Western District of Louisiana

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.

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.
• 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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

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, 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.

 

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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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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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, 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.

 

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.

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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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.

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.

 

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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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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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, 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – In response to the rapidly changing situation surrounding the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana is continuing operations, while working to mitigate risks to individual employees and the general public.

“My office and our federal law enforcement partners are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The public should rest assured that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains open and is working on a daily basis with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect the public and ensure critical law enforcement operations continue without interruption. I am grateful to our attorneys and staff, as well as our law enforcement partners, for their unwavering dedication and commitment during this time.”

“Unfortunately, in troublesome times there are some in our society who try to take advantage of people with schemes designed to defraud them out of their money,” said Joseph. “People should be aware that there are now fraudsters selling false “cures” for COVID-19. The public should get information related to this coronavirus from reputable sources, such as the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to avoid falling victim to scams. I would also ask that anyone who believes they have been targeted in any scam to report it to a law enforcement agency at the earliest opportunity.”

You can also learn more about coronavirus scams here: ftc.gov/coronavirus.

The public should continue to monitor the bulletins from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the fight against COVID-19. 

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SHREVEPORT, La. – Following a four-day trial on Thursday, March 12, 2020, a federal jury in Shreveport convicted Christopher M.K. Dumas, 29, of Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, and related firearms crimes for his participation in five gunpoint robberies in Shreveport and one in Marshall, Texas, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

The evidence at trial established that between March 17, 2017 and April 15, 2017, Dumas robbed at gunpoint, a Metro PCS store, H&S Grocery and Liquor, Inc., Werner Park Grocery, and Rodeway Inn & Suites, all located in Shreveport, and a Boost Mobile store in Marshall, Texas.

“The jury’s verdict holds this defendant responsible for his crime spree that terrorized his victims and the communities in which he operated,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets. I would like to thank the prosecutors in my office for a job well done and the law enforcement officers for their hard work investigating this case.”  

On March 17, 2017, and March 20, 2017, Dumas entered a Metro PCS store waving a .38 Colt Army revolver, demanding the money from the register and safe. He told one employee to put the money in the bag or he would shoot him in the leg. On March 17, Dumas left with $2,568 and on March 20, with $400. Dumas held-up an H&S Grocery and Liquor clerk at gunpoint on March 30, 3017, and told the clerk “give me all the money or I’ll shoot you.” The clerk gave Dumas all of the cash ($400) in the register.

On April 1, 2017, after having met with his parole officer earlier that morning, Dumas traveled to Marshall, Texas, where he robbed a Boost Mobile store. Dumas entered the store, leaped over the sales counter and pointed a.38 Colt revolver at the store clerk, demanding cash from the register. A neighboring business owner heard the store clerk scream and came to aid her. Dumas shot the business owner hitting him twice in the chest and then fled from the scene. A silver Nissan Versa with a dent on the driver’s side door was seen in the area before, during, and after the robbery and was captured on the surveillance cameras of the Greenwood Police Department traveling back to Shreveport.

On April 4, 2017, Dumas and his co-defendant Stafford King, robbed Werner Park Grocery at gunpoint. King put the revolver against the head of a store clerk and told the clerk to give him money. Dumas pointed his gun at another clerk’s head while also demanding money. Both defendants ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money and got into a silver car with a dent on the left side. On April 15, 2017, Dumas pointed a gun at a Rodeway Inn employee and demanded the money from the register. The clerk complied with Dumas’ demands and Dumas got away with $554. On March 20 and April 15, Dumas was also seen getting into a silver car with damage on the left side. Each robbery was captured by video surveillance.

Later on April 25, 2017, a Shreveport police officer saw the silver Nissan Versa matching the description from the robberies and pulled it over after a traffic violation. King was driving and Dumas was in the passenger seat. Law enforcement officers recovered hoodies, bandanas, and gloves from the car that matched descriptions from the robberies. Police also located 9 millimeter ammunition, consistent with a TEC-9 semi-automatic pistol used in the Werner Park and Rodeway Inn robberies and three other weapons from the Nissan Versa.

Dumas, a previously convicted felon, was on state parole for simple burglary and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon at the time of the robberies. He was released on parole in January 2017 and started robbing in March.

Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the trial and set Christopher Dumas’ sentencing for July 22, 2020. Dumas faces 20 years in prison on each Hobbs Act robbery conviction and ten years imprisonment for being a felon in possession of ammunition. In addition, Dumas faces a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment for the armed robberies involving a TEC-9, and a mandatory, minimum of seven years imprisonment for the three remaining armed robbery convictions. Each conviction for using a weapon during a crime of violence carries with it a possibility of up to life in prison. Dumas also faces three to five years of supervised release for the various counts of conviction and a $250,000 fine. 

Dumas’ co-defendant, Stafford King, pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019, to one violation each of the Hobbs Act and using of a firearm during a crime of violence. King’s sentencing is set for April 9, 2020. King has prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm with an obliterated number, possession of marijuana, illegal possession of stolen things and attempted battery.  

The FBI, ATF, Shreveport Police Department, Marshall, Texas Police Department, and Greenwood Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Leon H. Whitten are prosecuting 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.

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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SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – This week, United States Attorney David C. Joseph hosted the Western District of Louisiana’s first Department of Justice sponsored Law Enforcement Forum on March 10, 2020, in Shreveport, and March 12, 2020, in Lafayette, focusing on terror threat analyses, legal updates, training in federal criminal law and procedure, and information pertaining to resources and assistance available to Louisiana’s federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from the United States Attorney’s Office.

Approximately 171 state, local and federal officers representing law enforcement agencies from across Louisiana attended. Speakers and panelists included United States Attorney David C. Joseph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Western District of Louisiana, and law enforcement agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (HSI). The open-forum question and answer session panel of federal law enforcement agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys was moderated by Alan Alkire, the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Western District. 

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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MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Donnie Laing Jr., 39, of Youngsville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on Monday, March 9, 2020, to wire fraud in connection with a million dollar Ponzi scheme that he orchestrated through his limited liability company, Capital Energy Investments, LLC (“Capital”).

According to court documents, from April 2018 through November 2018, Laing operated a Ponzi scheme through Capital, a company that he used to set up a business bank account and solicit money from the victims of his scheme. Laing represented himself to be the owner of a legitimate business, Capital, that purchased and rented out oil and gas equipment – promising investors high rates of return on their investments. Investors believed that Capital would use their money to invest in oil and gas equipment, and then lease such equipment to companies engaged in oil and gas exploration activities for a profit.  Instead, Laing used the victims’ investments for his own purposes.

Throughout the scheme, Laing submitted false proposals and contracts to his victims to persuade them to invest their money with Capital. He also used funds from new investors to make payments to previous investors under the guise that the payments represented legitimate profits and returns on the victims’ investments. These payments allowed the defendant to avoid detection and obtain additional funds from his victims. Laing also used his relationship with a former business associate living in northeast Louisiana to solicit money from investors.  Throughout the course of the scheme, Laing defrauded multiple investors and received nine investor payments during the period from April 25, 2018 to October 29, 2018, totaling $1,215,530.

U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided over the hearing and set sentencing for July 27, 2020. Laing faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of approximately $2.4 million.

The FBI is investigating the case. United States Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper are prosecuting the case.

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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Kirbyjon H. Caldwell, senior pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection to his role in a multimillion-dollar investment scheme. His codefendant, Gregory A. Smith, a Shreveport investment advisor, pled guilty on July 23, 2019, to the same charge.

“These defendants used their positions as religious leaders and investment advisors to defraud Louisiana residents – many of whom are elderly and retired,” stated U.S. Attorney Joseph. “In doing so, the defendants abused the trust and respect of their victims for the sole purpose of stealing their money. This type of deceit can be devastating for victims, especially when life savings are lost. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who use confidence schemes to prey upon the elderly and people of faith.”

According to information presented in court, Caldwell and Smith conspired to use their influence and status to persuade multiple victims to “invest” approximately $3.5 million with them. The victims’ investments were purportedly in historical Chinese bonds, which are bonds issued by the former Republic of China prior to losing power to the Communist government in 1949. These bonds are not recognized by China’s current government and, accordingly, have no investment value.

Smith began approaching existing clients and acquaintances in the spring of 2013 about what he described as an opportunity to invest in historical Chinese bonds. His usual sales pitch to investors was that Caldwell was (1) putting the bond deal together on behalf of investors, (2) had the bonds in his possession or was obtaining them, and (3) was brokering a deal to sell the bonds. Smith also promised that by investing money with him and Caldwell, the victims would obtain a partial ownership of the bonds and would quickly receive exponential returns on their investments. The victims were not told of the true nature of the bonds nor were they informed that no previous investor had ever obtained the promised return on an investment. The victims were encouraged to cash out any other investments they might have if they could not otherwise afford to participate.

After Smith made the fraudulent pitch, the victims were instructed to wire funds to various bank accounts under Caldwell’s control. In 2013 and 2014, approximately $3.5 million was “invested.” The funds were divided between Caldwell, Smith, and others. Caldwell used the approximately $900,000 that he received to pay down personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards, and maintain his lifestyle. Smith received $1.08 million. He used this money to pay down loans, purchase two luxury sport utility vehicles, place a down payment on a vacation property, and maintain his lifestyle. After time passed and investors began to question why they had not received the promised returns, Caldwell and Smith offered excuses, defended the legitimacy of the deals, and assured victim-investors that they would receive the promised returns.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Caldwell faces between five and seven years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Caldwell, who has already made partial restitution to the victims, has agreed to pay the remaining balance, $1,951,478.00, before sentencing.

Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided at the hearing and set Caldwell’s sentencing for July 22, 2020. Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for May 4, 2020.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and C. Mignonne Griffing are prosecuting the case.

This case was included in the Justice Department’s largest-ever nationwide elder fraud sweep in 2019, which included hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. A list of Elder Fraud cases by the Department of Justice is provided on this interactive map. 

The recently launched National Elder Fraud Hotline provides services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be 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 will provide 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.

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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LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted.

SENTENCING – TORY DARBY MONTGOMERY

LAFAYETTE, La. - On March 3, Tory Darby Montgomery, 23, of Youngsville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Lafayette Police Department responded to a complaint on June 21, 2018, of two males walking with a firearm in the Louisiana Avenue area. The officers located two males who matched the description provided by the complaint and made contact with them. One male ran from the officers, but Montgomery stayed and cooperated. Montgomery acknowledged that he had a loaded Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum in his waistband. Montgomery is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In July 2015, he was convicted in the 15th Judicial District Court of simple burglary and accessory after the fact, simple burglary. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Lafayette Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – DERRICK CURRY

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Derrick Wayne Curry, 50, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. On July 12, 2018, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Curry on a bicycle violating traffic laws by traveling down a street against the flow of oncoming traffic, and without a functioning rear light. When the deputies attempted to make contact with him, Curry jumped off of his bike and started to run, while throwing an object in the air that he had pulled from his waistband. When the deputies caught up to Curry, they found him wearing a black nylon gun holster attached to his belt, and found a Taurus, Model: PT-92 AF, 9 mm-caliber pistol, loaded with 16 rounds of 9 mm bullets, 10 feet from where he was taken into custody. Curry is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In May 1990, he was convicted of armed robbery. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – JMARREON D. MACK

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jmarreon D. Mack, 38, of Monroe, was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mack was found guilty on November 14, 2019, following a two-day jury trial in Monroe. Evidence presented during trial revealed that an officer with Louisiana State Police initiated a stop of Mack’s vehicle on April 12, 2018, for a traffic violation. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he smelled marijuana coming from inside. During a search of the vehicle, the trooper and an officer with the Monroe Police Department found a Glock .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. In addition to the firearm, officers also found approximately 23.5 grams of marijuana in a bag on the front driver’s seat, a marijuana cigar, a marijuana grinder, and a digital scale. The gun that Mack possessed had been reported stolen. Jmarreon Mack has prior felony convictions in Ouachita Parish for possession of cocaine (2005 and 2014), attempted distribution of cocaine (2005), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2008). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Louisiana State Police, Monroe Police Department, Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rayville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby Cooper and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – JACOB STAGGS

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Jacob Staggs, 38, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. West Monroe Police Department officers encountered Staggs during a traffic stop on April 24, 2019. Staggs was the passenger in the vehicle. During the course of the traffic stop, the officers discovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .380 pistol located in the back right pocket of Staggs’ pants. Officers also found a pill bottle containing Etizolam, Buprenorphine, Acetyl Fentanyl, Fentanyl, Tramadol, ANPP, Carisoprodol, and Tapentadol in Staggs’ front left pants pocket. Staggs is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. He has previous felony convictions for possession of Methamphetamine, possession of Diazepam, possession of Methadone, and resisting an officer with force of violence (December 2018). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and West Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.   

SENTENCING – WILLIE JAMES COOK

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Willie James Cook, 29, of Monroe, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. On August 29, 2018, officers with the Monroe Police Department executed a search warrant at an apartment on Dixie Avenue. During that search, officers discovered a loaded Springfield Armory .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun inside Cook’s backpack in a bedroom where he had been staying. Cook is a convicted felon and prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Cook’s prior felony convictions in the 4th Judicial District Court include simple battery (2010 and 2016), possession of cocaine (2015), domestic abuse battery (2015), and resisting an officer (2016). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

SENTENCING – BRANDON HARRIS

MONROE, La. - On March 4, Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, was sentenced to seven and a half years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, which will run concurrent to Harris’ parole violation pending in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. On the evening of July 14, 2018, Harris broke into Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana and stole seven guns. Federal law prohibits Harris from ever possessing a firearm because of his status as a convicted felon. He has multiple felony convictions in Morehouse Parish including: the manufacture and possession of a bomb (2005), possession of methamphetamine (2009), simple burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2014). This case is a joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018 break-in and firearm theft. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty presided at the sentencing hearing.

GUILTY PLEA – MANUEL KING

LAFAYETTE, La. – On March 5, Manuel King, 30, of Lafayette, pled guilty to three counts of carjacking. 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.  He 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 is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 18, 2020. For each count, King faces up to 15 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. 

GUILTY PLEA – CASEY BERLIN

ALEXANDRIA, La. - On March 5, Casey Berlin, 36, of Alexandria, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During an investigation for a residential burglary, Alexandria Police Department officers identified Berlin as a suspect and arrested him on March 22, 2019. During the arrest, officers found a Ruger carbine .22 caliber rifle propped against a kitchen cabinet. Berlin told officers that someone gave him the rifle to hold as collateral for a debt owed. As a convicted felon, Berlin was aware that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He was previously convicted of possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substance in September 2016. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy is prosecuting the case. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the hearing and set sentencing for June 22, 2020. Berlin faces up to 10 years in federal custody, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

The firearms cases were brought as 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.

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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SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph announced the signing of an agreement with DeSoto Parish to improve access to all aspects of civic life for persons with disabilities. The agreement is part of the Department of Justice’s Project Civic Access (PCA), a wide-ranging effort to ensure that parishes/counties, cities, towns, and villages comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by working to eliminate barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from participating fully in community and civic life.

DeSoto Parish has worked cooperatively with the Department of Justice and, in signing the settlement, has made significant progress in meeting ADA requirements. Under the settlement agreement, DeSoto Parish will remove barriers to accessibility in buildings, such as government office buildings providing services to its citizens, courthouses, sheriff’s offices, and detention centers. The agreement also requires DeSoto Parish to:

• make physical modifications of facilities to improve accessibility, such as accessible parking, accessible routes into and through the facilities, accessible restrooms, and the provision of services at alternate, accessible locations;
   
• train staff regarding the requirements of the ADA and appropriate ways of ensuring program access;
   
• ensure effective communication to individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing or blind or have low vision; and
   
• post and publish the identity and functions of the Parish ADA Coordinator, as well as the Parish’s ADA Grievance Procedure Policy.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana stands firm in its commitment to advance the goals of equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “Our office will continue to support the rights of individuals with disabilities to access civic life.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen J. King handled the case. For more information about the ADA, the agreement and the PCA initiative, individuals may access the ADA web page at: www.ada.gov/civicac.htm or call the toll-free ADA Information Line at: 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TTY).

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LAKE CHARLES, La. – Ezequiel Vega-Solano, a 22-year old Mexican national, previously residing in Foley, Alabama, pleaded guilty today to illegal alien transportation, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. Vega-Solano, originally from Sonora, Mexico, was in the United States as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.

On June 26, 2019, Vega-Solano was transporting three illegal aliens on Interstate 10 near Lake Charles when a Louisiana State trooper pulled his vehicle over for a traffic violation. The trooper contacted U.S. Border Patrol in Lake Charles for assistance with the three passengers in the vehicle. When Border Patrol agents arrived, they spoke with Vega-Solano, the driver of the vehicle, who claimed that he and the passengers had traveled to Houston to attend an event.

Border Patrol agents determined that the three passengers in the vehicle were in the United States illegally and arrested Vega-Solano for alien smuggling. Vega-Solano later admitted to the agents that he was aware the passengers were in the United States illegally. He had agreed to transport two of them from Houston back to Foley for $1,500.

Ivan Velasquez-Lopez, one of the passengers in the vehicle, had traveled with Vega-Solano from Foley to Houston. Velasquez-Lopez, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. on August 15, 2019, to re-entering the United States after previously being removed on three occasions. The other two passengers had no prior immigration history and were taken into custody for further immigration proceedings. 

Judge Cain presided over the hearing today and scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2020. Vega-Solano faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. On June 27, 2019, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a notice terminating Vega-Solano’s DACA status.

United States Border Patrol and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the 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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LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of two Project Safe Childhood cases last week, each separately noted.

SENTENCING – JOHN MICHAEL WARD

Westlake Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

 Ward was the former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that John Michael Ward, 45, of Westlake, Louisiana, 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. U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. sentenced Ward to 30 years for each count, to run consecutively, and a lifetime term of court supervision.

According to information presented to the court, Ward, the former pastor of Bellview Baptist Church in Westlake, sexually abused a minor female for two years, and on two occasions, coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of capturing sexually explicit videos of the minor. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

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.

SENTENCING – JAMES GAHARAN

Former LeGrange High School Teacher Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that James Gaharan, 56, of Laker Charles, was sentenced on February 19, 2020, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 97 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Following his imprisonment, Gaharan will be supervised by the United States Probation Office for 10 years and will be required to register with the state sex offender registry in any state in which he lives or works. Gaharan pleaded guilty on September 18, 2019.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) received a complaint that Gaharan, a school teacher at LeGrange High School, was having a sexual relationship with a student. After an interview with Gaharan, CPSO obtained a court approved search warrant of his residence. When officers arrived at Gaharan’s residence, they discovered a program running on his computer which was in the process of wiping the hard drive clean. At that point the wipe was 96% complete. Officers also found a jump drive in Gaharan’s book satchel. A subsequent forensic examination of the jump drive revealed over 1,500 child pornography images of mainly young, prepubescent children. Gaharan had downloaded these images from the internet.

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

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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.

Attorney General William P. Barr and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon announced on February 20, 2020, that the DEA will direct enforcement resources to methamphetamine “transportation hubs” — areas where methamphetamine is often trafficked in bulk and then distributed across the country. While continuing to focus on stopping drugs being smuggled across the border, DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield will ramp up enforcement to block their further distribution into America’s neighborhoods.

DEA has identified eight major methamphetamine transportation hubs where these efforts will be concentrated: Atlanta, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Phoenix, and St. Louis. Together, these DEA Field Divisions accounted for more than 75 percent of methamphetamine seized in the U.S. in 2019.

“While meth is not a new drug, it has seen a troubling resurgence over the past few years,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Manufactured mostly in Mexican labs and smuggled into the United States across the southwest border, meth is a drug that is both cheap and potent, creating a deadly combination. Just as the Trump Administration has acted swiftly to stem the tide of opioid fatalities, it will use every weapon in its arsenal – such as the DEA’s Operation Crystal Shield - to stop dangerous methamphetamine from reaching American neighborhoods and harming American families.”

“Illegal drugs are wreaking havoc on our communities. Finding and prosecuting those who sell this poison is a priority of my office,” said David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners each day to disrupt drug trafficking networks, imprison their participants, and forfeit any proceeds to the United States.  Make no mistake, crystal methamphetamine is a grave threat to the well-being of our citizens.”

Operation Crystal Shield builds on existing DEA initiatives that target major drug trafficking networks, including the Mexican cartels that are responsible for the overwhelming majority of methamphetamine trafficked into and within the United States. From FY 2017 to FY 2019, DEA domestic seizures of methamphetamine increased 127 percent from 49,507 pounds to 112,146 pounds. During the same time frame, the number of DEA arrests related to methamphetamine rose nearly twenty percent.

“For decades, methamphetamine has been a leading cause of violence and addiction – a drug threat that has never gone away,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon. “With a 22 percent increase in methamphetamine-related overdose deaths, now is the time to act, and DEA is leading the way with a surge of interdiction efforts and resources, targeting regional transportation hubs throughout the United States. By reducing the supply of meth, we reduce the violence, addiction, and death it spreads.”

DEA New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Methamphetamine destroys lives and is one of the primary drivers of violence across the nation, including here in our four-state region. Operation Crystal Shield will build on DEA’s ongoing efforts to hold meth dealers accountable. We will continue to seize their profits, shut down their distribution networks, and put dealers where they belong – behind bars. By continuing to target local distribution networks in this transportation hub, DEA and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners are working to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life for the citizens in our area and beyond.”

The DEA New Orleans Field Division, which covers Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas, is seeing a significant increase in the amount of methamphetamine seized, up 58 percent in the last year.

Virtually all methamphetamine in the United States comes through major ports of entry along the Southwest Border and is transported by tractor trailers and personal vehicles along the nation’s highways to major transfer centers around the country. It is often found in poly-drug loads, alongside cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.

Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, and www.dea.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.           

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SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected over $44 million in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. Of this amount, $24,561,613.58 was collected in civil actions, and $3,554,319.45 was collected in criminal actions handled solely by the Western District.

The office also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $16,094,499.63 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Collections included $16,088,679.32 in civil actions and $5,820.31 in criminal actions.

The Financial Litigation Unit (FLU) of the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $1,210,112.31 through garnishment actions filed by the FLU and $456,477.07 through the Treasury Offset Program, which allows for the offset of funds payable by the United States to certain delinquent debts owed to the United States.

Overall, the Justice Department collected a total of just over $9.3 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.     

“The $44 million collected by our office is a credit to the outstanding work performed by our attorneys and staff, each of whom are deeply committed to finding and collecting monies owed to the United States and crime victims,” Joseph stated. “We look forward to continuing our work to recover any and all money owed to taxpayers and to those whose lives have been impacted by crime. 

FY 2019 Collections Highlights

Evangeline Enterprises LLC of Carencro, Louisiana, a racehorse training-center operator, agreed to pay $300,000 in October 2018 in civil penalties to settle Clean Water Act claims filed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). The settlement resolved claims by EPA and LDEQ that Evangeline illegally discharged process wastewater, contaminated with horse manure, urine, and other biological materials, from its facility into the Vermilion River and its tributary Francois Coulee, in violation of the Clean Water Act and the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/carencro-race-horse-training-center-owner-will-pay-civil-penalties-and-perform

In January 2019, Sunoco Pipeline L.P. agreed to pay the United States $5 million in federal civil penalties, resulting from a joint federal-state Clean Water Act (CWA) enforcement action filed in the Western District of Louisiana, to resolve alleged CWA violations stemming from three crude oil spills in 2013, 2014, and 2015 in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/sunoco-pipeline-lp-pay-more-54m-and-take-oil-spill-prevention-steps-settle-claims

In May 2019, Morrison & Dickson Company, LLC, the largest privately owned wholesale pharmaceutical distributor in the United States and the fourth largest in the country, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States in which Morris & Dickson agreed to pay $22 million in civil penalties to resolve claims that it violated the Controlled Substances Act. The claims against Morris & Dickson arose from a Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control investigation into Morris & Dickson’s failure to report suspicious orders of hydrocodone and oxycodone. DEA Diversion agents identified more than 12,000 allegedly suspicious retail pharmacy orders that should have been reported since January 2014.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/us-attorney-david-c-joseph-announces-settlement-louisiana-drug-distributor-resolving

In September 2019, Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and its related companies, and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College agreed to pay $531,241.74 in damages to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act and other laws while operating University Health Hospital in Shreveport. The Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and LSU were alleged to have sought and obtained payment from Medicare for procedures that required reporting to a qualified registry.  The procedures that they failed to report involved implantable automatic defibrillators, which are electronic devices designed to detect and treat life-threatening tachyarrhythmias. This settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act.

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/qui-tam-lawsuit-and-federal-investigation-results-half-million-dollar-settlement

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is charged with enforcing federal criminal laws and representing the federal government in civil litigation. The Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office covers 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and includes the cities of Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles, and Monroe. The office is composed of approximately 40 Assistant U.S. Attorneys and approximately 41 staff members at offices in Shreveport and Lafayette.  

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ALEXANDRIA, SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted.

SENTENCING – ALBERT MICKLUS III

Multi-Convicted Felon from Boyce Sentenced to Over Eight Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Albert Micklus III, 31, of Boyce, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 100 months in federal prison and one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty on November 6, 2019, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

During the execution of an arrest warrant on April 24, 2018, officers with the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force found Micklus hidden in a camper and in possession of a Smith & Wesson M&P 5.56mm AR-15 rifle that he admitted to stealing during a home invasion.

Prior to his arrest on April 24, 2018, Micklus’ criminal history included felony convictions for attempted entry of an inhabited dwelling and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (2009), simple burglary and criminal conspiracy (2012), and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (2017). At the time of his arrest, he had outstanding state arrest warrants for attempted first degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, home invasion, aggravated cruelty to animals, domestic abuse battery, and second degree battery.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshal’s Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – DANIEL ELLSWORTH

Felon Sent Back to Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Daniel Lee Ellsworth, 29, of Alexandria, was sentenced on February 11, 2020, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 32 months in prison and one year of supervised release, after pleading guilty on October 21, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On September 11, 2018, parole officers went to Ellsworth’s residence to conduct a compliance check. Ellsworth was on state probation at the time for a felony conviction in Rapides Parish for attempted possession of a firearm by a felon. While there, officers found a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun in his bedroom. Ellsworth is a multiple-time convicted felon, and admitted that he knew his status as a convicted felon prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition. There is no parole in the federal system.

Daniel Ellsworth has prior felony convictions in Rapides Parish for simple burglary (2009), possession of marijuana (2015), attempted possession of a firearm by a felon (2015), and drug paraphernalia (2018). He also has a prior felony conviction in Calcasieu Parish for illegal use of a weapon (2013). 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 Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections’ Division of Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.  Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – RONALD LOUIS HALL JR.

Alexandria Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firearms and Drug Offenses

ALEXANDRIA – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald Louis Hall Jr., 29, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 10 years in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone. Judge Drell also sentenced Hall to three years of supervised release following his release from prison. Hall pled guilty to these charges on November 14, 2019.

On January 6, 2019, while traveling in Rapides Parish, a Louisiana State trooper initiated a stop of Hall’s vehicle for two traffic violations. As the officer approached the vehicle to make contact with Hall, he encountered the smell of burnt marijuana. Hall admitted to smoking marijuana earlier and consented to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers found a 9mm extended magazine containing 16 rounds of ammunition in the glove compartment. Officers later discovered a hidden compartment in the vehicle that held five plastic cellophane bags containing 452 Oxycodone pills, a powerful opioid.

Hall has prior felony narcotics convictions in Rapides Parish for possession of marijuana second offense (2013) and third offense (2015), and possession with intent to distribute cocaine (2014). It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

The FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.

GUILTY PLEA – WILLIS ELMER LACOUR

 Alexandria Man Admits to Distributing Methamphetamine

ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Willis Elmer Lacour, 39, entered a guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to information presented to the court, Lacour was known to law enforcement as a multi-convicted drug felon who was distributing methamphetamine in and around Central Louisiana. On December 4, 2019, agents with the FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force arrested Lacour for distribution of approximately 460 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, officers found $1,851 in Lacour’s pocket and $5,640 in the glove compartment of the vehicle he was driving. Lacour claimed ownership of the cash found in the glove compartment and admitted to distributing the methamphetamine.

Lacour faces up to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine at his sentencing on May 15, 2020.

The FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Crawford is prosecuting the case.

GUILTY PLEA – KENTRELL DEMARCIA TURNER

 Armed Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty in Federal Court

SHREVEPORT, La. – A Shreveport resident pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced.

Kentrell Demarcia Turner, 28, pleaded guilty on February 12, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

During routine patrol on February 23, 2018, a Shreveport Police officer detected the smell of marijuana coming from a parked vehicle. As the officer approached the vehicle, Turner exited and stood near the open driver’s side door. Once out of the vehicle, officers could see a large plastic bag containing marijuana on the center console and a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol on the driver’s side floorboard. The pistol was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. Officers also discovered $3,509 in Turner’s left front pocket. After Turner was transported to the Shreveport City Jail, he attempted to remove powder cocaine that he had hidden on his body. An inventory of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of cocaine rocks found on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat.

Turner has prior felony convictions from 2011 and 2012 in Caddo Parish for possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess firearms or ammunition.

Judge Hicks scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2020, at which time Turner faces up to 20 years in prison for the cocaine charge, and five years in prison for the firearm charge.   

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

# # #

The firearms cases were brought as 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.

The firearms cases are also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.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.

ALEXANDRIA, La. – A former Valex Federal Credit Union loan officer and assistant manager was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for bank fraud, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.

U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell also ordered Cynthia J. Feazell, 49, of Montgomery, Louisiana, to pay $221,426.44 in restitution to Valex Federal Credit Union’s insurer, CUNA Mutual – CUMIS Insurance (CUMIS). According to court documents, Feazell worked as a loan officer and assistant manager at Valex Federal Credit Union (Valex) in Rapides Parish from 1997 to 2016. The defendant decided to purchase a mobile home in 2015 and obtained loan funds from Valex. She did not qualify for the loan, so she transferred three vehicle loans taken out in her name to her mother’s name in order to lower her debt-to-equity ratio so that it would appear she qualified for the loan. Additionally, Feazell authorized loans for her ex-husband, even though she knew he did not meet the Valex credit requirements. Feazell admitted at her guilty plea on September 10, 2019, that she falsified documents to accomplish the scheme and was aware her actions were fraudulent.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the 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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Holden Matthews, de 22 años, se declaró culpable hoy en el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana de prender fuego intencionalmente a tres iglesias bautistas por motivo del carácter religioso de esos edificios. En concreto, Matthews se declaró culpable ante tres cargos de vulneración de la ley de Prevención de Incendios Provocados en Iglesias, Sección 247(a)(1) del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU. —un cargo por cada iglesia— y un cargo de uso de incendio para la comisión de un delito federal, lo que contraviene la Sección 844(h) del Título 18 del Código de los EE. UU. Los incendios, que Matthews provocó a lo largo de un período de diez días entre marzo y abril del 2019, destrozaron completamente a cada una de las iglesias.

En la audiencia en la que se declaró culpable, Matthews admitió que entre el 26 de marzo y el 4 de abril, provocó incendios intencionalmente en tres iglesias bautistas, cuyas congregaciones son mayoritariamente afroestadounidenses, en la zona de Opelousas, Luisiana. Primero, el 26 de marzo del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en a la Iglesia Bautista St. Mary en Port Barre, Luisiana. Luego, el 2 de abril del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en la Iglesia Bautista Greater Union en Opelousas, Luisiana. Finalmente, el 4 de abril del 2019, Matthews provocó un incendio en la Iglesia Bautista Mount Pleasant en Opelousas, Luisiana. Los incendios que Matthews provocó destrozaron cada una de las iglesias. Matthews admitió que provocó los incendios por el carácter religioso de los edificios, en un intento de realzar su imagen como músico de «black metal» al copiar delitos similares que cometidos en Noruega en los años 90. Más aún, Matthews admitió que, tras prender el tercer fuego, había colgado fotografías y vídeos en Facebook que mostraban las primeras dos iglesias quemándose. Matthews admitió que había tomado esos vídeos y fotografías en tiempo real en su celular mientras se quedó viendo las iglesias quemarse y que los había colgado en Facebook en un intento de realzar su imagen en la comunidad de black metal.

«El Departamento de Justicia se mantiene firme en su compromiso a proteger el derecho al culto sin amenazas de discriminación o violencia», afirmó el Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles, Eric Dreiband. «Matthews admitió que prendió fuego a las tres iglesias por motivo de su carácter religioso. Su conducta desgraciada vulneró los derechos civiles de los feligreses de la iglesia y dañó a sus comunidades».

«Hoy, el acusado se ha hecho responsable de la quema y destrucción de nuestras tres iglesias», dijo David C. Joseph, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana. «La libertad de culto y reunión segura en nuestras iglesias es un derecho fundamental de todo estadounidense, y mi oficina y nuestras agencias asociadas del orden público lo defenderemos enérgicamente. Quisiera dar las gracias a la Agencia de Control de Bebidas Alcohólicas, Tabaco, Armas de Fuego y Explosivos (ATF, por sus siglas en inglés), el Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés), la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry, los Bomberos de la Parroquia de St. Landry, el Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Fiscal General de Luisiana, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana y el Jefe de Bomberos del Estados de Florida por su trabajo intenso y colaboración continua en este caso».

«Holden Matthews tomó una decisión consciente de elegir como objetivo y destrozar iglesias dentro de su propia comunidad. Sus acciones atroces infligieron dolores y angustias graves en aquellas congregaciones, así como en toda la Parroquia de St. Landry», declaró Bryan Vorndran, el Agente Especial Encargado del FBI en la Oficina Local de Nueva Orleans. «A lo largo de esta investigación, los hombres y las mujeres del FBI, la ATF, la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Oficina del Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Fiscalía de Distrito para la Parroquia de St. Landry, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana, la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Fiscal General de Luisiana Jeff Landry y la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Florida trabajaron sin tregua para llevar a Holden Matthews ante la justicia».

«Una parte vital de nuestra misión es la protección de las comunidades», comentó el Agente Especial Encargados de la ATF Kurt Thielhorn. «La ATF seguirá aportando sus recursos y experiencia a la investigación de incendios provocados en lugares de culto, los que amenazan el bienestar de nuestras comunidades. Quiero dar las gracias a todas nuestras agencias del orden público por haberse esforzado tanto en garantizar que se haga justicia».

Matthews será condenado el 22 de mayo del 2020. Se enfrenta a una pena mínima de diez años de cárcel y una pena máxima legal de 70 años de cárcel.

Este caso fue investigado por el Equipo Nacional de Respuesta de la ATF; la Oficina Satélite en Lafayette de la División Local de la ATF de Nueva Orleans; la Agencia Residente en Lafayette de la Oficina Local del FBI en Nueva Orleans; la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Luisiana, la Policía Estatal de Luisiana; la Unidad de Delitos Cibernéticos del Estado de Luisiana; los Bomberos de la Parroquía de St. Landry; y la Oficina Sheriff de la Parroquia de St. Landry. El Fiscal Federal John Luke Walker, de la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Occidental de Luisiana, y la Abogada de Litigios Risa Berkower, de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia son responsables del enjuiciamiento del caso.

Para más información sobre el trabajo del Departamento de Justicia por combatir y prevenir los delitos de odio, vaya a www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: es un portal único con enlaces a recursos del Departamento de Justicia relacionados con delitos de odio para la policía, los medios de comunicación, investigadores, víctimas, grupos de apoyo, y otras organizaciones y personas.

LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Lafayette to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings. Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act—one count for each church—as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. The fires, which Matthews set over a ten-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. United States District Court Judge Robert R. Summerhays presided over the hearing. 

At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area. First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana. Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana. Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning.  Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.

“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners.  I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”

“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”

“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities.  I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”

“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish. Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.” 

Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team, the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division, the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, the Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, the St. Landry Parish Fire Department, and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals. 

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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.

Holden Matthews, 22, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Louisiana to intentionally setting fire to three Baptist churches because of the religious character of those buildings.  Specifically, Matthews pleaded guilty to three counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act, 18 U.S.C. § 247(a)(1) — one count for each church — as well as one count of using fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(h).  The fires, which Matthews set over a 10-day period in March and April of 2019, completely destroyed each of the church buildings. 

At the plea hearing, Matthews admitted that, between March 26 and April 4, 2019, he intentionally set fire to three Baptist churches with predominantly African-American congregations in the Opelousas, Louisiana area.  First, on March 26, 2019, Matthews set fire to St. Mary Baptist Church in Port Barre, Louisiana.  Next, on April 2, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Greater Union Baptist Church, in Opelousas, Louisiana.  Then, on April 4, 2019, Matthews set fire to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. The fires Matthews set destroyed each of the church buildings. Matthews admitted to setting the fires because of the religious character of these buildings, in an effort to raise his profile as a “Black Metal” musician by copying similar crimes committed in Norway in the 1990s. Matthews further admitted that, after setting the third fire, he posted photographs and videos on Facebook that showed the first two churches burning.  Matthews admitted that he had taken these photographs and videos in real time on his cell phone, as he watched those churches burn, and that he had posted them to Facebook in an effort to promote himself in the Black Metal community.

“The Department of Justice will remain unwavering in its protection of the freedom to practice religion without the threat of discrimination or violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “Matthews admitted to setting fire to three churches because of their religious character. His disgraceful conduct violated the civil rights of the church’s parishioners and harmed their communities.”

“Today, the defendant has taken responsibility for the burning and destruction of three of our churches,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana. “The freedom to safely congregate and worship in our churches is a fundamental right of all Americans and will be vigorously protected by my office and our law enforcement partners.  I want to thank the ATF, FBI, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish Fire Department, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, Louisiana Attorney General’s Cybercrime Unit, Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for their hard work and seamless collaboration on this case.”

“Holden Matthews made a conscious decision to randomly target and destroy churches within his own community. His atrocious actions inflicted severe pain and grief upon these congregations, as well as all of St. Landry Parish,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.  “Throughout this investigation, the men and women of the FBI, ATF, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, and the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office worked tirelessly to bring Holden Matthews to justice.” 

“Protecting our communities is a vital part of our mission,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “ATF will continue to provide expertise and resources to investigate arson at houses of worship which threaten the well-being of our communities. I would like to thank all of our law enforcement partners for working tirelessly to ensure justice will be served.”

Matthews will be sentenced on May 22, 2020.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a statutory maximum sentence of 70 years in prison.

This case was investigated by the ATF’s National Response Team; the Lafayette Satellite Office of the ATF’s New Orleans Field Division; the Lafayette Resident Agency of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office; the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal; the Louisiana State Police; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit; the St. Landry Parish Fire Department; and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Risa Berkower of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

For more information about the Department of Justice’s work to combat and prevent hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes: a one-stop portal with links to Department of Justice hate crimes resources for law enforcement, media, researchers, victims, advocacy groups, and other organizations and individuals. 

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Angelo Demario Young, 30, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty on February 3, 2020, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to documents filed with the court, on June 11, 2019, Angelo Young recorded a video of himself and posted it to social media showing him firing numerous rounds of ammunition from a Glock .357 pistol into a paper target at a shooting range in Shreveport. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Young’s three prior felony convictions in Caddo Parish for illegal possession of a stolen firearm (2009), possession with intent to distribute narcotics (2015), and possession of a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon (2017), prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Angelo Young will be sentenced by Judge Hicks on June 10, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten is prosecuting the case.

This case is 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.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.

 

LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Dexter Nash, 34, of Lake Charles, was sentenced February 6, 2020, by U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr., to 24 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, to run consecutively. Judge Cain also sentenced Dexter Nash to three years of supervised release following his release from prison. Nash pled guilty to these charges on October 24, 2019.

According to information presented to the court, on May 4, 2017, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies stopped Nash’s vehicle for a traffic violation and discovered that he was in possession of 35 grams of cocaine and $3,865 in cash. Officers secured a court approved search warrant of Nash’s residence and found an AK-47 rifle loaded with two 30 round magazines and a safe containing $2,461 in cash, a money counter, and an electronic hand mixer containing white powdery residue on the end. They also found a black backpack containing two digital scales, the key to the safe, a box of sandwich sized plastic bags, and several individually wrapped bags of powder cocaine totaling 192 grams.

Dexter Nash admitted to possessing between 200 and 300 grams of cocaine that he intended to distribute and that he intentionally possessed the AK-47 to use to advance his cocaine trafficking.

The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen prosecuted the case.

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Laterreon Daron Morrison, 23, of Bossier City, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on February 4, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Morrison was involved in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Hearne Avenue and Hilry Huckaby Avenue in Shreveport on May 1, 2018. Officers responded to the area, fell in behind Morrison’s vehicle and activated the patrol car’s emergency lights and sirens. Morrison stopped in the middle of the lane, exited the vehicle, and attempted to flee on foot when officers tried to conduct a pat down. Morrison was apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter and was taken into custody. Officers recovered a Zastava 7.62X39mm caliber pistol from Morrison’s vehicle.

Morrison was a convicted felon at the time of this incident, having previously been convicted of aggravated battery in Bossier Parish in 2014.  Felons are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Laterreon Morrison will be sentenced by Judge Foote on June 12, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.

This case is 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. To learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.justice.gov/psn.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.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.