Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lengthy Prison Sentences Handed Down to Three Monroe Residents for Illegal Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – A federal judge has sentenced a 37-year old Monroe resident to 42 years in prison following his convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and phencyclidine (PCP), announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph. Thomas J.M. Goodin, 37, was convicted on July 19, 2019, following a four-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty.
Also sentenced were co-conspirators Meko R. Walker, 37, and Brittany S. Gix, 31, both of Monroe, who were convicted on July 19, 2019 following trial, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Doughty sentenced Meko Walker to 12 years in prison, and Brittany Gix to 10 years in prison.
Judge Doughty handed down the sentences for Goodin and Walker on November 6, 2019, and sentenced Gix today.
Testimony presented during the trial showed that Goodin traveled to California on October 4, 2017, and shipped approximately one pound of pure methamphetamine inside of a gift-wrapped present to Gix. Agents intercepted the package at a Fed Ex processing center in Monroe and conducted a controlled delivery of the package to Gix’s home. After Gix received the package, Walker arrived at the home to pick it up and left with the methamphetamine. At that point, the Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish arrested Walker and Gix.
In a second incident on November 30, 2017, a Louisiana State Trooper pulled over Goodin’s vehicle, bearing California license plates, in West Monroe on Interstate 20 traveling eastbound. After a K-9 alerted on the vehicle, the trooper searched it and found additional gift-wrapped presents containing two drink bottles filled with liquid determined to be 92.8 grams of pure PCP and a candle containing a plastic bag determined to be 343.1 grams of pure methamphetamine. During the traffic stop, Goodin attempted to conceal his identity by providing a driver’s license belonging to another individual.
Due to Goodin’s prior serious drug convictions of distribution of cocaine and possession of PCP with intent to distribute, the career offender provision of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines allowed the court to sentence Goodin to an enhanced sentence. Goodin has been a suspect in multiple homicide and armed robbery investigations.
The DEA, Metro Narcotics Unit of Ouachita Parish, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike O’Mara and Brandon B. Brown, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Anderson Thompson, of Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Office, Criminal Division, prosecuted the case.
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Four Convicted Felons Receive Federal Prison Sentences This Week for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Minden Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing 10 Firearms
SHREVEPORT - Alvia D. Martin, 62, of Minden, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 24 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies visited Martin’s home to investigate the whereabouts of an armed robbery suspect. His wife let them in, and while there, deputies observed a .22-caliber rifle in the corner of the living room. Deputies questioned Martin and he said there were more firearms in the bedroom. A search of the bedroom uncovered four revolvers, three pistols, an additional rifle, a shotgun and ammunition. In total, deputies found 10 firearms and approximately 1,500 rounds of ammunition. Martin is a felon who was convicted of two counts of possession of illegal drugs on July 11, 2014.
The ATF and Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
Rayville Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Firearm Offenses
MONROE - Aaron Mitchell Adcock, 42, of Rayville, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to two years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, to run consecutively. Judge Doughty also sentenced Adcock to three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents received a complaint that Adcock was in possession of a large amount of drugs. Agents executed a search warrant at a house in Monroe on December 18, 2018, and found 139 pounds of marijuana, a pistol, three shotguns and 10 rifles. Most of the firearms were loaded and within close proximity to the marijuana. The drugs were recovered from various rooms within the residence and inside of more than 100 heat-sealed bags. They also recovered $701, a digital scale, documentation from a website that sells marijuana seeds, a suspected drug ledger, large amounts of 5.56-caliber ammunition, .223-caliber ammunition and a Louisiana driver’s license issued to Adcock. Agents also found a commercial lease agreement for property in Maine that identified Adcock as tenant, which stated that Adcock shall use the property for “subleasing to state licensed medical marijuana caregivers.”
The DEA and Monroe Metro Narcotics conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Natchitoches Felon Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm
ALEXANDRIA – Dustin James Aguillard, 29, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 47 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on August 12, 2018, Glenmora police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Aguillard. During the course of the traffic stop, Aguillard consented to a search of the vehicle and informed the officer that his sister’s firearm was underneath the passenger seat. The officer found a Taurus pistol and ammunition underneath the passenger seat. Aguillard is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of simple burglary in November 2016, and knew that as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing the Taurus pistol and ammunition.
The ATF and Glenmora Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
Alexandria Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Pistol and Firing it in Neighborhood
ALEXANDRIA - Kerrian Andre Elie, 30, of Alexandria, was sentenced November 6, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 92 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, officers with the Alexandria Police Department responded to a shots-fired call from Elie’s uncle on March 25, 2018, who told police that Elie had shot at him and his girlfriend. After arriving at the scene, officers found two 9 mm shell casings on the street in front of the residence and a black 9 mm H&K pistol, Model P30SK, under the house by the carport door. After further investigation, officers learned that Elie had been involved in an argument with a family member. The relative later returned and resumed the argument with Elie. During that time, Elie entered the home and returned with a firearm. As his family members were leaving, Elie threatened to shoot them and fired the gun into the air.
Elie is a felon who has multiple convictions for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances on February 2, 2011, and for simple burglary on October 14, 2011, and February 18, 2011.
The ATF and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted 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.
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Delhi Farmer Sentenced for Lying to Various Business and Government Entities to Steal Nearly $18 MillionRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – A Delhi, Louisiana, farmer was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, for lying to more than seven financial institutions, insurance providers and government entities in an effort to obtain over $18 million illegally, announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph.
U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty also ordered Thomas A. Dickerson to pay $18,048,304.71 in restitution to the victims for the money he stole during the course of the scheme. Dickerson pled guilty on July 15, 2019.
According to court documents and information provided to the court, Dickerson was a Franklin Parish Louisiana farmer who, during the 2015 crop year, used at least 13 farming entities he was either a part of or was the sole owner of to certify farming acreage in Catahoula, Franklin, Tensas, Richland, Madison and Morehouse parishes in Louisiana, as well as Ashley, Chicot and Drew Counties in Arkansas. He applied for crop production and grain storage loans from AG Resource Management, farm operating loans from various FDIC insured banking entities, credit from seed and chemical dealers such as Greenpoint AG, LLC and Jimmy Sanders Seed, advances on contracts with Kennedy Rice Dryers, insurance policies and claims from Producers Agriculture Insurance Company and CGB Insurance Company, and several marketing assistance loans from the Commodity Credit Corporation. Dickerson lied on many of these applications in order to obtain loans and other compensation by overstating or understating the amount of crops produced or claiming crops as collateral when he’d already sold the crops or didn’t possess them.
“The sentence imposed today should serve as a warning to those who engage in fraudulent practices and schemes,” U.S. Attorney Joseph stated. “Mr. Dickerson’s conduct in this case caused significant financial loss to victims throughout northeast Louisiana. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in the Western District of Louisiana.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Launch of Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task ForceRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today the creation and launch of the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, which held its first meeting this morning. The task force, formulated and led by the United States Attorney’s Office and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Members of the task force will work collectively to identify, investigate and prosecute criminals using a victim-centered approach, provide victims/survivors with assistance, offer training to law enforcement and service providers, and increase public awareness about human trafficking throughout northwest Louisiana. The task force will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Coordinator, Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell, and will meet monthly to share information, coordinate investigations, and discuss potential matters and active cases in preparation of prosecution.
The Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force consists of representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal’s Service, U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Louisiana State Police, Bossier/Webster Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Marshal’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, and Shreveport Police Department.
Additionally, the task force will work in collaboration with numerous non-governmental victim advocate organizations, such as Purchased: Not for Sale, Caddo Parish Juvenile Services, The Center for Children and Families, Department of Children & Family Services, FREE Coalition, Gingerbread House – Bossier, The Hub, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, and Volunteers for Youth Justice CASA Program. Task force meetings tailored for the non-governmental organizations will be hosted quarterly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Human trafficking is a crime that involves the systematic abuse of individual rights, freedom, and human dignity,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “This task force will coordinate multiple entities and agencies, and help our citizens effectively battle this evil in northwest Louisiana. I want to thank our partners in this effort who have committed their resources to protect victims, prevent human trafficking, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers who exploit their victims for financial gain.”
“While we live in a good community, we know that this does go on. Most of these victims have no hope or means to get out of these situations,” said Louisiana Sheriff’s Association President, Bossier Parish Sheriff Julian Whittington. “Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of the federal, state and local efforts to combat human trafficking.”
“Investigating human trafficking is a national priority of the FBI and we continue to take a proactive approach to identify human traffickers involved with the exploitation of adults and children alike,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran. “Through this effort we are committed to providing victims the resources they need to improve their situation and continue to bring human traffickers to justice.”
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll free phone number, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English and Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support. The National Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking, and will facilitate sharing that information with the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force. Through information received by the National Hotline, law enforcement authorities can connect investigations that span jurisdictions across the country.
To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit: www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit: www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
For more information about the Northwest Louisiana Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact AUSA Earl Campbell or Victim Coordinator Vicki Chance at 318-676-3600.
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Man from Ville Platte Sentenced for Killing Endangered Whooping CraneRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst sentenced Gilvin P. Aucoin Jr., 53, of Ville Platte Louisiana, to two years of probation, during which time he must complete 120 hours of community service related to environmental conservation and complete a hunter’s education course for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by shooting a whooping crane. Also, as part of the sentence, Aucoin’s hunting and fishing privileges have been suspended for the period of his probation.
According to information presented in court, Aucoin shot at and killed a whooping crane, an endangered species, in Evangeline Parish on July 24, 2018. Aucoin saw the bird while working on a farm and shot at the bird multiple times using his rifle with an attached scope. He ultimately killed the whooping crane, leaving the bird where it fell.
“Whooping crane poaching is an offense that will be investigated thoroughly by my office and law enforcement agents,” stated U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Many state and federal resources have been dedicated to ensuring the survival and stability of the whooping crane population in Louisiana, which is an endangered species and a valuable part of our ecosystem. Those who kill or attempt to kill a whooping crane in the Western District of Louisiana will pay the consequences.”
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited Aucoin for the illegal shooting of the whooping crane on July 26, 2018.
The United States Fish & Wildlife Service and LDWF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
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Shreveport Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Fraudulent Check Cashing Scheme Resulting in Theft of Nearly $400,000Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Carlos A. Spann, 42, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced October 29, 2019, to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a fraudulent check-cashing scheme resulting in the theft of nearly $400,000. Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. also ordered Spann to pay $399,723.04 in restitution to Tower Loan and Walmart Global Investigations. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Judge Hicks sentenced Spann to five years of supervised release following his release.
At the conclusion of a four-day trial, Carlos A. Spann was found guilty by a federal jury on February 7, 2019, of one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Evidence admitted at trial showed that Carlos A. Spann, Phelix K. Williams, 29, Anthony E. Johnson, 24, both of Shreveport, and others, conspired to cash counterfeit checks using fraudulent identities at banks and retail establishments throughout Louisiana. Spann provided his co-conspirators with altered overlays for identification cards along with counterfeit checks drawn on Tower Loan’s bank account, and counterfeit checks drawn on a United States Postal Service bank account. Each of them were captured by surveillance video cameras using altered identification cards to cash the counterfeit checks. During the conspiracy, they negotiated more than 100 counterfeit checks.
Spann has a two-decade long history of committing white collar fraud crimes, including nine prior convictions of offenses such as counterfeiting and credit card fraud. At sentencing, additional evidence was presented of Spann’s attempts to obstruct justice by procuring affidavits containing false statements, tampering with lawfully issued subpoenas, and discussing trial testimony with prospective witnesses.
“This offender made a career out of defrauding the people and businesses of Louisiana out of their hard-earned money,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The 20-year sentence handed down in this case should send a clear message to others that might consider engaging in this type of criminal activity. I want to thank the prosecutors from my office, the U.S. Secret Service, the Shreveport Police Department, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in uncovering this fraud and bringing this matter to justice.”
“This case exemplifies how important partnerships between Federal and local law enforcement successfully bring criminals like Spann, Williams and Johnson to justice,” said Tara McLeese, Resident Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service’s Baton Rouge Office. “Special thanks to the talented prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana whose tireless efforts have ensured the public is now protected from financial fraud perpetrated by these individuals.”
Williams pleaded guilty on February 4, 2019, the morning his trial was scheduled to begin, to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, 13 counts of bank fraud and two counts of wire fraud. Judge Hicks sentenced Williams on June 10, 2019, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised, and also ordered him to pay $399,723.04 in restitution. Johnson pleaded guilty on January 17, 2019, to one count of conspiracy and two counts of bank fraud. Johnson’s sentencing date of May 1, 2019 was upset and has yet to be rescheduled.
The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport Police Department, and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Encourages Citizens to Participate in DEA's 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on Saturday, October 26, 2019, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., DEA will hold its 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event is free of charge, no questions asked, and gives the public an opportunity to dispose of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications at collection sites operated by local law enforcement agencies and community partners across the country and here in the Western District of Louisiana.
For the first time, DEA will now accept vaping devices and cartridges at any of its drop off locations during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. It is important to note that DEA cannot accept devices containing lithium ion batteries. If batteries cannot be removed prior to drop-off, DEA encourages individuals to consult with stores that recycle lithium ion batteries.
Concerns have been raised across the United States over illnesses and death caused by vaping and the high youth vaping initiation rates. In an effort to support a healthy lifestyle and energetic population, especially amongst America’s youth, DEA is committed to doing all it can to help safely dispose of vaping devices and substances.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses because of these drugs, and studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.
“I am pleased to partner with DEA in supporting this event, and I encourage the public to do their part,” stated Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Please take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of these dangerous substances and keep them away from those who would abuse them or children who might accidentally take them. Let’s all do our part to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic.”
“Prescription drugs often end up in the wrong hands, feeding an epidemic that kills more Americans than car accidents. DEA’s Take Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unused and unwanted prescription medications. This year, we are taking it a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.
As a result of the past 17 National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, DEA, in conjunction with its state, local and tribal law enforcement partners, has removed nearly 12 million pounds (more than 5,900 tons) of medications from circulation. Last April alone, DEA collected nearly 940,000 pounds (or 469 tons) of prescription drugs, more than twice the weight of the Statute of Liberty – with 6,824 pounds coming from Louisiana.
Collection sites throughout the Western District of Louisiana can be found at: www.DEATakeBack.com where you can search by zip code and city or call 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.) Some collection sites include the following:
Shreveport
- Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Safety Town, 8910 Jewella Ave.
Lafayette
- Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Complex, 1805 W. Willow St.
Alexandria
- Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Police Department, Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Dr.
- Louisiana State Police, Troop D, 805 Main Street
- Westlake Police Department, 2405 Guillory Street
Monroe
- Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, 400 St. John St.
- Monroe Police Department, 700 Wood St.
- West Monroe Police Department, 2301 North 7th Street
- Louisiana State Police, Troop F, 1240 Louisiana 594
For more information about the harms of youth vaping, please visit: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts/vaping-what-you-should-know. Parents and children are also encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting the following websites: www.dea.gov, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com, and www.campusdrugprevention.gov.
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Florida Man, Texas Woman Sentenced for Making and Passing Counterfeit $100 Bills in Shreveport AreaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Edward Christopher Deyoung, 46, of Crestview, Florida, and Antonia Esperanza Hernandez, 39, of Amarillo, Texas, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to serve two years in prison each for conspiring to make, possess and pass counterfeit currency. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
In March of 2019, Deyoung and Hernandez were arrested by Shreveport police following an investigation into a counterfeiting operation in the Shreveport/Bossier area. Prior to their arrest officers identified two individuals who were using counterfeit $100 bills to make purchases at a Shreveport gas station. The individuals told police that they obtained the counterfeit cash from a man and a woman staying at a hotel in Shreveport. On March 12, 2019, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Deyoung and Hernandez were staying, and found $4,000 in counterfeit bills, a fake identification with Deyoung’s picture, laptops, cellphones, paper cutters, a computer printer, and other items used to make counterfeit currency. Officers also recovered $600 from local merchants in connection with Deyoung’s and Hernandez’s counterfeiting operation. During their guilty plea hearing on July 2, 2019, the defendants admitted to manufacturing the counterfeit bills.
The U.S. Secret Service, Shreveport/Caddo Parish White Collar Crimes Task Force and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
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Department of Justice Awards More Than $85.3 Million in Grants to Address School ViolenceRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/ALEXANDRIA/LAFAYETTE/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE - On October 21, 2019, the Department of Justice announced that it awarded more than $85.3 million to bolster school security—including funding to educate and train students and faculty—and support first responders who arrive on the scene of a school shooting or other violent incident.
“These federal resources will help to prevent school violence and give our students the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “By training faculty, students and first responders, and by improving school security measures, we can make schools and their communities safer.”
“There is no more important cause than protecting our children from harm,” stated Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “These grants will give Winn Parish School Board and Caddo Parish School Board the tools to develop better safety measures to help prevent violence in their schools. I want to thank the Department of Justice for making these grants available to provide Louisiana schools with the resources to better identify threats, train crisis teams, and put reporting systems in place. School should always be a safe place for children to learn.”
Winn Parish School Board received $150,000 under Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) STOP School Violence Technology and Threat Assessment Solutions for Safer Schools Program. Under BJA’s STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, Caddo Parish School Board received $250,000. The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement received an additional $500,000.
President Trump signed the STOP School Violence Act into law in March 2018, authorizing grants that are designed to improve threat assessments, train students and faculty to provide tips and leads, and prepare law enforcement officers and emergency professionals to respond to school shootings and other violent incidents. The grant programs are managed by OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services manage the programs and administer the grants, which include funds to:
- Develop school threat assessment teams and pursue technological solutions to improve reporting of suspicious activity in and around schools;
- Implement or improve school safety measures, including coordination with law enforcement, as well as the use of metal detectors, locks, lighting and other deterrent measures;
- Train law enforcement to help deter student violence against others and themselves;
- Improve notification to first responders through implementation of technology that expedites emergency notifications;
- Develop and operate anonymous reporting systems to encourage safe reporting of potential school threats;
- Train school officials to intervene when mentally ill individuals threaten school safety; and
- Provide training and technical assistance to schools and other awardees in helping implement these programs.
For more details about these individual award programs, as well as listings of individual 2019 awardees, visit https://go.usa.gov/xVJuV
About the Office of Justice Programs:
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 justice system. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services:
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 130,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.# # #
Bastrop Man Facing Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment on October 9, 2019, charging Brandon Keith Harris, 32, of Bastrop, Louisiana, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee, U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph announced. This indictment stems from the joint federal and local investigation into the July 14, 2018, firearm theft from Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana.
According to the indictment, Harris, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of unlawfully possessing six pistols and a rifle on July 14, 2018. The indictment also alleges that the firearms were stolen from a licensed firearms dealer. Under federal law, it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.
If convicted, Harris faces up to 10 years in prison and fines for each offense, and a period of supervised release following confinement.
The ATF, Bastrop Police Department, and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Shannon is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Port Barre Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Cory Shane Disotell, 48, of Port Barre, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays today and pled guilty to transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to facts presented during today’s plea, Disotell devised a plan to coerce a 15-year old Port Barre minor to leave school and run away with him. On March 28, 2019, the defendant traveled to the school where the minor was a student and convinced the child to leave with him. He then transported her to Mississippi, and thereafter to Durango, Colorado, where he was apprehended after an extensive nationwide manhunt. At the time of his arrest, the defendant admitted he took the child from Port Barre, Louisiana, to Mississippi, and ultimately to Durango, Colorado, engaging in sexual acts along the way.
At sentencing Disotell faces 10 years to life in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, a fine of up to $250,000, and forfeiture of a Braztech S41118 .410 caliber shotgun seized at the time of his arrest in Colorado. Judge Summerhays set sentencing for January 10, 2020.
The FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, Port Barre Police Department, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, and Durango, Colorado Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie are 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Former Jefferson Parish Justice of the Peace Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Corruption and Financial FraudRead the Press Release
Shreveport, New Orleans, Lafayette, La. – Today, Patrick Hale Dejean, former Justice of the Peace for the Second Justice Court of Jefferson Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to three years in federal prison for committing 13 counts of mail fraud and three counts of making false statements to a bank, announced United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, David C. Joseph. Judge Lemmon also ordered Dejean to serve a three-year term of supervised release following confinement and to pay $73,046.49 in restitution. On February 27, 2019, after a 7-day trial, Patrick Dejean was found guilty by a federal jury in New Orleans for using his position to illegally obtain wage garnishments and loans.
During Dejean’s trial, the government proved that from May 2009 through August 2016, Dejean diverted money from a Second Justice Court bank account for his personal use and made false statements to a bank to improperly borrow money on behalf of the court, which he later spent on himself.
At trial, jurors heard evidence that Dejean systematically abused the Second Justice Court’s garnishment procedures to defraud creditors and debtors with business before the court. As a Justice of the Peace, Dejean judged small claims civil cases for creditors seeking payment from customers who were behind in their payments. If a judgment was obtained by the creditor, Dejean issued garnishment judgments instructing employers of the debtors to send wage garnishments directly to the Second Justice Court.
Evidence showed that Dejean improperly used this process to enrich himself by failing to forward the proper amounts of the wage garnishments collected to the creditors and instead spent the money on himself, primarily to gamble at local casinos. In order to facilitate his scheme, Dejean would continue to garnish the wages on unsuspecting debtors after they had already paid the amount owed under the judgment.
The jury also found that Dejean lied on bank applications in 2012 and 2013 to influence First Bank and Trust to lend over $50,000 to the Second Justice Court. Dejean applied for bank loans on behalf of the court despite knowing that the court was prohibited by Louisiana law from borrowing money. Rather than using the loan proceeds for expenses related to the court, Dejean gambled with the money and otherwise used it for personal expenses.
“The sentence today holds the defendant responsible for the crimes he committed as a Louisiana elected official,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “In this case, Justice of the Peace Dejean targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our society and stole their hard earned wages, defrauded banks, and abused the trust placed in him by the public. This prison sentence should serve as a warning to other Louisiana public officials who may intend to use elected office to line their own pockets. Public corruption will not be tolerated in Louisiana.”
“The sentence handed down today should send a message to all public officials who engage in illegal and corrupt practices that they will be held accountable for their conduct,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans Field Division Bryan A. Vorndran. “Patrick Dejean misused his office and a position of trust for his own personal benefit. The FBI New Orleans Field Office stands with our federal, state, and local partners and prosecutors to declare our commitment to vigorously investigate and prosecute corruption at all levels.”
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana because the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana was recused from the case.
The FBI, Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Metropolitan Crime Commission, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Inspector General’s Office conducted the investigation. U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Progress in Making Our Communities Safer Through Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: Two years ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the department’s violent crime reduction strategy. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.
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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Throughout the past two years, the department’s United States Attorneys have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. According to FBI’s 2018 Uniform Crime Report released last week, the violent crime rate decreased for the second consecutive year, down 3.9 percent from the 2017 numbers. The 2018 statistics show the estimated rate of violent crime was 368.9 offenses per 100,000 inhabitants.
“The revitalized Project Safe Neighborhoods program is a major success,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “It packs a powerful punch by combining advanced data with local leadership, further reducing violence in communities across the country and improving overall public safety. U.S. Attorneys continue to focus their enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals and work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal police. The Justice Department’s relationships across the board have never been stronger.”
“My number one priority remains aggressively prosecuting violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana through the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph. “PSN is a proven strategy that works when federal, state and local law enforcement partners come together to identify and prioritize prosecution of the most violent criminals in our neighborhoods — holding them accountable for their crimes and preventing future criminal conduct. We will not allow a culture of violence to deprive honest, hardworking Louisianans of the freedoms and opportunities we cherish as Americans. I want to thank the prosecutors from my office and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication over the past year to make our communities safer.”
Throughout the past year, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana has continued to make good on its promise to prioritize reducing violent crime through the implementation of PSN throughout the district. Monthly meetings are being held with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and violent crime task forces from the five metropolitan cities within the district, consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers as well as state prosecutors. Directly as a result of this collaboration, teamwork, and shared intelligence and resources, approximately three times the number of firearm and violent crime offenses were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as compared to prior years.
Enforcement Actions
Some of the more notable cases charged in the Western District of Louisiana under this initiative are as follows:
- On August 27, 2019, DeMarcus D. Morris, ring leader of the “Block Boyz” gang, was sentenced to over 33 years in prison and each of the other members were sentenced to substantial prison time. The “Block Boyz” was a notorious street gang that long terrorized Shreveport neighborhoods using the west side of the Queensborough neighborhood as their base of operations. On October 3, 2018, following a two-week trial, five gang members were convicted of RICO and other offenses. The remaining defendants pleaded guilty. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/block-boyz-gang-leader-and-last-two-members-sentenced-serve-time-federal-prison
- On August 1, 2019, Lakendria Nicole Goings and David Ray Johnson were convicted by a federal jury in Monroe, Louisiana, for an armed bank robbery spree involving three financial institutions and multiple firearms violations. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/federal-jury-convicts-northeast-louisiana-couple-armed-bank-robbery-spree
- Just last week, Ivory Carl Myers was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the armed robbery of a shift manager at a Bossier City Burger King. Myles took the money after threatening to kill the manager and forced the victim at gunpoint to leave the Burger King with him. On the way to Houston, Texas, he sexually assaulted his victim on two occasions. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/armed-robber-sentenced-30-years-federal-prison
- Demarcus Jontue Scales, a violent repeat offender in Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced last week to 44 months in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm. The 44-month sentence will run consecutively with his 15-year state court sentence for murder. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/six-convicted-felons-receive-federal-prison-sentences-week-illegally-possessing
- On March 18, 2019, seven-time convicted felon, Anthony Joseph Meaux, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Meaux’s previous convictions include simple burglary, simple robbery, and drug-related offenses. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla/pr/seven-time-convicted-felon-sentenced-25-years-prison-possession-firearm
Improvements to Community Safety
The U.S. Attorney’s consistent engagement and collaboration with law enforcement and the commitment of substantial resources by our partners at the federal, state, and local levels have proven effective in reducing violent crime. FBI data shows that violent crime rates dropped in the Western District of Louisiana even more than the national average of 3.9 percent. Specifically, 2018 saw violent crime drop 38% in Monroe, 14% in Shreveport, 9% in Lake Charles, and 5% in Lafayette. Violent crime in the major metropolitan cities in the Western District of Louisiana decreased from 4,997 events in 2017 to 4,206 events in 2018. This resulted in 791 fewer victims of violent crime in the Western District of Louisiana.
These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as 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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Six Convicted Felons Receive Federal Prison Sentences This Week for Illegally Possessing Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, ALEXANDRIA, MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced the resolution of several cases this week, all of which are separately noted, that were brought pursuant to the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Duson Man Sentenced
LAFAYETTE - Donavon Henry, 30, of Duson, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Henry pleaded guilty on June 26, 2019.
On May 25, 2018, Henry was at a scene on Elm Street where Crowley police officers responded to a call. Henry ran when the officers arrived. Witnesses observed Henry discard a firearm under a house near the location where he was ultimately apprehended. A Ruger, Model LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered. Henry admitted to ATF agents that he possessed the firearm and discarded it when he ran from the police.
Donavon Henry’s prior felony convictions in state court include possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, aggravated second degree battery, and illegal carrying of a weapon.
The ATF and Crowley Police Department conducted the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
Two Lafayette Men Sentenced
LAFAYETTE – Alexander Kou Chou, 37, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 90 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Chou pleaded guilty on July 10, 2019.
On October 18, 2018, Lafayette police officers pulled over a motorcycle that had been reported stolen and identified the man riding the motorcycle as Alexander Kou Chou. During his arrest, Chou admitted to officers that he had a firearm in his waistband, which was identified as a loaded Sig Sauer, Model P220, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. After the firearm was discovered, an officer found an array of drugs and an electronic scale in Chou’s jacket. The drugs consisted of approximately 28 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine and 10 grams of methamphetamine. Chou admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs in his possession.
Alexander Chou’s prior felony convictions in state court include possession of methamphetamine and simple burglary.
The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
LAFAYETTE – Bryce Chapman, 28, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced September 30 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Chapman pleaded guilty on July 10, 2019.
On November 18, 2018, Rayne Police officers responded to a report of two men unconscious in a car at a local gas station. Chapman was identified as the driver and was arrested after officers found him in possession of a Rossi .38 special caliber revolver. Bryce Chapman has a prior felony conviction in state court for vehicular homicide.
The ATF and Rayne Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
Carencro Man Sentenced
LAFAYETTE, La. – Kaylon Rideaux, 24, of Carencro, Louisiana, was sentenced October 1 by Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 70 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Rideaux pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.
On October 24, 2017, Carencro police officers arrived at a residence in Carencro to execute an arrest warrant on Rideaux unrelated to this event. Rideaux informed the officers that he had a firearm in his possession. An RG Model 23, .22 caliber revolver and four rounds of ammunition was recovered. Kaylon Rideaux has a prior felony conviction in state court for simple robbery and was aware at the time of his arrest that he was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The ATF and Carencro Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.
Alexandria Man Sentenced
ALEXANDRIA – Demarcus Jontue Scales, 34, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced October 1 by Senior U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 44 months in prison for felon in possession of a firearm, which will run consecutively with his 15-year sentence imposed by the state for murder. Judge Drell also ordered Scales to three years of supervised release following his federal prison confinement. Scales pleaded guilty on June 25, 2019.
On January 30, 2018, an Alexandria police officer was on patrol looking for two suspects related to an armed robbery that had occurred earlier that day. Officers noticed a male walking approximately one block from the location of the robbery who matched the description of one of the robbery suspects. The male, later identified as Demarcus Scales, began to run when he saw the marked police car and crawled under a vehicle. The officer pursued Scales and observed him throw an object toward the front of the vehicle. A Smith and Wesson revolver, Victory model, .38 caliber special, which was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was retrieved from the ground. Scales admitted that the firearm belonged to him and that he ran because he knew he had outstanding warrants. He also admitted that he knew as a convicted felon he was not supposed to have the firearm.
Scales has a long rap sheet that includes felony convictions for possession of marijuana, attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, attempted illegal use of a firearm, possession of synthetic marijuana, firearm possession by felon, and manslaughter. Scales has been arrested multiple times for weapons possession, and has demonstrated his willingness to use them.
The ATF and Alexandria Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
Monroe Man Sentenced
MONROE – Derrick Antonio Hall, 37, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced October 2 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for possession of firearm by a convicted felon. Hall pleaded guilty on June 18, 2019.
On July 20, 2018, Hall drove to a gas station in Monroe and left the car idling with loud music playing as he entered the gas station. Monroe police arrived shortly thereafter and observed the unattended vehicle. When the officers approached Hall upon his return to the vehicle, they smelled marijuana coming from inside the car and saw a bag of suspected marijuana. During a search of the vehicle, an officer found a Glock, Model: G26, 9 mm-caliber pistol with an extended magazine containing 24 rounds of ammunition.
Derrick Hall has prior felony convictions in state court for carrying a firearm on school property (2001), and for distribution of cocaine (2004).
The ATF and Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten 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.
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Scammer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail Fraud Involving a Scheme to Steal Nearly $400,000Read the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald W. Reeves, 68, of Delhi, Louisiana, was sentenced October 2 by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for mail fraud involving his role in a scheme to steal nearly $400,000. Judge Doughty also ordered Reeves to pay $86,239.16 in restitution, representing losses to several victims, including the Internal Revenue Service.
According to the guilty plea, Reeves conspired with others from April 2014 to April 2017 to fraudulently divert mail from the intended recipients to himself in order to obtain checks, credit cards and identifying information of the victims. Through this process, Reeves obtained multiple checks as well as 292 credit cards, debit cards and prepaid debit cards. Additionally, Reeves maintained multiple bank accounts that he and others used to deposit money that belonged to the victims. These funds included checks made payable to other people and fraudulently obtained tax refund deposit checks from the U.S. Treasury, totaling more than $247,888. Reeves and others attempted to steal a total of $397,409 during the course of the scheme.
The IRS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
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Armed Robber Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – A man who robbed a Burger King shift manager at gunpoint was sentenced September 30, 2019, to spend 30 years in federal prison announced United States Attorney David C. Joseph. Ivory Carl Myles, 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., for interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Myles was also sentenced to five years of supervised release following confinement. The defendant pleaded guilty on December 13, 2018.
On July 21, 2017, around 3:30 a.m., while Ivory Myles was working at a Bossier City, Louisiana, Burger King restaurant, he entered the safe where the shift manager was making a cash drop, turned off the lights and put a gun to her head. He then told her to give him the money and threatened to kill her. Myles fled the scene in a vehicle and forced the victim at gun point to leave the Burger King with him. He made her drive while he sat in the back seat. On the way to Houston, Texas, he had her stop the vehicle in a parking lot and he sexually assaulted her. He then had her stop at a hotel where he sexually assaulted her again. Myles eventually released the victim in Houston, and was later apprehended by police in Beaumont, Texas, following a high-speed chase.
During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a Walther .22-caliber handgun loaded with 11 hollow-point bullets and one bullet in the chamber.
The FBI and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany E. Fields and Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Shreveport Felon Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing PistolRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Matthew Matthews, 26, of Shreveport, was sentenced September 24 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Matthews pleaded guilty on April 25, 2019.
On February 17, 2018, Shreveport police officers responded to a call of an armed individual who had pointed a handgun at an employee in a McDonald’s drive-through window. Police later located a vehicle matching the description of the one in the drive-through and attempted to make contact when the vehicle sped away. After the vehicle came to a stop, Matthews exited and was placed in a police unit while the officers questioned the passenger. The passenger told police that Matthews pointed the gun at the employee and that the gun was in the center console of the vehicle. The passenger also gave the police 6.4 grams of marijuana and 3.1 grams of crack cocaine, which she said Matthews told her to hide. When the officers searched the vehicle, they found a Smith and Wesson, Model SW40VE, .40-caliber pistol and 15 rounds in the center console.
Matthews is a felon who was convicted in Caddo Parish on October 12, 2012, for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and on December 12, 2016, for illegal possession of stolen things. Under federal law, those convicted of felonies are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Shreveport Felon Sentenced to 110 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of PistolRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Brandon Lars Reed, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced September 24 by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Reed pleaded guilty on March 11, 2019.
On July 31, 2017, a Shreveport police officer responded to a complaint at a hotel on Monkhouse Drive that individuals were smoking marijuana. When the officer entered the hotel room, he found Reed with other occupants. During a search of the hotel room, a Glock, Model 27, .40-caliber pistol, located on one of the beds, and five Xanax bars, located in the bathroom, were found, all of which Reed admitted to possessing.
Reed is a felon who was convicted in Caddo Parish on November 9, 2009, of possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance, and on April 15, 2014, of possession of a Schedule III drug. Under federal law, as a convicted felon, Reed is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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Qui Tam Lawsuit and Federal Investigation Results in Half a Million Dollar Settlement to Resolve False Claims Act LiabilitiesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana announces that Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana and its related companies, and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College have agreed to pay $531,241.74 in damages and/or civil penalties to resolve claims that they violated the False Claims Act and other laws while operating University Health Hospital in Shreveport.
“Providers who fail to submit accurate data affect beneficiaries who depend on Medicare funding for access to safe and effective healthcare services,” said Joseph. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to investigating allegations of fraud concerning Medicare services and we will continue to pursue those whose actions undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and the data it relies upon.”
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.
Medicare coverage for implanting the defibrillators was part of a coverage expansion in 2005, which required that the procedure be studied and analyzed through data submitted to qualified registries. This effort was part of a new Coverage with Evidence Development initiative, which expands access to important new treatments while facilitating the collection of evidence so that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services can continue to monitor the effects of its coverage decisions. The data collected was to be used to ensure the safety and quality of care provided to Medicare patients.
This settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery.
The government’s intervention in this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, This investigated the matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot and Affirmative Civil Enforcement investigator Christopher Knighton prosecuted the case.
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Alexandria Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Submitting False Student Aid Applications to Department of EducationRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Adaysha Tanner, 36, of Alexandria, Louisiana, was sentenced September 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr., to 10 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for financial aid fraud, in connection with a scheme where she filled out and submitted false student aid applications for more than $95,000. Judge Hicks also ordered Tanner to pay $106,744 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Education. Tanner pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019.
Beginning in the spring semester of 2013 through the spring semester of 2015, Tanner filled out financial aid applications through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and through Federal Direct Loans for four students, representing that they would be attending Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC), and listed her physical address and email address as the contact information. In reality, Tanner would take over the individual’s BPCC student accounts, attend classes, and do minimal coursework in order to keep financial aid flowing. In one instance in particular, Tanner enrolled a student in 18 classes over four semesters, of which she withdrew from seven. In total, Tanner enrolled four students in classes, many of which were identical to classes that Tanner was taking at BPCC. For the majority of these classes, they were eventually withdrawn or given a failing grade.
On each occasion, after BPCC applied grants and loans to the costs of tuition and other fees, Bank Mobile sent a bank card to Tanner’s address with the remaining funds. She took the cards and spent the money for her own personal expenses. As a result of Tanner’s fraudulent scheme, the U.S. Department of Education disbursed a total of $106,744 in Federal Direct Stafford loans and Federal Pell grants to BPCC during the time of the fraud.
The Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
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Shreveport felon sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunitionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Mark Anthony Crawford, 27, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for felon in possession of a firearm. Crawford previously pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019, for illegally possessing a pistol that was loaded with 31 bullets.
According to information presented in court, Shreveport police learned through a Crime Stoppers tip that Crawford was at a residence on Algonquin Trail armed with several weapons. After arriving at the residence, the officers found a Romarm/Cugir Mini Draco 7.62-caliber pistol under a bed loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Crawford admitted to police officers that he had purchased the firearm off the streets, and knew that as a convicted felon, he was restricted from possessing a firearm.
Crawford pleaded guilty to aggravated flight from an officer on November 8, 2010. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Many felon sent to federal prison for drug and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jakey P. Sepulvado, 26, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 130 months in prison for illegally possessing drugs and a firearm.
Sepulvado pleaded guilty on June 13, 2019, to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to information presented in court, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputies observed Sepulvado make a traffic violation on October 2, 2018, and attempted to stop his vehicle. Instead of stopping, Sepulvado sped away, wrecked the car and fled on foot, but was later located and arrested. When the deputies searched his clothing and vehicle, they found methamphetamine and a Taurus, Model 85, .38-caliber revolver and eight rounds of ammunition.
Sepulvado has a prior felony conviction for attempted simple robbery. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
The DEA, ATF and DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leon H. Whitten and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Lafayette felon sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jeremy C. Melancon, 36, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 27 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Melancon previously pleaded guilty on June 10, 2019.
According to information presented in court, Lafayette police officers responded to a call on May 7, 2018, at Melancon’s home and neighbors informed them that Melancon had lost his temper and fired a gun into the ground. Officers spoke to Melancon, who admitted to firing one shot into the ground. Officers also spoke to Melancon’s wife, who said she owned certain firearms but secured them in a shed she owned on the property. Officers found spent shell casings on the ground where Melancon admitted to firing the gun and determined that the guns belonging to Melancon’s wife did not match the shell casings.
The police officers left the scene, but on May 10, 2018, a neighbor who lives next door to Melancon, called police and reported that she had found a gun in her flowerbed. An ATF forensic examination matched the Smith & Wesson, Model M&P Bodyguard, .380-caliber pistol that was found in the flowerbed with the shell casings found on the night of May 7, 2018.
Melancon is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty on October 27, 2005, to distribution of cocaine in the Louisiana 15th Judicial District Court. He was sentenced to seven years of hard labor. Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.
The ATF and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Four-time convicted felon sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for unlawful firearm possessionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Andre L. Johnson, 36, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to information presented in court at Johnson’s guilty plea hearing on June 10, 2019, Shreveport police were conducting surveillance on a residence on November 26, 2018, when they observed Johnson arrive in a vehicle. As police approached Johnson, he fled on foot and discarded a pistol. Officers recovered a loaded Walther, Model PPK, .380-caliber pistol, and Johnson was later located and arrested. He admitted to police that he possessed the weapon.
Andre Johnson was previously convicted of attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute illegal drugs, second degree battery and simple burglary. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Coushatta man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for accessing a “Dark Web” site with intent to view child pornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Paul Andrew Talley, 51, of Coushatta, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for accessing the internet with intent to view child pornography. Talley is also required to register as a sex offender.
According to documents presented at Talley’s guilty plea hearing on April 11, 2019, law enforcement agents identified Talley’s computer as accessing a “Dark Web” child porn site and being a regular user. Forensic analysis on the computer equipment seized from Talley’s home on August 20, 2015, revealed more than 2,300 images of child pornography. The images found on the computer matched the images from the “Dark Web” site.
The Dark Web, also called the DarkNet, is a collection of underground marketplaces where websites selling illegal content design their sites to hide identities of users and evade law enforcement detection. For more information, visit www.fbi.gov/news/stories/a-primer-on-darknet-marketplaces.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
Webster Parish non-profit director pleads guilty to stealing more than $1 million from feeding programRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Myrna Thomas Quarles, 59, of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby for taking more than $1 million from a federal feeding program meant to provide meals to economically disadvantaged children during the summer months when they are not in school.
Quarles was the director of Greater Horizons Developmental Services, a non-profit headquartered in Webster Parish. Greater Horizons received reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Feeding Service Program (SFSP), which was administered through the State of Louisiana. From 2014 through 2015, Greater Horizons submitted reimbursement claims that greatly inflated the number of eligible meals provided. Once Greater Horizons received the money, Quarles wrote checks that were payable to vendors and other third parties, but instead of sending those checks to the vendors, Quarles deposited that money into her personal bank account, which resulted in her theft of $1,103,148.92 from federal feeding program. Additionally, Quarles used a Greater Horizons credit card for approximately $370,000 in personal spending. Purchases included real estate, farm equipment, a restaurant, air travel, cruises and designer luxury items.
Quarles faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of January 16, 2020, was set.
The FBI, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and State of Louisiana, Office of State Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook are prosecuting the case.
Bossier City resident sentenced to 40 months for stealing more than $180,000 in price changing schemeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Peter Stifner, 34, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve three years and four months in federal prison for using a merchandise price changing scheme to steal more than $180,000. Foote also ordered Stifner to pay $180,117 in restitution and to forfeit thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise that law enforcement seized. Stifner, who previously pleaded guilty on January 7, 2019, faces deportation back to Slovakia because of his legal status.
Stifner conducted a scheme to steal merchandise from Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target by obtaining barcode stickers of lower priced merchandise and placing them over the barcodes of higher priced merchandise in the stores. He would then purchase the merchandise at the lower price and resell it online for a profit. As a result of his fraudulent activity, the defendant stole more than $180,000 during the course of the scheme.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cadesby B. Cooper and Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Last defendant in Calcasieu Parish cocaine distribution ring sentenced to more than 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that the last defendant in a Calcasieu Parish cocaine distribution ring was sentenced last week. United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced Derrick Harrison, 41, of Houston Texas, on September 9, 2019, to 151 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Harrison previously pleaded guilty on September 24, 2018.
Harrison was one of six defendants named as part of an indictment filed December 14, 2017. From January 2016 to August 2016, Harrison conspired with four co-defendants to distribute cocaine in the Calcasieu Parish area. Harrison lived in the Houston area and supplied cocaine to Vanchiese Green, who served as a middleman for Eric Beloney, Anthony Celestine and Donnie Lewis for distribution of cocaine in Calcasieu Parish.
Beloney acquired 9 pounds of cocaine on July 26, 2018, using Green as a conduit to acquire the narcotics in Houston. On his return to Lake Charles from Houston, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Beloney’s car and found 9 pounds of cocaine and 16 grams of cocaine base. Following the traffic stop, officers executed a search warrant at Beloney’s residence and recovered additional controlled substances, approximately $3,432 in cash and a Hi-Point .40-caliber handgun that had been reported stolen. Tramicke Taylor was a courier of cocaine and cash for the Vanchiese Green Drug Trafficking organization. Altogether, the group was responsible for distributing from 50 to 150 kilograms of cocaine.
All six defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:
Co-Defendant
Date of Guilty Plea
Sentencing
Vanchiese Green, 43, of Lake Charles
July 18, 2018
October 3, 2018 - 109 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Eric Beloney, 43, of Lake Charles
August 16, 2018
November 13, 2018 - 188 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine).
Anthony Celestine, 44, of Lake Charles
September 24, 2018
January 9, 2019 - 212 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Donnie Jermaine Lewis, 42, of Houston, Texas
September 24, 2018
January 9, 2019 - 212 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Tramicke Taylor, 44, of Lake Charles
July 18, 2018
November 13, 2018 – five years of probation for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The FBI and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. McCoy and David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Woodworth man pleads guilty to lying on federal firearms formRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jerry A. Morgan, 30, of Woodworth, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for making a false statement on a federal firearms transaction record, known as an ATF Form 4473.
According to the guilty plea, Morgan completed an ATF Form 4473 when he purchased 10 AR-15 style rifles from a licensed firearms seller in Lecompte, Louisiana, on November 29, 2017. On the form, Morgan said he was purchasing the firearms for himself, but in truth he was purchasing them for another individual, co-defendant Dagoberto Yanez, 26, of New Mexico. Yanez gave Morgan approximately $4,300 to cover the cost of the firearms purchase.
Yanez pleaded guilty on August 19, 2019, for conspiring to make false statements to a licensed firearm dealer. According to Yanez’s guilty plea, Yanez intended the guns to go to a drug-trafficking organization in Mexico.
Morgan faces five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Drell set Morgan’s sentencing for December 17, 2019. Yanez is scheduled to be sentenced on November 22, 2019.
The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Shreveport resident sentenced to 3 years in prison for possessing two loaded firearms during traffic stopRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Marcell Deangelo Lewis, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced Thursday to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for being a felon in possession of firearms. He previously pleaded guilty on June 3, 2019.
A Shreveport Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Lewis’ vehicle on March 19, 2018, on Interstate 49 near Hollywood Street for a speeding violation. After making contact with Lewis, the officer immediately smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the vehicle. The officer found a Colt, Model: Trooper MKIII, .357-caliber revolver loaded with six rounds in the center console and a Glock, Model: 23, .40-caliber pistol loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition on the passenger floorboard. Lewis claimed ownership of both firearms.
Lewis was convicted on December 12, 2018, in Caddo Parish District Court for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Under federal law, a felon is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Judge imposes 10-year sentence on Bastrop felon for illegal possession of firearmRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Bastrop resident, Troydarius Jamal Jackson, 29, on September 4, 2019, to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Jackson admitted during his guilty plea hearing on April 5, 2019, to possessing a rifle, despite having previous convictions in 2012, 2013 and 2015.
A Louisiana State Police trooper encountered Jackson and co-defendant Cortez Demoria McWilson, 29, also of Bastrop, in a vehicle on September 11, 2017, in Bastrop. As the trooper approached the vehicle, in an attempt to speak to the defendants, McWilson started the vehicle and drove off, prompting a pursuit of the vehicle by the LSP trooper and other law enforcement officers. Eventually, the vehicle stopped and McWilson and Jackson fled the area but were later apprehended. A law enforcement officer searched the vehicle and found a GSG, Model 522, .22LR-caliber rifle and ammunition on the front passenger seat. Also on the front passenger seat was a grocery bag containing methamphetamine, Xanax, marijuana, clear plastic baggies and a digital scale with marijuana residue on it.
Jackson was previously convicted for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in 2013, for perjury in 2012, and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance in 2015. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
McWilson previously pleaded guilty on April 5, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Methamphetamine, Xanax, and marijuana, and was sentenced on August 22, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty, to serve two years in federal prison.
The ATF, Louisiana State Police and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Drug trafficker from central Louisiana sentenced to 30 years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that George Earl White Jr., 35, of Alexandria, was sentenced on Tuesday to 360 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for his role in distributing illegal narcotics in Rapides Parish.
A federal jury found White guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine after a three-day trial that ended May 30, 2019. Testimony presented during his trial showed that White conspired with Derrick Anthony Felton, 40, of Alexandria, Reginald Felton Jr., 27, of Colfax, Louisiana, and Darian Dewayne Napoleon, 35, of Colfax, Louisiana, to sell methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in the central Louisiana area. Law enforcement agents found that Derrick Felton would, under White’s direction, travel to California to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine, which was then shipped to Louisiana. Once the shipments arrived in central Louisiana, White would distribute the narcotics to other members of the conspiracy who would then sell the drugs to lower-level distributors or users.
During the course of the investigation, Louisiana State Police seized approximately 33 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, 1 kilogram of powdered cocaine and 4 pints of promethazine cough syrup.
White’s co-conspirators all pleaded guilty to the conspiracy. Darian Napoleon pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, and received 120 months. Reginald Felton pleaded guilty on February 26, 2019, and received 220 months. Derrick Felton pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019, and received 262 months. Upon completion of their prison sentence, the defendants will also face five years of supervised release.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Federal jury convicts Texas man of possessing AR-15 rifle after traffic stop in Greenwood, LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a federal jury handed down a guilty verdict against a Texas man Tuesday for possessing an AR-15 rifle in his car after having been previously convicted of multiple felonies.
Deandray Charles Grant, 29, of Carrollton, Texas, was convicted after a one-day jury trial presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr.
Testimony presented during the trial showed that a Greenwood, Louisiana, police officer pulled over Grant’s vehicle on November 23, 2018, for traveling 90 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour speed zone. After the vehicle stopped, the officer approached Grant and asked for his identification. Grant told the officer that he was a “sovereign citizen” with “sovereign status” and did not have to comply with his request. Eventually, Grant exited the vehicle and was arrested. The officers discovered that he did not have any identification and had a small amount of marijuana in his front pocket. After searching the vehicle they found a DPMS Panther Arms AR-15 rifle and 28 rounds of .556-caliber ammunition.
Grant is a convicted felon who was found guilty on August 8, 2013, of possession with intent to distribute drugs, on April 4, 2014, of simple burglary, and on May 1, 2014, of possession of marijuana, all in Caddo Parish. Under federal law, a convicted felon is not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Everybody must obey the law, even sovereign citizens,” Joseph stated. “Felons that carry firearms in this district pose a danger to our communities and will be federally prosecuted. I want to thank the officers who handled this situation professionally and the other law enforcement agents that investigated this case. I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work obtaining a successful verdict.”
Grant faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set sentencing for January 6, 2020.
The ATF, Greenwood Police Department and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and Jessica Cassidy prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Former credit union loan officer pleads guilty to role in fraudulent loan schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Cynthia J. Feazell, 48, of Montgomery, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to authorizing fraudulent loans that caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars of loss to her credit union employer.
According to the guilty plea, Feazell worked as a loan officer and assistant manager at Valex Federal Credit Union 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 for her to qualify for the loan. Additionally, Feazell authorized loans for her ex-husband, even though she knew he did not meet the Valex credit requirements. Feazell falsified documents to accomplish the scheme and was aware her actions were fraudulent. The defendant’s fraudulent acts caused Valex a loss of $243,167.95.
Feazell faces 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, restitution and a $1 million fine. The court set the sentencing date for December 17, 2019.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the case.
Caddo Parish mental health counseling firm owner and supervisor indicted for billing nearly $8 million for services not provided, paying kickbacksRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that two Northwest Louisiana residents who owned and ran the Positive Change Counseling Agency LLC were indicted for improperly billing Medicaid for almost $8 million, in addition to paying kickbacks in violation of the law.
The owner and operator of Positive Change, Marty Johnson, 57, of Shreveport, and the company’s supervisor and business manager, Keesha Dinkins, 42, of Bossier City, Louisiana, were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, 47 counts of health care fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Johnson also faces one count of paying a kickback.
According to the indictment, Positive Change billed Medicaid $7,992,347 for psychiatric therapy, transportation, and other related mental health services from January 2014 to December 2018 that were never provided. In order to execute the scheme, Johnson and his employees recruited clients to receive mental health and related services. Johnson then paid some of these clients kickbacks in exchange for enrolling in certain programs. Johnson also obtained Medicaid identification numbers from potential clients and their family members and, without the potential clients’ authorization, billed Medicaid for services that were not rendered.
In billing Medicaid, Johnson and Dinkins: (i) created false documents showing that Positive Change provided services that were not rendered; (ii) falsely listed employees with graduate and advanced educational degrees as service providers in order to trigger a higher rate of payment from Medicaid; and (iii) used false, fabricated and exaggerated mental health diagnoses in order to obtain additional payments from Medicaid.
If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy, health care fraud and wire fraud. Johnson also faces 10 years in prison for illegal kickbacks. Both defendants also faces up to five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, forfeiture and restitution. Arraignment is scheduled for September 10, 2019.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the FBI; and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell and Cadesby Cooper are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Former Supervisor at Richwood Correctional Center Sentenced for Violating Civil Rights of Five InmatesRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced that defendant Christopher Loring, a former lieutenant at the Richwood Correctional Center, was sentenced to 46 months in prison in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to cover up the abuse of five inmates by corrections officers. Loring, 37, of Winnsboro, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring with other officers to falsify documents with intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction.
According to his guilty plea, Loring failed to intervene when four other officers sprayed a chemical agent directly in the faces and eyes of five inmates while the inmates were handcuffed, compliant, kneeling on the floor, and not posing a physical threat to anyone. Following that abuse, Loring and the other officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports.
Loring was the last of the five officers to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph made the announcement.
“The final sentencing in this conspiracy represents the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting those who abuse their power,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to defend those who have had their civil rights violated.”
“I hope that the conclusion of this case demonstrates our commitment to ensure that Louisiana’s correctional officers follow the law and do not abuse the inmates under their supervision,” U.S. Attorney Joseph stated. “I want to commend the investigators and prosecutors who worked on this case.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section, prosecuted the case. The Monroe Division of the FBI investigated the case.
“Block Boyz” gang leader and last two members sentenced to serve time in federal prisonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – The “Block Boyz” gang leader and final two defendants have been sentenced to federal prison, announced David C. Joseph, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana. DeMarcus D. Morris, 30, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, and Gary J. McCain, 24, all of Shreveport, Louisiana, were sentenced this week in federal court for being part of a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy, and for drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
DeMarcus D. Morris, the ring leader of the “Block Boyz” gang, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve 405 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone and ecstasy), distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
On Thursday, Judge Foote sentenced the remaining two defendants, Jimmie R. Durden Jr., and Gary J. McCain, respectively, to 190 months in federal prison and 110 months in federal prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (including crack cocaine), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Morris, Durden and McCain were named in an 18-count indictment filed in June of 2017 charging nine defendants with various crimes including RICO conspiracy, distributions of controlled substances, convicted felons in possession of firearms, and conspiracies to commit violent crimes. On October 3, 2018, following a two and a half-week trial, Marcus, Durden, and McCain were found guilty along with co-defendants, Lonnie D. Johnson and Larshandra C. Davenport. Defendants, Frank J. Morris, Ravion M. Alford, and Rodrick R. Hicks previously pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy and have been sentenced. Defendant, Golanda W. Atkins, was dismissed from the indictment on September 7, 2018.
“We hope that today a measure of peace is felt in the Queensborough neighborhood that this gang terrorized,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “These defendants will be behind bars for years and miles away from the people that they harmed.
“And to those terrorizing their neighborhoods with firearm violence, to those poisoning our community with illegal drugs; make no mistake, we are coming for you,” Joseph continued. “If you don’t make a change in your life, your future – assuming that you aren’t killed by the drugs you sell or the firearms you carry – will be in federal prison. This is not a threat, it’s a promise.
“I want to thank the local and federal law enforcement officers who put it all on the line to convict these criminals,” said Joseph. “I also want to thank the prosecutors from my office for their hard work making and trying this case.”
“Along with our partners, the FBI has dedicated significant time, manpower, and resources toward investigating the “Block Boyz” gang,” said the FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Riedlinger. “Justice has been served to those who chose to traffic and distribute illicit narcotics and terrorize their communities with senseless firearm violence. We will continue to enforce the laws and intervene when drugs and violence lead to the death of our citizens.”
The defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:
Co-Defendant
Date of Conviction
Sentencing/Charge
Demarcus D. Morris, 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 27 2019 – 405 months in prison and $108,130 restitution
Frank J. Morris, 26, of Shreveport, Louisiana
August 30, 2018 (guilty plea)
July 23, 2019 – 60 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Jimmie R. Durden Jr., 30, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 29, 2019 – 190 months in prison
Lonnie D. Johnson, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
July 25, 2019 – 240 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, and $108,103 restitution.
Gary J. McCain, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
August 29, 2019 – 110 months in prison
Ravion M. Alford, 24, of Shreveport, Louisiana
December 21, 2017 (guilty plea)
July 23, 2019 – 180 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Rodrick R. Hicks, 25, of Shreveport, Louisiana
January 29, 2018 (guilty plea)
September 29, 2019 – 42 months in prison for RICO conspiracy.
Larshandra C. Davenport, 46, of Shreveport, Louisiana
October 3, 2018 (trial)
July 30, 2019 – 71 months in prison for RICO conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (cocaine and Roxicodone), and distribution of powder cocaine.
The “Block Boyz” was a criminal enterprise that primarily used the west side of the Queensborough neighborhood as their base of operations. For many years, the defendants took part in a criminal organization known as the “Block Boyz” and the “Get Money Boyz” or “GMB.” In the federal indictment, gang members were charged with at least 66 criminal acts that members of the organization committed to further the RICO conspiracy. The acts included armed robberies, distribution of drugs, shootings and witness intimidation. The organization sold crack cocaine, powder cocaine, Roxicodone, marijuana, Ecstasy and Alprazolam.
Gang members sold illegal drugs and committed armed robberies. They maintained and circulated a collection of firearms for use in their criminal activity and used cell phones to operate their criminal enterprise. Members of the organization bragged about their illegal activity, such as their possession of firearms, and took pictures of themselves with firearms and money to intimidate others and increase their position in the community. “Block Boyz” members were also the prime suspects in several homicides.
The FBI Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, ATF, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Shreveport Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office the participated in the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
West Monroe felon sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for illegally possessing a pistol, ammunitionRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Devin Dewayne Williams, 27, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to serve 46 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty on April 11, 2019.
During a traffic stop on Williams’ vehicle on September 24, 2017, a West Monroe Police officer found a handgun magazine in Williams’ front pocket and a Beretta, Model 21A, .25-caliber pistol under the driver’s seat. Williams is a felon who was convicted in Ouachita Parish on March 8, 2013, of simple kidnapping and on November 12, 2015, of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
The ATF and West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Many resident sentenced to 12 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine from his homeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Marvin Ray Loucious, 54, of Many, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 147 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. Loucious pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 19, 2019.
Law enforcement agents observed Loucious selling 5 grams of methamphetamine on July 20, 2018, and 6 grams on July 23, 2018, from his home. Agents executed a search warrant at his home on August 10, 2018, and found 160 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies and approximately 100 glass smoking pipes. Agents also recovered 55 firearms, with the following five weapons being in close proximity to the methamphetamine: a Glock 32, .357-caliber SIG handgun, a Ruger P90, .45-caliber ACP handgun, a Taurus, TCP, .380-caliber handgun, a Davis Industries, Model DM-22, .22-caliber, two-shot derringer handgun, and a Century Arms, Catamount Fury, 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun.
The DEA and the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force (DeSoto, Sabine and Red River parishes) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy and Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jarius T. Carson, 26, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Carson pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon on May 20, 2019.
A Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy encountered Carson on June 6, 2018, in the parking lot of a Scott, Louisiana, apartment complex. When the deputy approached him, Carson fled. While in pursuit, the deputy saw Carson run towards a vehicle and place an object in the vehicle’s wheel well. When the deputy caught up with Carson, he acknowledged that the loaded Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol found in the wheel well of the car belonged to him.
Carson was previously convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm and illegal carrying of a firearm in state court on August 17, 2010. Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
The ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Human trafficker sentenced to 50 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor from TexasRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Tyrone Larry Smith, 40, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was sentenced Thursday by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to serve 50 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor female from Texas. Smith pleaded guilty on March 7, 2019.
Tyrone Smith began communicating with a 14-year-old female from Texas over an internet-based “dating service” in June of 2015. Using internet communications, he convinced her to travel to Shreveport, making representations that he wanted to start a relationship with her. She agreed and took a bus to Shreveport. When she encountered Smith, he informed her that she would be engaging in prostitution, and implied that there would be consequences if she did not cooperate. Smith posted advertisements on the website Backpage.com using photographs of the victim in various stages of undress, with descriptions of her services, to advertise the victim’s prostitution. He listed his number on the page for customers to call, and he coached the victim on what prices to charge and how to question customers to ensure they were not undercover police officers. If she resisted, Smith used force and physical violence to force her into prostitution. At one point, the victim told Smith she wanted to return home. In response, the defendant struck her in the face and told her that she would continue to engage in prostitution. Smith kept all of the money from the acts of prostitution.
During an undercover online investigation, authorities made contact with the victim via the internet and phone claiming to be a customer soliciting sex. They later arrived at a local hotel and arrested Smith.
The FBI and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Jessica D. Cassidy prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
Branch man sentenced to 86 months in federal prison for drug, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Yancy Todd Sonnier, 54, of Branch, Louisiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to serve 86 months in federal prison for drug and firearm charges. Sonnier pleaded guilty on January 18, 2019, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.
A Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop April 17, 2018, on Sonnier’s vehicle and found approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine that was subsequently tested at 90% purity, a loaded Taurus Millennium G2 .40-caliber semi-automatic firearm and 2.5 grams of fentanyl. Sonnier is a convicted felon and is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition.
The DEA, ATF, FBI and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Last member of Rapides Parish methamphetamine distribution ring sentencedRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that the last defendant in a Central Louisiana methamphetamine distribution ring was sentenced Tuesday to 90 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell.
Kevrick Kemar Davis was one of 10 defendants named in an indictment filed June 6, 2017. The defendants conspired to distribute multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in Central Louisiana from September 2016 to June 2017. A source in the San Diego, California, area mailed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to a source in Louisiana who then distributed it to Davis, the co-defendants and others. The methamphetamine was given to Davis in 1 pound quantities of which he would then sell.
All 10 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced for their part in the conspiracy:
Co-Defendant
Date of Guilty Plea
Sentencing
Ernest Johnson Jr., 40, of Jena, Louisiana
June 7, 2018
December 13, 2018 - 70 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Travis Demond Augustine, 30, of Alexandria, Louisiana
July 25, 2018
January 31, 2019 - 108 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Terry Dion Augustine, 33, of Alexandria, Louisiana
April 12, 2018
January 31, 2019 - 150 months in prison; one year of supervised release.
Allan Jamal Shuler, 38, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 5, 2018
February 8, 2019 - 188 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Jamaal Demon Howard, 31, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 6, 2018
February 8, 2018 – 120 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Danny Demetric Payne, 39, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 13, 2018
February 8, 2019 - 262 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release.
Eddie Kendricks Jackson, 39, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 21, 2018
January 9, 2019 - 300 months in prison; 10 years of supervised release.
Raymond Travon Knox, 40, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 21, 2018
January 9, 2019 - 200 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Dewaine Raye Haynes, 44, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 21, 2018
February 23, 2019 – 200 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
Kevrick Kemar Davis, 33, of Alexandria, Louisiana
November 16, 2018
August 20, 2019 – 90 months in prison; five years of supervised release.
All of the defendants pleaded guilty for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Additionally, Terry Augustine pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm by a convicted felon.
The FBI’s Central Louisiana Safe Streets Gang Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell and Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
Lafayette man pleads guilty to possessing 300 child pornography images on cell phoneRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Trevor Lee Engle, 22, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Juneau for possessing approximately 300 images of child pornography on a cellular phone.
According to court documents filed during the guilty plea hearing, law enforcement agents detected downloads of digital images of child pornography from a phone at Engle’s home. Agents obtained a search warrant to search the phone on November 7, 2018, and found approximately 300 images of child pornography, which included a video of child pornography stored on the phone’s Tumblr application. At least one of the images depicted a prepubescent minor who had not reached the age of 12. During questioning, Engle admitted to viewing the images online and downloading them to his phone.
Trevor Engle faces up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, registration as a sex offender and a $250,000 fine. Juneau set the sentencing date for December 2, 2019.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office Cyber Crime Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen is prosecuting the case.
Ville Platte business owner sentenced for filing false tax returns and failing to pay taxesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Myra Griffin Fontenot, 43, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday to 14 months in prison and one year of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for filing a false tax returning and failing to pay more than $200,000 in taxes. Fontenot was also ordered to pay $213,958.96 restitution in addition to $28,624.36 in interest. She previously pleaded guilty on May 14, 2019.
Fontenot was the owner of the Nukura’s Step-by-Step Learning Center (NLC), which is a daycare center, and X-press Tax Service LLC. Fontenot failed to file unemployment tax returns at NLC, failed to report the majority of her income, and claimed a great amount of expenses on personal tax returns for tax years 2012 to 2014. In sum, she failed to pay $213,958.96 during the course of the scheme.
“The defendant in this case cheated on her taxes and, in doing so, failed to meet her obligations as an American,” Joseph stated. “She is now facing the consequences.”
“Fontenot’s attempt to evade her taxes by hiding income, concealing assets, and filing false returns was a theft from all American taxpayers,” said Thomas J. Holloman III, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office. “It is a felony offense that carries severe consequences. The overarching principle of IRS’ enforcement strategy is simply this: We protect the integrity of the tax system by ensuring everyone pays the correct amount of tax.”
The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Former Pollock correctional officer sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for briberyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a former corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana, was sentenced Tuesday to 24 months in prison and two years of supervised release for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband to prisoners.
Byron A. Wyatt, 39, of Marksville, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. He was previously found guilty of the offense on April 5, 2018, after a three-day trial.
Wyatt worked as a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock where he accepted thousands of dollars in bribes from a prisoner in 2014, in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. Wyatt smuggled items into the prison such as tobacco, cell phones, pills and marijuana. The defendant would make contact with the inmate to set up the transfer. Individuals outside of the prison would then pay the defendant and supply him with the contraband items to deliver.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Tiffany E. Fields prosecuted the case.
Monroe man found with 7 kilograms of marijuana and 3 loaded firearms sentenced to 6 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Robert E. Robinson, 45, of Monroe, was sentenced Monday to 72 months in prison and five years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. He previously pleaded guilty to the federal charges on February 20, 2019.
Law enforcement agents with the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit obtained a search warrant on October 4, 2017, for Robinson’s residence following two undercover buys of marijuana from him. The search yielded more than 7 kilograms of marijuana as well as marijuana butter, marijuana cookies, digital scales and a marijuana grinder. Officers also found three loaded firearms, to include a Rock Island Armory revolver, loaded with six rounds of ammunition, an Anderson pistol, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and a Smith & Wesson pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. More than 500 rounds of various caliber ammunition were recovered from the residence.
The ATF and the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Flanagan prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Monroe resident sentenced to 6 years in prison for possessing two sawed-off shotgunsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nelson Bell Jr., 52, of Monroe, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison and three years of supervised release U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possessing two sawed-off shotguns. He previously pleaded guilty to the federal charges on April 9, 2019.
Monroe Police went to Bell’s home on October 23, 2017, in response to a complaint. The officers determined that Bell had fired a gun in the living room, hitting a couch across from where his wife was sitting, and then went outside and fired a shot into the air. Officers found an ejected shell from the firearm on the living room floor and two shotguns, an Ithaca shotgun, Model 37, 12 gauge and a Browning shotgun, Model Light Twelve 12 gauge. Law enforcement agents measured the barrels of both shotguns and found they measured less than 18 inches in length, the minimum length required by law. Bell admitted to possessing the firearms, and that he was aware they were below the legal barrel length and not registered as required by law. Under federal law, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches must be registered.
The ATF and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Man arrested in connection with the murder of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne pleads guilty in federal court to firearms and drug chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Glenn Frierson, 38, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Local authorities arrested Frierson on January 15, 2019, in connection with the death of Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne.
According to the documents filed at the guilty plea, Shreveport police searched the defendant’s place of business on May 3, 2018. As police officers entered the business, Frierson placed a pistol on the restroom floor that opened into his barber stall. The officers found the Smith & Wesson, Model SD40, .40-caliber pistol, which was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. Frierson owned the pistol and carried it for protection when selling drugs. He was also found with 28 grams of pure methamphetamine, which was stored inside his backpack and inside of a hidden compartment of a false beverage container. Frierson also possessed a scale to weigh drugs.
Glenn Frierson was a convicted felon at the time he possessed the pistol. He pleaded guilty on May 4, 2009, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, eight of which were suspended. It is illegal under federal law for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Frierson faces 10 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and 20 years in prison for drug distribution. He also faces three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. Hicks set sentencing for December 11, 2019.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cadesby B. Cooper is prosecuting the case.
Lake Charles man pleads guilty for possessing a stolen firearm at a casinoRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jeremy Rankins, 28, of Lake Charles, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Cain Jr. for possessing a stolen firearm at a casino.
According to the guilty plea, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint on May 19, 2018, of an attempted armed robbery with a firearm and an attempted carjacking at a Lake Charles casino. Upon arrival, officers came in contact with Rankins, who had already been detained by the casino’s security officers. Deputies also spoke with the 61-year-old victim, who stated that she was in her car at around 4 a.m. when Rankins sat in the passenger seat brandishing a firearm and demanding money. She denied having any money, at which point he demanded the keys to her car. The hotel security later detained Rankins, and while he was being questioned, a witness discovered the loaded 9 mm Ruger handgun he used on the ground under a truck tire. The investigation revealed that the handgun was stolen on May 17, 2018, from a vehicle parked in the casino’s parking garage.
Rankins faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for November 14, 2019.
The ATF and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. 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. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.