Western District of Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two defendants have been sentenced to federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr.

Armed Robbery of Shreveport Store Sends Man to Federal Prison

Rekory Johnson, 26, of Shreveport, has been sentenced for his role in a robbery that took place at the Top Dollar Pawn in Shreveport in November 2018. Johnson pleaded guilty on August 31, 2020 to robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and was sentenced to 117 months (9 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The robbery occurred on November 21, 2018 when Rekory Johnson and his co-defendants entered the Top Dollar Pawn on St. Vincent Avenue in Shreveport, dressed in black hoodies, gloves, wearing clown masks, and armed with handguns. They ordered the store clerks to the floor, opened the register and took cash out. One of the clerks was then forced at gunpoint to open the counter where they also stole 18 pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun, as well as jewelry.

Johnson was also involved in a robbery that occurred on November 27, 2018, when he and Alexander Baker entered the Petro Gas Station on West Bert Kouns in Shreveport with the intent to rob the store using firearms. The two men entered the store wearing all dark clothing, covered faces and both were armed with semi-automatic handguns, and demanded money from the cashier. They told the cashier to open the vault, but she did not have access to it. Johnson and Baker then ran out the side door and got into a parked vehicle driven by Brandon Brown and drove away.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Nolan Washington a.k.a. “Slim Thug,” 35, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for drug trafficking. Information introduced in court revealed that between March 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, Washington conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Federal law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted phone calls between Washington and a co-defendant wherein they discussed buying and selling of narcotics. Agents conducted surveillance of Washington and observed the sale of the methamphetamine to an individual. A laboratory analysis determined it to be pure methamphetamine.

Law enforcement agents intercepted additional phone calls wherein Washington discussed providing drugs to a co-defendant and Washington spoke about amounts, prices and transportation of drugs.

The DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police Department, Bossier City Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police and U.S. Marshal’s Service conducted the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. – Larcentursa Mayweather a.k.a. “Cent” a.k.a “Lacenturia,” 49, of Winnfield, Louisiana, has been convicted on armed bank robbery charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the four-day trial held in Alexandria.

Mayweather was charged on July 8, 2020 in a federal indictment with conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery, two counts of armed bank robbery, and one count of making a false bomb threat. Evidence introduced at trial showed that Mayweather conspired with two other co-defendants, Paul Nash, Jr. and Tabitha Lee Gray a.k.a. “Tabitha White” to rob two banks in the Western District of Louisiana in April 2019.

Mayweather helped plan the bank robberies and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robberies and what to do and he acted as the getaway driver. On April 2, 2019, Mayweather drove Nash and Gray to Campti, Louisiana and dropped them off at the City Bank and waited for them while they were inside committing the armed robbery. Nash and Gray left the bank with the stolen money and fled to the car where Mayweather was waiting, and they drove away. Prior to the bank robbery and in an effort to divert the attention of law enforcement officers while the robbery was being committed, Mayweather provided Nash with a cell phone and instructed him to make a false report to law enforcement conveying that there was a bomb threat on the Lakeview High School property in Campti.

The second armed robbery occurred on April 16, 2019 at the Bank of Montgomery in Castor, Louisiana. Again, Mayweather helped plan the robbery and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robbery. Instead of calling in a false report of a bomb threat, this time they committed an arson and set a house on fire to try and divert the attention of local law enforcement while the robbery was being committed. Nash and Gray entered the bank with firearms drawn and ordered the tellers to stay out of the way so they could take the money. After the money was stolen, Nash and Gray ran out of the bank intending to find Mayweather, who had promised he would be waiting to pick them up. Instead, once they exited the bank, Mayweather saw law enforcement officers in the area and instead of picking them up, he accelerated and left Nash and Gray to fend for themselves. Nash and Gray ran into a nearby wooded area and were later apprehended. Mayweather was seen leaving the area of the Bank of Montgomery and was stopped and arrested by law enforcement officers. Gray's purse and a receipt belonging to Nash were found in his vehicle. 

Testimony at trial revealed that a glove belonging to Mayweather was found in the parking lot and his DNA was on the glove. Further, Nash and Gray each wore gloves during the robberies which were provided by Mayweather from his place of employment at the time.

Nash and Gray each previously pleaded guilty in this case and agreed to testify about their involvement in the robberies. Nash is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

Mayweather faces up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, up to 25 years on the armed bank robbery counts, up to 10 years on the false bomb threat count, and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The FBI, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Fire Marshal conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille Gilreath and Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Orentha James Pea, 43, of Shreveport, has been convicted by a federal jury on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the two-day jury trial.

Pea was charged on September 25, 2019 with one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Evidence introduced at the trial showed the jury that Pea held a gun to his wife’s head in front of their children and threatened to kill her following an argument between the two of them. Pea was previously convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in 2017 and 2018 related to the domestic abuse battery of his daughter and the violation of his wife’s order of protection. Pea also has felony convictions for aggravated battery in 2005, related to shooting his pregnant wife with a firearm, and aggravated battery in 2014, related to striking his wife with a firearm. Testimony at trial revealed that Pea was commonly known to carry a firearm, despite knowing that he was prohibited from doing so as a convicted felon and a person convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. After threatening to kill his wife, who is the victim in this case, Pea went to a cousin’s house and returned back home later that evening. He locked himself and the victim in their bedroom, took her cell phone from her, and berated her for most of the night.

The next morning when they awoke, the victim was able to get away from Pea and call the police to report the threat that he made to kill her the day before and that he had a gun in his possession. Officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to their home and conducted a search and found the loaded firearm hidden in the house. Laboratory analysis conducted by the North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory determined that Pea’s DNA was present on the grip and slide portion of the firearm. Members of the jury deliberated and returned a guilty verdict on both counts of the indictment.

Pea faces up to 20 years in prison for both counts and up to a $250,000 fine.  Sentencing is set for October 21, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT/ LAFAYETTE/ ALEXANDRIA/ LAKE CHARLES/ MONROE, La.– Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $154,931 in PSN grant funds for the Western District of Louisiana. The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding of a grant under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. At least 30% ($41,831) of the grant funds must be designated for grants under the PSN Program to fund new and/or current gang violence reduction strategies in the Western District. In addition, approximately $97,607 can be designated to fund both new and/or current comprehensive gun crime and gang violence reduction strategies within the Western District.   

PSN furthers the Department of Justice=s mission to reduce violent crime by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime and gang violence committed with firearms utilizing prevention, enforcement and intervention methods. 

Various types of single or multi‑grantee grant proposals are welcome including those that address the following: 

• Gang violence and gun violence reduction, deterrence, prevention, community outreach and education; 
• Enforcement, adjudication and supervision programs; 
• Prisoner re-entry programs; or
• Other innovative related projects.

Grant proposals must contain the following: (1) Project Abstract, (2) Project Narrative, and (3) Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative.  In addition, the Project Narrative should contain the following subparts:  (a) Statement of the Problem, (b) Project Design and Implementation, (c) Gang Task Force Set Aside (if applicable), and (d) Plan for Collecting Data and Determining Performance Measures.  To be eligible, grant proposals must be submitted to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATTN: PSN Grant Competition, 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2200, Lafayette, LA 70501, no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

The FY 2021 PSN Grant Announcement, Grants.gov Opportunity # O-BJA-2021-94005 can be found on the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office website at: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. More information about the program can be located at www.psn.gov or www.bja.gov/programs/psn. 

Interested applicants may also contact Assistant U.S. Attorney and PSN Coordinator Jamilla A. Bynog at (337) 262-6618 for additional information.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – A federal jury seated in Lafayette has returned a guilty verdict against Jarvis Pierre, 38, of Houston, Texas, convicting him on firearms charges following a week-long trial before United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

Pierre was charged in a Second Superseding Indictment on April 28, 2021 with two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Evidence introduced at the trial revealed that Pierre was stopped by law enforcement officers on October 7, 2018 and December 27, 2018 for traffic violations.

On October 7, 2018, deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call outside of the Cloud 9 night club in Lake Charles, Louisiana. When deputies arrived, the crowd began to disburse and many patrons left the parking lot. Deputies observed a vehicle that remained in the parking lot with the driver acting suspiciously. Law enforcement officers followed the vehicle once the driver left the parking lot and observed the vehicle drift from the lane of travel several times and conducted a traffic stop. Pierre was the driver of the vehicle and as deputies approached the vehicle, they detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside. After a search of Pierre’s person, deputies found large amounts of cash, and a brown, powdery substance which was determined to contain heroin and fentanyl. While searching the vehicle further, deputies found a loaded FN57 handgun under the driver’s seat, as well as a loose 5.7mm round of ammunition, a rolled marijuana cigarette, and a baby bottle containing promethazine. Memo books containing writing that was determined to be prices for different amounts of narcotics with names and addresses were also found in the vehicle. The amount of cash found on Pierre’s person and in the vehicle totaled over $11,000.

When Pierre was stopped by Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies for a traffic violation on December 27, 2018, they found him to have a loaded handgun between the driver’s seat and center console of his vehicle, along with marijuana on his person and in the vehicle, and two cellular phones. Deputies determined at that time that Pierre had an active warrant out of Texas stemming from a traffic stop in February 2018 in Pearland, Texas by officers with the Pearland Police Department. During the Pearland, Texas stop, law enforcement officers found a loaded 9mm handgun, over 400 oxycodone pills and $11,629 in cash, as well as 4 cellular telephones.

Pierre has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (2001); distribution of cocaine (2002); and aggravated assault with a firearm (2013). It is illegal for individuals with a prior felony conviction to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The defendant faces no less than 15 years nor more than life in prison on the two convicted felon in possession of a firearm counts of the indictment, a $250,000 fine, or both. He faces a statutory mandatory minimum of not less than 5 years and up to life on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count in the indictment, to run consecutive to the other counts.

Sentencing has been set for September 23, 2021 at 10:00.

The ATF and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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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ALEXANDRIA, La. – A former correctional officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Detention Center 1, in Alexandria, Louisiana, has been sentenced in federal court for violating the civil rights of three inmates in his custody.

Cody Richardson, 31, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release. Richardson previously pleaded guilty on May 28, 2020 to three felony counts of using excessive force against pretrial detainees housed at the RPSO facility.

According to court documents and statements made during the hearing, Richardson, while on duty as a correctional officer in 2018, tased three different detainees who were restrained and/or not resisting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. Specifically, on January 28, 2018, Richardson tased detainee K.F. while K.F. had his hands up, causing him to fall to the ground, then continued to tase K.F. three more times despite the fact that he was not resisting. On February 24, 2018, Richardson drive-stunned detainee S.M. 15-20 times while S.M. was shackled to a bench by his ankles, then, after other officers secured S.M.’s wrists in handcuffs, continued tasing him and kicked him once in the abdomen. Finally, on March 19, 2018, Richardson deployed a Taser into detainee J.A.’s back, causing him to fall to the ground, then sat on top of a table in the cellblock and continued to activate the Taser four more times while J.A. thrashed on the floor, screaming in pain. 

“Citizens who are detained by law enforcement officers have a right to be treated with fairness and respect,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “Those in law enforcement who choose to violate the civil rights of those in their custody and control must suffer the consequences of their actions.”

“These kinds of civil rights violations by correctional officers will not be tolerated,” said Pamela S. Karlan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “By perpetrating these blatant and callous assaults on inmates, Richardson abused the authority granted to him as an officer of the law, undermined public trust in law enforcement, and caused harm to individuals whom he had a responsibility to protect. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously prosecute officers who violate the civil rights of vulnerable inmates in their care, and ensure that such officers are held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. – A federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana has found Eric Etienne, 33, of New Iberia, Louisiana, guilty of illegal possession of firearms, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. The two-day jury trial took place in Lafayette before United States District Judge Michael J. Juneau.

Evidence at the trial revealed that on December 18, 2018, officers with the New Iberia Police Department discovered a video on Instagram showing Etienne possessing what appeared to be an AR-15 rifle, two AK-47’s, and a Glock handgun. Law enforcement officers were familiar with Etienne, who is a convicted felon, and were able to determine the location in New Iberia where the video had been taken. Later that day, officers responded to the scene where the video was taken.  Upon arrival, Etienne was found standing near a silver sedan which was seen in the video and wearing the same clothes he was wearing in the video.  Officers found the AR-15 and Glock handgun in plain view in the sedan.  A search of a nearby residence recovered one of the AK-47’s. 

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on October 3, 2019 charging Etienne with being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, specifically, the AR-15 rifle, AK-47, and Glock handgun. He was previously convicted of attempted manslaughter in 2006 and is prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

Etienne faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 13, 2021.

The ATF and New Iberia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Ayo and Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that John T. Owings, 60, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 21 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for stealing Social Security benefits. Owings was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $200,434.70.

Owings, who was formerly the Chief of Trauma at the former LSU Health and Sciences Center in Shreveport (LSUHSC), was convicted by a federal jury in February 2019 of 20 counts of theft of government property and 1 count of concealing or failing to disclose an event affecting right to a government benefit. The United States presented evidence during the trial showing that Owings applied for disability benefits in 2008 and continued to receive those benefits through June of 2017, after returning to work in 2012. When Owings went back to work as a surgeon at the University of California-Davis in 2012, making $22,000 a month, he failed to tell the Social Security Administration (SSA) about his return to work. In 2013, LSUHSC hired Owings as its trauma chief, paying him over $40,000 a month.  Owings never disclosed his employment at LSUHSC to the SSA. Instead, Owings took disability insurance benefits throughout his employment at the University of California-Davis and LSUHSC that he was not entitled to. Owings used the benefits to pay for personal expenses and fund his coin collecting hobby.

“Despite being a highly-paid, working trauma surgeon, Dr. Owings took advantage of a program that is designed to benefit those who are in need of assistance due to their inability to work,” Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook said. “I would like to thank the agents with the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for doing such an outstanding job on this case and other cases such as this by seeking out those individuals who take advantage of a program designed for the disabled. We will continue to prosecute those who abuse the system in this way.”

The SSA is responsible for the implementation of the Disability Insurance Benefits Program under Title II of the Social Security Act.  The SSA provides monetary benefits to individuals who have worked and paid taxes to SSA.  To be eligible for monthly cash benefits, individuals must have been deemed medically disabled and must have been unable to maintain gainful employment.

Pursuant to SSA regulations, a claimant must prove to SSA that he or she is disabled by furnishing medical and other evidence with the application. The application and supporting evidence would then be evaluated by SSA to determine the individual’s medical impairments and determine the effect of the impairment on the claimant’s ability to work on a sustained basis.  Recipients of Social Security disability insurance benefits are required by federal law to report any changes in their medical or employment status to SSA, including any work activity, whether compensated or not.  Eligibility for Disability Insurance Benefits is conditioned on the recipient’s lack of employment income during the period when the disability benefits are paid.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.

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ALEXANDRIA, La. - Derrick Dwayne Thomas, 46, of Alexandria, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 63 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

On May 6, 2020, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Thomas with possession with intent to distribute heroin and distribution of controlled substances. Thomas appeared in United States District Court on January 8, 2021 and pleaded guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute heroin. Evidence at the guilty plea hearing revealed that on January 31, 2020, law enforcement officers in Alexandria, Louisiana executed a search warrant for property on Brooks Boulevard in Alexandria where Thomas resided, as well as Thomas’ vehicle.

A search of Thomas’ vehicle revealed five cellular telephones located near the driver’s seat. During the search of the residence, officers found numerous prescription bottles, which were not prescribed to Thomas or any residents of the home, as well as large sums of cash. Officers also found a lockable Tupperware container inside a small ice chest in a closet and inside the container was a plastic bag containing a brown powder, suspected to be heroin. Thomas admitted to purchasing the heroin which was later tested by a laboratory and confirmed to be heroin with an approximate weight of 477.30 grams.

The FBI, Louisiana State Police, and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.  – In honor of National Police Week, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“Police Week is an opportunity for us to honor our law enforcement officers in Louisiana and across the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “The men and women who serve as law enforcement officers are the unsung heroes in our communities today. They work long hours for little pay and put their lives on the line every single day when they put on their uniform to go out into our communities and serve and protect us as citizens from those who choose to reject the rule of law in our nation. We support and honor these officers who continue to work despite the adversity that they face each day. This week please join me in saying ‘thank you’ to these police officers for their sacrifices and in remembering those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

 Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Western District of Louisiana, six officers died in the line of duty. The officers who lost their lives are as follows:

• Donna Michelle Richardson-Below with the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office died on February 12, 2020 in an automobile crash while on duty;
• Kejuane Artez Bates with the Vidalia Police Department died on April 1, 2020 from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty;
• Kevin Paul Trahan with the Church Point Police Department died on July 31, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during a confirmed exposure at the Church Point Police Department building on June 26, 2020;
• Claude Winston Guillory with the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office died on August 4, 2020 from complications as the result of contracting COVID-19 in a presumed exposure while on duty;
• Randy Michael Vallot with the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office died on September 23, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 as the result of a confirmed exposure during an outbreak within the agency; and
• Marshall Lee Waters, Jr. with the Mangham Police Department died on November 5, 2020 as the result of a gunshot wound sustained during a traffic stop near the Franklin/Richland Parish border.

According to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.  

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 7:00 pm CST. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Treveon T. Carter, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 74 months (6 years, 2 months) in prison,  followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.

On January 24, 2019, law enforcement agents searched Carter’s home in Shreveport and found marijuana, oxycodone, 20 containers of suspected THC, a digital scale and packaging material, cash, and a loaded firearm. Carter admitted to agents that the loaded firearm and drug evidence belonged to him.

Carter has a prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute narcotics in 2017 and knew that it was illegal for him to possess a firearm.

The ATF and Shreveport/Caddo Street Level Interdiction Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.

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, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI New Orleans Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Genck, announced that a federal grand jury in Shreveport has returned an indictment charging former Shreveport Police Department officer Dylan Hudson, 34, of Shreveport, with assaulting an arrestee in Caddo Parish. The indictment charges Hudson with willfully depriving an individual of his right to be free from the use of unreasonable force during an arrest.

The indictment alleges that on August 5, 2019, Hudson, while acting in his official capacity as an officer of the Shreveport Police Department, used unreasonable force against an arrestee by punching him in the face and head, kneeing him in the stomach, tasing him in the neck and head, pistol-whipping him in the head, slamming his head into the ground, and kicking him in the face.  The indictment further alleges that Hudson’s assault caused bodily injury to the arrestee, and that the assault involved the use of dangerous weapons (a Taser, a pistol, and a shod foot).

Hudson made his initial appearance in the Western District of Louisiana today and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, Hudson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick and DOJ Civil Rights Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned ten separate indictments charging ten individuals with fraudulently applying for disaster benefits from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is a department of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

In August 2016, severe flooding impacted south Louisiana and a Presidential Disaster Declaration was issued on August 14, 2016 under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The incident period covered August 11, 2016 through August 31, 2016. FEMA was authorized to provide transportation assistance for repair or replacement of a primary vehicle damaged by the disaster.

The indictments allege that on certain dates between September 22, 2016 and November 14, 2016 each of the defendants, acting in concert with others, made false statements and representations to FEMA in an application for transportation benefits and provided certain documentation required by FEMA to process the claim in connection with the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding. Each application for Disaster Assistance was submitted on behalf of each defendant claiming their vehicle sustained flood damage in Iberia and Lafayette Parishes in Louisiana, when each of them was a resident of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, which was not included as a designated parish for assistance.

The indictments further allege that each defendant submitted a signed letter to FEMA stating the subject vehicle belonged to the defendant, was their only means of transportation, and was no longer operable. In each case, the repair estimates submitted by each defendant, which ranged from $6,291 to 8,736, were all from repair shops that did not exist. A list of the defendants and the charges they face are as follows:

Defendant Name

Charges

Brittany Nicole Hawkins, 29,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $5,999 to defendant

 

Shannan Latreice Johnson, 45,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $5,999 to defendant

Tasha Jesse Louis, 39,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $6,000 to defendant

Jarnell Wayne Payne, a/k/a Jernell W. Payne, 43,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $5,999 to defendant

Kevin Callery, 54,

Baldwin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $5,999 to defendant

Leo Green, Jr., 55,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $6,000 to defendant

Robert Joseph Johnson, Jr., 33,

Patterson, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $6,000 to defendant

Derrick Shawn Kirt, 44,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $5,999 to defendant

Jarmaine Scott Thomas, Jr., 25,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $6,000 to defendant

Johnathan D. Wilson, 38,

Franklin, Louisiana

• Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits – one count
• Theft of Government Money or Property – one count
• Fraudulent repair estimate resulted in disbursement of $6,000 to defendant

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you have any information to report concerning potential FEMA fraud, please call the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721.

This investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/MONROE/LAKE CHARLES, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services this week. This year is the 40th anniversary of the observance and will be celebrated April 18-24, 2021. The theme is: “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.”

“Crime has affected many of us, whether individually or through a family member, friend, or neighbor,” Van Hook stated. “Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to seek justice for victims of crime by prosecuting those who have victimized others and to provide support for crime victims throughout the legal process. This week is a great reminder to each of us to celebrate, honor and support those who have suffered as victims of crime.”

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is a time to renew our commitment to serving victims of crime, acknowledge achievements made in the victim services field, and remember crime victims and survivors. During the week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services.  This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.

Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.

Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.

Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.

Each year, the National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony is held to honor individuals, teams, and organizations for their vision, action, and leadership on behalf of crime victims. This year’s ceremony will be held virtually on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. EST. Visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/news/announcement/its-national-crime-victims-rights-week to learn more about this year’s ceremony and other activities offered this week.

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TYLER, Texas – Two individuals have pleaded guilty to their involvement in postal offenses in Texas and Louisiana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Paul Kennedy, 39, of Henderson, Texas, pleaded guilty to burglary of a United States post office; possession of stolen mail; possession of stolen money orders; damage to government property; theft of government property; and access device fraud today before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.  Angela Moore, 37, of Longview, Texas, previously pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail on March 4, 2021.

According to information presented in court, between the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2019 and the morning of Dec. 26, 2019, Kennedy burglarized post offices in Price, Texas; Bronson, Texas; Bon Wier, Texas; and Evans, Louisiana.  He attempted to burglarize post offices in Newton, Texas, and Singer, Louisiana. At each location he burglarized, Kennedy stole mail, packages, and property belonging to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). At the Price, Texas, and Bronson, Texas, post offices, Kennedy was able to gain access to the safes and steal money as well as USPS money orders.  Moore accompanied Kennedy during the Price burglary and the Newton attempted burglary. Later, on Dec. 27, 2019, Kennedy attempted to use a debit card that he stole during the Evans burglary at the Margaritaville Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana.

“While the rest of us celebrated the Christmas season with our families and friends, these defendants pillaged, plundered, rifled, and looted post offices across East Texas and into Louisiana,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, post offices have been secured, and the defendants have been brought to justice.”

Kennedy and Moore were indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas on June 18, 2020.  Kennedy was also indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana on June 17, 2020.  Under federal statutes, Kennedy faces up to 10 years in federal prison and Moore faces up to five years. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) with the assistance of the Louisiana State Police, the Rusk County Sheriff's Office, the Sabine County Sheriff's Office, the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office, and the Henderson Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld for the Eastern District of Texas and Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jawon Montray Grant, 32, of Shreveport, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 42 months (3 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Grant pleaded guilty to the charge on November 19, 2020.

According to information presented to the court at the guilty plea hearing, Louisiana State Police troopers observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation on May 31, 2019 and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped abruptly in the middle of the street and the driver, later determined to be Grant, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Law enforcement officers gave chase and observed Grant throw a black object to the ground behind a residence. Officers went to that location and found the object was a loaded pistol with an extended magazine. There were other passengers in the vehicle that Grant abandoned, including three small children. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and came to the scene and told officers that she allowed Grant to use the vehicle. Grant was later arrested and charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Grant has previous felony convictions in Caddo Parish for simple burglary in 2017 and attempted possession of a firearm by a felon in 2018.

The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

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, La. – Danny Ray Marable, 64, of Keithville, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography.

Marable pleaded guilty on October 8, 2020 to receipt of child pornography. Evidence presented at the hearing revealed that in October 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information from MeWe, an online social media and social networking service, that indicated a user uploaded images depicting child pornography including bondage. FBI agents began their investigation to determine who the MeWe user was and learned that it was Marable. On April 22, 2020, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on his residence and agents took possession of items including a cellphone and flash drive belonging to Marable. He admitted to agents that the email address used by the MeWe user did in fact belong to him.

After a forensic analysis of the seized items, law enforcement agents discovered that Marable received a video containing child pornography in December 2019. In addition to receiving the video, Marable received over 100 images and over 50 videos of child pornography involving prepubescent minors and/or minors under the age of 12 on his cell phone and flash drive. The videos and images specifically depicted children under the age of 12 being sexually exploited.

The FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Roderick Dewaine Hogan, 39, of Plain Dealing, Louisiana was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 200 months (16 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on a drug conspiracy charge.

On July 17, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Hogan and others with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into drug trafficking activities in the Plain Dealing and Springhill areas of Louisiana. Hogan pleaded guilty to the charge on October 22, 2019.

During their investigation, DEA agents learned that Hogan received a phone call on November 30, 2018 from Damione Brock, his co-conspirator, who was a prisoner at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola. During the phone call, Brock asked Hogan to put together a package of methamphetamine to be delivered to Angola. Brock told Hogan that he had a girl who would pick up the methamphetamine in Alexandria if another co-conspirator, Marvin Beck, could deliver it to her. Hogan provided the narcotics to Beck and allowed him to drive Hogan’s vehicle to deliver the narcotics to the girl, who was later identified as Keisarah McGee, another co-conspirator. McGee was a correctional officer at Angola during this time.

On December 2, 2018, DEA agents surveilled the transportation of the methamphetamine, which was hidden in fake soda cans and was driven by Beck from Bossier City to Alexandria. Beck put the package into McGee’s vehicle, who then took the methamphetamine hidden in fake soda cans with the plan to take them with her into Angola when reporting for work. DEA agents alerted Louisiana Department of Corrections investigators to expect the female officer to try and enter the facility with the hidden narcotics. Agents were able to stop her at the gate at Angola and search the vehicle and found the methamphetamine and seized it prior to her entry into the facility.

The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

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MONROE, La. - The Justice Department announced today that it has entered into a proposed consent decree to settle a voting rights lawsuit with the City of West Monroe, Louisiana. The Justice Department’s lawsuit, brought under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, challenges the current at-large method of electing the West Monroe Board of Aldermen. Under this agreement, the City of West Monroe will change its method of electing its Board of Aldermen to ensure compliance with the protections of the Voting Rights Act.

The proposed consent decree was filed in federal court in conjunction with a lawsuit brought by the Justice Department. The department’s complaint alleges that the current method of electing the West Monroe Board of Aldermen results in black citizens in West Monroe having less opportunity than white citizens to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice, in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Although black residents comprise nearly 30% of the electorate, no black candidate has ever been elected to the West Monroe Board of Aldermen. The complaint does not allege that the current method of election was adopted or maintained with discriminatory intent.

The department gave notice to the City of West Monroe of its intent to bring suit under the Voting Rights Act on March 4, and the parties worked collaboratively to achieve this agreement.  Under the parties’ consent decree—and subject to approval by the federal district court in Louisiana—West Monroe will discontinue use of its current at-large method of electing the five members of its Board of Aldermen. Beginning with the next municipal election, currently scheduled for March 26, 2022, three members of the Board of Aldermen will be elected from single-member districts and two members will be elected at-large. The agreement also provides West Monroe will publicize the new method of election.

“The Voting Rights Act remains a vital tool to ensure that underrepresented citizens have a fair chance to choose their representatives,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate that the City of West Monroe has worked diligently and cooperatively with the Department to adopt a solution that provides all the City’s citizens with an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect aldermen of their choice.”

“We join the Civil Rights Division in bringing this important lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act and appreciate that the City of West Monroe has worked with the Justice Department to adopt a solution that brings about fair representation,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana.

More information about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Justice Department website at https:www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Damione Brock, 42, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial.

Evidence introduced at the two-day trial revealed that in 2018, law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Plain Dealing and Springhill areas of Louisiana.  During their investigation, DEA agents sought approval to use wiretaps and were able to intercept phone calls and text messages between Brock and one of his co-defendants wherein they discussed having methamphetamine delivered to Brock at Angola. Brock, who was serving a lengthy sentence at Angola for possession of cocaine, was using a contraband cell phone to communicate with his co-defendant. Brock had arranged for the methamphetamine to be brought to him at Angola, using two couriers, one which was a female who worked at the prison as a corrections officer.

DEA agents surveilled the transportation of the methamphetamine, which was hidden in fake soda cans and was driven from Bossier City to Alexandria by one of Brock’s co-defendant/couriers. The courier put the package into the female officer/co-defendant’s vehicle, who then took the methamphetamine hidden in fake soda cans with the plan to take them with her into Angola when reporting for work. DEA agents alerted Louisiana Department of Corrections investigators to expect the female officer to try and enter the facility with the hidden narcotics. Agents were able to stop her at the gate at Angola and search the vehicle and found the methamphetamine and seized it prior to her entry into the facility.

Brock faces 10 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000,000 fine on the drug charge. Sentencing is set for August 18, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE/MONROE/SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the resolution of numerous cases this week in United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana, all of which are listed below.

SENTENCING HEARING – LAFAYETTE

Eric J. Richard, 42, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 71 months (6 years, 11 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute cocaine.

Richard was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2018 charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The charges in the indictment stemmed from an incident on October 25, 2017, when a Louisiana State Trooper conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Richard was driving on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish.  During the stop, a law enforcement canine performed a sniff around the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. Troopers searched Richard’s vehicle and found a white powdery substance, believed to be cocaine, inside a duffel bag belonging to Richard. The only other items inside the bag were a small set of scales and one shirt. The suspected cocaine was sent to the laboratory for analysis and it was confirmed that the substance found was 1,060 grams of cocaine.

The FBI and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING HEARING – MONROE

Dustin Jamond Savoie, 34, of Choudrant, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 180 months (15 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking and firearms charges. On January 17, 2020, Louisiana State Troopers observed a vehicle exceeding the speed limit near Ruston, Louisiana, activated his emergency lights and attempted to pull the driver over. The driver fled from officers and accelerated to a speed of over 110 mph. Once forced to stop, troopers deployed a police dog to remove the driver, who was identified as Savoie, from the vehicle. Troopers found inside Savoie’s vehicle a backpack containing a large amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia, as well as a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Further investigation revealed the firearm had been reported stolen in Lincoln Parish.

Savoie has prior felony convictions for distribution of marijuana (2011); possession of a controlled substance (2014); simple escape (2016); unauthorized use of a motor vehicle (2017); attempted possession of contraband in a penal institution (2017); and possession of controlled substances (2017) and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING HEARINGS – SHREVEPORT, LA

United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced the following individuals this week:

Claiborne Wayne Williams, 51, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, on firearms charges. On November 13, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers executed a search warrant at a room at the Royal Inn in Shreveport where Williams was present. When officers searched the room, they discovered several documents addressed to Williams, which were found near a revolver. Williams has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Mississippi, and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II CDS in Caddo Parish. 

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

Jamarion Deandre Young, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced to a total of 156 months (13 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking and firearms charges. On November 24, 2019 around 1:00 a.m., Shreveport Police Department officers observed a vehicle with no lights on traveling on Mansfield Road in Shreveport. Officers initiated a stop of the vehicle and made contact with the driver, who was Jamarion Young. Officers observed a pill bottle on the floorboard and asked Young to verify the pills were prescribed to him, which he could not. The pill bottle was retrieved and inside was suspected ecstasy pills. Young was placed in handcuffs and after being advised of his Miranda rights, stated there was no other contraband in the vehicle. However, officers observed a black bag in the back seat which contained marijuana, small clear baggies, and a digital scale, as well as other small bags with marijuana on the back seat of the vehicle. A loaded handgun was also found under the seat which came back as stolen out of Oklahoma. After a lab analysis, it was determined the ecstasy pills contained methamphetamine.

A federal grand jury indicted Young in August 2020 and he subsequently pleaded guilty on December 11, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime. Young’s prior felony convictions are for possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance in Caddo Parish (2009); unauthorized use of a movable in Caddo Parish (2011); aggravated flight from an officer in Caddo Parish (2013); and illegal use of a weapon (2015).

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Dillon Merritt, 53, of Many, Louisiana, has been convicted by a federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana on firearms charges. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial.

After a full day of trial and evidence being introduced, a federal jury deliberated and found Merritt guilty yesterday on both counts in the indictment. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that law enforcement officers with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, learned that Merritt, who has several felony convictions, had firearms in his possession. On January 12, 2018, law enforcement officers arrested Merritt on a warrant based on his illegal possession of a firearm and on May 22, 2019, he was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana and charged with two counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Merritt has a lengthy criminal history, including felony convictions for cruelty to juveniles (2003), aggravated domestic battery (2010), and possession of methamphetamine (2015).

The defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for both counts and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for August 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

The ATF and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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, La. – A federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana has returned a guilty verdict against Dale Wayne Green, Jr., 39, of Shreveport, on drug trafficking and firearms charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter presided over the trial.

After a full day of trial testimony, the jury began their deliberations yesterday afternoon and came back with a verdict finding Green guilty of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Evidence presented at the trial revealed that on June 11, 2019, the Shreveport/Caddo Narcotics Task Force received information that illegal narcotics were being sold at a residence on Harrison Street in Shreveport. Law enforcement agents began conducting surveillance and observed multiple vehicles parked in and around the residence, as well as suspicious activity by individuals visiting the residence.

Law enforcement approached the residence and observed Green drop an item on the ground and walk away from the area to the rear of a vehicle in the driveway. Agents later discovered the dropped item to be cocaine in a sandwich bag which contained individually wrapped packaged bags containing cocaine. Green also had a large amount of cash and car keys in his pocket that went to a car parked across the street. A K-9 officer conducted a sniff search of the vehicle and the K-9 officer alerted to the presence of narcotics. Green gave consent to search the vehicle and agents found a loaded handgun in the console. Also found in the car were numerous personal documents belonging to Green. His previous felony conviction was for manslaughter in Caddo Parish in 2002. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.

Green faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $1,000,000 fine on the drug charge, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the firearm charge. Sentencing is set for August 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

The ATF, Shreveport Police Department and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon B. Brown and Mike T. Shannon prosecuted the case.

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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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Alex Simien, Jr., 42, of Crowley, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael J. Juneau to 135 months (11 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Simien was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 20, 2020 for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He pleaded guilty to the charge in U.S. District Court on October 23, 2020. Evidence introduced at the hearing revealed that law enforcement agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) began an investigation into distribution of the dangerous drug, crystal methamphetamine, in the Acadiana area. During their investigation, DEA agents determined that Simien was a source of supply for crystal methamphetamine in the area.

On April 27, 2019, officers from the Crowley Police Department responded to a disturbance call on North Avenue. During the call, law enforcement officers cleared a bedroom and found a male subject laying on the floor with his hands out under the bed. Officers ordered the male to stay on the ground and while conducting a pat down of Simien’s outer clothing, the officer saw the handle of a pistol where Simien’s hands were previously located. The officer secured the weapon and also found an open black bag under the bed and observed a large amount of a white crystalline substance, consistent with methamphetamine and seized the narcotics. A laboratory analysis of the white crystalline substance confirmed that it was methamphetamine.

The DEA and Crowley Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that D.G. Construction and Hauling, LLC and the U.S. Department of Labor, with DOJ local counsel, have reached a settlement of a civil action filed on August 5, 2020 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana seeking to enforce administrative orders against D.G. Construction and Hauling, LLC, and its owner, Brett Deshotels (“Defendants”), in Lafayette, Louisiana, for violations of employee protection provisions of the Surface Transportation and Assistance Act.

The Secretary’s orders found Defendants liable for firing its employee truck driver in retaliation for reporting equipment defects and refusing to drive due to safety concerns, and had awarded reinstatement, back pay and interest, $5,000 in compensatory damages, and $10,000 in punitive damages to the truck driver, as well as an order for $26,568.27 in attorney’s fees to his trial counsel.  As Defendants had failed to fully comply with the final orders to compensate the truck driver, as ordered, the enforcement action was filed against Defendants.

This settlement is the result of a coordinated effort by U.S. Department of Labor Trial Attorneys Felix Marquez and Mary Cobb and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Brown.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of 25 whistleblower statutes protecting employees from retaliation for reporting violations of various workplace safety and health, airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, securities and tax laws, and for engaging in other related protected activities. More information on OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program is available at: https://www.whistleblowers.gov/

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. To learn more about OSHA visit the website: https://www.osha.gov/

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Hayden Philip Breaux, 21, of Houma, Louisiana and D’Quincy Marquis Jones, 23, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have both been charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft and five counts of identity theft.

The indictment alleges that Breaux and Jones were involved in a fraudulent scheme to obtain emergency financial aid grants offered to colleges as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, which was passed by the U.S. Congress in March 2020. As part of the CARES Act, funds were given to the Office of Postsecondary Education as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana was an institution of higher learning allotted emergency funding for its students.

It is alleged in the indictment that between June 5, 2020 and June 20, 2020, Breaux and Jones conspired to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds for their own use. Breaux and Jones and other members of the conspiracy used personally identifiable information (“PII”), specifically, the Louisiana College Student Identification Numbers and passwords of other students to access the Louisiana College Online Student Portal (“the Portal”) to apply for CARES Act emergency financial aid grants in the names of individuals and direct the grants to specific bank accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy. In total, members of this conspiracy used, without lawful authority, the Louisiana College Student Identification Numbers and passwords of nine individuals to access the Portal, to apply for, and direct payment of CARES Act emergency financial aid from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI and U.S. Department of Education – Office of Inspector General are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – A federal grand jury in Shreveport has returned an indictment charging Deborah Cooksey, 56, of Minden, Louisiana, with filing false tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced.

Cooksey is the owner and operator of Cooksey’s Tax and Notary Services, LLC, in Minden, Louisiana, with her primary business being the preparation and electronic filing of individual income tax returns. The indictment charges Cooksey with two counts of making and subscribing a false tax return. It is alleged in the indictment that on two occasions, on or about April 15, 2015 and February 11, 2016, Cooksey created and filed her U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Form 1040, for calendar years 2013 and 2014.

The indictment alleges that Cooksey’s federal income tax return for calendar year 2013 reported gross receipts and sales in the amount of $522,662 from her tax preparation services business for the calendar year 2013, when in fact she knew and believed that the gross sales and receipts for the calendar year 2013 were substantially higher than the amount reported.

It is further alleged in the indictment that Cooksey’s federal income tax return for calendar year 2014 reported gross receipts and sales in the amount of $459,361 from her tax preparation services business for the calendar year 2014, when in fact she knew and believed that the gross sales and receipts for the calendar year 2014 were substantially higher than the amount reported.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Internal Revenue Service is conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick is prosecuting the case.

# # #

Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two men have been sentenced in the Western District of Louisiana for trafficking heroin and methamphetamine.

LAFAYETTE, La. - Blandon Richard a/k/a Blandon Todd Bessard, 45, of Kaplan, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael J. Juneau to 90 months (7 years, 6 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. Richard was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2019 on the charge and he pleaded guilty November 4, 2020. The charges in the indictment stemmed from an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Richard and his co-defendants in the Lafayette area beginning in January 2019. Law enforcement agents obtained authority to intercept cell phone calls of Richard’s co-defendant. During the course of their investigation, agents overheard Richard on phone calls on multiple occasions between he and his co-defendant wherein Richard discussed obtaining heroin to redistribute to other people for profit.

In February 2019, law enforcement agents intercepted phone calls from Richard to his co-defendant making arrangements to obtain heroin from him. Agents conducting physical surveillance observed Richard go to the co-defendant’s house and come out a short time later. Surveillance of Richard’s vehicle continued and after committing a traffic violation, officers with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office stopped the vehicle. Officers observed in plain view in the ashtray of the vehicle a baggie which contained what appeared to be a controlled substance. At that time, officers retrieved the controlled substance and put Richard in handcuffs and advised him of his Miranda rights. An occupant in the vehicle with Richard was also handcuffed and advised of her Miranda rights. She admitted to law enforcement officers that when they were stopped by law enforcement, Richard told her to hide the baggie containing what was thought to be a controlled substance and she put in her pants. She retrieved the drugs and officers seized it. The substance in the bag weighing approximately 11.6 grams was later field-tested and was determined to be heroin.  

The FBI and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

MONROE, La. – John Allen Whitaker, 49, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 96 months (8 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Whitaker was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 18, 2019 and he later pleaded guilty to the charge on November 4, 2020. The charge stems from a traffic stop conducted by a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy on August 15, 2019. Whitaker was stopped for a traffic violation and during the stop, deputies found that he possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Deputies arrested Whitaker and after a voluntary waiver of his Miranda rights, he admitted that the methamphetamine belonged to him.

The DEA and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - A federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, has returned a six-count indictment charging Chance J. Seneca, 19, of Lafayette, with hate crime, kidnapping, firearm, and obstruction charges based on his attempted murder of a gay man and his overarching scheme to kidnap and murder gay men whom he met online. 

The indictment was announced today by Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pam Karlan for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.

The indictment alleges that on June 19 and 20, 2020, Seneca attempted to kidnap one man and successfully kidnapped two other men through his use of Grindr, a dating application for gay and bisexual men. The indictment further alleges that the defendant attempted to murder one of these men because of his gender and sexual orientation, and that the defendant intended to dismember and keep parts of the victim’s body as trophies, mementos, and food. The indictment further alleges that Seneca possessed a firearm in furtherance of the hate crime, and that he tried to cover up his actions by deleting communications between himself and the victim of the attempted murder. 

The statutory maximum for the hate crime, kidnapping, and firearm offenses is life imprisonment. The statutory maximum for the attempted kidnapping and obstruction offenses is 20 years. The statutory minimum for the gun charge is five years.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is conducting the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Abendroth of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. 

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LAFAYETTE, La. – Anthony Sal Melancon, Jr., 48, of St. Martinville, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael J. Juneau to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for distribution of child pornography.

A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on August 21, 2019 charging Melancon with child pornography offenses. Melancon pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography on December 14, 2020. Evidence introduced at the hearing established that while in a sexual relationship with a woman, Melancon discussed with her his desire to have sex with a minor girl and he asked the woman if she would agree to have sex with Melancon and a minor girl. On January 21, 2017, Melancon sent the woman a pornographic image over the internet of a prepubescent girl that he claimed he had performed sexual acts upon. Melancon began asking the woman to send pictures of her minor daughter to him. The woman’s husband found the communications on the woman’s laptop and contacted law enforcement. A search warrant was executed and Melancon admitted to law enforcement agents that he sent the child pornography images over the internet.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that James Coleman, 44, of Ringgold, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 132 months (11 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Coleman was involved in a drug trafficking organization that was selling illegal narcotics and was charged in a federal indictment with drug offenses. The investigation that led to these charges began in January 2017. Law enforcement agents learned that Coleman and others were distributing and possessing methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Their investigation revealed that Coleman purchased illegal narcotics from other co-conspirators and then distributed them to various individuals in and around the Ringgold, Louisiana area.

During the investigation, law enforcement agents obtained authority to intercept phone calls on a cell phone belonging to a co-defendant. On several occasions, agents intercepted phone calls wherein Coleman discussed drug trafficking. Agents also conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from Coleman between January 1, 2017 and June 2018. Each purchase took place in the Ringgold area and was video and audio recorded. The narcotics purchased during the controlled buys were sent to the lab for analysis and it was determined that Coleman sold 9.3 grams of crack cocaine and 125.74 grams of pure methamphetamine.

The FBI and members of its Northwest Louisiana Violent Crime Task Force, which included officers from the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison L. Duncan prosecuted the case.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Christopher Morvant, 48, of Jennings, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 280 months (23 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography.

According to documents introduced in court, in May and June 2017, Morvant convinced his co-defendant to film a video of the co-defendant performing a sexual act on a toddler-aged child. Morvant’s co-defendant sent this video to him using the internet and Morvant saved the video on his personal computer.

The Department of Homeland Security – Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. Forrest Phillips and J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Audrey Williams, 57, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Williams to 48 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Williams was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $286,987.08.

Williams, along with her co-defendants, Carol Bates, Faith Alexander, and Marquise Perry, all of Shreveport, were indicted on September 25, 2019 and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

Williams pleaded guilty on September 23, 2020 and at the hearing admitted that she recruited individuals who were either current or former students of Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) to receive monies from which she knew they were not entitled. Williams’ sister and co-defendant, Carol Bates, was the comptroller at BPCC and had access to a password-protected database which allowed her to make entries into the college’s financial aid system. Once Williams recruited the individuals to receive funds, Bates would access the BPCC system and make a false entry showing that the student was due a refund from the school, which caused a monetary refund to be issued to that student.  The individuals who were recruited to receive the funds would then deliver a large portion of the monies to Audrey Williams or Carol Bates. Williams kept the money for herself and spent it on personal expenses.

Carol Bates, 50, the former comptroller for BPCC, was previously sentenced in this case on February 22, 2021 to 60 months (5 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Bates was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $286,987.08.

Marquise Perry, 36, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2019 and was sentenced on December 11, 2020 to 5 years of supervised probation. Perry was also ordered to pay $49,524.65 in restitution.

The sentencing hearing for Faith Alexander is scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 10:00.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Office of State Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Kyle Robert Dore, 37, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. to 13 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, for escaping from federal custody.

Evidence introduced at the guilty plea hearing on December 3, 2020 established that Dore had been convicted of a felony offense in the Western District of Louisiana and was committed to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for a total term of 33 months. In September 2019, Dore was transferred to the CINC II Halfway House in Lake Charles to serve out the remainder of his sentence. Dore soon after secured employment and was approved by BOP to begin a period of home confinement. Dore signed an agreement with BOP to remain at his place of residence, except for employment, unless given specific permission to do otherwise. He was scheduled to be released from federal custody on February 28, 2020.

On January 30, 2020, a caseworker with the CINC II Halfway House in Lake Charles conducted an employment check and learned from Dore’s employer that he had not appeared for work that day. Dore had not been given permission to leave federal custody. Law enforcement agents began an investigation into Dore’s whereabouts and learned that he had vacated his residence in Lake Charles and failed to report to work on January 30 and 31. Soon after on February 5, 2020, local law enforcement officers in Oklahoma apprehended Dore in their jurisdiction and he was returned back to Lake Charles and charged with escape from federal custody.

The United States Marshal Service’s Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Aaron McKinney, a.k.a “Dinosaur,” 41, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. 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, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.

Between March 2019 and December 2019, law enforcement agents began an investigation into the suspected drug trafficking activities of McKinney and other co-defendants. During the investigation, DEA agents obtained authority to intercept phone calls on a cell phone belonging to a co-defendant. On several occasions, law enforcement agents intercepted phone calls wherein McKinney discussed obtaining methamphetamine, as well as prices, amounts, and meeting locations to purchase the methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, McKinney admitted to agents that he was selling and purchasing methamphetamine. On July 27, 2020, McKinney pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The DEA conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath prosecuted the case.

This is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence—riven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Robert Hjortsberg, 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today in United States District Court in New Orleans, to one count of willful failure to file a tax return.

According to documents presented at the guilty plea hearing, Hjortsberg was employed as an attorney at the Jason R. Williams Law Firm in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2017. Hjortsberg and his spouse were required to file an income tax return for the 2017 tax year by October 15, 2018. He failed to file a return by that date even though he knew he was required to do so. Hjortsberg did not file his return for the 2017 tax year until July 28, 2020.

At the guilty plea hearing, Hjortsberg acknowledged and agreed that restitution is due and payable to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $31,651. He faces a maximum penalty of not more than 1 year in prison, a $25,000 fine, or both, at sentencing.  The sentencing hearing has been set for June 16, 2021.

The Internal Revenue Service and FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and David J. Ayo are prosecuting the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Ransom White, 39, of Lafayette, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey 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. As part of the sentence, the Court also ordered White to forfeit $64,367.37 in funds constituting drug proceeds.

A federal grand jury in Lafayette returned an indictment on July 13, 2018 charging White and others with drug trafficking. White pled guilty on May 30, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence presented in court at the plea hearing revealed that White was a known member of a methamphetamine trafficking organization during 2017 and 2018.

Law enforcement agents began investigating White and his co-defendants and during their investigation, learned that White conspired with his other co-defendants to purchase and deliver methamphetamine to be sold.  Their investigation revealed that White would obtain methamphetamine in vegetable cans from a supplier, with each can containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine. White would then deliver the drugs to his co-defendant to sell.

The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Nathaniel Leon Brown, 31, of Lafayette, Louisiana, has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 84 months (7 years) in prison,  followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of a firearm.

Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury in Lafayette on July 15, 2020 and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty to the charge on September 10, 2020. According to information presented to the court, it was established that on December 20, 2019, Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance call and were informed that a possible kidnapping involving a firearm may be in progress. Officers responded to the call and using information they were provided concerning the vehicle Brown was driving, located the suspect vehicle on Interstate 10 near Henderson. Law enforcement officers caught up to the vehicle and Brown initially refused to stop. Numerous law enforcement officers joined in the pursuit and eventually Brown stopped the car on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Brown was ordered out of the vehicle and officers took him into custody. Brown told officers there was a firearm under the driver’s seat and they were able to recover the weapon.

Brown has prior felony convictions, including possession of cocaine (2009), possession of methamphetamine (2018). As a convicted felon, Brown is prohibited from possessing any firearm.

The ATF, Lafayette Police Department, and Henderson Police Department were involved in conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon, II, prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT/MONROE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the resolution of numerous cases today in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Louisiana, all of which are listed below.

SENTENCING HEARINGS – SHREVEPORT, LA

Alexander Baker, 24, and Brandon Brown, 29, both of Shreveport, were sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. for their role in two robberies that took place in Shreveport in November 2018. Alexander Baker pleaded guilty on August 11, 2020 to robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and was sentenced today to 114 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Brandon Brown pleaded guilty on July 14, 2020 to conspiracy to use, carry, brandish and discharge firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence and was sentenced to 84 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

• The first robbery occurred on November 21, 2018 when Brandon Brown and his co-defendants entered the Top Dollar Pawn on St. Vincent Avenue in Shreveport, dressed in black hoodies, gloves, wearing clown masks, and armed with handguns. They ordered the store clerks to the floor, opened the register and took cash out. One of the clerks was then forced at gunpoint to open the counter where they also stole 18 pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun, as well as jewelry.
• The second robbery occurred on November 27, 2018, when Alexander Baker and another co-defendant entered the Petro Gas Station on West Bert Kouns in Shreveport with the intent to rob the store using firearms. The two men entered the store wearing all dark clothing, covered faces and both were armed with semi-automatic handguns, and demanded money from the cashier. They told the cashier to open the vault, but she did not have access to it. Baker and his co-defendant then ran out the side door and got into a parked vehicle driven by Brandon Brown and drove away.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.

Deangilo Dillard, 34, of Shreveport, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On May 2, 2018, Shreveport Police Department officers encountered Dillard who was seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in a parking lot on East 70th Street in Shreveport. During the encounter, officers saw in plain view a firearm tucked under Dillard’s leg. After further investigation, officers learned that Dillard was a convicted felon and therefore, it was unlawful for him to possess a firearm. A federal grand jury indicted Dillard in July 2018 and he subsequently pleaded guilty to the charge. Dillard’s prior felony convictions are for: attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2016 and 2008); and possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone (2006). The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING HEARINGS – MONROE

United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced the following individuals:

Lawrence Edward Holzer, III, 39, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possession of firearms by a convicted felon. On August 15, 2019, Louisiana state parole agents conducted a routine residence check at Holzer’s home. As the agents stood outside Holzer’s front door, the observed a rifle inside a glass gun cabinet. When the agents went to retrieve the rifle, they found a pistol inside the same gun cabinet. After the agents advised Holzer of his rights, he admitted that he had placed a third gun, another rifle, underneath his bed. At the time of this offense, Holzer knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms as a parolee for a pair of felony burglary convictions in 2011 and 2014. The ATF and Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.

Patrick H. Anderson, 37, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 14 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement in the record of a firearms dealer. Anderson visited Murphy’s Ammo and Firearms in West Monroe on June 28, 2018 and completed ATF Form 4473, to purchase a firearm. The form asked whether Anderson was subject to a court order restraining him from harassing or threatening an intimate partner. Anderson answered “no” to this question, knowing that to be false, as he had a restraining order pending against him in Ouachita Parish. The ATF conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.

The cases listed above 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.

Meshach Demontez Conley, 30, of Winnfield, Louisiana, was sentenced to 38 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. Law enforcement agents received information from a confidential source that Conley was selling methamphetamine. On February 25, 2019, the confidential source arranged a meeting with Conley to purchase methamphetamine. Agents conducted physical surveillance of the meeting and the transaction was recorded. The methamphetamine purchased from Conley was taken to a lab for chemical analysis and was determined to be pure methamphetamine. The FBI, Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Shreveport businessman, Michael Ray Carr, Jr., 39, with concealment of bankruptcy estate assets.

According to the indictment, Carr was the sole and principal owner of PADCO Energy Services, LLC (“Energy”), and sixty percent owner PADCO Pressure Control, LLC (“Pressure”), with both businesses consisting of mainly oilfield services. On October 4, 2016, Energy and Pressure filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy documents were signed by Carr and certified under penalty of perjury that the information contained in them was true and correct.

The indictment alleges that a bankruptcy court hearing was held on September 12, 2017, wherein Pressure and Carr agreed to turn over property of the estate, oilfield equipment, to the bankruptcy trustee. However, on October 5, 2017, the Chapter 11 trustee for Pressure filed a motion in the bankruptcy proceeding claiming that Pressure and Carr had failed to turn over the property of the estate. On December 1, 2017, an agreement between Pressure, Energy, Carr, and the creditors was reached and a consent order was approved by the bankruptcy court stating that the Chapter 11 trustee could secure all equipment referenced in the order.

It is further alleged in the indictment that Carr knowingly and fraudulently concealed property for Pressure and Energy which belonged to the bankruptcy estate, from the Chapter 11 trustee charged with control of the debtor’s property, from the creditors, and the United States Trustee. 

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned a 25-count indictment charging Melissa H. Sepulvado, 58, of Zwolle, Louisiana, with committing wire fraud.

The indictment alleges that Sepulvado and her husband were both employed by Weyerhaeuser Company (“Weyerhaeuser”) at the company’s mill located in Zwolle, Louisiana. Sepulvado was employed as a Senior Support Specialist and her husband was employed as an hourly worker. Her primary duties were to review and approve payroll entries for the hourly workers at the Weyerhaeuser’s Zwolle mill through its internet based electronic payroll system.

It is alleged in the indictment that from November 2014 through April 2017, Sepulvado devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money from Weyerhaeuser using interstate wire communications, including the transmission of electronic payroll information. Sepulvado regularly entered fraudulent vacation hours on her husband’s time sheet and submitted electronic pay requests for those hours by means of an interstate wire communication in interstate commerce. Although her husband was eligible to receive 200 hours of paid vacation time each calendar year, Sepulvado entered and approved over 4,000 hours of paid vacation time for her husband for the calendar year 2016 alone. Sepulvado took steps to conceal the fraudulent pay requests by backdating the paid vacation hours to completed pay periods.

The indictment further alleges that these fraudulent pay requests submitted by Sepulvado caused Weyerhaeuser to pay over $145,000 in unearned wages to her husband, which unearned wages were taken and controlled by Sepulvado.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper is prosecuting the case.

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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that three men from South Louisiana were sentenced today for illegally possessing firearms by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr.

Jaquan Smith, 27, of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegal possession of an unregistered firearm. On October 10, 2018, law enforcement officers in Jennings, Louisiana stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in which Smith was a passenger. Officers found Smith to have a square-shaped object bearing a Glock insignia in his possession. The device is capable of converting a firearm into a machine gun. The machine gun converter device was not registered to Smith in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Smith knew that the purpose of the converter device was to turn a semi-automatic weapon into a machine gun and was illegal for him to possess.

The ATF and Jennings Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. Forrest Phillips and Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.

Jeffery James Sullivan, 24, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. On August 18, 2018, Sullivan attempted to purchase a firearm while under indictment on felony charges in the 14th Judicial District Court in the State of Louisiana, including aggravated second degree battery and illegal use of a weapon in commission of a crime of violence. While completing the ATF Form 4473 to purchase the firearm, Sullivan falsely answered “NO” to the question on the form, “Are you under indictment or information in any court for a felony, or any other crime, for which the judge could imprison you for more than one year?” Sullivan made this false statement intending to deceive the firearms dealer in order to purchase the firearm and was therefore charged.

The ATF conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.

Timothy Caudle, 43, of Oakdale, Louisiana, was sentenced to 2 years of supervised probation, for illegally possessing firearms at a federal facility. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 10, 2019, when Caudle went to the Fort Polk Community Based Outpatient Clinic for an appointment. When clinic administrators told Caudle they would not be able to order his medication because he was behind on his scheduled appointments with the Clinic, Caudle became upset and made threatening remarks to the staff. This behavior caused law enforcement officers to monitor Caudle and determine whether or not he had any weapons on his person or in his vehicle, which possession was strictly prohibited in the federal facility and on the federal property. Officers found that Caudle illegally possessed two firearms in his vehicle on the federal property.

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leon H. Whitten and John W. Nickel.

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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SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Demarcus Deandre Jackson, 32, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 40 months (3 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 10, 2020 charging Jackson following an incident that occurred on January 9, 2020. Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by officers with the Shreveport Police Department for a traffic violation. Officers found that Jackson had marijuana in his possession and placed him in handcuffs. While searching the vehicle, officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol and Jackson admitted it belonged to him.

Jackson has previous felony convictions for attempted manslaughter and illegal use of a weapon (2006) and knew that it was illegal for him to possess a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the federal charge on October 8, 2020.

The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

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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LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Cameron Parish company and 12 individuals with illegal harvesting and selling raw oysters in violation of the Lacey Act.

Those charged in the indictment are as follows:

• Bay Fresh Oyster Company, Inc. (“BFO”), with its principal place of business in San Leon, Texas, and which also maintained and operated a location in Cameron, Louisiana;
• Adley Leo Dyson, 71, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Clarence Dyson, III, 46, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Kirk Patrick Daigle, 47, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Brandon Kent Duhon, 24, of Lake Charles, Louisiana;
• Kent Anthony Duhon, 58, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Robert Alton Watson, 41, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Kerwin Tyler Perry, 25, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Jenson Kyle Griffith, 28, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Kasey Lyn Mock, 28, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Terry Wayne Dickens, 41, of Cameron, Louisiana;
• Phillip Cecil Dyson, 59, of Cameron, Louisiana; and
• Phillip Cecil Dyson, II, 38, of Cameron, Louisiana.

The indictment alleges that from approximately March 1, 2019 through May 5, 2019, BFO and the 12 named co-defendants listed above (“Defendants”), conspired to harvest raw oysters from Calcasieu Lake in violation of Louisiana law and knowingly made and submitted and caused to be submitted, false records for those harvested oysters that were intended to be transported in interstate commerce.

According to the indictment, the Defendants knowingly engaged in conduct that involved the sale and purchase of oysters knowing that they had been taken in violation of the laws and regulations of Louisiana. The indictment further alleges that oysters were not reported as required; oysters were harvested in amounts in excess of those authorized by state law to be harvested; oysters were harvested during illegal harvesting hours; oysters were not refrigerated within the required time by state law; oysters were harvested by those who failed to possess a valid Calcasieu Lake Harvest Permit or whose permit had been revoked; oysters were falsely reported as being harvested by those with valid permits; and oysters were harvested from areas closed to oyster harvesting.

The illegally harvested oysters were then sold by the harvester and purchased by BFO at its Cameron, Louisiana, location where records were falsified to reflect that the oysters had been harvested in compliance with Louisiana law. BFO subsequently transported those oysters across state lines to their facility in San Leon, Texas. Sacks of oysters were not tagged prior to removal from the vessels as required by Louisiana law but were later tagged by BFO employees and agents as being harvested by harvesters other than the actual harvesters. Oysters had been harvested by harvesters with revoked permits, were harvested in excess of the sack limit set by Louisiana law, and/or were harvested outside the harvesting hours set by Louisiana law. The indictment alleges that the harvesting and dealing in raw oysters in violation of state law violated the federal Lacey Act, which among other things, makes it unlawful to transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate commerce any fish or wildlife that is taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of any law or regulation of any state.

An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

An initial appearance for the Defendants has been set for March 10, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Wildlife & Fisheries and Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries are conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. - Carol Bates, the former comptroller for Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), was sentenced today for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Bates, 50, of Shreveport, Louisiana, to 60 months (5 years) in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Bates was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $286,987.08.

Bates and her co-defendants, Faith Alexander, Marquise Perry, and Audrey Williams, all of Shreveport, were indicted on September 25, 2019 and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

Bates pleaded guilty on July 20, 2020 and at the hearing admitted that from 2013 to 2016, she used her position as comptroller of BPCC to access an internal BPCC computer database and make entries falsely showing individuals were due refunds by the school. These individuals were not qualified to receive the funds, and, in most cases, they were not even attending BPCC during the semesters they received the money. As a part of the scheme, Bates and her sister, Audrey Williams, recruited Faith Alexander and Marquise Perry, along with seven other individuals to receive fraudulent refunds from BPCC. Once the individual received the funds, they were instructed to deliver between one-half and two-thirds of the money to Carol Bates or her sister, Audrey Williams. 

In total, Bates caused 45 fraudulent refunds totaling $286,987.08 to be issued to nine individuals. Alexander received eight refunds totaling $45,482.65 from 2014 through 2016. Perry received seven refunds totaling $49,524.65 from 2015 through 2016. The remaining 30 refunds were issued to seven other individuals who, after receiving the money, transferred two-thirds or half of it to Bates.

Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook stated: “Those who work in places of trust in business such as the comptroller position held by this defendant, are held to a higher standard of accountability. This defendant failed in that regard and instead selfishly stole hundreds of thousands of dollars for her own personal gain. Our office will be vigilant in continuing to investigate this, and any other type of fraud, in the Western District of Louisiana.”

“Abuse of high trust is among the worst things a public employee can do,” stated Louisiana Inspector General Stephen Street. “Ms. Bates engaged in a deliberate and complex scheme to steal hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars from an institution of higher learning, with no regard for the significant harm it would cause.  The substantial prison sentence imposed by the court today is entirely proper, and will hopefully send the message to anyone else who might consider stealing from the public – we have zero tolerance for it and will do everything we can to send you to jail.”

“I want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hook and his staff for an excellent job on the case, as well as our partners at the U.S. Department of Education Inspector General.”

Marquise Perry, 36, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2019 and was sentenced on December 11, 2020 to 5 years of supervised probation. Perry was also ordered to pay $49,524.65 in restitution.

The sentencing hearing for Faith Alexander is scheduled for March 22, 2021 at 10:00.  The sentencing hearing for Audrey Williams has not yet been set.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Office of State Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Robert Tyrone Kimbrough, 35, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

On July 5, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Kimbrough in Many, Louisiana, on an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement officers obtained consent to search the apartment Kimbrough was in and found a bag in a closet containing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Agents also found another firearm in the same closet. Kimbrough admitted that the firearms were his and that he knew the serial number was obliterated from the firearm. Kimbrough has a previous felony conviction for aggravated robbery in 2010 which prohibited him from possessing any firearms. He pleaded guilty to the federal charges on September 1, 2020.

The ATF and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.

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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Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two men were sentenced today in the Western District of Louisiana on drug trafficking charges. The sentencing hearings took place in Shreveport and Lafayette, Louisiana.

El Paso Man Admits to Transporting Cocaine

SHREVEPORT, La. – Martin Escalera, 28, of El Paso, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 240 months (20 years) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

On February 17, 2020, Louisiana State Police stopped the vehicle Escalera was driving for a traffic violation. While the state trooper was checking his information, Escalera presented the trooper with the rental agreement for the vehicle. After reviewing the agreement, the trooper found that Escalera was not listed on the rental as a driver. Escalera gave law enforcement officers consent to search the vehicle and during the search, they found multiple kilogram sized packages of cocaine. Esclera admitted that the packages contained cocaine and that he was transporting them. He plead guilty to the charge on September 24, 2020.

The DEA and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.

New Iberia Man to Serve 10 Years in Prison

LAFAYETTE, La. – Alfonzo JohnLouis, 42, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey 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.

On November 3, 2017, while preparing to deliver mail, a postal employee had three packages that were addressed to one particular address in Lafayette, Louisiana, and were shipped from Los Angeles, California. As the postal carrier picked up the box to make the delivery, their thumb slipped into a hole on the side of the box and felt a plastic bag inside which led them to believe there may be some form of illegal drugs in the box. Law enforcement was contacted and a K-9 with the Lafayette Metro Narcotics Unit alerted on each of the three packages. A search warrant was obtained and law enforcement officers found a combined 18 pounds of methamphetamine in the three boxes. JohnLouis has three prior felony drug convictions from 2001 and 2007. He admitted that the packages were meant for him and pleaded guilty to the charge in the federal indictment on September 8, 2020.

The FBI and Lafayette Metro Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Quion M. Smith, Sr., 38, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 96 months (8 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced.

On January 4, 2020, Louisiana State Police Troopers encountered a vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light near Interstate 220 in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. The State Troopers approached the vehicle and found that Smith was the only occupant of the vehicle and observed a firearm in plain view on the passenger seat. Troopers were able to remove the firearm for officer safety. A records check revealed that the firearm was reported stolen. Further investigation revealed that Smith was a six-time convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Smith has previous felony convictions for simple criminal damage to property (2003); possession of cocaine (2007); attempted possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2011); possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2016); possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2016); and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2016).

The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.

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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MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Monroe, Louisiana man has been sentenced on federal firearms charges. United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Jeremy Martin, 51, to 107 months and 15 days in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On April 10, 2019, deputies from the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office searched a home in Downsville, Louisiana, where Martin lived and found a rifle in a case next to Martin’s bed. Martin has previous felony convictions in California for attempted murder (1998) and possession of narcotic controlled substance for sale (2007). In addition, Martin was convicted in Louisiana of possession of controlled substance and attempted illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled substance (2019). Martin knew that as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing any type of firearm. He plead guilty in federal court to the instant offense of illegal possession of a firearm on October 15, 2020.

The ATF and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.

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, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Julio M. Gomez, 53, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 37 months (3 years, 1 day) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor. Gomez was also ordered to pay $29,900 in restitution to the victim and a fine of $10,000.

Julio M. Gomez pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual abuse of a minor on October 3, 2019. According to information presented to the court, an investigation was conducted by the United States Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations after receiving a complaint alleging sexual misconduct in 1997 with a 13-year old female while he was stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. The investigation revealed that between January 1997 and December 1998, Gomez did sexually abuse a 13-year old minor victim while living at his base residence. Gomez was a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force at the time of the incident.

The United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.

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