shreveport, have each been indicted and charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. Thompson and Hassell were also both charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and using or maintaining drug premises. In addition, Thompson was charged with two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The indictment alleges that from January 2021 and continuing until October 2021, all three defendants conspired together to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and death and serious bodily injury resulted from the use of fentanyl.
The indictment also alleges that in October 2021, Thompson and Hassell knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute heroin. It is further alleged that Thompson and Hassell unlawfully and knowingly used and maintained a place located at 2911 Williamson Way, Shreveport, Louisiana, for the purpose of distributing and using fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The firearm charges in the indictment allege that in October 2021, Thompson possessed numerous firearms and silencers in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted, these defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison, on the conspiracy charge. Thompson and Hassell face up to 20 years in prison on the drug possession and using or maintaining drug premises charges, and fines of not more than $10,000,000. The firearms charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
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Two Convicted Felons from Lake Charles Area Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Two men from the Lake Charles, Louisiana area were sentenced today in the U.S. District Court, on firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced the two individuals as follows:
Nathan Allen Boutte, 32, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On June 27, 2020, officers with the Lake Charles Police Department received a complaint that an individual had exited a vehicle with a firearm and approached the complainant’s apartment carrying the weapon. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located the subject and determined it to be Boutte. He was sitting in front of the apartment and officers noticed the odor of PCP emitting from his person and observed his speech was slurred and he appeared to be incoherent and seemed confused. Officers located an AR style rifle nearby and found that it had been modified by the barrel having been cut down and made shorter. Officers learned that Boutte had prior felony convictions and took him into custody. After a period of approximately eight hours had passed and he was sobered up and coherent, officers questioned Boutte about the incident. He admitted to possessing the firearm even though he knew he was prohibited from doing so. Boutte has prior felony convictions for possession of controlled substances and simple criminal damage to property.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Lake Charles Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.
Nicholas Ryan, 37, of Sulphur, Louisiana, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On July 7, 2020, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for several traffic violations. The vehicle refused to stop and during the pursuit that followed, the deputy observed an object being thrown from the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was eventually stopped, and Ryan was identified as the driver. Ryan and a passenger in the vehicle were detained while the deputy searched the area where the object was thrown from the vehicle. The deputy located a Glock 9mm pistol in that area and Ryan admitted that it was his and he had thrown it from the vehicle. Ryan has a prior felony conviction for aggravated second degree battery (2011) prohibiting him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the ATF and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon.
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Three Defendants Sentenced on Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that three defendants have been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Lafayette, Louisiana, on drug and firearms charges.
Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced two of the defendants as follows:
Desmond Francois, 32, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On May 11, 2017, officers with the Lafayette Police Department initiated a bus interdiction at the Greyhound Bus Station located in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Law enforcement officers boarded the bus and identified themselves and told the passengers the purpose of their stop. While searching the bus, officers observed that on row 6, there were two black backpacks on the floor, a silver purse, and a gray hoodie and phone on the seat. Directly above that seat was a red and black plaid bag. When all passengers re-boarded the bus and returned to their seats, row 6 remained empty. Officers asked all passengers if the items belong to anyone present and none claimed them. However, one of the passengers told the officer that he saw the male and female from row 6 run when they saw law enforcement boarding the bus. The male was later identified as Francois. Inside the backpack from row 6 was approximately ten kilograms of cocaine and a Greyhound bus ticket for passenger Desmond Francois. Further investigation confirmed that Francois was associated with a drug trafficking organization in the Houston area that has a history of drug trafficking in Louisiana.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Lafayette Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog.
Lionel Hill, Jr., 41, of Port Arthur, Texas, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges. Officers with the New Iberia Police Department stopped a vehicle being driven by Hill on May 6, 2021 for a traffic violation. Hill consented to a search of his person and officers located 50.6 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and 28.7 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. Hill admitted to officers that he possessed the narcotics with the intent to distribute them. Lab reports later confirmed that the substance contained a detectable amount of fentanyl. On October 21, 2021, Hill pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, a Schedule II narcotic controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Iberia Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen.
United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Jacob Wilson Zirlott, 39, of Franklin, Louisiana, to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On June 19, 2017, officers with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Zirlott’s residence. During their search, deputies located an AR-15 firearm in the living room, along with several magazines located next to the firearm and drug paraphernalia. Zirlott admitted that the gun belonged to him even though he was a convicted felon and knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearm. Zirlott has prior felony convictions for robbery in Florida (1999) and aggravated second degree battery in Louisiana (2010).
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel.
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Illegal Possession of Drugs Sends Two Men to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that two defendants have been sentenced on federal charges in the Western District of Louisiana.
Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced David Williams, 51, of Shreveport, to 110 months (9 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams was charged with eight other defendants in a drug trafficking conspiracy. On September 19, 2019, law enforcement agents investigating the case were conducting a wiretap on the phone of one of Williams’ co-defendants. During the call, Williams agreed to meet the co-defendant at a gas station and park in the back. Agents observed Williams arrive and get into the co-defendant’s vehicle for a short time. A trooper with Louisiana State Police conducted a traffic stop of Williams’ vehicle. Inside the vehicle, agents located a hidden compartment under the center console and inside were two plastic baggies containing methamphetamine with a gross weight of 89.7 grams and a small bag of marijuana. Agents intercepted another call on September 24, 2019 wherein Williams informed his co-defendant that he had been caught with the narcotics. Williams pleaded guilty to the charge on March 30, 2021.
This case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille Gilreath and Allison Duncan.
In Lafayette, Louisiana, United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Keelan Elaire, 25, of Lafayette, to 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of controlled substances. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lafayette Narcotics Unit began an investigation into drug trafficking activities in Lafayette. On September 30, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Elaire’s residence and inside the residence found a 9mm pistol and ammunition. In addition, agents found approximately 30 grams of fentanyl packaged in small baggies in a manner consistent with street-level narcotics sales, and a large amount of cash inside vehicles belonging to Elaire and his girlfriend. A second search warrant was executed at another residence where Elaire lived and agents found approximately 650 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, three m-30 pills believed to contain fentanyl stamped into counterfeit pills, and a money counter. Elaire admitted to agents that the fentanyl and cash belonged to him.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Lafayette Police Department Narcotics Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert C. Abendroth and John W. Nickel.
# # #Drug Traffickers from Shreveport and Monroe Receive Lengthy Federal Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that four defendants have been sentenced in U.S. District Court in connection with three separate cases. The defendants and their sentences are as follows:
Schyler Algernon Smith and Ladarrell Cortrell Washington, both of Shreveport, Louisiana, have been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. on drug trafficking charges. Smith, 33, was sentenced to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Washington, 41, was sentenced to 63 months (5 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.
Smith pleaded guilty on October 21, 2021 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Washington pleaded guilty on August 17, 2021 to distribution of methamphetamine. The charges in this case stem from an investigation by agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On February 7, 2019, agents conducted surveillance of Washington as he met his suspected source of supply of narcotics, who was later determined to be Smith. Through their investigation, agents were able to prove that the package delivered to Washington by Smith and later sold to another individual, contained 500 MDMA tablets. Those tablets were sent to the DEA Criminalistics Laboratory and determined to be 102.9 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy.
Billy Ray Murphy, Jr., 37, of Shreveport, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 151 months (12 years, 7 month), followed by 5 years of supervised release. Murphy was indicted and pleaded guilty on December 2, 2021 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 18, 2021, a Louisiana State Police trooper conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by Murphy. When Murphy opened the glove box to retrieve the vehicle paperwork, the trooper observed a handgun in the glove box. Murphy told the trooper that the firearm belonged to his girlfriend and gave consent to search the vehicle. Inside the trunk, troopers found 2.37 pounds of cocaine, 19.9 pounds of MDMA (more than 60,000 pills), and 21.5 pounds of synthetic marijuana. The MDMA was tested and found to contain methamphetamine. In addition, Murphy had four cell phones, a scale and a large amount of cash in the vehicle.
The case was investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
Jeremy Michael Davis, 37, of Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 196 months (16 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Davis and his co-defendants. Through their investigation, they learned that beginning in October 2018 and continuing through March 2020, Davis conspired with three other individuals to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. On November 7, 2019, agents were able to intercept a phone call with Davis wherein he discussed the purchase price and sale of methamphetamine. Agents then conducted surveillance and confirmed Davis’ participation in the sale of methamphetamine. Agents ultimately seized the narcotics, and it was tested and confirmed to contain 88.6 grams of actual methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Former CEO of Shreveport Federal Credit Union Sentenced on Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Helen Godfrey-Smith, 72, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for making and using a false document. Judge Foote sentenced Godfrey-Smith to one year of probation and she was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000.
According to information presented at Godfrey-Smith’s guilty plea hearing, she was employed by the Shreveport Federal Credit Union (SFCU) from 1983 to 2017 and during much of that time was employed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SFCU. The SFCU was a Shreveport, Louisiana based financial institution under the regulation of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
In October 2016, the SFCU, through Godfrey-Smith, entered into an agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury to buy back certain securities that were part of the Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). As part of that process, on December 27, 2016, Godfrey-Smith signed and submitted to the United States Department of the Treasury an Officer’s Certificate which certified that all conditions precedent to the closing had been satisfied.
In reality, SFCU had not met all conditions precedent to closing and had suffered a material adverse effect. Unbeknownst to the United States Department of the Treasury and the NCUA, SFCU was in a financial crisis. From 2015 through 2017, another individual who was the Chief Financial Officer of SFCU (Individual 1), had been falsifying call reports to the NCUA which included millions of dollars in fictitious fee income. In addition, she was creating fictitious entries in the banks records to support the false call reports. This created the illusion that SFCU was profitable when, in fact, the bank was failing. In addition, Individual 1, embezzled approximately $1.5 million from the credit union.
By the time Godfrey-Smith signed the Officer's Statement, she had become aware of deficiencies at the credit union. Specifically, she had recently investigated and discovered that there were millions of dollars of fictitious entries on SFCU's general ledger, and the credit union's books were not balanced. However, she failed to disclose this information to the United States Department of the Treasury and signed the false Officer’s Statement.
In the Spring of 2017, the institution failed. It was taken over by regulators from the NCUA and placed into a conservatorship. An investigation by the NCUA revealed that SFCU had amassed in excess of $10 million in losses by December 2016.
This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Department of Treasury–Office of Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown Appointed to Serve on Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has announced the appointment of U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown of the Western District of Louisiana to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). The AGAC was created in 1973 and advises the Attorney General on matters of policy, procedure, and management impacting the Offices of the U.S. Attorneys and elevates the voices of U.S. Attorneys in Department policies. Brown, along with 11 other U.S. Attorneys from around the United States, will serve on the AGAC. The first meeting of the AGAC will take place later this spring.
U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown of the Western District of Louisiana was confirmed by the Senate in December 2021. From 2007 to 2012, Brown served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office. He was also an associate at Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice LLP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Since 2012, he has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. Brown earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2002 and a Master of Business Administration in 2004 from Louisiana Tech University, followed by a Juris Doctor in 2007 from the Southern University Law Center.
Other appointees include U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York; U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney Darcie McElwee for the District of Maine; U.S. Attorney Trini Ross for the Western District of New York; U.S. Attorney Sandra Hairston for the Middle District of North Carolina; U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison for the Eastern District of Michigan; U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris for the Central District of Illinois; U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger for the District of Minnesota; U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino for the District of Arizona; U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado; and U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. An appointee from a district within the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals will be announced at a later date, once the Senate has confirmed nominees. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams will serve as the Chair of the AGAC, and U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung will serve as the Vice Chair.
“These United States Attorneys will represent the views of dedicated federal prosecutors across the country, and provide advice and insight into essential matters facing the Department,” said Attorney General Garland. “I look forward to working alongside them in carrying out the Department’s core priorities of upholding the rule of law, keeping our country safe, and protecting civil rights.”
“It is an honor to have been selected to serve on this committee with my fellow U.S. Attorneys from around the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “I take this appointment very seriously and am excited to begin the work of addressing matters and issues affecting the hard work that the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office do every day to uphold the laws of the Constitution of the United States.”
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Possession of Methamphetamine Sends Shreveport Man to PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Chico Terrell Bell, 41, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 112 months (9 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Bell pleaded guilty to the charge on October 14, 2021. According to information presented in court, law enforcement agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant on September 2, 2020 at Bell’s home in Shreveport. Bell was found inside the home and had one bag of methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, and a large sum of cash on his person. A search of the residence resulted in the recovery of two digital scales, nine bags of methamphetamine tablets containing approximately 914 tablets, two additional bags containing approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine, and a bag containing 9mm ammunition.
This case was investigated by the DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
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Lead Defendant in OCDETF Operation Hustle City Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Shamariay Duntae Locke, 36, of Haughton, Louisiana, has been sentenced on drug conspiracy and drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Chief United States District Court S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Locke today to 48 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Locke was the lead defendant in a case which was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2020 in connection with the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation: “Hustle City.” On September 20, 2021, Locke pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana, and two counts of distribution of marijuana. The charges stemmed from a long-term investigation by law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other federal and local agencies into the distribution and selling of marijuana and methamphetamine in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.
Through their investigation, DEA agents received information that Locke and other co-defendants were possessing and distributing large quantities of marijuana to individuals in the north part of Shreveport. On two occasions in September 2017, agents observed Locke meet an individual in the parking lot of a local business parking lot and instruct him to get into another vehicle. On both occasions, they then drove to another location and the individual obtained from Locke approximately 3,915 grams of marijuana the first time, and 5,155 grams of marijuana the second time. However, at the sentencing hearing, the court found that these two instances were not the extent of Locke’s involvement in illegal drug distribution during the charged conspiracy which ran at least from January 2016 to August 2020.
Ladarrell Cortrell Washington and Schyler Algernon Smith were also charged in connection with this case and have each pleaded guilty. Sentencing for Smith has been set for April 5, 2022 at 2:00. Washington’s sentencing will be April 6, 2022 at 2:00.
Other defendants who were previously convicted and sentenced in connection with this case are as follows:
- Jeremy Richard Francis;
- Robert Lynn Baulkman;
- Danny Glen Roy Welch;
- Frank Gilford Joshua;
- Michael Shane Haynes;
- Henry A. Wright; and
- Arnelius Danta Terrell.
Rico DeAngelo Lawrence is the only remaining defendant charged in this case and is currently a fugitive. Lawrence is aware that he is wanted and should be considered as armed and dangerous and should not be approached by non-law enforcement. Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Lawrence, please contact Shreveport DEA Office at 318-676-4080 or the U.S. Marshal’s Service Violent Offender Task Force by contacting their office at 318-934-4300 or by using their online tip portal at: www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
Federal agencies including DEA, Department of Homeland Security, ATF, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service, all worked jointly with the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ruston Police Department and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, in conducting this investigation. The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
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Tax Preparation Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Committing Tax FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Marie Kemp, 58, of Benton, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to spend 30 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Kemp was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $50,000 and restitution in the amount of $1,069,609 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In addition, Kemp was permanently enjoined from the preparation of tax returns for anyone other than herself.
Marie Kemp was indicted by a federal grand jury on tax fraud charges in March 2018. She pleaded guilty on October 4, 2021, to making and subscribing a false tax return. Kemp worked in the tax return preparation business for approximately 20 years. In 2008, she opened Marie’s Tax Service with locations in Bossier City, Minden, and Ringgold, Louisiana, and was the sole proprietor.
Marie’s Tax Service prepared and submitted client tax returns electronically to the IRS. Kemp earned over $3 million in gross receipts for fees charged for the preparation and filing of client’s individual tax returns during the tax years 2011 and 2012 from her tax preparation business. Kemp did not register her business as a corporation with the IRS until 2018 and therefore, the business income of her tax preparation business should have flowed into her personal income tax return reportable on Schedule C.
Kemp personally prepared and electronically filed her 2011 and 2012 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040, with the IRS and underreported her business income. Kemp reported false figures in total gross receipts for her tax preparation business on Schedule C and losses and income on her Form 1040. These false amounts which she reported on her return were substantially lower than what the actual amounts were. Kemp’s 2012 tax return did not include a Schedule C for her tax preparation services business and false amounts were reported on Form 1040.
According to evidence presented in court, Kemp only reported taxable income in the amount of $1,819 for tax year 2011, when in truth and in fact, her taxable income was $1,604,208. For the tax year 2012, Kemp did not report any income from her tax preparation business, when in fact she knew that her taxable income should have been $1,632,795. Because of her false reporting, Kemp owes taxes for years 2011 and 2012 in the amount of $1,069,609.
"Tax season is upon us, and this case should be a strong reminder that all citizens are subject to tax laws and should abide by them,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Whether you are a paid tax preparer or one who files your own taxes, we must all adhere to the tax laws of the United States. This office will continue to work with the IRS to deter this type of criminal activity in the Western District of Louisiana.”
“Today's sentencing of Marie Kemp again emphasizes the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Attorney’s office will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who use fraudulent methods in an attempt to corrupt our nation's tax system,” said James E. Dorsey, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office. “Honest taxpayers have been reassured today that no one is above the law--especially when the integrity of tax administration is at stake.”
This case was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary J. Mudrick and Mike Shannon.
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Illegal Hunting Violations Result in Suspension of Hunting Privileges for Montz, Louisiana ManRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Aaron St. Pierre, 27, of Montz, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Joseph H.L. Perez-Montes to 5 years of unsupervised probation and a $4,550 fine for hunting violations. St. Pierre’s hunting privileges were suspended for 5 years, and he is banned from all National Wildlife Refuges for the duration of his suspension period.
St. Pierre pleaded guilty on March 16, 2022 to several wildlife violations, including hunting in a closed area, unlawful taking of a Whitetail deer, use of trail cameras, distribution and hunting over bait, and litter in a National Wildlife Refuge. These charges stemmed from an investigation into illegal hunting activity in a closed area on Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, from December 2021 through January 2022.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Wildlife Officers and Wildlife Canine Team, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody.
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Converse Man Sentenced for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that John Matthew Tatum, 45, of Converse, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 63 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy in Sabine Parish between August 2020 and May 2021.
Tatum pleaded guilty on November 18, 2021 to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, following an investigation by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.
On May 6, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant upon Tatum’s residence and located a safe containing approximately 413 net grams of pure methamphetamine. Also found in Tatum’s possession were 22 firearms, including a stolen handgun inside his vehicle, and cash proceeds from drug sales.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Mike Shannon.
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Former Caddo Parish Commissioner and Sister Sentenced to Time in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Lynn D. Cawthorne, 55, a former Caddo Parish Commissioner, and his sister and co-defendant, Belena C. Turner, 50, both of Shreveport, Louisiana, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for committing wire fraud.
Cawthorne was sentenced to 46 months in prison for committing wire fraud and 36 months in prison for committing tax fraud, both to run concurrently. He will serve 3 years of supervised release following his release from prison. In addition, Cawthorne was ordered to pay $58,183.95 in restitution to the IRS.
Turner was sentenced to 46 months in prison for committing wire fraud, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
In addition, Cawthorne and Turner were ordered to jointly pay restitution in the amount of $837,690.01 to USDA.
Cawthorne and Turner each pleaded guilty on November 5, 2021, to wire fraud charges in connection with their involvement in a scheme to defraud the Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which administers the Child Nutrition Programs. Cawthorne also pleaded guilty to a charge of aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false tax return in connection with a separate indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury against him in December 2019.
The Child Nutrition Programs administered by the USDA include the Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP). The SFSP was established to ensure that children in low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session during the summer. In Louisiana, the SFSP is administered by the Louisiana Department of Education’s (LDOE) Division of Nutrition Support. Meals are prepared and served by SFSP sponsors who are required to follow rules and regulations issued by the USDA and LDOE.
To participate in the SFSP, sponsors are required to submit a “sponsor application” that includes, among other things, a budget estimating revenues and expenses related to the feeding program. Sponsors are also required to submit a “site application” listing the physical address where meals will be served. In the application, sponsors agree to oversee the administration of SFSP at each approved site. Based on guidelines published by the USDA, LDOE regulations require sponsors to maintain certain records, including but not limited to, daily site records documenting the number of Eligible Meals served to Eligible Persons. Sponsors are reimbursed for expenses after electronically submitting claims to LDOE certifying that each claim is true and accurate. Sponsors can also receive an advance of funds to help pay approved expenses.
From 2011 to 2014, Cawthorne and Turner caused their non-profit corporation, United Citizens and Neighborhoods, Inc. (UCAN) to participate in the SFSP. After the discovery of discrepancies by the LDOE, an investigation ensued utilizing multiple agencies. The investigation revealed that Cawthorne and Turner received $1,015,123.54 in claims paid by the LDOE for the SFSP; however, only $56,351.53 was actually spent on food during the 2011 through 2014 time period causing an actual loss of $987,919.72. As part of their sentence, Cawthorne and Turner will be required to pay $837,690.01 in restitution.
In connection with the tax fraud charge, Cawthorne admitted to hiring a tax return preparer to prepare his 2013 tax return and admitted that he assisted in the preparation of his tax return for the 2013 tax year. Cawthorne received income from Harvest Catering that he failed to report, and he fraudulently reported an adjusted gross income of $7,555 during the 2013 calendar year. Cawthorne knew the statement in his 2013 tax return was false and filed the 2013 tax return on or about April 15, 2014, knowing that it contained false information, in that the amount of his income was higher. In relation to his tax fraud charge, Cawthorne will be required to pay $58,183.95 in restitution.
“These programs were created to provide meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months,” said United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “Instead of providing services to the children who needed it most, these defendants took advantage of them and in turn added money to their own pocketbooks. It’s a sad day when we cannot put our complete trust in community leaders who have promised to help mankind and those in need, but instead choose to cheat the system in order to benefit themselves. This is not the first instance of this type of fraud involving USDA child nutrition programs in this district in recent years. As in years past, our women and men at the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who commit criminal acts to take advantage of the ‘least of these’ in our community for personal gain.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that individuals like Lynn D. Cawthorne and Belena C. Turner who brazenly steal from children in need will be held accountable. Mr. Cawthorne and Ms. Turner, out of personal greed, committed fraud against the USDA Summer Foods Service Program which is designed to provide nutritious meals to children in low-income areas during the summer when school is not in session,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Office of State Inspector General, State of Louisiana, and the Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Agriculture.”
Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street commented, “The federal prison sentences imposed today upon Lynn Cawthorne and Belena Turner are entirely appropriate in light of their brazen theft of well over $800,000 of taxpayer funds intended to feed hungry children. We are hopeful that these significant jail sentences will send the message that such callous disregard for the welfare of children can never be tolerated.” Street added, “I want to thank United States Attorney Brandon Brown and his staff for their usual outstanding work, as well as our partners at the FBI, IRS and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.”
“Honest and law abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets with other people’s money,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Cawthorne was positioned to service the community but instead took government funds to satisfy his personal desires. Individuals who engage in financial fraud should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable.”
The Louisiana Office of the State Inspector General, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, USDA-OIG and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown, First Assistant Alexander C. Van Hook, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
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Winnsboro Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Fazon Davis, 25, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 240 months (20 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for production of child pornography.
Davis was indicted by a federal grand jury and pleaded guilty to the production of child pornography on November 22, 2021. According to information presented in court at the hearing, on March 25, 2019, a 16-year-old female went to a medical center in New Orleans, Louisiana and alleged that she had been sexually assaulted and trafficked by an individual in New Orleans. Staff at the medical center reported the allegations to the Louisiana State Police and they began an investigation. During their investigation, law enforcement agents examined the victim’s Facebook account and content and found sexually explicit messages and communications between the victim and Davis on the account. Agents obtained a search warrant for Davis’s Facebook account and discovered sexually explicit communications and content between Davis and the victim.
Davis was interviewed by agents on May 24, 2020, and he acknowledged that he and the victim had exchanged messages and content but denied having sex with the victim. However, agents obtained a search warrant for his cell phone and discovered multiple videos of Davis and the victim having sex. Through technology available to law enforcement, they learned that the videos were produced on March 16, 2019, at a residential area in Monroe, Louisiana.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Louisiana State Police and Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell.
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Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation Results in Sentences Totaling 100+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation dubbed “Operation Kutt Off” has resulted in the conviction of nine individuals, either by a plea of guilty or conviction at trial, for their involvement in drug trafficking in the Western District of Louisiana. Eight of the defendants have been sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty. Those defendants and their sentences are as follows:
DeLewis Johnson, IV, 46, of West Covina, California, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 405 months (33 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Roy Lee Jones, Jr., 46, of Grambling, Louisiana, was convicted at trial of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months (16 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Willie Todd Harris, Jr., 47, of Ruston, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 228 months (19 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Justin Randall Goss, 31, of Quitman, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 216 months (18 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Curavious Omarion Deshun Harrell, 30, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 104 months (8 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Rodney Ceasar, 53, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Adriene Denise Ceasar, 57, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug premises and was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release.
Meshach Demontez Conley, 31, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 38 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
These defendants conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Winn Parish and Jackson Parish, Louisiana. In April 2019, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began investigating the illegal drug trafficking activities in this area and were able to obtain approval to wiretap the phones of Harris and Jones. Through their investigation, agents learned that Johnson, who lived in California, would obtain bulk quantities of methamphetamine from Mexican suppliers and would then send those drugs to Jones and Harris. Harris would then distribute the methamphetamine to other individuals to sell and distribute, including Goss and Harrell. Law enforcement officers conducted undercover purchases of methamphetamine from Johnson, Harris, Goss, and Harrell. The purchased narcotics were sent to the crime lab and analyzed and determined to in fact be methamphetamine. Agents were also able to intercept phone calls between Johnson, Jones and other co-conspirators wherein they communicated about the selling and purchasing of methamphetamine.
Rodney Ceasar and his wife, Adriene, stored distribution quantities of the methamphetamine for Harris at their home in Jonesboro. Agents were able to intercept phone calls wherein Harris and both Ceasars discussed distributing or selling the narcotics.
In addition, on December 17, 2019, agents intercepted phone calls wherein Johnson discussed shipping a package containing one pound of methamphetamine via overnight mail. Johnson instructed the individual to wire money to him in exchange for the drugs but in another person’s name. Undercover agents sent the money via Western Union as instructed. After receiving payment, Johnson sent a text message containing the shipping information. On December 19, 2019, agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service located the package at a facility in Shreveport and executed a search warrant on the package. Inside was approximately one pound of methamphetamine.
Chadreck Carter, 34, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and will be sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell at a later date.
This case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jackson Parish Sheriff's Office, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, and LPNet. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Monroe Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. - Darryl Andrea Williams, 59, of Monroe, Louisiana was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
An investigation by agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) determined that between October 2018 and March 2020, Williams conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute at least 150 grams but not less than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The organization that Williams was a part of would arrange for methamphetamine to be sent to Monroe area via couriers, sending approximately 1-1.5 kilos of methamphetamine at a time. Once in Monroe, Williams would then pick up the narcotics from the couriers and take it to one of his co-conspirators who would break it up and then give it to Williams with instructions on where to deliver it. Law enforcement agents were able to get approval for a wiretap on Williams’ phone and intercepted numerous phone calls wherein they discussed the sale and purchase of the narcotics.
This case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and J. Aaron Crawford.
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Defendant Convicted of Child Exploitation Sentenced to 160 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - William Malone, 46, of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced today after having been convicted by a jury in October 2021 on child exploitation charges, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Malone to 160 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Malone was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $206,580.80.
Malone was charged on October 7, 2020, by a federal grand jury in Lafayette with five counts of production of child pornography, one count of use of a facility to cause a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of possession of child pornography.
Evidence presented at the trial in Lafayette in October 2021 showed that Malone lived in Mobile, Alabama and worked as the captain of a maritime vessel that traveled out of Abbeville in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. Law enforcement officers with the Mobile Police Department and Child Advocacy Center began an investigation after they received complaints that Malone had sexually abused a female under the age of 12 years old. The minor victim’s mother reported the allegations after learning from her daughter that Malone had been sexually abusing her.
Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a forensic examination of the minor victim’s cell phone and found evidence that Malone had texted the minor victim and asked her to send him pictures and videos of herself naked and other sexually explicit images of herself. Agents also executed a search warrant onboard the vessel where Malone was working, for his laptop computer and cell phone. During a review of Malone’s laptop computer and cell phone, agents found the sexually explicit images that the minor victim had told law enforcement officers she sent to Malone at his request. Malone was subsequently arrested and charged.
“The crimes committed by this defendant are shameful,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “This defendant took advantage of the minor victim in this case who looked up to and trusted him. Instead of respecting that trust she had in him, he tried to intimidate her into staying quiet about the things he was doing to her which were incomprehensible. He showed no remorse for the awful acts he did. But this minor victim had the courage to tell someone what he did to her and today, she stood victorious knowing that he will never hurt another victim in this way again. We will continue to fight for victims who are forever scarred by guilty defendants like this.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and Mobile, Alabama Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Craig R. Bordelon, II.
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Henderson, Texas Man Sentenced for Making Threatening StatementsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Austin Alan Hall, 40, of Henderson, Texas, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 27 months in prison, plus a special condition that he serve an additional 6 months in a halfway house, for interstate transmission of extortionate communications.
According to information presented in court, on March 17, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Shreveport received a phone call from an individual who identified himself as Austin Alan Hall and asked to speak to an agent. He was forwarded to the FBI’s Public Access Line. Shortly thereafter, Hall called back to the FBI Shreveport office and stated that he did not want to be disrespectful but that he needed to speak to an agent and not a recording. Hall went on to say that judges had kept his daughter from him, and he was going to take care of them. He then stated he needed to speak to an agent in the next ten minutes or he was going to take care of the judges. Hall was asked, “You said you are going to take care of the judges?” and he responded, “that’s what I said.” At that point, an FBI agent took the phone.
Hall went on to describe himself to the agent as being a physically large individual and that he would take out a judge, and that he was disoriented. Hall stated to the agent, “If I need to say I will go after judges to speak to someone, I will do it.” The FBI agent asked Hall if he was threatening the judges in order to be heard, or if he really intended to hurt someone. Hall responded with “I plead the Fifth.” Hall then told the agent he was going back to Cincinnati and would give the FBI time to investigate Judge Dean and Hall’s parents. A criminal complaint was obtained, and Hall was arrested based on these threatening communications.
This case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
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Members of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Receive Sentences Totaling 75+ Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Seven members of a drug trafficking conspiracy were recently sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., with the lead defendant having been sentenced today, announced United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
Demetrius DeAngelo Hall, 37, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hall’s co-defendants and their sentences are as follows:
Steve Mireles, 41, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
John R. Wilson, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Larry Nichols, 48, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 77 months (6 years, 5 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Aaron McKinney, 40, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Bland Mouncil, 57, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Nolan Washington, 35, of Bossier City, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
From March 1, 2019, and continuing until on or about December 31, 2019, each of these defendants were involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy and pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing methamphetamine in the Caddo and Bossier Parish areas. Law enforcement officers began an investigation into their illegal drug trafficking activities and were able to obtain a court ordered wiretap on Hall’s cell phone. Through numerous intercepted communications, agents learned that Hall was obtaining his methamphetamine from multiple sources, including from Steve Mireles in Texas. Hall transported the narcotics himself or through a courier to the Shreveport area where he would distribute the methamphetamine to his co-defendants. Hall met individuals at various locations throughout the Shreveport and Bossier area.
During the investigation, on October 21, 2019, law enforcement agents intercepted phone calls and text messages between Hall and his co-conspirators indicating that Hall was traveling to Texas to obtain more methamphetamine from Mireles. During these intercepted calls, Aaron McKinney was heard discussing a request for more drugs with Hall. Upon Hall’s and his co-conspirator, Bland Mouncil’s return from Texas, officers initiated a traffic stop. Mouncil then fled from law enforcement throwing the methamphetamine out the window. A high-speed pursuit with Mouncil began. During the pursuit, Mouncil called Hall and informed him he had thrown the methamphetamine out the window. Law enforcement was able to recover the drugs. Hall was later arrested on November 7, 2019, and he pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. McKinney later admitted to law enforcement agents that he was buying and selling methamphetamine from Hall.
Larry Nichols participated in numerous phone calls with Hall in which they discussed various amounts of drugs, prices, and meeting locations, as well as making arrangements for Nichols to provide Hall with various amounts of drugs. On October 15, 2019, Nichols was found to be in possession of a stolen vehicle and was arrested by law enforcement officers. A search of the stolen vehicle revealed a clear plastic bag containing marijuana and methamphetamine. The seized methamphetamine was sent to the crime lab for analysis and determined to have a net weight of at least 5 grams or more.
Calls were also intercepted between Hall, Nolan Washington and John Wilson wherein they discussed the purchasing and selling of methamphetamine. Hall met with both Washington and Wilson at different times to conduct drug transactions. Through their surveillance, DEA agents observed both Washington and Wilson meet Hall to obtain the drugs. On November 5, 2019, agents observed Wilson get into Hall’s vehicle for a brief time, exit, and walk back to his vehicle. Agents followed Wilson and an officer conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle. A search was conducted, and the same amount of methamphetamine was found in the vehicle that they had discussed in the intercepted phone call. Wilson admitted to purchasing methamphetamine from Hall numerous times.
The two remaining defendants in this conspiracy, Michael C. Francis and David Williams, have each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.
This case was investigated by the DEA, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille Gilreath and Allison Duncan.
This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Distribution of Methamphetamine Results in Federal Prison Time for Shreveport ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced today in United States District Court for distributing methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Frank Gilford Joshua, IV, 34, to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Joshua was indicted, along with eight other co-defendants, by a federal grand jury in September 2020 and charged with drug trafficking. On September 20, 2021, he pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Those charges stemmed from an investigation by law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into the distribution and selling of methamphetamine in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. On three specific occasions in July and August of 2018 and again in January of 2019, agents were able to intercept Joshua’s phone calls and conducted surveillance and observed him sell methamphetamine to individuals after making arrangement to do so over the phone.
The case was investigated by the DEA and was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown.
This case is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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Mexican Citizen Living Illegally in the United States Sentenced for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Rolando Olvera-Garcia, 32, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert L. Summerhays to 18 months in prison, for illegally possessing a firearm. Olvera-Garcia is a native and citizen of Mexico and had illegally entered the United States.
On June 9, 2021, deputies with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in Duson, Louisiana, where a Hispanic male, who was later identified as Olvera-Garcia, was found sleeping in the complainant’s laundry room. When deputies arrived at the residence, they found Olvera-Garcia to be in possession of a .40 caliber handgun and a small amount of narcotics.
Approximately one month later, on July 4, 2021, deputies were dispatched again to a residence with the complaint of a Hispanic male shooting a gun. Upon arrival, they determined that Olvera-Garcia was the individual who was shooting the gun. Deputies obtained a search warrant and found a .22 caliber revolver hidden between the couch cushions in his living room. Olvera-Garcia was arrested and interviewed by law enforcement officers, and he admitted to purchasing the firearm off the street and firing the shots on the July 4th weekend. Olvera-Garcia admitted that he knew he was an alien illegally and unlawfully present in the United States. Agents also learned that he had previously been removed from the United States on two occasions, November 25, 2017, and October 18, 2018.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo.
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Investigation into Sale of Methamphetamine in Sabine Parish Leads to Federal Prison Time for Many, LA ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Samuel Holbert Brumfield a/k/a “Sammy B,” 35, of Many, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter, United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced. Brumfield was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges.
An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on June 16, 2021 charging Brumfield with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Brumfield pleaded guilty to a charge of distribution of methamphetamine on September 28, 2021.
According to evidence presented to the court at the guilty plea hearing, law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation in early 2021 in connection with the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish, Louisiana area. Agents were able to identify Brumfield as the individual who sold approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine to another individual in the Sabine Parish area on April 26, 2021. The methamphetamine that was purchased from Brumfield was seized and taken to the crime lab where it was tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.
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Two Defendants Sentenced in U.S. District CourtRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that two defendants were sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell in two separate cases.
Gregory Leonard Jones, Jr., 46, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit his interest in the firearms seized at the time of his arrest. On June 22, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Jones resided. During the search, officers recovered firearms and ammunition that Jones was not allowed to have in his possession. Jones has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2007), aggravated battery (2001), criminal damage and simple burglary (1996), and possession of stolen goods (1994).
The case was investigated by the ATF and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy.
In an unrelated case, Levar Washington, 42, who is a federal inmate, was sentenced to 160 months in prison, to run consecutive to any sentence he is presently serving or yet to serve, for assaulting a correctional officer. Washington was previously sentenced in 2008 in the Central District of California to 22 years in federal prison for conspiring to levy war against the United States through terrorism and using and carrying a firearm in connection with a crime of violence.
The charges in this case stem from an incident involving Washington in October 2020 at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Pollock, Louisiana. A correctional officer attempted to stop Washington as he walked through the metal detector when he was returning to the housing unit from the recreational yard. Rather than stop as he was ordered to do, Washington removed an approximately 11-inch metal prison shank that he had concealed within his waistband, quickly turned around, and attacked that correctional officer, stabbing him multiple times about his arms and chest. Several correctional officers responded to the scene with pepper spray, eventually tackling Washington and securing him in restraints.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon.
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Sex Trafficking Trial Ends in Guilty Verdict against Houston ManRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Kevondric Fezia, 26, of Houston, Texas, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Lafayette on sex trafficking charges. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. presided over the trial.
An indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on April 22, 2021, charging Fezia and his co-defendant, Calista Jenee Winfrey, 23, of Orange, Texas. The indictment charged Fezia and Winfrey both with one count of sex trafficking, and Fezia with one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in prostitution. Winfrey entered a guilty plea prior to the trial.
The trial began this week and after deliberating for a short time yesterday afternoon, a federal jury in Lafayette found Fezia guilty on both counts. Testimony at the trial revealed that beginning in November 2020, Fezia was recruiting minor females to engage in prostitution and began communicating with a 14-year-old female in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Fezia was well aware when he began communicating with her that she was a minor, but he still pursued her and tried to convince her that she would make a lot of money by engaging in prostitution for him. The minor victim made a decision to run away with Fezia to Texas and on February 13, 2021, he drove his Mercedes Benz and picked up the minor victim and took her to Texas. Winfrey and Fezia both were well aware that the victim was only 14 years old, but they continued to try and convince her to engage in prostitution.
Both defendants traveled with the minor victim to a hotel in Beaumont, Texas and introduced her to another prostitute that was working for Fezia who was 16 years old. Winfrey engaged in multiple acts of prostitution in the presence of the minor victim at the hotel, continually trying to convince the minor victim that she should also engage in prostitution. Fezia took photographs of both minor girls and the other prostitutes he was employing and posted them on his Instagram account as an advertisement, along with a visible geo tag showing those who saw the advertisement where to go to engage in sexual acts with the girls.
When the minor victim’s grandmother realized that she had run away from home, she began looking at the child’s social media accounts and found the communications between her granddaughter and Fezia. She then contacted law enforcement. Law enforcement officers were able to identify Fezia and found him at his apartment in Houston, Texas, along with other prostitutes and the minor victim. He attempted to hide her in the closet, but she and the other 16-year-old prostitute were found.
Fezia and Winfrey each face a maximum sentence of life in prison, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Sentencing for Fezia and Winfrey has been scheduled for June 23, 2022, at 9:00.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Lake Charles Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and John W. Nickel.
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Homer Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Possession of the Feather of a Bald EagleRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Daniel Glenn Smith, 20, of Homer, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Mark Hornsby to spend 30 days in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for the unlawful possession of a bald eagle feather.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries learned that Smith had been photographed with a dead bald eagle and began an investigation. Agents executed a search warrant on Smith’s vehicle and recovered a feather that belonged to the slaughtered bald eagle. When interviewed after the search, Smith admitted that he killed the bald eagle and then kept a feather from it.
“The American Bald Eagle is a symbol of our American freedom,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “This defendant did not take this symbol seriously, nor the laws that prohibit anyone from killing or possessing even a feather of a bald eagle. These laws were created to protect our wildlife and we will continue to prosecute individuals who abuse those laws.”
Smith had previously been placed on probation and ordered not to possess a firearm for one year, as a result of hunting violations involving other wildlife.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten.
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Jennings Man Sentenced for Wildlife Hunting ViolationsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Trevor Istre, 22, of Jennings, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to 5 years of unsupervised probation and a $3,000 fine for taking migratory birds with the aid of a motor vehicle, taking migratory birds during a closed season, and taking migratory birds in violation of state law. As part of his probation, Istre’s hunting, and fishing privileges were suspended for 3 years. Three other individuals involved in the illegal activity were previously fined a total of $2,470.
The trial for Istre on the aforementioned wildlife violations was set to begin February 10, 2022, but Istre pleaded guilty to those violations on the day of his trial. The charges stemmed from an investigation into illegal hunting activity on Mardi Gras day, February 16, 2021 when a Wildlife Officer from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s K9 team encountered a group of individuals shooting geese from a state highway on private property. The subjects fled from the area and avoided apprehension that day. Agents began an investigation into their illegal hunting activities and located spent shotgun shell casings and apprehended one crippled goose that day. Their investigation continued and the violators were identified, four of which were repeat offenders with histories of wildlife violations in state and federal courts on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. In total, 29 geese that were illegally taken were seized.
Istre previously pleaded guilty to federal wildlife violations at the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in December 2019 and had state wildlife violations in November and December 2019 and had already paid $3,904 in fines to multiple jurisdictions for hunting violations since he had become an adult.
“Hunting violations are cases that our office takes very seriously,” stated U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown. “The hunting laws were created for the protection of our wildlife, and we will continue to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to hold those who break those laws accountable for their actions.”
“Our Federal Wildlife Officers, and Canines, take Migratory Bird enforcement seriously in the Mississippi Flyway. Restricting hunting and fishing privileges has proven to be the most effective deterrent for the protection of wild game species and public lands in Sportsman’s Paradise. Courts in the Western District of Louisiana have echoed that message, and the public wins when these types of sentences are imposed,” said Steven Strader, Patrol Captain for the USFWS Division of Refuge Law Enforcement, Louisiana District.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Canine Team, investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
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Former Tax Preparer from Minden Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Deborah Cooksey, 56, of Minden, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 24 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for filing false tax returns. Cooksey was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $547,043.
Deborah Cooksey was indicted in March 2021 and on September 22, 2021, pleaded guilty to one count of filing false tax returns. Cooksey was the owner and operator of Cooksey’s Tax and Notary Services, LLC, in Minden, Louisiana, whose primary business was the preparation and electronic filing of individual income tax returns. She received all fees from the preparation and filing of client’s individual tax returns into a business account under the name of Cooksey’s Tax and Notary Services. Cooksey did not report all fees earned from the preparation and filing of client’s individual tax returns during the tax years 2013 and 2014. On April 15, 2015, Cooksey personally prepared and electronically filed her 2013 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, which was verified by a written declaration that it was made under penalties of perjury with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). She reported Schedule C income of $522,662 on her 2013 Form 1040 tax return. These gross receipts and income reported on her Schedule C were false and in truth and in fact, Cooksey knew her true Schedule C gross income for 2013 was $1,356,682. Because Cooksey understated her gross receipts and income on her Schedule C, there are taxes due and owing for 2013.
As part of her plea agreement, Cooksey agreed to be permanently enjoined from preparing, assisting, advising, or counseling in the preparation of, or filing federal tax returns for anyone other than herself. She is also prohibited from maintaining any association with a tax preparation business, instructing, teaching or otherwise training any person in the preparation of federal tax returns.
The case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary J. Mudrick and Mike Shannon.
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Federal Jury in Lafayette Returns Guilty VerdictRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that a federal jury seated in Lafayette, Louisiana, has returned a guilty verdict against Morgan Lyons, 42, of Jennings, Louisiana on firearms and drug possession charges.
United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. presided over the trial, which began Monday, February 7, 2022. Lyons was charged in October 2019 in a superseding indictment and was found guilty last night of one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.
Testimony at trial this week revealed that on May 5, 2016, law enforcement officers with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Combined Anti-Drug Task Force, the Louisiana State Police and the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, using a cooperating witness, did a controlled delivery of marijuana to a residence in which Morgan Lyons resided. Shortly after the controlled delivery, officers executed a search warrant of the residence and located approximately 43 ounces of cocaine, a ledger book, 4 digital scales, $36,020, an AR-15 assault rifle, a Ruger 9mm firearm, and a large box of assorted ammunition, as well as numerous documents in the name of Morgan Lyons.
Lyons has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine, and a prior conviction for possession of over 400 grams of cocaine, as well as multiple violent felony arrests. For these federal convictions, he faces a sentence of not less than 5 years nor more than 40 years in prison on the drug possession charge, up to 10 years in prison on each firearms charge, not less than 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5,000,000. In addition, Lyons will forfeit the $36,020 which was seized.
Sentencing has been scheduled for June 23, 2022.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Craig R. Bordelon.
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