Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jennings Man Sentenced to 20+ Years in Federal Prison in Child Pornography CaseRead the Press Release
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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Defendant Sentenced for Participation in Scheme to Defraud Bossier Parish Community CollegeRead the Press Release
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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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Escaping Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced for Selling and Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
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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New Orleans Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud ChargeRead the Press Release
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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South Louisiana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
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 Man with Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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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WDLA News Round-Up for March 3, 2021Read the Press Release
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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Owner of Local Energy Service Companies Indicted for Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
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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Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Zwolle Woman with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
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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Three South Louisiana Men Sentenced for Violating Federal Firearms LawsRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
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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Oyster Company and 12 Others Indicted for Illegally Harvesting Raw OystersRead the Press Release
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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Former Bossier Parish Community College Comptroller Sentenced for Stealing More Than $280,000Read the Press Release
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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Man Arrested in Sabine Parish Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
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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Two Drug Traffickers Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
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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Six-Time Convicted Felon Found with Stolen Firearm Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
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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Former United States Air Force Officer Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
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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Shreveport Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Lamarquez Harris, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 60 months (5 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
On May 4, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers stopped Harris for a traffic violation. Officers observed a loaded semi-automatic handgun in plain view between the driver’s seat and the console. Harris, who has numerous previous felony convictions, admitted that he knew the gun was in the car and that he was prohibited from possessing any firearms. His prior convictions are for aggravated assault with a firearm (2014); attempted possession of a firearm (2015); and illegal possession of a stolen firearm (2017). Harris pleaded guilty to the charge on September 15, 2020.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike 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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Drug Traffickers Sentenced to a Total of 31+ Years in Federal Prison for their CrimesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Two men were sentenced in United States District Court for trafficking methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced.
Gilbert Martinez, 30, of Brawley, California, was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 210 months (17 years, 6 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On March 12, 2019, Martinez was captured on surveillance video at a post office in California mailing two packages to Shreveport. Pursuant to a federal search warrant, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service seized and searched the packages and found approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and several pills inside. Again, on April 26, 2019, Martinez and his co-conspirator traveled to three post offices in Southern California to mail packages containing methamphetamine. They were captured on surveillance video at the post offices mailing packages to Frierson, Keithville, and Shreveport. On April 29, 2019, agents were notified of the arrival of the packages at those locations in Louisiana and seized and searched the packages and discovered approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine in each package. Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge on August 11, 2020.
Anthony Antwon Easter, 27, of Vivian, Louisiana, was sentenced to 168 months (14 years) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On February 12, 2020, a U.S. Postal Inspector intercepted a suspicious package and a Caddo Parish K-9 Deputy detected that the package contained narcotics. Law enforcement agents executed a federal search warrant and found approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine inside the package. Agents placed narcotics back in the box and delivered to the address indicated on the box in Vivian, Louisiana. When the agent arrived at the address, Easter pulled in the driveway and told the agent the package was for him. Easter signed for the package using the same false name that was on the package. He was then arrested and the box containing narcotics was recovered and seized. Easter pleaded guilty to the charge on September 1, 2020.
The DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Robert F. Moody prosecuted the cases.
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Local Law Enforcement Officers Receive AwardsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that numerous local law enforcement officers have been presented awards at the United States Court House in the Western District of Louisiana. Law enforcement professionals from the Louisiana State Police, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Greenwood Police Department were presented with Meritorious Service Awards in recognition of their outstanding work and leadership in helping reduce crime in our community and in supporting the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.
Meritorious Service Awards were presented to three Louisiana State Police Troopers, along with the following law enforcement professionals:
- Corporal Donald Belanger, Shreveport Police Department;
- Corporal Stacy Coleman, Shreveport Police Department;
- Officer Chandler Cisco, Shreveport Police Department;
- Corporal Rodney Medlin, Shreveport Police Department;
- Sgt. Susan E. Mendels, Shreveport Police Department;
- Corporal William Moak, Shreveport Police Department;
- Corporal Toby Morrison, Shreveport Police Department;
- Detective Jeremy Prudhome, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office; and
- Officer Brian Anderson, Greenwood Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Youngsville Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Drugs and a FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Brandon Michael Mosing, 36, of Youngsville, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Michael J. Juneau to 120 months (10 years) in prison. After release from prison, he will be on supervised release for an additional 5 years. Mosing plead guilty on September 2, 2020 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The charges stem from two incidents involving Mosing. The first incident occurred on June 4, 2019, when Lafayette Police Department officers executed a search warrant at a Lafayette hotel room. Officers found Mosing in the room with methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and firearms. A laboratory analysis of the drugs confirmed the methamphetamine to have a net weight of 600.7 grams. He was released on bond pending state charges.
The second incident occurred a few months later on January 25, 2020 when Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a motorcycle accident and found an injured driver. Paramedics at the scene had to cut a backpack off the injured driver and law enforcement officers searched inside to find identification for him and discovered it was Mosing. Inside the backpack officers observed narcotics and a firearm. Witnesses at the scene confirmed that Mosing was wearing the backpack at the time of the crash. As the subject of a Protective Order from the 15th Judicial District Court, Mosing was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The DEA, ATF, and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon prosecuted the case.
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Former Houston, Texas Pastor Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in a Multimillion-Dollar Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, 67, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 72 months (6 years) in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Caldwell was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,588,500, as well as a fine of $125,000.
“The defendants in this case abused the trust that the victims had placed in them,” stated Acting United States Attorney Van Hook. “This defendant used his status as the pastor of a mega-church to help convince the many victim investors that they were making a legitimate investment but instead he took their hard-earned money from them and used it for his own personal gain. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who scheme and prey upon the elderly and others.”
Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, the former senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, had previously obtained a master’s degree from the Wharton School of Business and worked in the financial industry. In the spring of 2013, Caldwell, through his co-defendant, Gregory Alan Smith, from Shreveport, approached Smith’s existing clients and acquaintances about an investment opportunity in historical Chinese bonds. Potential investors were told that they would be obtaining a partial ownership interest in the bonds and that they would receive exponential returns on their investments in a short period of time. Caldwell and Smith neglected to tell these individuals that historical Chinese bonds, bonds issued by the former Republic of China prior to losing power to the communist government in 1949, held no value. In fact, the bonds were considered by the Securities and Exchange Commission to be mere collectables with no value outside of the memorabilia market.
After hearing Smith’s fraudulent pitch, victim-investors who believed and trusted him agreed to invest in these bonds. These victims were provided with a “participation agreement” indicating that if the sale of the bonds failed to occur within a certain number of days, the invested funds would be returned within a defined period of time. They were instructed to wire funds to various bank accounts held by or controlled by Caldwell. In total, in 2013 and 2014, approximately $3.5 million was “invested” in these bond deals.
The funds were then divided between Smith, Caldwell, and others. Caldwell personally received approximately $900,000. Caldwell used a portion of that money to pay down debt including personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards and maintain his lifestyle, among other things. The investors were told their funds were used to purchase bonds and pay for expenses incurred from selling or redeeming the bonds.
As time passed and victim-investors questioned why they had yet to receive the promised returns, Caldwell and Smith, through texts and emails, offered excuses as to why the deals had not yet closed, defended the legitimacy of the deals, and assured the investors that they would receive their promised returns. The victim-investors never received returns from these Chinese bonds.
Caldwell was ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons on June 22, 2021.
The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and C. Mignonne Griffing prosecuted the case.
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Owner of Westwego, Louisiana Accounting Business Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Henry J. Timothy, 69, of Westwego, pleaded guilty in United States District Court to four counts of tax fraud.
Timothy is the owner and sole tax preparer for B&B Accounting Services, located in Westwego, Louisiana. He operates his business out of his home and has been a tax preparer since 2012. According to information presented to the court at the guilty plea hearing, Timothy admitted to preparing and electronically submitting false and fraudulent U.S. Individual Tax Returns on behalf of himself and his wife for the tax years of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Timothy purposefully omitted approximately $83,304 in gross receipts for year 2013; $80,932 in gross receipts for year 2014; $73,391.79 in gross receipts for year 2015; and $82,592 in gross receipts for year 2016 from Schedule C of his 1040 U.S. Individual Tax Returns where the gross receipts are listed. The omission of this income resulted in an additional tax liability of $88,593. As a tax preparer, Timothy was well aware that he had to list all of his gross receipts but failed to do so in order to reduce his tax liability.
Timothy faces a maximum penalty of up to 3 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, or both, at sentencing. The sentencing hearing has been set for April 15, 2021 at 2:00.
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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Drug Trafficking Sends Lafayette Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Paul Bernard, a/k/a “PJ,” 21, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced today by Judge Robert R. Summerhays. Bernard was sentenced to 42 months (3 years, 6 months) in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Bernard pled guilty on December 10, 2019. Evidence introduced in court revealed that from January through June 2019, Bernard purchased methamphetamine from a co-defendant in this case approximately once per week, with each transaction involving quantities of one ounce to one pound. He would then sell the methamphetamine for profit.
This prosecution is part of a larger investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration through its Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force and Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces. The Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division initiated the investigation, and Special Agents with DEA, as well as Task Force Officers assigned to the Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force, completed the investigation. In addition to the above conviction and sentence, the investigation resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
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Three Inmates Sentenced for their Role in Two Separate Incidents at FCC PollockRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that three inmates who were housed at the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana, have been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for their involvement in illegal incidents that took place at the complex.
Federal Prison Inmates Sentenced for Assaulting another Inmate
Eulogio Banda-Chavez, 29, and Gerardo Ramirez, 33, were each sentenced on one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Banda-Chavez was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. Ramirez was sentenced to 45 months (3 years, 9 months) in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release.
On June 28, 2019, Banda-Chavez and Ramirez, beat another inmate about his head and body with their fists and feet causing serious bodily injuries. The incident was recorded on a prison surveillance camera focused on the recreation yard. Both inmates admitted to committing the offense and pled guilty on September 24, 2020.
At the time of the offense, Banda-Chavez, a Mexican national, was serving an 18-month sentence for illegal reentry of a removed alien after felony, while Ramirez was serving a 168-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Pollock Inmate Sentenced for Possessing Contraband
William Joseph Vincent, 30, was sentenced to 27 months (2 years, 3 months) in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release for possessing contraband in prison. On October 15, 2019, a correction officer performing a routine pat search of Vincent found an illegal prison shank hidden in his front pants pocket. Vincent pled guilty to the charge on September 30, 2020.
At the time of the offense, Vincent was serving a 92-month sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin.
The FBI and BOP conducted these investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the cases.
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Convicted Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Two Monroe, Louisiana men have been sentenced by United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty in connection with two separate arrests, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today.
Larry Ranell Coleman, 29, was sentenced to 46 months (3 years, 10 months) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On October 9, 2019, Monroe Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Coleman was driving and he was unable to provide proof of insurance. Officers detected a marijuana odor coming from the vehicle and asked Coleman to step out. While searching the vehicle, officers found a loaded semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat. Coleman then fled the scene and was later arrested. He has prior convictions for simple robbery (2014), possession of marijuana (2019), and attempted possession of Xanax (2019). The conditions of Coleman’s state probation were that he is not to possess a firearm.
Moyati Killian, 33, was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On August 27, 2019, Killian was working as a security guard at Sipper’s Sports Bar in Monroe, Louisiana, and was wearing a duty belt around his waist which carried a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Killian has prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana (2012), impersonating a public servant (2012), and credit card fraud (2006). Killian admitted that he had been convicted of felony offenses in both Mississippi and Texas and knew that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The ATF and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon B. Brown and Robert F. Moody prosecuted the cases.
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Illegal Possession of Drugs Leads to Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences for Three Louisiana MenRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Three Louisiana men have been sentenced for their involvement in the trafficking of dangerous illegal drugs in the Western District of Louisiana, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today.
Ringgold Man to Spend 10 Years in Prison
Xxavier Reed, 28, of Ringgold, was sentenced by United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Reed pleaded guilty on November 14, 2019.
This case was dubbed “Operation Meltdown” and was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. From at least January 2017 through June 2018, Xxavier Reed and other co-conspirators were distributing methamphetamine and crack cocaine in the Ringgold area. On four separate occasions during this time period, law enforcement agents conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine and methamphetamine from Xxavier Reed and agents were able to video and audio record each transaction. A lab analysis of the drugs purchased on these four occasions revealed that a total of 11.2 grams of cocaine base and 26.79 grams of methamphetamine were attributable to Reed’s drug trafficking activities. Reed agreed that the scope of his involvement in the conspiracy was between 1,000 and 3,000 kilograms of cocaine base and methamphetamine. Reed is a convicted felon previously convicted of distribution of controlled substances in 2011.
The FBI, ATF and Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison L. Duncan prosecuted the case.
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.
Alexandria Man Sentenced for Distribution of Fentanyl
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Demario Marquel Jones, 32, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 130 months (10 years, 10 months) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl. Jones pleaded guilty on August 13, 2020.
According to information presented to the court, Jones a/k/a “Yoda Black” was known to be a narcotics dealer in the Alexandria area. On four separate occasions between August and September 2019, law enforcement agents conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from Jones. Agents were able to video and audio record each transaction. A lab analysis of the drugs purchased on these four occasions revealed that a total of 8.29 grams of fentanyl and 6.8 grams of heroin were sold by Jones.
Jones was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal, having prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute a dangerous substance (2010); conspiracy to commit armed robbery (2011); possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (2018); and obstruction of justice (2018).
The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.
Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 9+ Years in Prison
ALEXANDRIA, La. - Raymond Dixon, 45, of Alexandria, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 110 months (9 years, 2 months) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Dixon pleaded guilty on August 13, 2020.
Law enforcement agents attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on January 24, 2019 in Alexandria. Once the agents activated their lights, the driver began to accelerate to a high rate of speed, which led to a short pursuit. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a yard. Agents then observed the driver, determined to be Raymond Dixon, toss a wrapped up package from the driver’s window into the yard. Law enforcement officers took Dixon into custody and located the wrapped package which he had tossed into the yard. Inside the package was a quart-size freezer bag containing a brownish powder substance, a pill bottle with 29 small individually tied packages of similar brownish powder, and another pill bottle labeled and identified as an antibiotic. The brownish powder substance was taken to the North Louisiana Crime Lab in Alexandria and was confirmed to contain fentanyl and had an aggregate weight of 87.54 grams. Dixon told officers that he thought the substance he was selling was heroin and that he had been selling it for several months.
The FBI and Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
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Convicted Felon from Lafayette Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Tre’Vin R. Bob, 23, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 63 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Tre’Vin R. Bob had outstanding arrest warrants from the 15th Judicial District Court and, on January 8, 2019, officers with the Lafayette Police Department observed him walking in a Lafayette neighborhood. When Bob saw the officers, he fled on foot and officers chased after him. He was thereafter apprehended and arrested. On January 9, 2019, law enforcement officers intercepted a call made by Bob from the jail to a family member wherein he admitted that, before he ran from officers the day prior, he hid a firearm in the backyard of a residence in that same neighborhood, and he described the location. In the call, Bob asked the family member to retrieve the firearm before it was found by law enforcement. Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department went to the location described by Bob and retrieved the loaded firearm.
Bob had previously been convicted of several felony offenses, including illegal possession of stolen things over $1,500, attempted simple burglary, theft of a firearm, and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Daniel Siefker, Jr. 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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Two Men Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Illegal Possession of Drugs and FirearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two men have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for illegal possession of drugs and firearms.
Charles David Dreesen, 33, of Woodlawn, Texas, was sentenced to 230 months (19 years, 2 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. Dreesen pleaded guilty to the charges on July 29, 2020.
Cody Harrison a/k/a “CJ,” 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced to 201 months (16 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. Harrison pleaded guilty to the charges on June 16, 2020.
“The sentences imposed today send a clear message that using guns in furtherance of drug trafficking is a sure path to a long prison sentence when these cases are prosecuted in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook. “The United States Attorney’s Office and the DEA will continue to work with the Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, Greenwood Police Department, and our other local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer by taking dangerous drug dealers off the street.”
According to evidence introduced in court, in January 2020, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officers received a tip from a source that Harrison and Dreesen would be returning to the Shreveport/Bossier City from Houston with a large amount of methamphetamine and the vehicle they were driving was described to them. Once Harrison and Dreesen entered into the Western District of Louisiana, law enforcement officers initiated a traffic stop but the vehicle began accelerating instead and a chase ensued. The chase involved several state law enforcement agencies and eventually the vehicle went back into Texas before running out of gas. Dreesen was the driver of the vehicle and Harrison a passenger. When the car stalled, both defendants attempted to flee from law enforcement agents but were apprehended shortly thereafter.
During the vehicle chase, officers observed several items being thrown from the window of the moving vehicle. A firearm and gun holster were later found at those locations. Both defendants admitted to possessing a firearm and Harrison admitted to having the firearm thrown from the window.
Both defendants are convicted felons. Dreesen has prior convictions for felony theft, possession of marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Harrison has a prior conviction for possession of a controlled substance. Individuals convicted of a felony are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The DEA, Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Greenwood Police Department, and Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
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Local Physician Indicted for Illegally Distributing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a local physician with illegally distributing controlled substances.
Larry Clyde Daniels, 65, of Keithville, Louisiana, was charged in the indictment with 82 counts of distribution of controlled substances outside the bounds of professional medical practice. Daniels is a licensed physician in the State of Louisiana and has held himself out to be a family practice physician since approximately March 1984.
The indictment alleges that from May 2016 through September 2017, Daniels knowingly and intentionally distributed, and aided and abetted the distribution of, mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of Buprenorphine, Clonazepam, and Adderall, without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice, on 82 occasions. These alleged instances of illegal distribution of controlled substances, and aiding and abetting of the distribution of same, form the basis of the 82-count indictment against Daniels.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is conducting the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Attempting to Obtain Contraband in PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Santiago Delfierro Anguiano, a/k/a “Shag,” age 50, a federal inmate, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell for attempting to obtain contraband in prison. Judge Drell sentenced Anguiano to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. This sentence will run consecutive to the 30-month federal sentence he is currently serving for Illegal Re-entry of a Removed Alien.
Anguiano pled guilty to the charge on January 16, 2020. Evidence introduced at the hearing revealed that in March 2016 while serving as a federal inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana, Anguiano conspired with others to attempt to obtain methamphetamine in FCC Pollock. Anguiano knew that the methamphetamine was an illegal substance and that he was prohibited from having it. The methamphetamine was seized in a vehicle driven by a co-defendant in this case during a traffic stop in Woodworth, Louisiana, on March 31, 2016 before making its way into the prison. The seized methamphetamine was tested at the DEA South Central Laboratory and found to be 97% pure.
The FBI and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Drug Traffickers Sentenced to 12+ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that two men from Las Vegas, Nevada, responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine to the Shreveport/Bossier City area have been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr.
Rodolfo Baires, a/k/a “Seiko,” 33, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 151 months (12 years, 7 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
James Lee Logan, 59, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 63 months (5 years, 3 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
According to evidence introduced in Court, during the month of May 2017, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration learned that an individual from Las Vegas with the nickname “Seiko” was planning to send a large quantity of methamphetamine to the Shreveport/Bossier City area sometime during that month. Law enforcement agents learned that someone named “James” would be delivering the narcotics, as well as a description of the vehicle he would be driving.
During the early morning hours of May 26, 2017, a Louisiana State Police Trooper conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle was being driven by James Lee Logan. Logan advised law enforcement officers that he was traveling from Las Vegas to Shreveport. An open-air search was conducted by a K-9 officer which resulted in a positive indication of the presence of narcotics on a spare tire located in the rear of the vehicle. A search of the spare tire revealed eight packages of suspected methamphetamine wrapped in cellophane and brown tape, weighing 6,100 grams. The narcotics were sent to the DEA Crime Lab and tests confirmed that it was in fact methamphetamine.
Utilizing an informant after Logan’s arrest, agents received several recorded phone calls from “Seiko” inquiring as to the whereabouts of “James.” Agents were able to confirm that “Seiko” was in fact Rodolfo Baires and he was living in Las Vegas. Agents obtained a photo of Baires and a confidential source confirmed that Baires and “Seiko” were in fact one in the same and he was the individual responsible for sending 6,100 grams of methamphetamine that was seized from James Lee Logan in the Western District of Louisiana.
The DEA and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
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Theft at Winnfield Firearms Store Results in Federal Prison Sentence for Winnfield ManRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Joe Louis Anderson, 53, of Winnfield, Louisiana was sentenced in federal court for stealing firearms from a local store.
United States District Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Anderson to 42 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms dealer. Anderson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000. Evidence introduced in court revealed that during the early morning hours of July 25, 2019, Anderson unlawfully entered the Governor’s Affair store and stole five firearms from the firearm display case. The store had surveillance video of Anderson stealing the firearms and leaving the store with them.
Anderson has a lengthy criminal history, with previous convictions for second degree burglary and possession of stolen vehicle (1991); possession of stolen vehicle and larceny (1992); second degree burglary and knowingly concealing stolen property (1995); larceny of an automobile (1997); and possession of contraband in penal institution (1998).
The ATF and Winnfield Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 81 Years in Federal Prison for Robbing Stores at GunpointRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Christopher M.K. Dumas, 29, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 81 years in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for his participation in five armed robberies in Shreveport and one in Marshall, Texas, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook.
“The sentence imposed today sends a crystal clear message that criminals who use guns and violence to terrorize the community will face severe consequences when they are prosecuted in federal court,” said Acting United States Attorney Van Hook. “The United States Attorney’s Office, the ATF, and the FBI will continue to work with the Shreveport Police Department and our other local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer by taking dangerous felons like Mr. Dumas off the street. Mr. Dumas’s long history of gun violence came to an end today.”
Dumas was convicted by a federal jury in March 2020 following a four-day trial in U.S. District Court. The evidence at trial established that between March 17, 2017 and April 15, 2017, Dumas robbed at gunpoint, a Metro PCS store, H&S Grocery and Liquor, Inc., Werner Park Grocery, and Rodeway Inn & Suites, all located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a Boost Mobile store in Marshall, Texas.
On March 17, 2017 and March 20, 2017, Dumas entered a Metro PCS store waving a .38 Colt Army revolver, demanding the money from the register and safe. He told one employee to put the money in the bag or he would shoot him in the leg. On March 17, Dumas left with $2,568 and on March 20, with $400. Dumas held up an H&S Grocery and Liquor clerk at gunpoint on March 30, 3017, and told the clerk “give me all the money or I’ll shoot you.” The clerk gave Dumas all of the cash ($400) in the register.
On April 1, 2017, after having met with his parole officer earlier that morning, Dumas traveled to Marshall, Texas, where he robbed a Boost Mobile store. Dumas entered the store, leaped over the sales counter and pointed a.38 Colt revolver at the store clerk, demanding cash from the register. A neighboring business owner heard the store clerk scream and came to aid her. Dumas shot the business owner hitting him twice in the chest and then fled from the scene. A silver Nissan Versa with a dent on the driver’s side door was seen in the area before, during, and after the robbery and was captured on the surveillance cameras of the Greenwood Police Department traveling back to Shreveport.
On April 4, 2017, Dumas and his co-defendant Stafford King, robbed Werner Park Grocery at gunpoint. King put the revolver against the head of a store clerk and told the clerk to give him money. Dumas pointed his gun at another clerk’s head while also demanding money. Both defendants ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money and got into a silver car with a dent on the left side.
On April 15, 2017, Dumas pointed a gun at a Rodeway Inn employee and demanded the money from the register. The clerk complied with Dumas’ demands and Dumas got away with $554. On March 20 and April 15, Dumas was also seen getting into a silver car with damage on the left side. Each robbery was captured by video surveillance.
Later on April 25, 2017, a Shreveport police officer saw the silver Nissan Versa matching the description from the robberies and pulled it over after a traffic violation. King was driving and Dumas was in the passenger seat. Law enforcement officers recovered hoodies, bandanas, and gloves from the car that matched descriptions from the robberies. Police also located 9 millimeter ammunition, consistent with a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol used in the Werner Park and Rodeway Inn robberies and three other weapons from the Nissan Versa.
Dumas, a previously convicted felon, was on state parole for simple burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon at the time of the robberies. He was released on parole in January 2017 and started robbing just two months later, in March.
Dumas’ co-defendant, Stafford King, 39, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019, to one violation each of the Hobbs Act and using of a firearm during a crime of violence. King was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 11 years, 8 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for his participation in the robberies.
The FBI, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall, Texas Police Department, and Greenwood Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Leon H. Whitten 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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Laredo, Texas Man Sentenced for Possession of HeroinRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Neguel Alfonso Morris, 40, of Laredo, Texas, was sentenced today on drug trafficking charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Morris to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. Morris pleaded guilty on July 16, 2020.
On August 24, 2018, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies were conducting a foot patrol in the parking lot of a truck stop in Sulphur, Louisiana when they observed a suspicious vehicle. Deputies approached the car and identified the driver of the vehicle as Neguel Alfonso Morris. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, deputies found a clear glass pipe under the driver’s seat. Morris admitted that the pipe belonged to him and that he had just finished smoking crack in the pipe. After a further search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a package tightly taped in duct tape under the passenger seat. Morris was arrested and taken into custody. A crime lab analysis was conducted on the package found in Morris’ vehicle and it was confirmed that it contained 1,287.7 grams of heroin. Morris was traveling from San Antonio, Texas to New York when he was apprehended in Sulphur.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security–Homeland Security Investigations and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
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Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison as a Result of Investigation into Drug Trafficking Organization in Ville Platte, LouisianaRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Two men were sentenced today in United States District Court after an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Ville Platte area, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced the two defendants as follows:
John Kirk Ortego, a/k/a “Kirk,” 52, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months (4 years, 9 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jared Reed, a/k/a “J-Rat,” 40, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, and a co-defendant of Ortego, was sentenced to 42 months (3 years, 6 months) in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ortego and Reed are co-defendants in this case. Ortego pled guilty to the charge on January 22, 2020 and Reed pled guilty on February 14, 2020. Evidence introduced in court revealed that from January through June 2019, Ortego and Reed each purchased methamphetamine from one of their co-defendants in this case. Reed arranged the purchases using his cell phone. Both Ortego and Reed purchased the methamphetamine so that they could resell it for profit.
This prosecution is part of a larger investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration through its Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force and Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces. The Louisiana State Police Narcotics Division initiated the investigation, and Special Agents with DEA, as well as Task Force Officers assigned to the Southwest Louisiana HIDTA Task Force, completed the investigation. In addition to the above conviction and sentence, the investigation resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
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Scott Resident Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. - Kevin James Forestier, Jr., 26, of Scott, Louisiana, was sentenced today for possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Forestier to 34 months (2 years, 10 months) in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release. Forestier will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In July 2018, law enforcement agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crime Unit received a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) indicating a user had uploaded images containing child pornography through the internet to an account. An investigation revealed that Kevin James Forestier, Jr. was the suspected user and on September 11, 2018, law enforcement agents obtained a search warrant for his residence and cellular phone. Agents discovered child pornography containing images of a prepubescent minor who had not attained the age of 12 on Forestier’s cellular phone. Forestier admitted that he had in fact uploaded the images to his cellular phone from the internet. Forestier pleaded guilty to the charge on October 22, 2019.
The Department of Homeland Security – Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Former Financial Advisor Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in Scheme to Defraud Investors Out of $3.5 MillionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Gregory Alan Smith, 58, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 72 months (6 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Smith was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,588,500, as well as a fine of $100,000.
Smith, formerly a financial investment advisor in Shreveport, persuaded multiple victims to invest approximately $3.5 million with his co-defendant, Kirbyjon H. Caldwell (“Caldwell”). According to evidence presented to the court, Smith began approaching existing clients, friends, and acquaintances in the spring of 2013 about an investment opportunity in historical chinese bonds. Smith told these potential investors that they would be obtaining a partial ownership interest in the bonds and that they would receive exponential returns on their investments in a short period of time. Smith neglected to tell these individuals that historical chinese bonds, bonds issued by the former Republic of China prior to losing power to the communist government in 1949, held no value. In fact, the bonds were considered by the Securities and Exchange Commission to be mere collectables with no value outside of the memorabilia market.
After Smith made the fraudulent pitch, victim-investors who believed and trusted Smith agreed to invest in these bonds. These victims were provided with a “participation agreement” indicating that if the sale of the bonds failed to occur within a certain number of days, the invested funds would be returned within a defined period of time. They were instructed to wire funds to various bank accounts held by or controlled by Caldwell or his representative. The funds were then divided between Smith, Caldwell, and others. Smith received $1.08 million of the total $3.5 million and used it to pay down loans, purchase two luxury sport utility vehicles, place a down payment on a vacation property, and maintain his lifestyle. The victims never received the promised returns from these chinese bonds.
“This case proves that even those you trust to have your best interest at heart sometimes may not. The victims in this case thought their trusted advisor and friend would never lead them astray but sadly, he was merely a con man who led them down an unwanted path,” stated Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “Our office will continue to be vigilant in holding defendants such as this accountable for their fraudulent actions.”
Sentencing for Smith’s co-defendant, Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, is scheduled for December 3, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
The FBI conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and C. Mignonne Griffing prosecuted the case.
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Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant AnnouncementRead the Press Release
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, the Office of Justice Programs and the 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 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., Monday, November 16, 2020.
The FY 2020 PSN Grant Announcement, OMB No. 1121-0329 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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Cybertip Report Leads to Lengthy Prison Sentence for Vinton ResidentRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Gerald Allen Beaudeaux, 32, of Vinton, Louisiana, was sentenced today for possession and receipt of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Beaudeaux to 160 months (13 years, 4 months) in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Evidence presented at the guilty plea hearing on August 13, 2020, revealed that law enforcement agents received a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in August 2018 indicating a Dropbox user had uploaded images and videos containing child pornography through the internet to an account. An investigation revealed that Gerald Allen Beaudeaux was the suspected user and owner of the Dropbox account and on December 19, 2018, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant for his residence and cellular phone. On Beaudeaux’s cellular phone, agents discovered over 600 images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent children who had not attained the age of 12 and infant children. Beaudeaux admitted that he had in fact uploaded the images to his the Dropbox account and used his cellular phone to view the child pornography.
The Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.
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Church Point Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Elton J. Richard, III, 44, of Church Point, Louisiana, was sentenced today. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced Richard to 57 months (4 years, 9 months) in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Richard pleaded guilty on June 11, 2020.
During the early morning hours of September 22, 2018, a Lake Charles Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop of a tow truck being driven by Richard on Interstate 10. The officer’s K-9 partner conducted an open-air sniff around the tow truck and alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the tow truck. A search of the vehicle revealed a suitcase in the backseat containing 27 large bundles wrapped with electric tape. The officer also observed a loose white powdery substance on the outside of some of the bundles and suspected it to be cocaine. Richard was arrested and taken into custody. Subsequent lab tests revealed that each of the 27 bundles contained one-kilogram each of cocaine.
The DEA and Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
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Rayne Man with History of Committing Sexual Crimes Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Joseph Emery Menard, 44, of Rayne, Louisiana, was sentenced today on child pornography charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Menard to 360 months (30 years) in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for receiving child pornography.
Evidence presented at Menard’s guilty plea hearing on May 5, 2020 and the sentencing hearing held today revealed that law enforcement officers received information that the defendant was sexually abusing two young prepubescent children. In order to obtain evidence of that crime, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Menard’s residence. During the search, they seized a computer from his residence. The computer was found to have over 600 images of child pornography, some of which were of prepubescent children. Further investigation revealed that the images were downloaded from the internet and received by Menard on November 6, 11, and 12, 2018 and he knew that the images contained child pornography.
Menard was previously prosecuted in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. On May 15, 2000, he pled guilty to two counts of molestation of a juvenile, an offense relating to abusive sexual conduct involving a young prepubescent minor.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Unauthorized Cash Withdrawals from ATM Locations in Shreveport Lead to Conviction of California ManRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Dennis Busch, 40, of Costa Mesa, California was sentenced today on federal wire fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. Busch was sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. to 72 months (6 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. In addition, he was ordered to pay $63,045 in restitution.
At the guilty plea hearing on July 7, 2020, Busch admitted to defrauding Capital One Financial Corporation (“Capital One”) of thousands of dollars in 2018 and 2019. Busch used altered, re-encoded Capital One debit cards to make cash withdrawals from ATMs located in the Western District of Louisiana by entering the account holder’s personal identification number and selecting a cash withdrawal from the bank account, without the account holder’s consent or knowledge.
In September and October 2018, Busch withdrew $33,838 from bank accounts of numerous Capital One account holders. In August 2019, Busch used the same manner and means to make unauthorized cash withdrawals in the amount of $28,607 from Capital One ATMs located in this district. He attempted to make numerous additional transactions, but those transactions were denied by the bank. In total, Busch made over 300 fraudulent ATM withdrawals from account holders residing in the Shreveport-Bossier City area. The investigation revealed that some of the account holders had previously responded to text messages that were part of a phishing scam, which compromised their banking information. Capital One reimbursed the account holders and ultimately sustained the loss.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper prosecuted the case.
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Opelousas Man Sentenced for Arson of Three African-American ChurchesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Holden James Matthews, 23, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 300 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for intentionally setting fire to three African-American Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Matthews on three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1)—one count for each church—as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h). The fires, which Matthews set over a ten-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $590,246 to St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, $970,213.30 to Greater Union Baptist Church, and $1,100,000 to Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.
Matthews pled guilty to these charges on February 10, 2020. At his guilty plea hearing, Matthews admitted that between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning. Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
“The members of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church are the ones who have suffered the most from these heinous crimes and have lost not only physical buildings, but sentimental items that cannot be replaced,” said Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana. “The sentence handed down today will not bring their churches back but should send a clear message that there is a high price to pay for this type of destruction and violence and these type of crimes will not be tolerated by this office.”
“These churches trace their origins to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and, for generations, were a place for predominantly African American Christians to gather, pray, worship, and celebrate their faith,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The churches survived for nearly 150 years but did not survive this defendant’s warped act of hatred. I extend my sympathy to the victims of this defendant’s arson spree, the congregants of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. The Justice Department will continue vigorously to protect their right to worship and live in peace. The Justice Department stands against these acts of hate and the sentence handed down today reflects that. We will continue to protect the civil right of Americans to freedom of worship without fear of persecution.”
“ATF, working alongside our law enforcement partners, was able to bring our expertise and resources to investigate the arsons that threatened the well-being of St. Landry Parish,” said ATF New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “That collaborative effort led to a successful investigation and today’s sentencing of Holden Matthews, and allows the residents of St. Landry Parish to continue to worship without fear of an arsonist in their midst.”
“A cornerstone of our Constitution is the Freedom of Religion and the right to practice your faith freely and without intimidation. Mr. Matthews’ acts of threatening and intimidating an entire community by setting fire to three historically African American churches was unspeakable. We hope that today’s sentencing brings a level of comfort and satisfaction that justice has prevailed for the parishioners of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as well as for all of the citizens of St. Landry Parish affected by these heinous acts,” stated FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.
This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team, Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division, Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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Lake Charles Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Damon Lechtenberg, 47, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for production of child pornography. Lechtenberg was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. Lechtenberg pleaded guilty on April 9, 2020.
According to information presented in court, it was reported to law enforcement in December 2019, that Lechtenberg had been filming a minor female using a hidden camera in the minor’s bedroom. Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant of the minor’s bedroom and found the hidden camera. Lechtenberg admitted to filming the minor female and further investigation revealed that he had numerous videos containing images of her in sexually explicit poses.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
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Louisiana Man Sentenced for Arson of Three African-American ChurchesRead the Press Release
Holden Matthews, 23, was sentenced today in the Western District of Louisiana to 300 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for intentionally setting fire to three African-American Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings. Matthews was also ordered to pay restitution of $590,246 to St. Mary Baptist Church, $970,213.30 to Greater Union Baptist Church, and $1,100,000 to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.
Specifically, Matthews was sentenced on three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1) — one count for each church — as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h). The fires, which Matthews set over a 10-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings.
Matthews pled guilty to these charges on Feb. 10, 2020. At his plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning. Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.
“These churches trace their origins to the post-Civil War Reconstruction period and, for generations, were a place for predominantly African American Christians to gather, pray, worship, and celebrate their faith,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The churches survived for nearly 150 years but did not survive this defendant’s warped act of hatred. I extend my sympathy to the victims of this defendant’s arson spree, the congregants of Saint Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. The Justice Department will continue vigorously to protect their right to worship and live in peace. The Justice Department stands against these acts of hate and the sentence handed down today reflects that. We will continue to protect the civil right of Americans to freedom of worship without fear of persecution.”
“The members of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church are the ones who have suffered the most from these heinous crimes and have lost not only physical buildings, but sentimental items that cannot be replaced,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook of the Western District of Louisiana. “The sentence handed down today will not bring their churches back but should send a clear message that there is a high price to pay for this type of destruction and violence and these type of crimes will not be tolerated by this office.”
“ATF, working alongside our law enforcement partners, was able to bring our expertise and resources to investigate the arsons that threatened the well-being of St. Landry Parish,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “That collaborative effort led to a successful investigation and today’s sentencing of Holden Matthews, and allows the residents of St. Landry Parish to continue to worship without fear of an arsonist in their midst.”
“A cornerstone of our constitution is the Freedom of Religion and the right to practice your faith freely and without intimidation,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Matthews’s acts of threatening and intimidating an entire community by setting fire to three historically African American churches were unspeakable. We hope that today’s sentencing brings a level of comfort and satisfaction that justice has prevailed for the parishioners of St. Mary Baptist Church, Greater Union Baptist Church, and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church as well as for all of the citizens of St. Landry Parish affected by these heinous acts.”
This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team; the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division; the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office; the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal; the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit; the St. Landry Parish Fire Department; and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower, of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Louisiana Men Sentenced on Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that two Louisiana men have been sentenced on federal firearms charges.
SHREVEPORT, La. – John Jackson Harkey, 35, of Shreveport, was sentenced by United States District Judge Donald E. Walter to 70 months (5 years, 10 months) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing an unregistered firearm. On or about February 21, 2019, Shreveport Police Department officers lawfully executed a search warrant at Harkey’s residence. During the search, officers found an operable, short-barreled shotgun that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Harkey pleaded guilty to the charge on May 27, 2020.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Joseph Wilton, 28, of Alexandria, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell to 60 months (5 years) in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Alexandria Police Department officers stopped the car Wilton was driving on February 17, 2018. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a firearm and ammunition. Wilton, who was a convicted felon, knew that it was unlawful to possess the firearm and ammunition and was subsequently arrested. Wilton pleaded guilty to the charge on July 16, 2020.
The ATF and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
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Shreveport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Downloading and Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. - Charles Heath Thompson, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced today for receipt of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced Thompson to 120 months (10 years) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. Thompson pleaded guilty to the charge on January 24, 2020.
In February 2015, federal agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were monitoring a members-only, dark net website known as Playpen. The website was not accessible through traditional web browsers and the users had to utilize a specific website link and special browsers to access it. The Playpen website was identified as a website in which users would trade, possess, receive, and view child pornography.
According to information presented to the court, while monitoring the Playpen website, the FBI determined that a certain user had actively logged into the website on various days, including February 21, 2015. During their investigation, it was revealed that this particular user had logged into the Playpen website for approximately 11 hours and 23 minutes on that date and had downloaded and received child pornography images. The images reflected minors under the age of 12 years old being sexually abused. After further investigation, FBI agents learned that the user was Charles Heath Thompson and he had in fact received said images from this website on the internet.
The FBI and Bossier City Marshal’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Luke Walker and Tennille Gilreath prosecuted the case.
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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.