Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Monore man pleads guilty to drug, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Robert E. Robinson, 45, of Monroe, pleaded guilty Wednesday before 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.
According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents with the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit obtained a search warrant 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. Officer 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.
Robinson faces up to five years in prison for the drug offense and at least five years in prison for the firearm offense. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release. Doughty set Robinson’s sentencing for September 4, 2019.
The ATF and the Monroe Metro Narcotics Unit conducted the investigation. 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.
Man from Missouri sentenced to 18 months in prison for failure to surrender to serve prison sentenceRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Gary Lynn Ward, 51, of St. Charles, Missouri, was sentenced on Wednesday by United States District Judge Terry Doughty to serve 18 months in prison. Ward pleaded guilty on March 6, 2019, to an indictment charging him with failure to surrender for service of sentence. The 18-month sentence will run consecutive to the previous 46-month prison sentence he received on June 29, 2015, resulting in a total of 64 months in prison.
Ward, who is a former resident of Ouachita Parish, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, on March 9, 2015, to conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids, and was sentenced on June 29, 2015, to 46 months in prison. He was required to self-surrender on August 3, 2015, but Ward filed a motion on July 23, 2015, to extend his reporting date, which was granted. His self-surrender date was then set for September 14, 2015.
Ward’s spouse contacted the U.S. Marshals Service in Shreveport on the day of his surrender to inform them that they were traveling by car to St. Louis, Missouri, so Ward could report to U.S. Marshals Service there. While at a gas station, Ward stated that he was “not going back to jail,” forced his wife out of the car and sped away. He never reported to the U.S. Marshals Service in St. Louis or his designated Bureau of Prisons facility at FCI Forrest City Low, in Forrest City, Arkansas. Law enforcement agents arrested Ward on January 7, 2017, in the St. Louis, Missouri, area for failing to report to prison.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien, formerly on ICE most wanted list, sentenced for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a 49-year old Mexican National, who was formerly on ICE’s Most Wanted list, has been sentenced to serve time in federal prison for immigration violations.
Jose Melchor Martinez, of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, pleaded guilty on January 30, 2019, to illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. Chief District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr.
At the time of Martinez’s arrest near Church Point, Louisiana, on October 12, 2018, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement considered Martinez one of its most wanted fugitives. He was removed from the United States on September 6, 2003 via the Hidalgo, Texas, port of entry following a 2002 conviction in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, for indecent liberties with a child. After serving time for the conviction, he was removed from the United States but later returned on an unknown date. Martinez faces deportation upon finishing his prison term.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Removal, Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien sentenced to 2 years in prison for unlawfully re-entering country twiceRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a 25-year old Mexican national living in the Monroe, Louisiana, area has been sentenced to prison for federal immigration violations.
Eliezer Merino-Tetlactle pleaded guilty on March 6, 2019 to illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty.
According to information presented in court, West Monroe police arrested Merino-Tetlactle on August 23, 2018 for carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer aided solicitation of a minor, possession of marijuana and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. His background check showed that he had been previously removed twice from the United States at the port of entry in Laredo, Texas on July 29, 2012 and September 12, 2012. He later re-entered the United States on an unknown date.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the West Monroe Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leon H. Whitten prosecuted the case.
Former supervisor at Louisiana correctional facility sentenced for role in conspiracy to violate civil rights of inmatesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – A former captain at the Richwood Correctional Center was sentenced today for his role in a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of five inmates. Roderick Douglas, 38, of Monroe, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with five other corrections officers to violate the Constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. According to the defendant’s plea agreement and admission in court, Douglas and 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, the officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports.
Douglas was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty of the Western District of Louisiana. United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division made the announcement.
“Correctional officers deserve our respect for the jobs they do, but we must also hold them accountable when they willfully break the law and cover up the abuse of inmates,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The defendant in this case ignored his role as a caretaker for prisoners and violated the rights of those he was sworn to protect. My office is committed to upholding the laws of our land and the rights of all.”
“This blatant abuse of power will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the commitment of the Civil Rights Division to vigorously prosecute those who inflict cruel and unusual punishment against inmates under their care.”
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.
Former Supervisor at Louisiana Correctional Facility Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Violate Civil Rights of InmatesRead the Press Release
A former captain at the Richwood Correctional Center was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Monroe, Louisiana, for his role in a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of five inmates. Roderick Douglas, 38, of Monroe, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring with five other corrections officers to violate the Constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. According to the defendant’s plea agreement and admission in court, Douglas and 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, the officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports.
Douglas was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison 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.
“This blatant abuse of power will not be tolerated by the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates the commitment of the Civil Rights Division to vigorously prosecute those who inflict cruel and unusual punishment against inmates under their care.”
“Correctional officers deserve our respect for the jobs they do, but we must also hold them accountable when they willfully break the law and cover up the abuse of inmates,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “The defendant in this case ignored his role as a caretaker for prisoners and violated the rights of those he was sworn to protect. My office is committed to upholding the laws of our land and the rights of all.”
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.
Shreveport resident pleads guilty to 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, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby on Monday and pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms.
According to the guilty plea, on March 19, 2018, a Shreveport Police officer conducted a traffic stop on Lewis’ vehicle 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.
Lewis faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Marcell Lewis is scheduled for September 12, 2019.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown 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.
Drug Trafficker from Central Louisiana Convicted at Trial by JuryRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that a federal jury convicted George Earl White Jr., 36, of Alexandria, for his role in distributing illegal narcotics in Rapides Parish.
After a three-day trial, presided over by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell, White was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. 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, to sell methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine in the central Louisiana area. Law enforcement agents found that Derrick Felton would travel to California to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine and then ship the methamphetamine back to Louisiana.
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. Law enforcement agents learned that Derrick Felton intended to distribute the drugs to White and the other members of the conspiracy in order for them to then sell to users.
“The evidence was strong in this case and pointed the jury to a guilty verdict,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “This defendant and his co-conspirators were spreading dangerous drugs throughout Central Louisiana. I hope this conviction sends the clear message that we will not tolerate those who seek profit in the misery and death caused by the drug trade. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal organizations that threaten our communities. I want to thank the prosecutors in my office for a job well done and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Louisiana State police for their hard work investigating this case.”
White’s co-conspirators all pleaded guilty to the distribution charge. Darian Napoleon pleaded guilty on February 25, 2019, Reginald Felton pleaded guilty on February 26, 2019, and Derrick Felton pleaded guilty on March 8, 2019. The defendants face 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine. The court set White’s sentencing date for September 5, 2019. Derick Felton is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21, 2019. Reginald Felton and Darian Napoleon’s sentencing dates are not set.
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.
Lafayette green company owner sentenced to 90 months for stealing more than $2 million from investorsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that John K. Morrow, 48, of Lafayette, was sentenced Friday to seven and a half years in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert Sumerhays for stealing more than $2 million from investors. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay $2,066,923 restitution.
Morrow was the owner of a Louisiana company called UVC Technologies LLC, which was formed in 2011. UVC Technologies represented itself as providing green, chemical free disinfection machines utilizing ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to meet the needs of various medical communities. From 2011 to 2016, Morrow solicited individuals to invest money in the company. He used false statements and misrepresentations indicating that the funds would only be used for business expenses and distribution of additional disinfection machines. He promised large sums of money in a short time period for their investments. When the investors complained about not being paid back and for the purpose of soliciting funds from them, Morrow falsely claimed that the business had been sold for millions and that their money would be paid back from the proceeds of the sale. Morrow also told investors that he would use funds for business expenses, but he spent their funds on personal living and travel expenses. Morrow defrauded the investors out of more than $2 million during the course of the scheme. He pleaded guilty to the federal charges on January 14, 2019.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly P. Uebinger and Daniel J. Vermaelen prosecuted the case.
Webster Parish nonprofit director indicted for 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, 58, of Cotton Valley, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury for taking more than $1 million from a federal feeding program meant for low-income children.
Quarles was charged with five counts of theft of government property, five counts of forged securities of the states and private entities, and 27 counts of money laundering.
According to the indictment, Quarles was the director of the Greater Horizons Developmental Services, a nonprofit 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 more than $1 million in reimbursement claims that greatly inflated the number of eligible meals provided. Once Greater Horizons received the money, Quarles wrote checks that were purportedly payable to vendors and other third parties, but then deposited that money into a personal financial account.
If convicted, Quarles faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years for each count of theft and forgery, and 20 years in prison for each count of money laundering. She also faces up to five years of supervised release, a $500,000 fine and restitution. The government is also seeking to seize real estate and equipment purchased with the SFSP funds.
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 Van Hook 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.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph Announces Settlement with Louisiana Drug Distributor, Resolving Claims it Failed to Report Suspicious Opioid Orders to DEARead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Morris & Dickson Company LLC has agreed to pay the United States $22 million in civil penalties to resolve claims that it violated the Controlled Substances Act by failing to report suspicious orders of hydrocodone and oxycodone.
“The fight against opioid abuse is among our nation’s most pressing law enforcement and public health initiatives,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Opioids are now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States – killing approximately 130 Americans every day. About 40 percent of these deaths involve prescription drug abuse. This settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s continued commitment to use all of the tools at its disposal to stem the opioid epidemic. Louisiana citizens should know that my office and our local DEA agents will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute any manufacturer, distributor, pharmacy, or doctor who, whether negligently or intentionally, fail in their duty to appropriately control the distribution and use of these deadly drugs.”
In addition to paying $22 million in settlement funds, Morris & Dickson also agreed during the course of the negotiations to make significant upgrades to its compliance program by investing millions of dollars to hire additional staff and implement new protocols and standards to ensure compliance with federal regulations requiring them to report suspicious orders of controlled substances.
This settlement arises from a Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control investigation into Morris & Dickson’s failure to report suspicious orders of hydrocodone and oxycodone. Since January 2014, DEA Diversion agents have identified more than 12,000 allegedly suspicious retail pharmacy orders that should have been reported. Under the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations, distributors are required to report suspicious orders to the DEA. Reporting suspicious orders and maintaining effective controls against diversion of controlled substances are critical components of the government’s effort to stop the illegal distribution and sale of opioids.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, "The failure to report suspicious orders as required by federal regulations contributes to the opioid epidemic, which has caused devastating harm to individuals and our communities. The settlement with Morris & Dickson demonstrates the resolve by DEA to use all available tools to address this crisis at every level and reduce the availability of highly addictive, dangerous drugs."
Morris & Dickson is the largest privately owned wholesale pharmaceutical distributor in the United States and the fourth largest wholesale distributor in the country, reporting total revenues of over $4 billion in its fiscal year ending January 31, 2018. Since January 2014, Morris & Dickson distributed controlled substances to approximately 800 retail pharmacies across 17 states, distributing over 600,000,000 dosage units. Morris & Dickson services hospitals, alternative and other health care providers, and retail pharmacies out of its Shreveport, Louisiana facility.
Mr. Joseph thanked the diversion investigators of DEA’s Office of Diversion Control - New Orleans Division for their work in this matter. Mr. Joseph was assisted in handling this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Brown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) estimates that more than 630,000 Americans died from drug overdoses from 1999 to 2016. In 2016 alone, approximately 42,000 people died of opioid-related causes. The number of opioid-overdose deaths has reached epidemic proportions: in 2016 there were five times as many such deaths as there were in 1999.
For information about the harmful effects of illicit drug use, visit www.JustThinkTwice.com for teens and www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for parents, educators, and caregivers. To report suspected opioid-related crimes, the public is encouraged to contact the DEA at https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/tips_online.htm.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing pistol, ammunitionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Mark Anthony Crawford, 27, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to possessing a pistol loaded with 31 bullets.
According to the guilty plea, Shreveport police learned through a Crime Stoppers tip that Crawford was at a residence on Algonquin Trail, armed with several weapons and in possession of narcotics. 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.
Crawford faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Hicks set the sentencing date for August 29, 2019.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown 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.
Lafayette man pleads guilty to possessing a pistolRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jarius T. Carson, 26, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays for illegally possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol.
According to the guilty plea, 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, Carson fled. While in pursuit, the deputy saw Carson run towards a vehicle and place an object in the vehicle’s wheel well. The deputy caught up with Carson and arrested him. Carson 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.
Carson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Summerhays set the sentencing date for August 23, 2019.
The ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danny Siefker and Dominic Rossetti are 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 reductions in crime.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana Pays Tribute to Fallen Law Enforcement Officers in Observance of National Police WeekRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal police officers during National Police Week, which is being observed this week, Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2019. Today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
In October 1962, Congress enacted a joint resolution, which the President signed, declaring May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
“Police Week is an opportunity for us to honor the men and women in blue, both here in Louisiana and across our great nation - recognizing their dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “I want to acknowledge the difficult, often dangerous work performed by our police officers and ask that we all take a moment to think about the brave men and women of law enforcement who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Families of our fallen officers should know that they have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
This year, the names of 371 U.S. law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty were engraved on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, and were formally dedicated during the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2019. These names included 158 officers who were killed in 2018, and 213 officers who died in earlier years but whose stories of sacrifice had not been previously documented. The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital and across the United States during National Police Week 2019 honoring the memory of law enforcement officers.
The Western District of Louisiana had two line-of-duty deaths in 2018. The officers whose names were added to the Memorial this year are:
- Monroe Police Department Officer Ayrian M. Williams, who passed away on May 21, 2018, in a vehicle crash while responding to a call to assist a fellow Monroe police officer. Her name can be located on the Memorial Panel at 45-W: 31.
- Montgomery Police Department Assistant Police Chief Kirt R. Ricks III, who passed away on September 7, 2018, in an automobile crash during the pursuit of a speeding motorist. His name can be located on the Memorial Panel at 27-E: 31.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial - the nation’s monument to law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty - is located on E Street between 4th and 5th Streets NW. Two marble walls display the names of more than 21,000 officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known death in 1791. New names of fallen officers are added to the monument each spring, in conjunction with National Police Week. The Memorial is open 24-hours, admission is free, and guided tours are available by appointment.
As a part of honoring law enforcement this week, U.S. Attorney Joseph will speak at the annual Police Memorial service, hosted by the Lafayette Police Department on Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church. A motorcade will begin at 5:30 p.m. starting from the Lafayette Police Department main station located at 900 E. University Ave. and proceed to the church.
Other events taking place throughout the District included:
The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department and other Central Louisiana law enforcement agencies honored fallen officers at a memorial ceremony on the morning of May 14 at the Rapides Parish Courthouse. The Alexandria Police Department also has motorcycle officers in Washington, D.C., for Police Week escorting family members of fallen officers for events this week.
The Bossier City Police Department hosted a Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony today at 11:00 a.m. today the lobby of the Bossier Civic Center on 620 Benton Road. The ceremony honors fallen officers of the Bossier City Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police Troop G and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
The Monroe Police Department held a wreath laying ceremony today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 700 Wood Street, honoring one of their fallen officers, Officer Ayrian Williams. Brandon B. Brown, an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Western District of Louisiana, was the guest speaker.
For more information about other National Police Week events and fallen officers, please visit www.policeweek.org or www.nleomf.org.
Monroe Felon Sentenced to 68 Months in Prison for Possessing Pistol, AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Daryon D. Kelley, 23, of Monroe, Louisiana, was sentenced to 68 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty for possessing a pistol and ammunition. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
On October 2, 2017, West Monroe police conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Kelley was driving. During a search of the vehicle, police officers found a Ruger .9 mm-caliber pistol and ammunition, $10,400 and a partially smoked marijuana cigar in the center console. Daryon Kelley was previously convicted on April 9, 2015 for a drug distribution charge. A federal jury found Kelley guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following a three-day trial that ended January 30, 2019.
The ATF and the West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath 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.
Former Louisiana Corrections Officers Sentenced for Roles in a Conspiracy to Cover up Abuse of InmatesRead the Press Release
Two former corrections officers at the Richwood Correctional Center were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Monroe, Louisiana, for their roles in a conspiracy to cover up the abuse of inmates by officers. The defendants -- Demario Shaffer, 34, of Delhi, Louisiana, and David Parker, 28, of Tallulah, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify documents with the intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction. According to the defendants’ plea agreements and admissions in court, Shaffer, Parker, and 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, the officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports.
Shaffer, who was a sergeant at the time, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison, and Parker, a nonsupervisory officer, was sentenced to serve 21 months. 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.
“Conspiring to cover up physical assault against an inmate is in blatant violation of federal law and the Department of Justice will hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to enforce the laws that prohibit this type of misconduct.”
“Abuse of prisoners is illegal and tarnishes the reputation of those correctional officers who work hard every day to perform their duties with distinction and professionalism,” U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph stated. “To maintain the fairness and integrity of the American justice system, my office will hold accountable anyone who violates the civil rights of inmates or conspires to cover up the abuse of inmates under their custody.”
Two other officers, Roderick Douglas and Christopher Loring have also pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty on June 5 and July 3.
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.
Former Louisiana Corrections Officers Sentenced for Roles in a Conspiracy to Cover up Abuse of InmatesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – Two former corrections officers at the Richwood Correctional Center were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Monroe, Louisiana, for their roles in a conspiracy to cover up the abuse of inmates by officers. The defendants -- Demario Shaffer, 34, of Delhi, Louisiana, and David Parker, 28, of Tallulah, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify documents with the intent to obstruct and influence the investigation of a matter within federal jurisdiction. According to the defendants’ plea agreements and admissions in court, Shaffer, Parker, and 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, the officers conspired to hide their conduct by submitting false reports.
Shaffer, who was a sergeant at the time, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison, and Parker, a nonsupervisory officer, was sentenced to serve 21 months. U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana David C. Joseph and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division made the announcement.
“Abuse of prisoners is illegal and tarnishes the reputation of those correctional officers who work hard every day to perform their duties with distinction and professionalism,” Joseph stated. “To maintain the fairness and integrity of the American justice system, my office will hold accountable anyone who violates the civil rights of inmates or conspires to cover up the abuse of inmates under their custody.”
“Conspiring to cover up physical assault against an inmate is in blatant violation of federal law and the Department of Justice will hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to enforce the laws that prohibit this type of misconduct.”
Two other officers, Roderick Douglas and Christopher Loring have also pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terry A. Doughty on June 5 and July 3.
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.
Boyce Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing a RevolverRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jeffrey Dale Clark Jr., 36, of Boyce, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possessing a revolver.
During a parolee visit with Clark at his home on May 29, 2018, Louisiana State Probation and Parole officers found that Clark was in possession of a ROHM, Model RG10, .22-caliber revolver. Upon their arrival, Clark was in the yard and he began walking in the opposite direction. When the officers asked him to turn around, they observed him patting his pockets and asked if he had a weapon, at which time he produced a knife. The officers then searched Clark and found the ROHM, Model RG10, .22-caliber revolver in the waistband of his pants.
Clark is convicted felon of various crimes including simple burglary in 2002, theft in 2002, forgery in 2003, and possession of methamphetamine in 2013, all in Beauregard Parish. Under federal law, a felon is not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition.
Clark faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for August 20, 2019.
The ATF and Louisiana State Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown 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 reductions in crime.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing .40-caliber ammunitionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Aaron Troquille, 32, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to possessing .40-caliber ammunition.
According to the guilty plea, Shreveport Police responded to a 911 domestic abuse call on April 18, 2018 at Troquille’s residence on Amie Street. After speaking with the victim, police officers arrested Troquille and learned from him during questioning that Troquille had .40-caliber ammunition in the house. The officers conducted a search of the house and recovered the ammunition.
Troquille is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana on May 18, 2011 in Caddo Parish. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition.
Troquille faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Foote set the sentencing date for August 26, 2019.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford is prosecuting the case.
Lake Charles resident sentenced to 12 years for selling hundreds of Oxycodone pillsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that John Homer Legros Jr., 40, of, Lake Charles, who sold hundreds of Oxycodone pills was sentenced May 9, 2019 by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to 12 years in prison and three years of supervised release.
The defendant, along with his wife Veronica Gray Legros, 39, and Billy Winbush, 41, also of Lake Charles, illegally sold Oxycodone pills at various times and then laundered the proceeds to finance the construction of a house. The location of the last Oxycodone sale was changed numerous times to evade law enforcement with the sale eventually taking place at a store in Lake Charles. Law enforcement agents later searched Legros’ home and found a sheet of paper containing names and birth dates and a sheet of paper similar to a prescription pad with writing that resembled shorthand used by a doctor to prescribe a patient oxycodone. During this investigation, law enforcement officers also discovered that Legros was financing the construction of a large house with cash from the drug sale proceeds. As a result, the property was forfeited to the United States.
John and Veronica Legros pleaded guilty to the federal charges on January 30, 2019, and Winbush pleaded guilty on January 14, 2019. Veronica Legros and Billy Winbush were also sentenced on May 9, 2019. Veronica Legros was sentenced to five years of supervised probation and 100 hours of community service; Billy Winbush was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and 50 hours of community service.
The FBI and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Lake Charles felon sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing pistol, ammunitionRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Louis Jones, 26, of Lake Charles, was sentenced Thursday to two years and three months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for being a felon in possession of a pistol and ammunition. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Lake Charles Police responded to a disturbance on June 15, 2018 wherein a caller advised that an unknown male, later identified as the defendant, Louis Jones, pointed a firearm at a customer at a local business. The caller then followed Jones and gave a description of the vehicle he was driving to police and updated the officers on Jones’ location as he continued to travel through Lake Charles. Police intercepted Jones, questioned him about the incident and asked to search his vehicle. They located a Model PT92 AFS .9mm semi-automatic pistol and ammunition in the front passenger seat. Jones admitted to being on the scene of the business and possessing the firearm.
Jones is a felon who was convicted in April of 2014 for possession of cocaine. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess firearms and ammunition. He pleaded guilty to federal charges on October 31, 2019.
The ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog 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.
Lake Charles man subject to domestic violence protective order sentenced to 2 years in prison for possessing a revolverRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that John Casimere, 33, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to two years in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for possessing a revolver. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Lake Charles police encountered Casimere on May 28, 2018 at a Lake Charles residence after responding to a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. At the time of this incident, Casimere possessed an RG Industries .22-caliber revolver, had been previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and was subject to a protection order, which prohibited him from possessing a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the federal charge on February 8, 2019.
The ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is 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.
Former Fenton housing authority director sentenced for embezzling more than $33,000Read the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that the former executive director of the Fenton housing authority, Gwen Jackson, 35, of Fenton, Louisiana, was sentenced to six months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for embezzling more than $33,000 from the housing authority. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay $33,000 in criminal restitution.
Jackson embezzled $33,194.76 from March 31, 2017 to September 20, 2017 while she was executive director of the Fenton Housing Authority. Jackson was hired as executive director in February of 2017 and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing authority complex, which included access to business checks and the accounting ledger. After receiving complaints about the possible theft of funds, law enforcement agents interviewed Jackson and she confessed to fraudulently cashing numerous FHA checks for her personal benefit. She pleaded guilty to federal charges on January 9, 2019.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog prosecuted the case.
Shreveport resident sentenced to 13 months in prison for lying on an application to buy a firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Jacory Dejuan Robinson, 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced Wednesday to 13 months in prison by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for lying on an application to buy a firearm at a pawnshop. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Robinson filled out paperwork on March 28, 2018 at a Shreveport pawnshop to purchase a handgun. He marked “no” in the box asking if he had ever been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, even though he had previously pleaded guilty on May 2, 2017 to one count of misdemeanor simple battery of his girlfriend in Greenwood, Louisiana. He pleaded guilty to the federal charge on January 15, 2019.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford 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.
Former bookkeeper pleads guilty to stealing nearly $150,000 from Crowley companyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDNRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Otavia L. Lewis, 38, of Crowley, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for stealing more than $148,000 from a Crowley company.
According to the guilty plea, Lewis worked as a bookkeeper for a Crowley equipment company from March 2014 to May 2016. She used accounting software to transfer funds from the company’s bank account to accounts and debit cards she and others controlled. She also attempted to hide her actions by covering for the payments using other employees’ names. Lewis stole $148,753.28 during the course of the scheme.
Lewis faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for August 5, 2019.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Forrest Phillips is prosecuting the case.
Monroe felon sentenced to 71 months for possessing two handguns, ammunition and bullet drumRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Kendrick Darnell Williams, 27, of Monroe, was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possessing two handguns, multiple rounds of ammunition and a large capacity drum magazine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Monroe police officers stopped a car on October 17, 2017 for a traffic violation, and Kendrick Williams jumped out of the passenger door and ran. Officers caught Williams and brought him back to the scene where they searched the car and found a loaded Ruger .357-caliber revolver and a loaded Smith & Wesson .9 mm-caliber pistol in a natural void behind the glove compartment. Officers also found a 60-round Magpul drum-style magazine in the back seat, one round of .45-caliber ammunition, one round of .380-caliber ammunition and eight rounds of .40-caliber ammunition in the trunk. When officers checked the status of the firearms, the Smith & Wesson pistol came back stolen. Williams admitted to handling the Smith & Wesson pistol before police stopped the vehicle.
Williams is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. Williams pleaded guilty to aggravated second-degree battery in Ouachita Parish on April 26, 2012. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. He pleaded to the federal charges on January 30, 2019.
The ATF, Ouachita Parish Metro Narcotics Unit and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara 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.
Welsh man sentenced to 115 months in prison for distributing marijuana, cocaineRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Damien Guidry, 38, of Welsh, Louisiana, was sentenced to nine years and seven months in prison by U.S. District Judge Robert R. Summerhays for distributing marijuana and cocaine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Guidry shipped 14 pounds of marijuana from an individual in California to an address in Iota, Louisiana. Law enforcement agents observed Guidry leave the residence with the box containing the marijuana on January 26, 2016. They also observed the box in the back of a truck as he left the residence. In a second incident, Guidry asked someone on November 16, 2016 to travel with him to the Houston, Texas, area to obtain 2 kilograms of cocaine. The other individual was returning to Louisiana two days later in Guidry’s truck when law enforcement agents stopped the vehicle. They searched the truck and found nearly 2 kilograms of cocaine. Guidry pleaded guilty to federal charges on November 30, 2018 to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office and Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.
Shreveport resident sentenced to 12 months in prison for lying on ATF form to buy a firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Thomas Ray Beaird, 41, of Shreveport, was sentenced Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for attempting to purchase a firearm from a pawn shop. He was also sentenced to one year of supervised release.
Beaird attempted to purchase a handgun from a licensed Shreveport firearms dealer on June 29, 2018. Beaird lied on an ATF form 4473 to purchase a Ruger LCP .380-caliber gun. Beaird marked on the form that he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking or threatening a child or an intimate partner or child of such partner. Beaird was arrested on June 20, 2018 for second degree kidnapping of his wife. A Caddo Parish juvenile court judge also granted a protective order against Beaird on behalf of his juvenile children on June 21, 2018. Personal service of the protective order was made at the Caddo Correctional Center on June 26, 2018. Beaird pleaded guilty to the federal charge on December 18, 2018.
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.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph partners with DEA in its 17th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph will join the DEA this weekend for its 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The public will have the opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at collection sites across the Western District of Louisiana, which local law enforcement agencies and community partners will operate. The disposal service is free and anonymous - no questions asked.
“Unused prescription drugs often make their way into the hands of those who abuse them or children who might accidentally take them,” Joseph sated. “Please take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of these dangerous substances on Saturday at locations throughout the Western District of Louisiana. I am pleased to partner with DEA in supporting this event, and I encourage the public to do their part.”
“Prescription drug abuse has become the nation’s fastest growing drug epidemic,” DEA New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Brad Byerley said. “Last year, more Americans died from opioid overdoses than from all other drugs combined, including meth, cocaine and hallucinogens. Unfortunately, these prescription drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets. DEA’s Take-Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Please do your part to keep prescription drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community.”
Last October, Americans turned in 457 tons (914,236 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and nearly 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. In Louisiana, 3,615 pounds were collected. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 11 million pounds—more than 5,400 tons—of pills.
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. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 Americans die each day from an opioid overdose.
To find a collection site near you, go to: www.DEATakeBack.com where you can search by zip code, city and state or call 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches.)
Drugs can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations across the Western District of Louisiana:
Shreveport
- Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office Safety Town, 8910 Jewella Ave.
- Pierremont Mall, 4801 Line Ave. – staffed by Shreveport Police Department
- Louisiana State Police Troop G, 5300 Industrial Drive Ext.
Lafayette
- Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Complex, 1825 W. Willow St.
Alexandria
- Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Police Department, Civic Center, 900 Lake Shore Drive
- Westlake Police Department, 701 Johnson Street
- Louisiana State Police, Troop D, 805 Main St.
Monroe
- Louisiana State Police, Troop F, 3811 Desiard St.
- Monroe Police Department, 700 Wood St.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
Illegal alien from Mexico sentenced for possessing revolver, shotgunRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Jose Daniel Molina, 36, of Veracruz, Mexico, was sentenced to 12 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for illegally possessing a revolver and a shotgun.
Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call of shots being fired on December 2, 2018, near a residence in Duson, Louisiana, and found Molina’s vehicle parked at the intersection of Dwayne Road and Tunica Lane. Upon further investigation, the officers saw a Mossberg 20-gauge shotgun which was in plain view in the backseat of the car, and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolver with three live rounds and three empty casings on the ground about 10 feet from the driver’s side window of Molina’s car. Molina was later taken into custody and told Homeland Security agents that he was in possession of the two firearms and had illegally entered the country in 2000. Molina pleaded guilty to the federal charge on January 29, 2019.
Homeland Security Investigations, ATF and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo prosecuted the case.
Former VA pharmacist indicted for stealing pharmaceutical drugs from patients’ prescriptionsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a grand jury indicted Melissa W. Richardson, 43, of Shreveport, on 20 counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud.
According to the indictment, Richardson, who worked for Veterans Affairs in Shreveport as a pharmacist, stole various quantities of Hydrocodone, Tylenol/Codeine, Diazepam and Morphine on June 9, 2017 from prescriptions meant for patients.
If convicted, Richardson faces a maximum term of four years imprisonment, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Priority One: Building Safer CommunitiesRead the Press Release
It has now been a year since I was appointed by the President to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, a district encompassing 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes. On that day, I made a commitment to use the tools at my disposal to combat the violent crime epidemic that has long plagued our state; aggressively prosecute public corruption; combat opioid addiction and fatalities; enforce existing immigration laws against criminal aliens; and hold accountable those individuals and companies who damage our environment, thereby endangering our health and quality of life. By prioritizing prosecutorial resources and building meaningful and lasting relationships with our many dedicated local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, I am pleased to report that – though much work remains – we are making progress.
Our number one priority remains eradicating violent crime through the Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”) initiative, which targets felons with firearms and those involved in criminal enterprises who use firearms to intimidate, threaten, and kill those living in the neighborhoods where they operate. Since the implementation of this initiative, we have more than tripled the number of firearm and violent crime cases prosecuted by my office.
And the results have been remarkable. With few exceptions, violent crime rates have dropped throughout the district. In Monroe, homicides declined 54 percent in 2018 compared to 2017, and violent crime as a whole dropped by 24 percent. Likewise, Lafayette saw a 62 percent decline in its homicide rate, while Shreveport saw its violent crime rate drop 14 percent. To put it in human terms: last year there were 257 fewer victims of violent crime in Shreveport, 261 fewer in Monroe, and 42 fewer in Lafayette. Each of these numbers represent a man, woman, or child who has been spared death, injury, or life-long trauma by our collaborative effort to target those perpetrating violence. Available data indicates that 2019 will bear out even further reduction in violent crime in Shreveport, Monroe, and Lafayette, and further expansion of the PSN initiative into Lake Charles and Alexandria.
Aggressive prosecution of street gangs also remains a core component of our strategy. Late last year, prosecutors from my office convicted the core members of the “Block Boyz”, a notorious street gang that long terrorized Shreveport’s Queensborough neighborhood with firearm violence, armed robberies, drug peddling, and witness intimidation. The members of this gang are now in federal prison and the Queensborough neighborhood is free from their menace.
Make no mistake: violent crime and gang cases are difficult and often involve personal risk to the law enforcement officers who confront these violent criminals. But the stakes of shying from our responsibility are higher. Doing nothing means that we allow our neighborhoods to be ruled by street gangs, with children afraid to play in their front yards and elderly residents afraid to answer their front doors. The Constitution mandates that my duty as U.S. Attorney is to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Lawlessness will not stand under my watch. We will not allow a culture of violence to deprive honest, hardworking Louisianans of the freedoms and opportunities we cherish as Americans.
We are also making progress on other priorities. We continue to identify and prosecute public officials who abuse our trust or use public office as a way to illegally line their own pockets. In recent weeks, we convicted at trial Patrick Hale Dejean, a Jefferson Parish Justice of the Peace who stole hard-earned wages from vulnerable citizens appearing in his court, and former prison warden Nathan Burl Cain II, who used his position as Warden to embezzle taxpayer money. Currently under indictment are Caddo Parish Commissioner Lynn D. Cawthorne who is accused of defrauding taxpayers out of more than $500,000.
In the past year, we have also dramatically increased our efforts to enforce this country’s immigration laws – particularly against violent criminal aliens, including the capture and prosecution of ICE’s “Most Wanted” fugitive, who was here illegally after having been convicted and subsequently deported for indecent liberties with a child.
In the fight against opioids, we recently convicted two drug traffickers who were carrying enough of the synthetic opioid – fentanyl – to kill every man, woman, and child in the state of Louisiana, and we have federally charged a Monroe man with intentionally selling fentanyl-laced heroin responsible for at least one person’s death. He faces up to life in prison. We also continue to investigate and prosecute doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals who operate so-called “pill mills,” which fuel addiction and, ultimately, cause death.
Finally, we continue to defend the state’s environmental treasures from those who would illegally exploit or damage them. In a recent case, we convicted the owners and managers of a defense contracting company for their roles in defrauding the government and turning Camp Minden, Louisiana, into the largest illegal dumping ground for military explosives and munitions in the history of our country – resulting in a tremendous explosion that endangered countless lives.
Obviously, my office does not act alone in its mission. Without exception, the sheriffs, police chiefs, and district attorneys throughout the Western District have provided vital and enthusiastic support to our efforts. It is through coming together to uphold the Rule of Law that we can continue to “secure the blessings of liberty” for our citizens.
David C. Joseph is the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, an area that encompasses two-thirds of the State of Louisiana, including the cities of Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Alexandria. Joseph serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer in his district and oversees the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States. For more information visit, www.justice.gov/usao-wdla and @USAO_WDLA on Twitter.
Department of Justice releases reports focused on improving safety and wellness of the nation’s 800,000 law enforcement officersRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Department of Justice today released two complementary reports that focus on the mental health and safety of the nation’s federal, state, local and tribal police officers. The reports, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress and Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, were published by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) as required by the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) of 2017.
The LEMHWA passed both chambers unanimously and without amendment and was signed by the President shortly thereafter. These actions show that its purpose and intended effects are uncontroversial among policymakers – law enforcement agencies need and deserve support in their ongoing efforts to protect the mental health and well-being of their employees. Congress took the important step in improving the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services that will help our nation’s more than 800,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers.
“Law enforcement work is more than just a job,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph. “Police officers have taken an oath to protect us anytime our safety is at risk. The constant stress from the heavy burden they bear can have an effect on their wellbeing and that of their families. I am thankful for the resources provided by the Department of Justice to support the mental health and safety of our federal, state and local law enforcement officers, and for the bravery and courage shown by our law enforcement officers here in Louisiana.”
“Serving as a law enforcement officer requires courage, strength, and dedication,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “The demands of this work, day in and day out, can take a toll on the health and well-being of our officers, but the Department of Justice is committed to doing our part to help. I want to thank the men and women of our COPS office for their hard work to support our officers every day, and specifically for these thoughtful and insightful reports, which detail both the challenges facing our officers and some specific ways we can give them the support that they deserve.”
“A damaging national narrative has emerged in which law enforcement officers – whether federal, state, local, or tribal – are seen not as protectors of communities but as oppressors,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “In this environment, where an inherently stressful job is made more so by a constant undercurrent of distrust and negative public opinion, the risks to officer wellness are exacerbated. This report is an important measure and reflection in our ongoing commitment to protect those who protect us.”
Under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, the COPS Office was required to submit reports to Congress that addressed:
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Recommendations to Congress on effectiveness of crisis lines for law enforcement officers, efficacy of annual mental health checks for law enforcement officers, expansion of peer mentoring programs, and ensuring privacy considerations for these types of programs;
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Mental health practices and services in the U.S. Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) that could be adopted by federal, state, local, or tribal law enforcement agencies; and
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Case studies of programs designed primarily to address officer psychological health and well-being.
The first report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress, includes 22 recommendations to Congress ranging from supporting programs to embed mental health professionals in law enforcement agencies to supporting the development of model policies and implementation guidance for law enforcement agencies to make substantial efforts to reduce suicide.
The case studies report, Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Programs: Eleven Case Studies, is designed to provide an overview of multiple successful and promising law enforcement mental health and wellness strategies with the joint aims of informing Congress, state and local government officials, and the law enforcement field. The report includes 11 case studies from a diverse group of sites across the United States.
The Department of Justice is pleased to respond to the LEMHWA as officer safety, health, and wellness is a longstanding priority of the agency. The reports released today address some of the most pressing issues currently facing our law enforcement community.
The COPS Office has a near 25-year history of supporting the efforts of state, local and tribal law enforcement, including the management of the National Blue Alert Network. The agency awards grants to hire community policing officers, develop and test innovative policing strategies, and provide training and technical assistance to community members, local government leaders, and all levels of law enforcement. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to help advance community policing.
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Bossier City woman sentenced to 58 months for distributing methamphetamine, possessing firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Erin W. O’Daniel, 36, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. She was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the sentencing hearing.
During a traffic stop of O’Daniel’s car on October 27, 2017 on Interstate 20, a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the car and saw in plain view a large sum of cash in a bag on the center console. The deputy also found two bags containing 282.7 grams of methamphetamine, two bags of marijuana, 14 ecstasy pills, a set of digital scales, plastic baggies and a .40-caliber loaded pistol in the center console. O’Daniel admitted that she had more methamphetamine and another gun at home, prompting a search of her house where law enforcement agents recovered an additional 113.5 grams of methamphetamine in a box under her bed. She pleaded guilty to these charges on January 25, 2018.
The DEA, Louisiana State Police, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Minden Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford prosecuted the case.
Alexandria man pleads guilty to being a felon in possession of a stolen pistolRead the Press Release
ALEXANDNRIA, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Freddie Lewis, 28, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On December 12, 2017, a Louisiana State Trooper stopped Freddie Lewis in Alexandria and found that he was in possession of a loaded Glock 22, .40-caliber pistol that had been reported stolen. Lewis is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of previous felony convictions that include possession of cocaine (2010), aggravated flight from an officer and simple burglary of a religious building (2013), obscenity (2015), and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2017). Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Lewis faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Drell set the sentencing date for July 19, 2019.
The ATF and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara 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.
West Monroe felon pleads guilty to 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, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the guilty plea, 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.
Williams faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Doughty set the sentencing date for August 7, 2019.
The ATF and West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford 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.
Sulphur resident pleads guilty to illegally possessing a shotgun and pistolRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that James Bergeron, 29, of Sulphur, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Thursday day before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to the guilty plea, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on October 19, 2018 at Bergeron’s Sulphur residence where they found a Browning 12-gauge shotgun and a Ruger .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol. Bergeron, a convicted felon, was present at the time of the search and admitted to ownership and use of the firearms. He was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas on September 26, 2013 for bank robbery and in the 14th Judicial District Court, Calcasieu Parish, on August 25, 2017 for possession of Methamphetamine. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Bergeron faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for July 9, 2019.
The ATF, Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie 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 reductions in crime.
Shreveport felon sentenced to 106 months in prison for drug, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Ellis Harp III, 44, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to eight years and 10 months in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of two firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Foote also sentenced Harp to five years of supervised release.
Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on February 26, 2016 at Harp’s Earl Street residence in Shreveport and found 137.080 grams of powder cocaine, three sets of digital scales, a Ruger, model Super Blackhawk .44-caliber revolver and an Olympic Arms Inc. SGW & Safari Arms AR-15 in a shed on his property. Harp admitted to possessing the items located in the shed and admitted that he knew he was not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. He was convicted in federal court in the Western District of Louisiana on September 16, 2010 for possession of a firearm by a felon. Harp pleaded guilty on November 29, 2018 for the current charges.
The ATF, DEA, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and Shreveport 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 reductions in crime.
Monroe resident pleads guilty to possessing two unregistered shotgunsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Nelson Bell Jr., 51, of Monroe, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty for possessing two unregistered shotguns.
According to the guilty plea, 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 not registered as required by law. Under federal law, shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches must be registered.
Bell faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Doughty set the sentencing date for September 4, 2019.
The ATF and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath 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.
Members of Ouachita Parish methamphetamine distribution ring plead guiltyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Matthew A. Beaudion, 30, and Jessica N. Davis, 34, both of Monroe, entered guilty pleas Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Hayes for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Ouachita Parish.
According to the guilty pleas, Beaudion, Davis and co-defendant Justin D. Jenkins, 34, of Rayville, Louisiana, traveled to Houston, Texas, on August 14, 2017 so that Beaudion could purchase methamphetamine with plans to distribute it to Davis and other persons. Beaudion paid Jenkins to drive because he had a valid driver’s license. After returning to Monroe on August 15, 2017, law enforcement agents stopped the vehicle, and discovered 690.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the dashboard of the vehicle behind the radio.
The defendants face not less than 10 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Jenkins pleaded guilty to the conspiracy count on January 24, 2018. All three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced July 31, 2019.
The DEA and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
Lake Charles man pleads guilty to illegal firearm possession following police chaseRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that a Lake Charles man pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to illegally possessing a firearm after leading Lake Charles police officers on a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash.
Dane Darbonne, 29, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the guilty plea, Darbonne purchased a Savage Model 110 caliber, 30-06 rifle from another individual on August 10, 2018. The day after taking possession of the firearm, Darbonne led Lake Charles police in a vehicle pursuit. Darbonne crashed the car during the pursuit and fled the scene. Officers recovered the rifle from the vehicle Darbonne was driving. Darbonne is a felon who was previously convicted for possession of a firearm in a firearm free zone, assault by drive-by-shooting, attempted manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of cocaine. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of a firearm or ammunition.
Darbonne faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
The ATF and the Lake Charles Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti 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.
Statement by U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph on church burnings in St. Landry ParishRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph issued the following statement:
“A suspect has been identified in connection with the three church burnings in Opelousas, Louisiana, and is in state custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF, and FBI are working with state and local law enforcement and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the victims and those St. Landry Parish residents affected by these despicable acts. A special thanks to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, Louisiana State Fire Marshal, H. “Butch” Browning Jr., Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Cybercrime Unit, the Louisiana State Police, and the Florida State Fire Marshal for working seamlessly with federal law enforcement agents in this investigation.”
Shreveport felon sentenced to 57 months in prison for possessing pistolRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Dennis Lee Richardson, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for possessing a semi-automatic pistol. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
On June 29, 2018, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a Prentiss Street residence. As the agents approached the home, they saw Richardson and his girlfriend sitting in a parked car in the driveway. The agents also observed a loaded Glock semi-automatic pistol with an extended clip on the floorboard behind the front passenger seat. Richardson is a convicted felon who pleaded guilty on March 10, 2014 in Caddo Parish for attempted illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Under federal law, felons are not allowed to possess a firearm or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to the federal firearms charge on December 11, 2018.
The ATF and the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy 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.
Shreveport felon pleads guilty to possessing pistolRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Earl Vinson III, 20, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to the guilty plea, Shreveport police made contact with Vinson on April 24, 2018 outside a restaurant after receiving a call regarding him being a possible suspect in an automobile burglary. The officers found that Vinson was in possession of a Keltec .380-caliber pistol. Vinson admitted that he knew he was not allowed to have a firearm as a convicted felon. He was convicted on December 18, 2017 in state court for accessory after the fact to armed robbery. Under federal law, it is illegal for felons to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Vinson faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for July 29, 2019.
The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath 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.
Former Lake Charles police officer indicted for using excessive forceRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Robert Hammac, 44, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph and Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
The indictment charges Hammac with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The indictment alleges that on May 8, 2017, Hammac assaulted G.T., an arrestee, using a Taser and resulting in bodily injury to G.T.
If convicted, Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division 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 Lake Charles Police Officer Indicted for Using Excessive ForceRead the Press Release
Robert Hammac, 44, a former officer of the Lake Charles Police Department, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Lafayette, Louisiana, for using excessive force against an arrestee, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph of the Western District of Louisiana.
The indictment charges Hammac with a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The indictment alleges that on May 8, 2017, Hammac assaulted G.T., an arrestee, using a Taser and resulting in bodily injury to G.T.
If convicted, Hammac faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a $250,000 fine.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with Shreveport eventRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7 to 13, 2019, U.S. Attorney David. C. Joseph was the guest speaker on Monday at the annual proclamation ceremony in Shreveport, hosted by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, which was at the Shreveport-Caddo Government Plaza on Travis Street.
“We all know victims of crime, whether it be friends, family or colleagues,” Joseph stated. “I want the public to know that my office stands ready to not only prosecute those who have done harm to crime victims, but also to provide support to victims throughout the legal process. I would also ask those in our communities to remember the victims of crime in their thoughts and prayers.”
“Victims of crime deserve justice,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute and convict those who have done them harm. During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime, and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured.”
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize or participate in events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7 to 13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 12, 2019 to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local and tribal justice systems by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Victim Witness Program at 318-676-3600.
Rayville man pleads guilty to mail fraud scheme, attempting to steal nearly $400,000Read the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Ronald W. Reeves, 68, of Rayville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to two counts of mail fraud for his role in a scheme to steal nearly $400,000.
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.
Reeves faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count. The court set the sentencing date for August 7, 2019.
The IRS and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian C. Flanagan and Seth D. Reeg are prosecuting the case.
Bastrop residents plead guilty to drug, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced that Cortez Demoria McWilson, 29, and Troydarius Jamal Jackson, 29, both of Bastrop, Louisiana, pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty to drug and firearm charges.
According to the guilty pleas, a Louisiana State Police trooper encountered McWilson and Jackson 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 pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He 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 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for drug conspiracy. Jackson faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the firearms charge. They both face three years of supervised release. Doughty set the sentencing date for August 7, 2019.
The ATF, Louisiana State Police and Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. 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, 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.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to lying on a federal firearms formRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that Joseph Shaquille Brown, 25, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for making a false statement on a federal firearms transaction record, known as an ATF Form 4473.
According to the guilty plea, Brown completed an ATF Form 4473 at a Shreveport business on November 17, 2017. On the form, Brown indicated he was not subject to a court authorized restraining order. However, he was subject to two such restraining orders that were issued following his arrest on October 4, 2017 for telephone harassment and stalking his ex-wife. The Caddo Parish District Court issued a restraining order on October 9, 2017, and the Caddo parish Juvenile Court issued another restraining order on October 27, 2017.
Brown faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Judge Donald Walter set Brown’s sentencing date for July 2, 2019.
The ATF conducted the investigation. 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, 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.