Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Man from Rayne Sentenced for Transporting Illegally Killed Endangered Whooping CraneRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Kaenon A. Constantin, 28, was sentenced on July 30, 2020, to five years of probation for killing and transporting a federally protected and endangered whooping crane. During his period of probation, Constantin must complete 360 hours of community service related to wildlife conservation. As part of the sentence, Constantin’s hunting privileges have been suspended until he completes the community service. United States Magistrate Judge Hanna also ordered Constantin to pay a $10,000 fine and to pay $75,000 in restitution to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
In November 2019, Constantin was named in a federal bill of information for violating the Lacey Act in May 2016. Specifically, on May 20, 2016, Constantin and a juvenile, using .22 caliber rifles, shot at a pair of whooping cranes located in a field within Acadia Parish, Louisiana. One of the cranes, identified as L5-15, fell dead in the field, and Constantin and his accomplice retrieved its carcass. The other crane, identified as L3-15, flew too far north into another field so that it could not be retrieved, but investigators later recovered its carcass.
After retrieving L5-15’s carcass, they noticed that it had transponders on its legs and received information that the bird was a whooping crane. Constantin and the juvenile transported the carcass to the juvenile’s residence, where they severed the legs from L5-15’s carcass by using a knife and removed the transponders. They then transported the knife, carcass, severed legs, and transponders along a nearby road and discarded the evidence. When initially approached by investigators shortly after the crime, Constantin lied about his involvement, causing the investigation to continue for nearly two more years before he finally confessed in April 2018.
The Lacey Act is a comprehensive federal law that protects against wildlife crimes, such as international and domestic wildlife trafficking. The Act prohibits, among other actions, a person from knowingly transporting wildlife, when in the exercise of due care the person should have known that the wildlife was taken or possessed in violation of, or in a manner unlawful under, any underlying law, treaty, or regulation of the United States. Whooping cranes are a federally protected species under federal laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act. They are large birds, standing nearly five feet tall and with wingspans of 7.5 feet.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark stated, “We take our mission partnering with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, considers the illegal taking of protected wildlife species a high priority, and we will continue to work closely with our state agencies to assist them in these important joint investigations."
“Our agents take any investigation of illegally shooting whooping cranes very seriously. Chief of LDWF Enforcement Col. Chad Hebert and I applaud the judge in this case for imposing severe monetary punishments to help deter anyone from this behavior,” said LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has spent a lot of resources in an effort to bring back the native whooping crane to a sustainable population, and senseless shootings like this case make that mission much more problematic.”
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – This week marks the 30thAnniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA). The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990, and is the nation’s preeminent civil rights law for providing access and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is proud to play a critical role in enforcing the ADA to help eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph said today.
“Since its passage 30 years ago, the ADA has been instrumental in ensuring equal access and opportunity to individuals with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana will continue to diligently enforce the ADA to remedy discrimination and ensure compliance. Our friends, family, and neighbors with disabilities must be afforded full access to the rights, privileges, and opportunities we all enjoy as Americans.”
In recent years the U.S. Attorney’s Office has investigated and resolved a number of ADA cases, including:
Ensuring Barrier-Free Access to Health Care Facilities: The U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully resolved multiple matters to ensure that medical providers are using effective means of communication with patients, including qualified sign language interpreters provided at no cost to the patient, including Tri-State Physical Therapy Bossier and Acadiana Family Physicians.
Ensuring Equal Access for Children with Disabilities in Summer Camp Settings: The U.S. Attorney’s Office has conducted outreach to public and private camps within the Western District to ensure that the camps provide reasonable modifications of their policies and practices when necessary to enable campers with disabilities to participate fully in camp programs. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/summer-camps-must-reasonably-accommodate-children-disabilities
Ensuring Equal Access to Local Government Services: The U.S. Attorney’s Office has successfully resolved complaints with the Parish of DeSoto to ensure that people with disabilities can access local governmental services and facilities. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/us-attorneys-office-reaches-agreement-desoto-parish-increase-accessibility-pursuant
Ensuring Physical Access to Places of Public Accommodation: The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also resolved multiple matters to ensure physical access to public places to accommodate those with mobility disabilities.
The promise of the ADA is its wide-ranging efforts to eliminate disability discrimination across the range of services, programs, and activities that most Americans take for granted, but were largely inaccessible to individuals with disabilities prior to the law’s enactment. Whether in employment, areas of civic life, or in the day-to-day activities and access to goods and services that we all enjoy – the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities as all Americans to participate in everything this nation has to offer.
Over the past 30 years, the United States has undertaken the challenge of changing perceptions about disability, tearing down barriers to equality, and altering the systems that have historically excluded people with disabilities. The Justice Department commemorates the many ways that the ADA has transformed society—by replacing exclusion with access, segregation with integration, and limitations with self-determination.
For more information about the ADA, call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).
To file a complaint with the Department, please visit the Civil Rights Division’s portal at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
For more information about the 30th Anniversary of the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov.# # #
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.
Monterey, Louisiana Couple Sentenced for Felony Violations of the Lacey ActRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a couple from Monterey, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court in Shreveport on July 23, 2020, to three years of federal probation for felony Lacey Act violations in relation to illegally operating a woodcock guide service on Richard K. Yancey Wildlife Management Area (RKYWMA). The Suttons pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019.
Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell ordered William K. Sutton, 66, to pay a fine in the amount of $5,000; Karen S. Sutton, 61, was ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $1,000. Additionally, Judge Drell ordered the couple to pay restitution in the amount of $7,850 to the RKYWMA and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement.
The Suttons were named in a federal indictment for conspiracy and Lacey Act violations in March of 2019 after agents with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service completed a successful criminal investigation of their Woodcock guide service. State Wildlife officers had cited Mr. Sutton during the previous hunting season, but the Suttons continued their illicit activity. The investigation culminated with joint search warrant executions by Federal and State Wildlife agents at the Sutton’s residence and hunting lodge. The investigation yielded evidence indicating the Suttons had conducted approximately 82 illegal hunts over a two-year period netting an estimated monetary gain of over $100,000.
The Lacey Act is a comprehensive federal law that protects against wildlife crimes, such as international and domestic wildlife trafficking. The Act prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of other federal, state, or foreign laws.
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark stated, “We take our mission working with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the citizens of Louisiana in conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats very seriously. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, considers the illegal commercialization of wildlife resources a high priority, and we will continue to work closely with our State partners to assist them in these important investigations."
"This is a great example of federal and state agencies working together to protect Louisiana's wonderful natural resources. This couple was stealing from the citizens of Louisiana and justice was served," said Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Enforcement Division, Colonel Chad Hebert.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conducted the investigation. 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.
Romanian Pleads Guilty to Attempted Bank Fraud Using an ATM Skimming DeviceRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Romanian citizen pleaded guilty to attempted bank fraud on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2020, admitting that he used an ATM skimming device in an attempt to steal money from the City Savings Bank in Deridder, Louisiana. U.S. District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. presided over the hearing.
As part of his plea agreement, Gigi Velcu, 37, admitted that he attempted to defraud and intended to defraud the bank’s customers by using skimming equipment, including a camera, at the bank’s ATM. The skimming equipment was used to collect bank customer card data and the camera recorded the keypad as customers entered their PINs.
After receiving a complaint from City Savings Bank, the DeRidder Police Department initiated surveillance of the ATM. Velcu was seen on the surveillance video inserting a card into the ATM’s reader in order to activate the harvesting of the bank account numbers contained on the skimming device’s hard drive. Velcu further admitted that the bank account information and video recordings of the PINs would have been used to create counterfeit debit cards which would then be used to make purchases and obtain cash.
At sentencing on October 15, 2020, Velcu faces 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and possible deportation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DeRidder Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo 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.
Nigerian Citizen Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing over $260,000 from Dozens of Victims, Including the ElderlyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Damilola Bamidele Isaac Samuel, 22, a Nigerian citizen, has been sentenced for using fraudulent ATM bank cards to steal $260,726.09 from over two dozen Regions Bank customers, including elderly victims.
On July 20, 2020, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. ordered Samuel to serve 33 months in federal prison. Judge Hicks also sentenced Samuel, who pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on December 10, 2019, to pay $276,790.39 in restitution. Following his release from prison, Damilola Samuel will be subject to deportation proceedings.
According to court documents, Samuel conspired with others to steal $260,726.09 from Regions Bank customers using fraudulently obtained ATM debit cards. Samuel carried out an account takeover scheme whereby he fraudulently set up accounts in legitimate bank customer’s names then transferred money from the customer’s legitimate account into those fraudulently created accounts. On multiple occasions, Samuel was captured on surveillance cameras utilizing ATM cards associated with the fraudulent checking accounts.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors, including this case in the Western District of Louisiana.
The National Elder Fraud Hotline provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline is staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers. Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed. When applicable, case managers will complete a complaint form with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) for internet-facilitated crimes and submit a consumer complaint to the Federal Trade Commission on behalf of the caller. The Hotline’s toll-free number is 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For more information about DOJ’s efforts to prevent and combat elder abuse, please visit the Elder Justice Website at https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
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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 City of Shreveport Employee and Co-Conspirator Charged with Credit Card Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two Shreveport men were indicted today for credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. The 11-count indictment charges former City of Shreveport Public Works employee, Tory Deshawn Jackson, 41, and Jawaski L. Johnson, 30, with one count of conspiracy to use an unauthorized access device and nine counts of use of an unauthorized access device. In addition, Jackson was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, from September 2017 through October 2019, Jackson and Johnson allegedly engaged in a scheme to fraudulently purchase fuel using three Fuelman credit cards stolen from the City of Shreveport. Jackson purchased the fuel using a PIN that he did not have authorization to use; Johnson would then sell the fuel to third parties at a discounted rate. The defendants conducted over 3,800 transactions totaling approximately $400,000.
If convicted the defendants face five years in prison for the conspiracy, 10 years in prison for the access device fraud, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release. Jackson faces an additional two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Shreveport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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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 Bossier Parish Community College Comptroller Pleads Guilty to Stealing More Than $250,000Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Carol Bates, the former comptroller for Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Bates admitted at the plea hearing that from 2013 to 2016, she used her position as comptroller of BPCC to access an internal BPCC computer database and make false 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 $259,591.87 to be issued. 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.
On September 25, 2019, Bates, 49, along with her co-defendants, Faith Alexander, 28, Marquise Perry, 35, and Audrey Williams, 56, all of Shreveport, was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Bates was charged with 12 counts of wire fraud and Perry was charged with three counts of wire fraud.
Faith Alexander pled guilty on February 19, 2020, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; Perry pled guilty on December 9, 2019, to one count of wire fraud; and Williams entered a not guilty plea on October 23, 2019.
Bates faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. Sentencing will be set at a later date. Alexander and Perry also face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release when they are sentenced on September 2, 2020.
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 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.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm During a Domestic Violence IncidentRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jeremy Rubin, 32, of Lafayette, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays, to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
On August 19, 2018, Lafayette Police Department officers responded to a domestic disturbance call. When they arrived on the scene, officers made contact with Rubin’s girlfriend who explained that Rubin had threatened her, then directed her into a bedroom, placed a handgun to her head and stated that she did not deserve to live. Rubin denied having a firearm, but the victim advised the officers that Rubin had secured the firearm inside a case in his vehicle. A search warrant was granted for the vehicle and a Hi-Point C9 9mm firearm and six bullets were recovered from a case bearing Rubin’s name. A check through NCIC revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen.
Rubin has a prior 2008 felony robbery conviction. As a result of his prior felony conviction, Rubin is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
At sentencing, Rubin faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition related to this offense.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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 VA Pharmacist to Serve Time in Federal Prison for Stealing Controlled Drugs from Veterans' PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Melissa W. Richardson, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve one year in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for stealing controlled substances from mail-out prescriptions. Richardson was found guilty on January 17, 2020, by a federal jury in Shreveport, of 15 counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, following a one-week trial.
According to evidence presented during trial, on June 9, 2017, Richardson, a licensed pharmacist, who was formerly employed with the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Shreveport, stole various quantities of Hydrocodone out of individual prescription bottles as she verified mail-out prescriptions meant for veterans. The prescriptions at issue had been prepared by a pharmacy technician and were awaiting a second count and verification from Richardson. Video surveillance from inside the VAMC controlled substances vault showed Richardson slipping the pills into her pocket as she counted the prescriptions. In multiple instances, she slipped pills into her pocket before the pills were counted. Video footage showed her then verify that the prescription was correct in the VAMC’s computer system, seal the bottle, place it in a sealed envelope, and drop it in a bin for mail-out. When federal agents confronted Richardson, she had 236 loose pills in her pocket.
“Combatting the opioid epidemic is one of our nation’s most critical law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “Pharmacists, such as the defendant here, are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that opioids and other controlled substances are lawfully dispensed. Richardson abused this trust when she stole prescriptions for her own use. My office will continue to hold accountable those medical professionals who violate the law in dispensing controlled substances.”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell 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.
California Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Connection to a Scheme to Steal Cash from Bank Accounts Through ATM WithdrawalsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Dennis Busch, 40, of Costa Mesa, California, pled guilty yesterday afternoon to wire fraud, in connection with a scheme to use altered debit cards to steal cash from Capital One bank accounts.
According to court documents, Busch used altered, re-encoded Capital One debit cards to make cash withdrawals from Capital One ATMs in the Shreveport and Bossier City area. From September 24, 2018 to October 8, 2018, Busch withdrew $33,838 from the bank accounts of numerous Capital One account holders. From August 13, 2019 to August 22, 2019, Busch withdrew $28,207 from Capital One bank accounts. During this time, he attempted to withdraw approximately $44,634 over numerous additional transactions, but was denied by the bank. Busch obtained the information of the Shreveport residents while he resided in California, and then traveled to the Shreveport area to commit the fraud. Throughout the scheme, Busch withdrew, or attempted to withdraw, approximately $106,679 in total.
Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., presided over the hearing and set sentencing for October 20, 2020. Busch faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.
The United States Secret Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper 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.
Shreveport Felon Sentenced for Unlawful Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Kevin James Bell, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to two and a half years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On February 13, 2018, an officer with the Shreveport Police Department responded to a call about an incident at a Shreveport apartment and came into contact with Bell. During the encounter with Bell, the officer observed a firearm in his waistband. Bell was arrested, and the officers seized the .22 caliber E15 Herbert Schmidt revolver. As part of his plea on May 21, 2020, Bell admitted that at the time he possessed the firearm, he knew that he had been previously convicted of three felonies. Under federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
Bell was convicted of simple burglary in 2013, and simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling in 2014. In 2017, he was convicted of simple criminal damage to property.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Many Resident Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Octavius White, 26, of Many, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Mark L. Hornsby, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On November 16, 2016, officers with the Many Police Department arrested Octavius White on outstanding warrants. When the officers approached the vehicle where White was sitting in the passenger seat, they notified him of the warrants and placed him under arrest. Officers found ten individually wrapped smaller bags of a white rock powder-like substance, five individually wrapped smaller bags of marijuana, $373 in cash, and a digital scale in White’s pockets. Also, during a search of the vehicle officers retrieved a loaded 9mm XD-9 Springfield Armory pistol from under the seat where White was sitting. The white rock powder-like substance was tested and determined to be 19.03 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine; the suspected marijuana was confirmed to be 11.97 grams.
White faces up to five years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the firearm related to this offense.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Many Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Erick Bautista Irias-Zepeda, 22, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau to serve 12 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Irias-Zepeda pled guilty on January 16, 2020. Following his release from prison, Irias-Zepeda will be subject to deportation proceedings.
Irias-Zepeda was indicted in November 2019 with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The charge stemmed from his August 9, 2019, arrest by Lafayette Police Department officers, following a stop of the vehicle in which Irias-Zepeda was a passenger. Officers found a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun, 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, and approximately one gram of marijuana on the passenger floorboard inside the vehicle. Irias-Zepeda stated that he had purchased the firearm three weeks earlier for $200, admitted that he was illegally present in the United States, and that he knew he was not allowed to possess a firearm.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
West Monroe Man Sentenced for Bilking Nearly $2 Million from Online CustomersRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a West Monroe man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for his role in a scheme that bilked eBay customers out of nearly $2 million.
Randall Keith Byrd, 66, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to serve four years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Doughty also ordered Byrd to pay $1,371,080.66 in restitution. Byrd pled guilty on March 16, 2020, to one count of wire fraud.
According to information presented in court, Byrd used eBay and PayPal to defraud hundreds of eBay customers out of nearly $2 million over a five-week period. Byrd listed and sold gold bullion and/or various types and quantities of gold coins, and primarily received payment through PayPal. Byrd never sent the purchased merchandise to the customers. When eBay customers inquired about the status of their purchase, Byrd provided fraudulent shipping and tracking information to delay the discovery that he had not sent the coins. As part of the scheme, between March 2019 and June 2019, the defendant utilized existing bank accounts and established new bank accounts to conduct financial transactions with the proceeds from his fraudulent coin sales.
In September of 2019, law enforcement officers executed a court-authorized search warrant at Byrd’s residence and found $228,700 in cash, a cashier’s check in the amount of $140,499.22, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, three Rolex watches, 66 gold and silver coins, and 11 firearms.
The FBI and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan 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.
New Orleans Attorneys Indicted for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, La. – United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph announced that a federal grand jury in New Orleans returned an 11-count indictment today charging Jason R. Williams, 47, of New Orleans, and Nicole E. Burdett, 39, of Kenner, Louisiana, with conspiracy to defraud the United States, aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false and fraudulent tax returns, and failure to file IRS Forms 8300 relating to cash received in trade or business.
According to the indictment, Jason R. Williams is the owner of Jason Rogers Williams &Associates, LLC Law Firm (JRWA), located in New Orleans. Williams also currently serves as a Councilman-at-Large on the New Orleans City Council. Nicole E. Burdett is an attorney at JRWA and performs administrative functions for the firm. Burdett is responsible for paying the law firm bills, receiving client payments, and inputting and maintaining the firm’s books and records in the accounting program “QuickBooks” and other software programs.
According to the indictment, Williams and Burdett conspired to reduce Williams’ tax liability for the 2013 through 2017 tax years by classifying personal expenses as business expenses on the “Schedule C” (Profit and Loss from a Business) portion of Williams’ tax returns. Specifically, for the 2013 through 2017 tax years, Burdett compiled QuickBooks information that included many personal expenses of Jason Williams and provided this false information to the tax preparer for the preparation of tax returns. Throughout the conspiracy, Burdett, at the direction of Williams, would instruct the tax preparer to artificially increase the business expenses on the Schedule C in order to further reduce Williams’ tax liability. After Williams and Burdett were satisfied with the tax liability amount, Burdett instructed the tax preparer to electronically file the returns with the IRS.
Throughout the course of the conspiracy, Williams’ and Burdett’s conduct caused fraudulent tax returns to be filed on behalf of Williams, which reflected inflated Schedule C business expenses in the amounts of approximately $200,000 for 2013, $90,000.00 for 2014, $170,000.00 for 2015, $140,000 for 2016, and $120,000.00 for 2017. These fraudulent tax returns reduced Williams’ tax liability in excess of $200,000.
The indictment further alleges that between June 2017 and August 2018, Williams and Burdett failed to file the required IRS Forms 8300 for receipt of cash payments over $10,000. On five separate occasions charged in the Indictment, the defendants received and failed to report cash payments in excess of $10,000 from clients for legal services, totaling $66,516.
If convicted, Williams and Burdett each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison on the conspiracy count, three years in prison on each false return count, and five years in prison on each count of failing to file Forms 8300. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and David J. Ayo of the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting this case due to the recusal of the Eastern District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The charges in the indictment are only accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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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.
Multiple-Time Convicted Monroe Felon is Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Fletcher Terrell Minor, 43, of Monroe, was sentenced June 24, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release following his release from prison, and forfeiture of the firearm related to this charge. Minor pled guilty on March 9, 2020, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On December 20, 2018, officers with the Monroe Police Department responded to a trespassing complaint on Outlet Road. The resident told the police department’s dispatch that Minor was armed with a weapon and was asleep by her front door. When officers made contact with Minor he fled. Minor was eventually detained and taken into custody. During Minor’s apprehension, a Hi Point, Model: C9 .9mm caliber Luger handgun fell from his possession.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition. Minor has multiple prior felony convictions in Ouachita Parish that include possession of cocaine, attempted possession of PCP, battery of a police officer, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, resisting an officer, and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon (Dallas, TX).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Lafayette Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Semi-Automatic PistolRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Patrick Comeaux, 30, of Lafayette, Louisiana, pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On December 7, 2018, Lafayette Police Department officers were dispatched to a vehicle burglary in progress. Officers located the burglary suspect, Comeaux, in a separate vehicle at a Lafayette apartment complex. When Comeaux attempted to flee the complex in the vehicle, he crashed into an officer’s unit. Comeaux then fled on foot and was apprehended and arrested for multiple violations. During the encounter, officers saw an SCCY, Model CPX-2, 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the center console of the vehicle Comeaux was driving.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition. Comeaux has prior felony convictions in the 15th Judicial District Court, Lafayette Parish, for domestic battery and theft (May 2017), possession of methamphetamine (May 2017), and aggregated theft (November 2018).
Comeaux faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition related to this offense. The court set the sentencing date for September 22, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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 Seven Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of an AR-15 RifleRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Deandray Charles Grant, 30, of Forney, Texas, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to seven years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On September 10, 2019, Grant was found guilty by a federal jury in Shreveport following trial.
According to testimony presented during trial, a Greenwood, Louisiana, police officer pulled over Grant’s vehicle on November 23, 2018, for traveling 90 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour speed zone. After the vehicle stopped, the officer approached Grant and asked for his identification. Grant told the officer that he was a “sovereign citizen” with “sovereign status” and did not have to comply with his request. Eventually, Grant exited the vehicle and was arrested. The officers discovered that he did not have any identification and had a small amount of marijuana in his front pocket. After searching the vehicle they found a DPMS Panther Arms AR-15, rifle, and 28 rounds of .556-caliber ammunition.
Grant has multiple felony convictions including possession with intent to distribute drugs (August 2013), simple burglary (April 2014), and possession of marijuana (May 2014), all in Caddo Parish. Under federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Greenwood Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Jessica Cassidy prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Kaplan Sex Offender Sentenced to 7+ Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Kaplan, Louisiana, man with a prior 2002 state conviction of carnal knowledge of a juvenile, was sentenced in federal court today for a child pornography offense.
Jessie C. Comeaux, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau., to 87 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Following his imprisonment, Comeaux will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for eight years and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives or works. Comeaux pled guilty to this charge on March 12, 2020.
According to court records, the investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported a CyberTip to special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations (LBI) Cyber Crimes Unit indicating that an IP address associated with Comeaux’s address used an electronic device to access child pornography. Special agents with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a federal court-authorized search warrant, and on April 1, 2019, law enforcement officers with HSI, LBI and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant at Comeaux’s residence in Kaplan. A laptop previewed during the search revealed images of child pornography. Comeaux admitted to the officers that he was the primary user of the laptop and that he viewed images of child pornography on the internet involving females 10 and 12 years of age.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Comeaux’s laptop revealed 42 images of pre-pubescent and post-pubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some as young as two years of age. Seven of the images had been downloaded by Comeaux from the internet.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit, and Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the “resources” tab.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/tipline or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Tips may also be submitted through your local law enforcement agency or through the following agencies:
- Leave a tip with the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
- File a report with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at www.cybertipline.org.
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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.
Lafayette Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Three Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Manuel King, 30, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to serve 20 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for three armed carjackings.
King, a previously convicted felon, carjacked three separate people on February 20, 2019. The first victim was standing next to his Jeep Grand Cherokee in a Wal-Mart parking lot when King approached and threatened him with a Kimber 9mm semi-automatic pistol. King took the victim’s wallet and drove away in the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, King crashed the Jeep and proceeded to carjack a second victim. He crashed that car and then carjacked a third victim. King was pursued by police, eventually crashing the third car into a pond. At that point, he was arrested and was still in possession of the 9mm pistol he used during each carjacking incident. King’s wallet was found in the second victim’s vehicle.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lafayette Police Department, and Lafayette City Marshal’s Office 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.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Department of Justice Observe the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – Today, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph joined Attorney General William P. Barr and the entire Department of Justice in observing the 15th Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Department echoes voices around the world condemning elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
“Despite the care and respect that most of us give to our elders, there are some in our society that intentionally target and seek to exploit the elderly with false promises and fraudulent schemes” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “My office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring these fraudsters to justice and protect the elderly.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for our country and the world, but among those most severely affected by the threat of the novel virus are our senior citizens. During this time when seniors are most vulnerable and isolated from their families and loved ones by social distancing and quarantine restrictions, bad actors have immediately exploited this international tragedy to prey on the elderly through a whole host of scam and fraud schemes. As the world takes this day to remember the elderly during these uncertain times, the Department of Justice remains relentlessly committed, through its department-wide Elder Justice Initiative, to prevent and prosecute fraud on America’s seniors.
The Department will aggressively prosecute fraudsters exploiting the Covid-19 pandemic and targeting seniors offering them fake testing kits and fake help obtaining stimulus and Paycheck Protection Program Funds. On this day dedicated to recognizing our seniors, the Department of Justice sends a strong message that we continue the fight to keep seniors safe a top priority.
A recent example in the Western District of Louisiana involved a multimillion-dollar investment scheme that targeted elderly victims and others. Gregory Alan Smith, 58, of Shreveport, and Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, 66, a senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty for their roles in stealing millions from elderly victims and others. Smith used his influence and status as the operator and manager of Smith Financial Group LLC in Shreveport, and Caldwell used his influence and status as pastor at a prominent Houston church to lure investors into sinking their money into what they thought were high-return investments. Instead of investing the money, the defendants divided the funds and used them to pay personal loans, mortgages, credit card balances, a down payment for vacation property, luxury vehicles purchases and to maintain their lifestyles.
Earlier this year Attorney General Barr declared “Prevention and Disruption of Transnational Elder Fraud” to be an Agency Priority Goal, making it one of the Department’s four top priorities. Major strides have already been made to that end:
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
- Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force: Established in June 2019 to combat foreign elder fraud schemes, the Strike Force is composed of the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along with FBI special agents, Postal Inspectors, and numerous other law enforcement personnel. Since its inception, prosecutors in Strike Force districts brought cases against more than 140 sweep defendants.
- Annual Elder Justice Sweep: In March of this year, the Attorney General announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in department history. The Department, together with every U.S. Attorney’s office, charged more than 400 defendants, causing over $1 billion in loss through fraud schemes that largely affected seniors, including two cases in the Western District of Louisiana, District of Louisiana.
- On December 10, 2019, Damilola Bamidele Isaac Samuel pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Samuel conspired with others to steal $260,726.09 from Regions Bank customers using fraudulently obtained ATM debit cards. Two checking accounts were also fraudulently set up in a bank customer’s name and used to transfer money from the customer’s legitimate account into the two fraudulently created accounts. On multiple occasions, Samuel was captured on Regions Bank’s ATM surveillance cameras utilizing the ATM cards created for the fraudulent checking accounts.
- On February 10, 2020, Pamela Webb, a Bank of Montgomery employee, was charged with stealing $41,000 from a Bank of Montgomery customer’s deposit box.
- On December 10, 2019, Damilola Bamidele Isaac Samuel pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Samuel conspired with others to steal $260,726.09 from Regions Bank customers using fraudulently obtained ATM debit cards. Two checking accounts were also fraudulently set up in a bank customer’s name and used to transfer money from the customer’s legitimate account into the two fraudulently created accounts. On multiple occasions, Samuel was captured on Regions Bank’s ATM surveillance cameras utilizing the ATM cards created for the fraudulent checking accounts.
- Money Mule Initiative: Since October 2018, the Department and its law enforcement partners began a concentrated effort across the country and around the world to disrupt, investigate, and prosecute money mule activity used to facilitate fraud schemes, especially those victimizing senior citizens. In 2019 actions were taken to halt the conduct of more than 600 domestic money mules, exceeding a similar effort against approximately 400 mules in the previous year.
- Holding foreign-based perpetrators and those that flee the United States accountable: Transnational criminal organizations are targeting our elder population in schemes including mass mailing fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, lottery and sweepstakes scams, IRS and Social Security Administration imposter scams, and technical-support scams.
For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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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.
- National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833-FRAUD-11. Earlier this year Attorney General Barr launched a National Elder Fraud Hotline. Staffed by experienced case managers who provide personalized support to callers, the hotline serves to assist elders and caretakers who believe they have been a victim of fraud by reporting and providing appropriate services.
Alexandria Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Malik Dorsey, 21, pled guilty today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Hanna to possession of a stolen firearm.
On January 28, 2020, deputies with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Dorsey and discovered a Sig Sauer, Model P365, 9 millimeter, semi-automatic pistol in the center console of the vehicle. Deputies learned that the firearm had previously been reported stolen by Sentry Defense, a federal firearm licensee, in Youngsville, Louisiana. Officers also recovered three 9mm rounds of ammunition.
Following further investigation, agents learned that Dorsey had another firearm at his apartment in Lafayette. On January 28, 2020, officers executed a court authorized search warrant at Dorsey’s residence and found a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber firearm. Upon inspection of the Glock, officers discovered that the serial number located on the frame differed from the serial number located on the slide and barrel. An NCIC query of both serial numbers revealed that one of the serial numbers was reported stolen from Alexandria, Louisiana. The other serial number yielded negative results.
Dorsey faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the two firearms and ammunition related to this offense. The court set the sentencing date for September 11, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Youngsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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 Rapides Parish Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Offense for Assaulting InmateRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Dominic Davidson, 27, a former Correctional Officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Detention Center 1, in Alexandria, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to one misdemeanor count of using excessive force against a pretrial detainee housed at the facility.
“Law enforcement, including correctional officers, are sworn to uphold and defend the laws of our nation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “When they themselves break those laws, they violate not just the rights of their victims, but also compromise the public's trust in law enforcement. My office will hold public servants accountable when they break the law.”
“The Justice Department works to protect the civil rights of all citizens, including those in our custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “It is disheartening to hear of law enforcement officials who violate the civil rights of citizens instead of aiding in the department’s work to protect them.”
According to court testimony and documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, on June 14, 2018, while on duty as a correctional officer, Davidson entered the locked holding cell of pretrial detainee K.F. and began punching K.F. repeatedly in the face and body. Prior to Davidson entering the cell, K.F., who was completely naked and locked securely inside his cell, had been banging on the door in an attempt to get officers’ attention. In response to the banging, Davidson put on a pair of rubber gloves, unlocked and entered K.F.’s cell, pushed K.F. to the ground, and struck K.F. numerous times in the head and body. At no point before, during, or after the assault did K.F. pose a threat to himself or others.
Davidson faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to twelve months in prison and a fine up to $100,000. The sentencing date is set for September 15, 2020.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Katherine DeVar and Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division are 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.
New Iberia Man Caught During Foot Chase Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that David Youman, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau, to serve five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Youman pled guilty on January 23, 2020.
On January 4, 2018, a Broussard Police officer was conducting a traffic patrol on Highway 90 westbound and observed the driver of a green Dodge Stratus commit several traffic violations. As the officer proceeded to catch up to the vehicle, it switched lanes into the left lane and then into the turn lane of Ambassador Caffery Parkway. The officer activated his lights to stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued on Ambassador Caffery then appeared to turn right and stop but continued and pulled into the driveway of a residence. At that point, Youman exited the vehicle and fled on foot. As he was running, the officer observed him throwing a backpack in the yard. A Louisiana State Police trooper assisting with the stop observed the defendant flee and apprehended him in the backyard of the residence. Youman told the officers that he ran because he has warrants for his arrest.
During their encounter, the officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from Youman and asked him if he had any marijuana on his person. Youman stated that he had a sack of week hidden in his underwear. Approximately 21 grams of marijuana was in the bag removed from Youman’s underwear. Officers also found approximately 238 grams of marijuana, a black digital scale, and a Kahr .45 caliber handgun with six rounds of ammunition in Youman’s backpack. Youman admitted to possessing the marijuana with the intent to distribute it and that he was in possession of the firearm to further his drug trafficking crimes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Broussard Police Department, and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Lafayette Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Transportation of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Lafayette, Louisiana, man was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau, after previously pleading guilty on January 21, 2020, to one count of transportation of child pornography.
Jared Tyler Olivier, 24, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender upon release.
The investigation began in January 2019 when special agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations (LBI) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) containing information that a Tumblr user had uploaded a file containing an image of a prepubescent male engaging in a sexual act. Agents with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and LBI executed a lawful search warrant at Olivier’s apartment in April 2019. Olivier admitted to the officers that he was the user of the Tumblr account and that he used it to view images and videos of child pornography.
Following further investigation, agents learned that Olivier had used a Dropbox account to store images and videos of child pornography. After receiving permission from Olivier for agents to access the Dropbox account, they found approximately 39 videos of prepubescent and post pubescent males engaged in various sexual acts. Some of the videos depicted males approximately three years of age. Jared Olivier admitted that he transported child pornography from a computer to his Dropbox account in January and February 2018.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon, II prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the “resources” tab.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/tipline or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Tips may also be submitted through your local law enforcement agency or through the following agencies:
- Leave a tip with the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
- File a report with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or online at www.cybertipline.org.
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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.
United States Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Availability of $158,043 in Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Funds for the Western District of LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $158,043 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% ($47,413) 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 $94,826 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. The deadline has been extended to no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2020.
The FY 2019 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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Five Defendants Receive Federal Prison Sentences; Two Enter Guilty Pleas in Connection with Federal Gun Crimes and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week involving federal gun crimes and drug offenses, all of which are separately noted. The firearms cases were brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) initiative. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over each hearing on June 3, 2020.
SENTENCING – BRADLEY KEITH CULP
Bradley Keith Culp, 55, of Monroe, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison and three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On August 31, 2018, Louisiana Probation and Parole agents and Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies performed a residence check at the defendant’s home in Winnfield, Louisiana. Inside they found the defendant, a multiple-time convicted felon, in possession of approximately 14 firearms. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony to possess firearms or ammunition.
At Culp’s guilty plea on January 21, 2020, he admitted that he knew his status as a convicted felon prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. Culp’s prior felony convictions included distribution of methamphetamine (2006 and 2008), and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2008).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisiana Probation and Parole, and the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – MARTHONY MILLER
Marthony Miller, 24, of Rayville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release following his prison term, for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Miller pled guilty on January 8, 2020.
On April 2, 2019, an investigator with the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a suspicious package at the Shreveport Processing and Distribution Center that contained approximately 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. The package had been mailed from Compton, California, addressed to a residence in Rayville, Louisiana. A controlled delivery of the package was made to Miller’s residence in Rayville on April 3, 2019. Following the delivery of the package, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant and found a vial of methamphetamine inside a toilet, which contained some of the methamphetamine. They also found a digital scale, a ledger with information about quantities and profits, and wire transfer receipts to a person in California.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – NANDERRIOUS THOMAS
Nanderrious Thomas, 23, of Monroe, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Thomas pled guilty on December 13, 2019.
On November 16, 2018, Monroe Police Department officers were conducting an active warrant canvas when they spotted Nanderrious Thomas, who had outstanding felony warrants. Thomas fled when he saw the officers and crawled under an abandoned house. Immediately after he was apprehended, a detective recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson, Model SD.40 VE, semi-automatic handgun from underneath the house. The pistol contained 14 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition, with one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine. Thomas has a prior felony conviction in Ouachita Parish for aggravated battery.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal’s Service, and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Thompson prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – RODRIGUEZ DEWAYNE COBBS
Rodriguez Dewayne Cobbs, 27, of Monroe, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Cobbs pled guilty on December 13, 2019.
On January 21, 2019, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cobbs following a traffic stop of his vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, Cobbs informed the officer that he had a gun in his right front jacket pocket. Officers retrieved a Smith & Wesson, Model SD.40 VE, semi-automatic handgun loaded with one round in the chamber and 13 rounds in the magazine, and a Glock .9mm magazine lying on the front passenger seat, loaded with two rounds.
Cobbs has prior felony convictions in Ouachita and Caddo Parishes for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle A. Thompson prosecuted the case.
SENTENCING – DUSTIN McMILLIAN
Dustin McMillian, 27, of Monroe, was sentenced to four years in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. McMillian pled guilty on January 8, 2020.
On April 12, 2019, agents with the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit arrested McMillian for active FBI warrants for methamphetamine distribution. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a Ruger 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat where McMillian was sitting, and a backpack containing a digital scale and multiple baggies. Officers also found $1,169 in cash in McMillian’s shorts pocket. McMillian told officers that the money came from selling a chainsaw. McMillian admitted that the gun, baggies, and digital scale belonged to him. McMillian also admitted that he knew he should not have a gun because he had just been released from jail for the same charge, but he needed the firearm for protection.
McMillian has multiple felony convictions that include unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling (2013), possession of methamphetamine (2015), aggravated flight from an officer (2018), and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2018).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
GUILTY PLEA – JERRY DAKOTA JOHNSON
Jerry Dakota Johnston, 35, of West Monroe, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On September 2, 2019, Union Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies observed Johnston, a non-resident, illegally dumping trash at a parish dumpsite adjacent to Camp T.L. James on Highway 15. While speaking with Johnston, the deputies observed in plain view a 9mm handgun, loaded with a 30-round extended magazine, stuffed between the driver’s seat and center console. The defendant claimed that the weapon was only a “BB gun,” but then, unprovoked, fled the scene on foot down the highway. After a brief chase, the deputies apprehended Johnston and placed him in custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers found approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine packaged for sale.
Prior to his arrest on September 2, 2019, Johnston, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms because of convictions for drug offenses and domestic violence. At the time of his arrest, Johnston knew his status as a convicted felon.
Johnston faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for the firearms charge, and up to 40 years in prison, four years of supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine for the drug charge. Sentencing is scheduled for September 2, 2020.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Union Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.
GUILTY PLEA – CEDRIC DEWAYNE COLEMAN
Cedric Dewayne Coleman, 35, of Monroe, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On November 7, 2019, detectives with the Monroe Police Department were conducting a follow-up investigation of a domestic dispute involving Coleman. While speaking with Coleman in his bedroom, officers found a Colt pistol, Model 22, caliber: 22 at the head of the bed. Coleman admitted that the firearm belonged to him.
Coleman has a prior felony conviction from 2006 for possession of cocaine. At the time he possessed the firearm, he knew that as a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
At sentencing on September 2, 2020, Coleman faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy is prosecuting the case.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Lecompte Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Stealing over $100,000 from Alexandria Medical Services CompanyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that William Britt Harvey, 45, of Lecompte, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 3, 2020, by Senior U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term for stealing over $100,000 from a medical services company. Judge Walter also ordered Harvey to pay $114,738.77 in restitution. Harvey pled guilty on January 22, 2020, to one count of wire fraud.
William Harvey was employed by LA Imaging (“LAI”), a medical services company based in Alexandria that preformed mobile imaging services throughout the state of Louisiana. Harvey was employed by LAI to maintain and repair x-ray equipment used by LAI in its medical imaging business. In order to perform his duties, which included purchasing equipment and supplies to maintain LAI’s imaging equipment, Harvey had access to LAI’s credit card and bank account information. Between December 2012 and October 2014, Harvey embezzled company funds from LAI through a scheme in which he illicitly transferred money to himself using numerous PayPal accounts, including accounts under the fictitious names of “Global Imaging” and “CFA.” In order to support his scheme, Harvey presented fake invoices to LAI from Global Imaging and CFA.
While working at LAI, between September 2013 and October 2015, Harvey also defrauded LAI by opening a rival imaging company called Southern Elite Imaging. Through Southern Elite, Harvey contracted with Cenla Occupational Medicine Services and leased older x-ray equipment owned by LAI to Cenla, without LAI’s consent. The x-rays taken with that equipment were then sent to a radiologist for interpretation. Harvey billed Cenla for the radiologist “read fees” and also collected lease fees from Cenla for LAI’s imaging equipment. Harvey used false invoices and caused LAI to pay the radiologists’ interpretation fees, while keeping the “read fees” and lease equipment fees paid by Cenla for his own personal use.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth 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.
Monroe Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Christopher Joe Stamper, 28, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to 20 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. Stamper is also required to register as a sex offender.
As part of his guilty plea on December 3, 2019, Stamper admitted that in November of 2018, he began communicating with an 11-year old girl from Washington on a mobile virtual reality gaming application called Avakin Life. On November 2, 2018, Stamper and the minor female moved their conversation to text messages. Stamper asked the minor to talk “sexually” with him and proceeded to engage in “role-playing” conversations that were sexually explicit in nature. Stamper asked to see her in various stages of undress and received multiple nude pictures of the 11-year old girl.
The FBI, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Black Diamond Police Department, Black Diamond, Washington, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Joseph offers the following tips to help protect children online:
- Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.
- Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
- Monitor your children’s use of the internet.
- Keep electronic devices in a common area of the house.
- Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.
- Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.
- Make sure that children understand online risks – only chat with people they know, block people they don’t know or trust. If anyone asks to engage in sexually explicit activity online, tell a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult about it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the “resources” tab.
To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local law enforcement agency or submit tips through the following agencies:
- Leave a tip with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
- Submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or by contacting your local HSI office.
- File a report with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
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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 VA Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Drugs from VA Urgent Care ClinicRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a registered nurse formerly employed with the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of fraudulently obtaining Hydromorphone. Hydromorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a powerful opioid designed to relieve pain, but can also be abused and sold on the black market.
While working as a registered nurse at the VA Medical Center Urgent Care Clinic, Jolie King, 40, of Alexandria, used her position as a registered nurse to access the clinic’s narcotics supply cabinet and retrieve vials of controlled substance medications that were intended for the treatment of patients. As a part of the plea agreement reached today, King admitted that she used the drugs for her own personal use. King also admitted that she would log into the narcotics supply cabinet, randomly select a patient’s name, and then withdraw the drugs without a physician’s orders. In one instance, in an attempt to avoid detection, she refilled two vials with saline solution and placed them back in the supply cabinet. From September 2017 to October 2018, she fraudulently acquired approximately 31 vials of Hydromorphone and two vials of Morphine.
A sentencing date has not been set. King faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan 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.
Former Rapides Parish Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Three Civil Rights Offenses for Assaulting InmatesRead the Press Release
Cody Richardson, 30, a former Correctional Officer with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office (RPSO), Detention Center 1, in Alexandria, Louisiana, pleaded guilty in court today to three counts of using excessive force against pretrial detainees housed at the facility.
According to documents filed in connection with the guilty plea, Richardson, while on duty as a correctional officer, tased three different detainees who were restrained and/or not resisting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. Specifically, on Jan. 28, 2018, Richardson tased detainee K.F. while K.F. had his hands up, causing him to fall to the ground, then continued to tase K.F. three more times despite the fact that he was not resisting. On Feb. 24, 2018, Richardson drive-stunned detainee S.M. 15-20 times while S.M. was shackled to a bench by his ankles, then, after other officers secured S.M.’s wrists in handcuffs, continued tasing him and kicked him once in the abdomen. Finally, on March 19, 2018, Richardson deployed a Taser into detainee J.A.’s back, causing him to fall to the ground, then sat on top of a table in the cellblock and continued to activate the Taser four more times while J.A. thrashed on the floor, screaming in pain.
“This misconduct by a correctional officer erodes public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who violate the civil rights of inmates.”
Richardson faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the three counts. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Katherine DeVar and Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Four Defendants Appeared in Federal Court via Video Conference Today in Connection with Federal Gun Crime OffensesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases today, all of which are separately noted. The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN plays a major role in the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.
Three-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 66 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
Defendant attempted to conceal pistol in child’s car seat
SHREVEPORT, La. – Gary D. Porter, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 66 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On November 19, 2018, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to the driveway of a residence after receiving a 911 call. As the officers arrived, Porter was backing his car out of the driveway with several young children in the vehicle. Officers made contact with Porter and upon further investigation, located a Ruger, Model Security-9, 9mm pistol loaded with twelve rounds of ammunition hidden underneath one of the children, between the child and the child’s car seat. At the time that Porter possessed the pistol, he knew his previous felony convictions prohibited him, under federal law, from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Porter’s prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish include: possession of marijuana – second offense (2011), possession of cocaine (2012), and possession with intent to distribute marijuana (2014).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby Cooper prosecuted the case.
Shreveport Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun
SHREVEPORT, La. – John Jackson Harkey, 35, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to possession of a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
On February 21, 2019, officers with the Shreveport Police Department obtained and executed a search warrant on Harkey’s downtown Shreveport residence. During the search, officers found an operable, short-barreled shotgun, with a barrel length less than 18 inches and an overall length less than 26 inches. Under federal law, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches must be registered. Harkey admitted to possessing the firearm and that he had not registered the short-barrel shotgun with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Two Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms During the Filming of a Music Video
SHREVEPORT, La. – Xavier Briggs, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to two years in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for felon in possession of firearms.
On April 25, 2019, officers with the Shreveport Police Department responded to AB Palmer Park in Shreveport where a large crowd was filming a music video with numerous firearms. Officers encountered 10 individuals standing around a Chevrolet Malibu and recovered multiple firearms from the scene. A camera being used to shoot the video was also seized and a search warrant was obtained to view its contents. Briggs can be seen in the video recordings in possession of a Jiminez Arms Model JA Nine 9mm pistol loaded with 4 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a loaded DPMS Model A15, 5.56 mm rifle containing two 30-round magazines, and 41 rounds of 5.56 ammo.
Briggs has a 2011 armed robbery felony conviction in Caddo District Court and was released from prison in December 2018. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Shreveport Convicted Felon Sentenced to 54 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
SHREVEPORT, La. – Christopher John Williams, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 54 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release following his prison term, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On January 31, 2019, Williams was arrested on a state offense and held in custody at Caddo Correctional Center. While he was in custody, he called two friends and asked them to get rid of a firearm that was located at his residence. Following the calls, agents made contact with an individual Williams shared his residence with and secured a Springfield XDS .45 caliber pistol. At his guilty plea on November 19, 2019, Williams admitted that the pistol belonged to him and to being a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, he knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Williams has prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish for illegal use of a weapon (2007), second degree battery (2009), accessory after the fact – robbery (2014), domestic abuse battery (2015), and public intimidation (2017).
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Couple Sentenced to 13 Years and 11 Years, Respectively, for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Robert Perkins, 58, of Hall Summit, Louisiana, and Deborah Hawthorne, 60, of Monroe, Louisiana, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to serve 13 years and 11 years in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
On July 29, 2019, a Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a Dodge Charger commit a traffic violation. The deputy learned that the license plate on the vehicle was previously reported stolen and conducted a traffic stop. Robert Perkins, the driver, and Deborah Hawthorne, the passenger, denied consent to search the vehicle. After a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle, deputies searched it and recovered approximately 960 grams of methamphetamine, three cell phones, and digital scales. Perkins later admitted to the officers that he knew the methamphetamine was inside the vehicle. The text messages on the cell phones recovered from the Charger revealed that Perkins and Hawthorne were working together to distribute the methamphetamine and shared in the proceeds.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy 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.
United States Attorney David C. Joseph Recognizes National Police Week May 10-16, 2020Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph salutes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement. The week will be observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16, 2020.
“Police Week is a time to recognize our fallen law enforcement officers across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “In tumultuous times such as these, the importance that our men and women in blue play in keeping our society free and safe cannot be overstated. Let’s all look for an opportunity this week to thank a police officer for his or her sacrifices and to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities they swore to serve.
- Based on data collected and analyzed by the FBI’s Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 89 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2019, including an officer here in the Western District of Louisiana - Shreveport Police Department Officer Chateri’ Payne, who was shot multiple times on January 9, 2019, as she was preparing to go on shift.
Comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing most of the fatal attacks are included in the sections of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, 2019.
The first officer fatality this year from the state of Louisiana involved an officer in the Western District of Louisiana who died in an automobile crash while on duty. DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Sheriff Donna Richardson-Below died on February 12, 2020.
The names of the fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial will be read on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil. Because public events have been suspended as a result of COVID-19, the vigil will be livestreamed to the public at 7:00 pm (CDT). The online event can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF.
- Officer Payne’s name will be read during the virtual candlelight vigil and can be located on the National Law Enforcement Memorial at 59-E: 31.
To learn more about National Police Week, please visit: www.policeweek.org.
To register for the virtual candlelight vigil, please visit: www.nleomf.org.
Department of Justice public service announcement: Supporting Law Enforcement During Police Week 2020 - https://youtu.be/3bHlVOi3NJI.
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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.
Shreveport Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Carnell Briggs, 21, appeared in court via video conference and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to eight months in federal prison and three years of supervised release, for possessing a stolen firearm. Briggs pled guilty to this charge on December 19, 2019.
On May 1, 2019, Shreveport Police officers responded to a tip that known gang members were at a residence in Shreveport armed with firearms and using narcotics. Upon arrival, officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the apartment and encountered an individual exiting the apartment holding a camera. The individual told officers he was there to shoot a rap video. Briggs can be seen in the video recording holding a Glock Model 30 .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, a firearm that was previously reported stolen in 2016. During a search of the apartment, officers located the Glock Model 30 .45 caliber pistol that had an extended magazine inside the dishwasher. The pistol was loaded with 27 rounds of .45 ammunition. Briggs admitted he knew the firearm was stolen and that is the reason he hid it in the dishwasher when police arrived.
The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.
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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.
Louisiana United States Attorneys Announce $9,688,333 Award to Address COVID-19 Pandemic in LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph, Western District of Louisiana, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, and United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, Eastern District of Louisiana, jointly announced today that the State of Louisiana received $9,688,333 in a Department of Justice grant to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The grant to Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition to the state award, $5,039,791 has been allocated to local agencies throughout Louisiana, with $2,282,168 being set aside for 22 jurisdictions in the Western District, $1,946,546 for 12 jurisdictions in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and $811,077 for five jurisdictions in the Middle District of Louisiana. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.
“Our law enforcement officers and first responders are facing new challenges posed by COVID-19 and need our support,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “This grant will help provide our officers with the tools they need to maintain public health and safety as we battle the coronavirus pandemic. I thank our law enforcement partners for their service to the citizens of the Western District of Louisiana and encourage them to take advantage of this funding opportunity.”
U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “This funding is a tremendous boost allowing law enforcement and first responder agencies to enhance their efforts in combatting COVID-related personnel and community issues specific to their jurisdictions. This grant serves as another demonstration of the Department’s commitment to support law enforcement’s front line efforts in not only protecting themselves in the line of duty, but also the citizens and communities they serve.”
“The citizens of Southeast Louisiana have been severely affected by the onslaught of COVID-19 throughout their communities. Without the unwavering dedication and selflessness of first responders and public safety professionals, who are on the frontlines of this battle, our community would be adrift. The allocation of these funds provides the opportunity to support those who support us,” said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Peter G. Strasser.
“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”
The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, and distributing resources to hard-hit areas. Funds may also be used to help correctional facilities cover costs related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, sanitation, contagion prevention and measures designed to address the related medical needs of inmates, detainees, and correctional personnel.
Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations. For a list of all awards thus far, visit the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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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.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant AnnouncementRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announced the availability of approximately $158,043 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% ($47,413) 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 $94,826 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. on Monday, June 1, 2020.
The FY 2019 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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Former Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy Pleads Guilty to Felony in Connection with Steroid Distribution SchemeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jonathan Colgin, 36, a former Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy, appeared in court yesterday afternoon via video conference and pleaded guilty to a felony for his role in concealing a federal crime in connection with a steroid distribution scheme. U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the hearing.
According to plea documents filed in this case, in August of 2016, Colgin was assigned to investigate an individual shipping anabolic steroids through the U.S. Mail. Colgin identified Brant Landry as the individual shipping the steroids and learned of the details of Landry’s steroid trafficking, including the location where Landry produced the anabolic steroids. During his assignment to the investigation, Colgin also learned that a friend was obtaining steroids from Landry.
As part of the guilty plea, Colgin admitted that he was aware of Landry’s steroids trafficking, which constituted a federal felony, but Colgin failed to notify the appropriate authorities of Landry’s illegal conduct. Colgin did not reveal Landry’s identity in his investigative reports, nor did he attempt to obtain a search warrant for the location where Landry produced the anabolic steroids. Colgin further admitted that he concealed his friend’s role and conduct from law enforcement.
On November 13, 2019, Colgin, along with his co-defendant and former Shreveport Police Officer Brian Skinner, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids and misprision of a felony. Skinner pleaded guilty on April 16, 2020, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
Following the plea hearing, Colgin remains on bond, and faces up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, when he is sentenced on August 14, 2020.
This case is related to the prosecution in United States v. Brant R. Landry, and United States v. Mike Mosura, Criminal Docket No. 18-cr-00252. (Press releases linked.)
The DEA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy are prosecuting 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.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Homeland Security Investigations Remind Parents to be Vigilant of Online Activity During National Chlid Abuse Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and United States Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana and Jere T. Miles, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans, are reminding parents to be vigilant of their children’s online activities.
“The investigation and prosecution of Project Safe Childhood cases have not stopped during the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “Make no mistake: predators will take advantage of any opportunity, including this pandemic, to exploit child victims. As children are spending more time online for schoolwork and socialization, parents can protect their children and help us in our fight against predators by paying close attention to their children’s online activities and associations. Protecting the most vulnerable among us will always be a top priority of my office – especially in time of national emergency.”
Recent prosecutions in the Western District of Louisiana include:
- United States v. John Michael Ward, former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church in Westlake, who was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2019 to two counts of production of child pornography;
- United States v. James Gaharan, a former LeGrange High School teacher who was sentenced on February 19, 2020, to 97 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography; and
- United States v. Damon Lechtenberg, who pleaded guilty on April 9, 2020, to two counts of production of child pornography and faces up to 60 years in federal prison.
“Criminals will always look for targets of opportunity. With the current environment, millions of children around the world are spending additional time online as they shift from a traditional to a virtual classroom,” said New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Our special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the children from cyber predators who seek to take advantage of this innocent and vulnerable population.”
U.S. Attorney Joseph and SAC Miles offer the following tips to help protect children online:
- Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded.
- Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
- Monitor your children’s use of the internet.
- Keep electronic devices in a common area of the house.
- Check your children’s profiles and what they post online.
- Explain to your children that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.
- Make sure that children understand online risks – only chat with people they know, block people they don’t know or trust. If anyone asks to engage in sexually explicit activity online, tell a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult about it.
To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local law enforcement agency. Tips can be submitted online at www.ice.gov/tipline, by phone at 866-DHS-2-ICE or by contacting your local HSI office. Reports can also be filed with NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
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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.
U.S. Attorney's Office Commemorates National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week. This year’s observance takes place April 19-25 and features the theme, “Seek Justice, Ensure Victims' Rights, and Inspire Hope.”
“We all know those whose lives have been touched by crime – they are our family, our friends, and our neighbors,” Joseph stated. “I want the public to know that my office is committed to both prosecuting those who victimize others and providing support to crime victims throughout the legal process. This week serves as a reminder to all of us to keep victims of crime in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Every year, millions of Americans suffer the shock and trauma of criminal victimization, affecting their well-being and sense of security and dignity,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “To these victims, we affirm our unwavering commitment to supporting them in their hour of need. We also commend the thousands of victim advocates and public safety professionals who labor tirelessly to secure victims’ rights and support survivors.”
“While we have made tremendous progress driving down crime and violence across the country, far too many Americans continue to suffer the pain and loss of criminal victimization,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs. “This week, we stand by these survivors and their families, and we pledge our ongoing support to the countless men and women who serve them with such extraordinary skill and compassion.”
During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, victim advocacy organizations, community groups and state, local and tribal agencies traditionally host rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to raise awareness of victims’ rights and services. This year, many communities are organizing virtual gatherings and online public awareness campaigns.
Some 3.3 million Americans age 12 and older were victims of violent crime in 2018, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, supports more than 7,000 local victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory.
Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines, penalties and bond forfeitures.
This year’s commemoration began April 19, 2020, 25 years to the day when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, taking the lives of 168 people, including 19 children, as well as injuring hundreds of others. The mass murder remains the worst act of domestic terrorism in our nation’s history and led to the establishment of the Antiterrorism Emergency Reserve, which is administered by OVC, and has been used to provide direct services to hundreds of victims of mass violence and terrorism.
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, putting crime victims' rights, needs, and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims. President Trump and his administration have implemented historic levels of support for victim assistance and victim compensation.
This year, the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony will be postponed until a time when we can honor this year’s award recipients in person. During the ceremony, OVC will present awards recognizing individuals and organizations from across the nation for their outstanding service on behalf of crime victims. The awardees will be selected from public nominations in 11 categories, including federal service, special courage, public policy, and victim services. Visit www.ovc.gov/gallery to learn more about past recipients. To be notified when a new date for this event is announced, please subscribe to OVC’s NCVRW email notifications at: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/subscribe/.
“Crime victims deserve to know that they have the encouragement and support of the American people,” said OVC Director Jessica E. Hart. “I hope that citizens throughout the nation will take the opportunity this week to remember all victims of crime and their heroic stories of survival. I encourage everyone to also find meaningful ways to express their appreciation to the many committed and compassionate service providers across the country who work tirelessly supporting these survivors.”
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw2020/overview.html. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at 318-676-3600.
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.
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Former Shreveport Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Anabolic Steroids ConspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brian Skinner, 44, a former Shreveport police officer, appeared in federal court on April 16, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to plea documents filed in the case, from January 2016 to May 2018, Skinner obtained anabolic steroids on multiple occasions from Brant Landry, an acquaintance he met at a Bossier City gym. In addition to obtaining the anabolic steroids from Landry for himself, Skinner also obtained them to distribute to a third party. Besides his own criminal conduct, Skinner failed in his duty as a law enforcement officer to report Landry’s steroid trafficking and related activity to the appropriate authorities.
On November 13, 2019, Skinner, along with his co-defendant and former Bossier Parish Deputy Jonathan Colgin, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Colgin was also charged with misprision of a felony. Colgin entered a not guilty plea on December 4, 2019.
Following the plea hearing, Skinner was released to home incarceration. At sentencing on May 27, 2020, Skinner faces up to ten years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
This case is related to the prosecution in United States v. Brant R. Landry, and United States v. Mike Mosura, Criminal Docket No. 18-cr-00252. Press releases linked.
The DEA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy are prosecuting case.
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.
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United States Attorney Joseph and IRS Warn Taxpayers of Potential Scams in Relation to COVID-19 Economic Impact PaymentsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) are cautioning taxpayers of the opportunity for criminals to steal economic impact payments through various means of deception.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office, jointly made the announcement today in an effort to prevent taxpayers from falling victim to criminals using the recently approved economic impact payments as an opportunity to commit a crime.
“Fraudsters will exploit any opportunity – including a global pandemic - to con their victims,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I urge citizens to be vigilant to protect themselves and to tell their family, friends, and neighbors about these scams. My office is working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who use the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to steal from the American taxpayer.”
“This is a time when ruthless criminals might seek to take advantage of this opportunity to prey upon unsuspecting individuals in an effort to line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Under the CARES Act, millions of Americans will start to receive COVID-19 economic impact payments from the IRS in the upcoming weeks. For most Americans, this one-time direct payment will be delivered primarily through direct deposit into their bank account. Those who did not identify a bank account on their tax returns or who have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check will receive their economic impact payment in that manner.
Criminals have already begun deceiving taxpayers through unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages or other communications purporting to be from the IRS in attempts to steal these payments. Scammers are also trying to get taxpayers to sign their checks over to them through various means. Everyone receiving money from the government as a result of the COVID-19 economic impact payment is potentially at risk.
United States Attorney Joseph and Special Agent in Charge Dorsey offer the following information to help taxpayers understand how the COVID-19 related economic impact payments will be issued, as well as offer some helpful tips to taxpayers about possible scams and fraud:
- The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a paper check).
- The IRS will NOT CALL and ask you to verify your payment details. Do NOT give out your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information - even if someone claims it's necessary to get your check. IT'S A SCAM!
- If you receive a call, DO NOT engage with scammers or thieves, even if you want to tell them that you know it’s a scam or you think that you can beat them. Just HANG UP.
- If you receive texts or emails claiming you can get your money faster by sending personal or banking information or clicking on links, DELETE them. Do NOT click on any links in those emails or texts.
- Scammers may also emphasize the words “stimulus check” or “stimulus payment.” The official term is economic impact payment.
- There are no fees to receive payment. The government is not asking citizens to pay anything up front to receive an economic impact payment. If someone contacts you asking for any form of payment in order to receive an economic payment, please contact law enforcement.
- If you receive unexpected emails, text messages, or social media messages with attachments or website links, DELETE them. Do NOT click on, download, or open any of the above, as you may be opening malware on your electronic device that can help criminals steal your information.
- Reports are also circulating about bogus checks being distributed. If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a fraud. It will take the Department of Treasury a few weeks to mail the legitimate checks to taxpayers. If you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), a check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number, its’ a fraud.
To report a COVID-19 fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or send an email to https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, AUSA Seth Reeg, can be reached at: (318) 676-3600.
For more information, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
To find out more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
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.
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Lake Charles Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Damon Lechtenberg, 46, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay, for production of child pornography.
According to his guilty plea, Lechtenberg admitted to filming a minor female using hidden cameras that he had placed in the minor’s bedroom and bathroom. In December of 2019, authorities learned of Lechtenberg’s activities and obtained a search warrant. Law enforcement officers located multiple hidden cameras that had previously been hidden in the child’s bedroom and bathroom. Lechtenberg told officers that he placed the cameras in the bedroom and bathroom and filmed the minor while the minor was nude. A subsequent forensics review of the electronic devices seized from Lechtenberg revealed approximately 200 videos of the nude minor. Lechtenberg will remain in custody until sentencing.
At sentencing on July 16, 2020, Damon Lechtenberg faces up to 60 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the "Resources" tab on the left of the page.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
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.
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Department of Justice Makes $850 Million Available to Help Public Safety Agencies Address the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the Department of Justice is making $850 million available to help public safety agencies respond to the challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump, will allow eligible state, local and tribal governments to apply immediately for these critical funds. The department is moving quickly to make awards, with the goal of having funds available for drawdown within days of the award.
The State of Louisiana is eligible to apply for $9,688,333 to distribute throughout the state. In addition, law enforcement agencies in Louisiana that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for emergency funding. A complete list of eligible jurisdictions and their allocations can be found at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/fy20-cesf-allocations. The amount allocated for these Louisiana agencies is $5,039,792.
“Law enforcement officers and first responders are working harder than ever during this crisis and need our support,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program will provide them additional financial support as we battle the coronavirus pandemic. This funding will fund overtime and new hiring, buy personal protective equipment, provide training, pay for travel expenses, and address the medical needs of inmates in Louisiana’s jails and detention centers.”
“This is an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history and an especially dangerous one for our front-line law enforcement officers, corrections officials, and public safety professionals,” said Office of Justice Programs Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “We are grateful to the Congress for making these resources available and for the show of support this program represents.”
The solicitation, posted by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will remain open for at least 60 days and be extended as necessary. OJP will fund successful applicants as a top priority on a rolling basis as applications are received. Funds may be used to hire personnel, pay overtime costs, cover protective equipment and supplies, address correctional inmates’ medical needs and defray expenses related to the distribution of resources to hard-hit areas, among other activities. Grant funds may be applied retroactively to January 20, 2020, subject to federal supplanting rules.
For more information about the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-18553. For more information about the Office of Justice Programs, please visit https://www.ojp.gov/.
Attachments:
- BJA FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding State
- FY 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Allocations - State
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.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Launches Federal Task Force to Investigate and Prosecute COVID-19 Fraud and Hoarding of Critical Medical SuppliesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the evidence that fraud schemes are being developed around the country to exploit the coronavirus epidemic, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that he has formed a task force in the Western District of Louisiana to identify, investigate, prosecute, and dismantle fraud schemes designed to unlawfully profit from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Western District of Louisiana’s COVID-19 Fraud Task Force (Task Force) brings together multiple federal investigative agencies under the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to share and receive intelligence related to the scams being perpetrated on-line and in-person by individuals seeking to exploit the evolving public health crisis. The Task Force will then marshal the collective investigative power of our federal law enforcement agencies by forming joint investigative teams to work with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Task Force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg. The Task Force members include representatives from the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations/ Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Administration – Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Trade Commission, and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General.
“The public should know that my office remains fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be focusing on those who seek to unlawfully exploit others during this difficult time,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The last thing our community needs as we come together to fight this pandemic are certain individuals among us preying upon the fears of others for financial gain. Through the formation of this Task Force, federal prosecutors from my office will collaborate on a daily basis with investigators to identify, investigate, and aggressively prosecute those attempting to profit from this emergency. I want to thank all of the agencies and federal agents that are joining us in this effort – each of which brings considerable expertise to the fight.”
The Task Force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, focusing on those hoarding or price-gouging critical medical supplies and schemes designed to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those who may be more susceptible to the disease due to pre-existing health conditions. The Task Force will also prioritize schemes that have the potential to endanger public health and safety. AUSA Reeg will meet and confer with agency counterparts on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed.
Some examples of COVID-19 scams include:
- Unlawful Hoarding and Price-Gouging: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has designated certain health and medical resources necessary to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as “scarce,” including respirator masks, ventilators, and other medical protective equipment. These designated materials are subject to the hoarding prevention measures that trigger both criminal and civil remedies. Yesterday, U.S. Attorney Joseph sent a letter to area hospitals and medical providers requesting information regarding any known hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies.
- Testing Scams: Scammers are selling fake at-home test kits or going door-to-door performing fake tests for money.
- Treatment Scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
- Supply Scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
- Provider Scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
- Charity Scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
- Phishing Scams and Cyber Intrusions: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware, or providing personal identifying financial information. One form of malware being spread contains an interactive online map of coronavirus-infected areas purportedly produced by Johns Hopkins University. Once someone downloads this interactive map, the malware steals the user’s credentials, such as usernames, credit card numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information usually stored in internet browsers.
- App Scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
- Investment Scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
- $1,000 Check Scams: Scammers are contacting people over email and are telling them that their $1,000 check, as part of the stimulus package responding to COVID-19, is already waiting for them and that all they need to do is to provide personal information, such as bank account numbers and Social Security Numbers, which are the key pieces of information needed to perpetrate identity theft.
- Other scams include fraudsters claiming to work for the government or banks/credit cards and offering assistance for student loan relief, foreclosure or eviction relief, unemployment assistance, debt relief, and direct financial assistance, like government checks.
U.S. Attorney Joseph urges everyone, especially those most at risk of serious illness, to avoid these and similar scams by taking the following steps:
- Independently verify the identity of any company, charity, or individual that contacts you regarding COVID-19.
- Check the websites and email addresses offering information, products, or services related to COVID-19. Be aware that scammers often employ addresses that differ only slightly from those belonging to the entities they are impersonating. For example, they might use "cdc.com" or "cdc.org" instead of "cdc.gov."
- Be wary of unsolicited emails offering information, supplies, or treatment for COVID-19 or requesting your personal information for medical purposes. Legitimate health authorities will not contact the general public this way.
- Do not click on links or open email attachments from unknown or unverified sources. Doing so could download a virus onto your computer or device.
- Make sure the anti-malware and anti-virus software on your computer is operating and up to date.
- Ignore offers for a COVID-19 vaccine, cure, or treatment. Remember, if there is a medical breakthrough, you won’t hear about it for the first time through an email, online ad, or unsolicited sales pitch.
- Check online reviews of any company offering COVID-19 products or supplies. Avoid companies whose customers have complained about not receiving items.
- Research any charities or crowdfunding sites soliciting donations in connection with COVID- 19 before giving. Remember, an organization may not be legitimate even if it uses words like "CDC" or "government" in its name or has reputable looking seals or logos on its materials. For online resources on donating wisely, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website.
- Be wary of any business, charity, or individual requesting payments or donations in cash, by wire transfer, gift card, or through the mail. Don’t send money through any of these channels.
- Be cautious of "investment opportunities" tied to COVID-19, especially those based on claims that a small company’s products or services can help stop the virus. If you decide to invest, carefully research the investment beforehand. For information on how to avoid investment fraud, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website.
- For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
Leaders from the federal law enforcement agencies participating in the Task Force provided the following comments in support of the mission:
"Even through a worldwide pandemic, the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan A. Vorndran of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Special Agents and Analysts of the WDLA COVID-19 Task Force are committed to investigating all forms of COVID-19 fraud committed on Louisiana residents. Any company or individual who attempts to defraud our residents and steal their money during this national crisis will be investigated and brought to justice."
According to Joseph Cuffari, PhD., Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, “The theft of FEMA funds resulting from COVID-19 schemes or false claims result in losses not only to the U.S. Taxpayer, but also to the actual victims who needed those funds to recover. Working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General will continue our commitment to identify and aggressively investigate allegations of fraud. Theft of funds from DHS programs intended to help those in need will not be tolerated.”
“The FDA is fully committed to working with our federal partners to protect Americans from fraudulent and potentially dangerous medical products being marketed and distributed to Americans for the treatment or diagnosis of COVID-19. We will continue to take appropriate action to protect consumers from bad actors who take advantage of a crisis and place profits ahead of the public health,” said Judith A. McMeekin, Pharm.D., Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“Our HSI agents are deeply committed to the safety of the American public, whether it’s investigating and dismantling human trafficking operations or ensuring our medical communities are receiving legitimate medical equipment and supplies to combat the spread of Covid-19,” said New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles. “Those who would use this pandemic to defraud their neighbors, friends, and communities for their own financial gain – we will be looking for you and we will find you.”
“The VA Office of Inspector General is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the public funds and medical resources intended to treat all veterans, including those impacted by COVID-19, and is pleased to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other federal law enforcement agencies in establishing this partnership.” – James Ross, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General, South Central Field Office.
If you believe you have been a target or victim of a scam or fraud or have knowledge of any hoarding or price-gouging of critical medical supplies, you can report it without leaving your home, to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via email at https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combattingpricegouginghoarding.
The Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator, AUSA Seth Reeg, can be reached at: (318) 676-3600.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Nearly $60 Million in Grants Available to Support Prisoners' Successful Re-Entry into Their CommunitiesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.
“These funds are designed to assist those who have paid their debt to society successfully transition back into their communities,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I encourage organizations that are active in this effort to learn more about these grants and to apply.”
“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
- Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
- Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million Deadline 4/28/2020
- Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million Deadline 4/27/2020
- Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million Deadline 5/4/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million Deadline 5/5/2020
- Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection Deadline 4/10/2020
- Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million Deadline 5/4/2020
- Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million Deadline 4/28/2020
- Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/28/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces More Than $83 Million Available to Support School SafetyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.
“There is no more important cause than protecting our children from harm,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “These federal resources will give faculty, students, first responders and parents the tools to develop better safety measures and make Louisiana schools safer places for children to learn.”
“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.
A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:
- Research and Evaluation on School Safety
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million Deadline 4/13/2020
- STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20)
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million Deadline 4/13/2020
- Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million Deadline 4/27/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces More Than $65 Million Available to Fight Human Trafficking and Help Trafficking VictimsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.
“Combatting human trafficking is a top priority of my office,” U.S. Attorney Joseph said. “These federal funds will provide critical resources needed to fight human trafficking and to assist those who have been victimized by this terrible crime. I encourage state and local victim services organizations and non-profit groups to apply for these grants.”
“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.
A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.
- Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available: $1.8 million Deadline: 4/6/2020 (Extended)
- Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million Deadline 4/20/2020
- Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $2 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $6 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
- Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million Opens week of 3/16/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
In November 2019, U.S. Attorney Joseph announced the launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which is led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, and is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, along with local non-governmental victim services organizations, including civic, faith-based, and social services organizations.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces More Than $163 Million Available to Fight Addiction CrisisRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.
“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “I encourage organizations and groups in Louisiana to explore these federal funding opportunities. We must all continue to look for new ways to fight this epidemic.”
“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.”
The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:
- Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million Deadline 5/14/2020
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million Deadline 5/21/2020
- Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims
https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million Deadline: 5/4/2020
- Family Drug Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2 million Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)
- Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1 Deadline 5/5/2020
- Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)
- Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million Deadline 4/13/2020
- Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million Deadline 4/20/2020
- Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime
https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million Deadline 4/20/2020
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners
https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million Deadline 4/6/2020
For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Urges the Public to Report Suspected Fraud Related to the COVID-19 OutbreakRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana today urged the public to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or to the NCDF e-mail address [email protected].
In coordination with law enforcement agencies, United States Attorney General William Barr has directed U.S. Attorneys to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Coronavirus fraud schemes.
The NCDF Hotline can receive and enter complaints into a centralized system that can be accessed by all U.S. Attorneys, as well as Justice Department litigating and law enforcement components, to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud schemes. The NCDF coordinates complaints with 16 additional federal law enforcement agencies, as well as state Attorneys General and local authorities.
“During this time of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 outbreak, my first and foremost obligation is to maintain law and order and ensure the safety and security of Louisiana‘s citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “While the vast majority of us are acting as a community to focus on our collective health, there are scammers and fraudsters out there using fear and misinformation to target the most vulnerable among us. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to detecting, investigating, and prosecuting those who use this pandemic to illegally profit. Make no mistake: this type of behavior will be aggressively prosecuted by my office. If anyone suspects fraud or has been victimized in this way, I urge you to report it to the NCDF hotline.”
Some examples of these schemes include:
- Individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud;
- Phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
- Malicious websites and apps that appear to share Coronavirus-related information to gain and lock access to your devices until payment is received;
- Seeking donations fraudulently for illegitimate or non-existent charitable organizations; and
- Medical providers obtaining patient information for COVID-19 testing and then using that information to fraudulently bill for other tests and procedures.
In a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys issued March 19, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen also directed each U.S. Attorney to appoint a Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator to serve as the legal counsel for the federal judicial district on matters relating to the Coronavirus, direct the prosecution of Coronavirus-related crimes, and to conduct outreach and awareness activities. U.S. Attorney Joseph has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg to be the Western District of Louisiana Coronavirus Fraud Coordinator. AUSA Reeg can be reached through the main number at the U.S. Attorney’s Office – (318) 676-3600.
To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana serves 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes.
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