Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Vivian resident pleads guilty to failing to report moving from Colorado to LouisianaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Vivian resident pleaded guilty to failing to update his sex offender registration after moving from Colorado to Louisiana last year.
Graham Cooper Gyde, 25, of Vivian, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of failure to update sex offender registration. According to the guilty plea, Gyde pleaded guilty to sexual assault on state charges in Golden, Colo., in October 2012. He registered as a sex offender in February 2013 and then again in April 2016, stating that he lived in Colorado. At some point after completing the last registration, he traveled to Louisiana and lived in Vivian for three and a half months. Vivian police arrested him in November 2016 for charges related to not updating his sex offender registration, which include reporting his new address.
Gyde faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of August 17, 2017.
The U.S. Marshals Service and the Vivian Police Department conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Paul Gillespie is prosecuting the case.
Lake Charles man pleads guilty to transporting explosivesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Lake Charles man pleaded guilty to transporting explosives.
Cory Duane Smith, 47, of Lake Charles, La., but who previously lived in Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to one count of transportation of explosives. According to the guilty plea, Smith transported two spools of detonating cord, one box of boosters and two boxes of detonators from Shreveport to Bossier City between mid-April 2014 and May 31, 2014. Smith’s former roommate discovered the explosives in his garage at his Bossier City home more than a year after the explosives had been transported there. The roommate notified law enforcement agents of the presence of the explosives in his garage. Law enforcement subsequently interviewed Smith, who admitted to transporting the explosives from a residence in Shreveport to the roommate’s residence in Bossier City.
Smith faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of July 14, 2017 was set.
The ATF and the Bossier City Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Drucker is prosecuting the case.
Shreveport woman sentenced to 46 months in prison for cocaine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Shreveport woman was sentenced Monday to 46 months in prison for her role in a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation in Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Red River parishes.
Linda G. Brown, 61, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the guilty plea, the defendant along with co-defendants Shawn F. Swift, 36; Ricky R. Swift, 64; and Jarvis Randle, 29, all of Shreveport, conspired to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and cocaine base from January of 2013 to October of 2014 in Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto and Red River parishes. Agents conducted controlled buys and monitored communications between the defendants as they planned and sold illegal drugs. Shawn Swift operated the drug sales with the other defendants out of the family home in Shreveport, and they distributed them to the surrounding areas.
They also forfeited 39 weapons seized during the investigation of this case and more than $360,000. Of that total, $89,700 was seized during a traffic stop on September 21, 2014; $237,753 was seized from the home of Ricky Swift and Linda Brown on October 21, 2014; and $40,457 was seized from the home of Shawn Swift on October 21, 2014.
Randle, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on April 27, 2015; Ricky Swift pleaded guilty on June 1, 2015 to one count of laundering monetary instruments; and Shawn Swift, pleaded guilty on June 2, 2015 to the conspiracy charge and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Randle was sentenced on September 8, 2015 to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release; Shawn Swift was sentenced on March 17, 2016 to 180 months and 10 years of supervised release; Rickey Swift was sentenced on April 6, 2016 to 13 months in prison and two years of supervised release.
The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation named “Not So Swift.” The FBI, ATF, DEA, Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Man from Mexico sentenced to 6 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegally for the second timeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a citizen of Mexico was sentenced Monday to six months in prison for re-entering the United States illegally.
Juan De Dios Trejos-Sanchez, 37, of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien. According to the January 12, 2017 guilty plea, Trejos-Sanchez was arrested in Calcasieu Parish on October 6, 2016, on domestic battery charges and was then turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Trejos-Sanchez was previously removed from the United States in January of 2012 near Brownsville, Texas.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Last defendant in Acadiana methamphetamine distribution conspiracy sentencedRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that the last defendant was sentenced Monday in an Acadiana methamphetamine conspiracy.
Elton J. Scoggin, 36, of Breaux Bridge, La., and 10 other defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Lafayette and the surrounding areas from April 2015 until December 2015. Co-defendants Jeremy David Hamlett, 38, of Arnaudville, La., and Lovelace Louis Comeaux, 54, of Carencro, La., were the primary suppliers of the methamphetamine. Scoggin, the remaining defendant, was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition to Scoggin, Hamlett and Lovelace Comeaux, eight other defendants were indicted. They are: Darrell James Serrette II, 34, Jade Dupuis, 30, Jared J. Dupuis, 39, John S. Stutes, 45, and Travis Joseph Thibodeaux, 35, all of Breaux Bridge; Kevin Comeaux, 55, of Milton, La.; Matthew James Hebert, 43, of New Iberia, La.; and Ronnie J. Touchet, 36, of Carencro. These defendants previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced as shown below:
Defendants Prison term Probation Supervised release Counts* Date Lovelace Comeaux 120 months 5 years 1, 6 June 9, 2016 Touchet 60 months 3 years 1 Oct. 20, 2016 Hamlett 120 months 5 years 1 Oct. 21, 2016 Kevin Comeaux 63 months 3 years 1 Oct. 21, 2016 Serrette 36 months 3 years 1 Jan. 12, 2017 Jared Dupuis 30 months 3 years 1 Jan. 12, 2017 Stutes 24 months 3 years 1 Jan. 12, 2017 Hebert 37 months 3 years 1 Jan. 12, 2017 Jade Dupuis 12 months 3 years 2 Feb. 13, 2017 Thibodeaux 5 years 1 Feb. 13, 2017*Count 1 is conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Count 2 is distribution of methamphetamine, and Count 6 is use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating a drug trafficking crime.
According to Scoggin’s August, 24, 2016 guilty plea, he was recorded, along with Hamlett and the other co-conspirators, planning the distribution of methamphetamine and receipt of funds made from the sale of the drugs. Scoggin and others admitted that the methamphetamine received from Hamlett was of high quality and purity. Scoggin conspired with the other defendants to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy. The overall conspiracy involved the distribution of more than 15 kilograms of methamphetamine to the Acadiana area of Louisiana, which the group received and transported from Texas.
The DEA (Lafayette Task Force), Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics (LMN) conducted the investigation. ATF, FBI, DEA Task Force, St. Martin Parish Sherriff’s Office, and LMN assisted in the apprehension of the individuals named in the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Duson man sentenced to 12 months in prison for not paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars in taxesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Duson business owner was sentenced Monday to 12 months and one day in prison for evading taxes for three years.
Larry J. Thibodeaux, 66, of Duson, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of attempting to evade and defeat payment of tax. He was also sentenced to one year of supervised release. The judge also ordered Thibodeaux to pay $248,777 in restitution and a $50,000 fine. According to the November 16, 2016 guilty plea, Thibodeaux, who at the time of the offense was the president and sole shareholder of Thib’s Trailers in Duson, underreported taxes on IRS forms from 2012 to 2014. The corporate tax loss for the three years was $110,970, and the individual tax loss was $137,807 for a total loss to the U.S. Treasury of $248,777.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Arnaudville man pleads guilty to theft of mail on Opelousas routeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that an Opelousas mail carrier pleaded guilty to stealing cell phones from mail.
Tremayne Cluse, 24, of Arnaudville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of theft of mail by a postal service employee. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, the Opelousas postmaster reported to law enforcement agents that there was information linking Cluse to missing packages. Agents conducted an investigation, and they found packages in Cluse’s post office locker that had been opened and not delivered. Agents interviewed Cluse on December 24, 2015. He initially lied about taking the packages, but later admitted that he had started opening packages in November of 2015. Cluse stole four cell phones and one cell phone case from mail.
Cluse faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of July 17, 2017 was set.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a firearm after felony convictionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to 41 months in prison for possessing a pistol and ammunition after being convicted of a felony.
Damion Hamilton, 32, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Hamilton was found guilty after a three-day trial that ended on October 13, 2016. Evidence admitted at trial showed that on January 19, 2016 a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle Hamilton was driving. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a gun safe was found on the back seat. The safe contained an FNS-40 .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Hamilton’s DNA and fingerprints were found on the loaded magazine.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.
The ATF and Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Eunice man sentenced to 180 months in prison for sexually exploiting a minorRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Eunice man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for convincing a minor girl to send him sexually explicit pictures.
Adam Shilow, 36, of Eunice, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of receiving material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. He was also sentenced to 25 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the July 12, 2016 guilty plea, starting in October of 2013, Shilow contacted a 12-year-old female using an internet-based communication application. He portrayed his identity as a juvenile male with his same name. They exchanged sexually explicit pictures of each other in November of 2013. The juvenile’s mother notified law enforcement of Shilow’s activities after noticing an inappropriate message on her daughter’s phone on November 15, 2013.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Nassau County of New York Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Shreveport man sentenced to 57 months in prison for felony possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for illegally possessing two pistols after being convicted of a felony.
Terrell Kellum, 29, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the October 4, 2016 guilty plea, a member of the public informed law enforcement on November 6, 2015 that an individual was carrying two pistols near the intersection of Linwood and 70th Street in Shreveport. A Shreveport police officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, searched it and found two .380 caliber Lorcin Model L380 pistols. Kellum had been previously convicted of a felony and was not allowed to possess a firearm.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Drucker prosecuted the case.
Ringgold man sentenced for possessing 11 firearmsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Ringgold man was sentenced to 63 months in prison for possessing 11 firearms and ammunition after being convicted of a felony.
Brady D. Alsup, 44, of Ringgold, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay a $10,000 fine. According to the October 11, 2016 guilty plea, after receiving information that firearms were present on Alsup’s property, law enforcement agents conducted a search of his residence on October 14, 2015 and found six rifles, four shotguns, a revolver and assorted ammunition. The defendant was previously convicted in 2007 of a felony and is not allowed to possess a firearm.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Pineville man sentenced to 60 months in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced the sentencing of a Pineville man last week to 60 months in prison for possession of child pornography.
George Jeffus, 73, of Pineville, La., was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the December 5, 2016 guilty plea, Pineville authorities received a report concerning Jeffus possessing and viewing possible child pornography on his personal computer. A search of Jeffus’ home revealed 136 images and five video files of child pornography on electronic storage devices.
Homeland Security Investigations, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and Pineville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Broussard man pleads guilty to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Broussard man pleaded guilty to planning to sell drugs in the Acadiana area.
Kyle Gabriel Roy, 23, of Broussard, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Franklin police arrested Roy on April 2, 2015 after the car he was riding in was searched and marijuana was found. During a later interview, Roy admitted to having drugs and a firearm in a safe at a friend’s residence in Lafayette. Agents searched the safe and found a stolen firearm, 49 grams of marijuana and 4.1 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was divided into smaller packages for sale and a digital scale was also found. The defendant admitted that he possessed the drugs to distribute them.
Roy faces five years in prison, two to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a July 17, 2017 sentencing date.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The Chitimacha Tribal Police, Franklin Police Department and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Ball man sentenced to 21 months in prison for stealing more than $100,000 in Veterans Affairs benefitsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a Ball man was sentenced Thursday to 21 months in prison for stealing more than $100,000 in Veterans Affairs benefits from a deceased woman’s bank account.
Tracy Marler, 51, of Ball, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell for one count of theft of government property. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $101,250.10 restitution. The defendant was found guilty on December 13, 2016 after a two-day trial. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that from February 25, 2008 until April 30, 2014, Marler withdrew $101,250.10 from a deceased woman’s account. The woman was receiving the benefits on behalf of her deceased husband who had served in the U.S. armed forces. Marler had a joint bank account with the woman. After she died in February of 2008, he continued to receive her Veterans Affairs benefit payments to which he was not entitled.
The Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 5 years in prison for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to 60 months in prison for possessing a revolver while trafficking marijuana.
Anthony Von Fisher Jr., 31, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the November 29, 2016 guilty plea, police investigated a parked vehicle because of suspicious drug activity around 1 a.m. on March 6, 2016, at the 200 block of West Grant Street in Lafayette. When police spoke to Fisher, he admitted to possessing marijuana. Twenty-seven grams of marijuana were found in nine small clear plastic bags in his front right pocket, and 34 grams were found in a bag in his front left pocket. Police also found and seized a loaded .25 caliber handgun in Fisher’s pant leg. Fisher admitted the marijuana was pre-packaged for distribution.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
Angolan national sentenced to 6 months in prison for resisting deportation ordersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that an Angolan national was sentenced to six months in prison for refusing to leave the country twice after being ordered to depart.
Faustino Ngay, 46, of Cazengo, Angola, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on two counts of failure to depart. The defendant was found guilty after a one-day trial that ended on November 29, 2016. Evidence admitted at the trial revealed that on two occasions U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents attempted to remove Ngay from the country via the Alexandria International Airport by putting him on a commercial flight. The defendant hampered agents’ ability to remove him by verbally and physically resisting on November 17, 2015. The defendant also hampered attempts to put him on a commercial flight at the Alexandria airport on December 14, 2015. His outbursts prevented him from boarding the flights because of airline and Transportation Security Administration safety policies.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
New Iberia man pleads guilty to transporting obscene material of minorsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that a man from New Iberia pleaded guilty to transporting obscene material.
Lance Robert LeMaire, 36, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of transporting obscene material. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified LeMaire as possibly possessing obscene material. An agent obtained LeMaire’s tablet computer on May 5, 2015, and a forensic examination found 161 images involving sexual exploitation of a minor on the device.
LeMaire faces five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of July 10, 2017.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert C. Abendroth and John Luke Walker are prosecuting the case.
New Iberia man pleads guilty to sending threatening letters to government agencies in South LouisianaRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a New Iberia man pleaded guilty Tuesday to sending threatening letters to government agencies across South Louisiana, including the governor’s office.
Kyle Dore, 33, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to five counts of mailing threatening communications and four counts of false information and hoaxes. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, Dore sent a series of letters in December 2015 and January 2016 threatening agencies and persons working at offices in local, state and federal government. In four of the nine letters, he sent a white powder with the implication that it was toxic. The substance was later tested and found not dangerous. He sent letters to the Louisiana State Capitol to the attention of Governor John Bel Edwards, the Vermilion Parish Courthouse, the Lafayette Parish Courthouse, and U.S. Post Offices in New Iberia, Delcambre, Abbeville and Lake Charles.
Dore faces five years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count. The court set a June 9, 2017 sentencing date.
The FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Homer man pleads guilty to methamphetamine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a man from Homer pleaded guilty last week to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine after a bag containing the drug was found in a relative’s dryer.
Vincent McDaniel, 44, of Homer, La., pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the guilty plea, a relative of the defendant contacted law enforcement on November 12, 2015 to report that she had found something suspicious in a bag, which was left in a dryer at her home in Homer. After examining and testing the contents of the bag, law enforcement determined it was 526.7 grams of methamphetamine. McDaniel had asked for access to the home while the relative was away, and after his arrest, had asked other relatives to retrieve the bag for him before law enforcement could obtain it.
McDaniel faces 10 years to life in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a $10 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of June 28, 2017.
The DEA and the Homer Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles is prosecuting the case.
United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley retiring after 25 years of federal serviceRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Stephanie A. Finley, United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, announced today that she is retiring after 25 years of federal service.
Finley began her public service in the military in 1988 after she was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, competing nationally and being designated as a Distinguished Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. She served for four years on active duty at England Air Force Base, Louisiana and Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where she also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for both installations. Ms. Finley served as a member of the Judge Advocate Corps for 25 years and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She is a graduate of Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. Ms. Finley is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service, one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. She retired in November of 2016.
During her Reserve career, she was assigned to Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, the 8th Air Force, and the 2nd Bomb Wing. As a JAG officer, she served as a hearing officer for criminal cases and administrative discharge boards, worked in the areas of contract and labor law and military justice, as well as providing legal assistance services for active duty, reservists and dependents of the military.
Ms. Finley began her career with the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in October of 1995. Prior to her appointment as U.S. Attorney in June of 2010, Ms. Finley served as the District’s Senior Litigation Counsel and was responsible for the District’s training and mentoring programs. She also served as the Deputy Criminal Chief for the Lafayette Office. In her 21-plus years with the Department of Justice, she prosecuted cases involving white collar crimes, violent crimes, civil rights, environmental crimes, drug trafficking, public corruption and tax evasion.
Finley served on Attorney General Eric Holder’s Advisory Committee (AGAC) from 2011-2013. The Attorney General Advisory Committee was created to serve as the voice of the U.S. Attorneys and to advise the attorney general on policy, management and operational issues impacting the offices of the U.S. Attorneys. In addition, she also served as Co-Chair and Chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee’s Office of Management and Budget Committee, and on a number of subcommittees and working groups for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, to include the Civil Rights Subcommittee, Native American Issues Subcommittee, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Working Group, Environmental Issues Working Group, Racial Disparities Working Group, and the Service Members and Veterans Rights Working Group. Finley also served as a board member of the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Board.
Under Ms. Finley’s leadership, transparency and outreach were District priorities. Her office initiated and conducted numerous outreach efforts designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement partners, citizens, schools, and community groups. Ms. Finley also focused her attention on developing in-house programs designed to develop leadership among both attorneys and support staff. As the chief law enforcement officer of 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, her emphasis was on civil and criminal cases with a strong federal nexus. Between 2010 and 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, through its amped up Financial Litigation Unit, collected more than $101 million in civil and criminal actions.
Known for her commitment to the children of this District, Ms. Finley engaged the district’s clergy, civic, nonprofit, and business communities through community forums, roundtable discussions and a myriad of speaking engagements. She often on her own time and at her own expense visited the District’s youth at schools, community centers, and nonprofit organizations. Ms. Finley was also a frequent speaker at law enforcement events. She prioritized the District’s Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) efforts to provide countless training sessions for federal, local and state law enforcement agencies designed to enhance their enforcement abilities to keep our communities safe.
Ms. Finley ensured that all five of the division offices were operational and the Lafayette and Shreveport offices were fully staffed, navigating through several financial challenges, including a hiring freeze, government shutdown and budget sequestration.
Ms. Finley is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Grambling State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Southern University Law Center where she received her Juris Doctorate in 1991 and was the Editor in Chief of the Law Review.
Ms. Finley has been recognized for her longstanding dedication and commitment to the community. She previously served as the Criminal Bar Examiner and an Assistant Bar Examiner for the Louisiana Bar, is a frequent youth conference lecturer on the local and state level, and has been honored as a “Top 20 Under 40” recipient, one of Lafayette’s “Women Who Means Business,” a “Person of Excellence” recipient from the National Association of University Women, a Torchbearers’ Award recipient, a Southern University Law Center Hall of Fame inductee, a recipient of Grambling State University’s Beacon Award for Public Service, a Public Service Award recipient at Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Regional Conference, and various other Achievement Awards
“I have been truly blessed to serve my nation in the capacity of the United States Attorney, Assistant United States Attorney, Special Assistant United States Attorney, and Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force. I am extremely proud of the District’s accomplishments over the last six and a half years; there are too many to mention. But, as I have said from day one, no one does this alone. Today, I would like to thank all of the unsung men and women of the Western District of Louisiana who are some of the finest public servants in our state and nation. They are the reasons why my service has been so gratifying and successful. I want to also thank the men and women who serve in our partner federal agencies and our tribal, state and local partners. The public will never know the magnitude of our ongoing collaboration to keep the citizens of our communities safe and to represent the United States. I also thank my family and friends who have been supportive throughout my career.
The work of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office will continue. My service to our nation and state will also continue; it will now be in my private capacity. I am excited about what the future holds, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the United States Attorney.”
Federal jury finds Opelousas man guilty of robbing three businesses at gunpointRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found an Opelousas man guilty Tuesday of robbing three local businesses at gunpoint.
Carey Wardell Reed, 28, of Opelousas, La., was found guilty of three counts of interference with commerce by robbery; two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a violent crime; and one count of using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. After the conclusion of the trial, the jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before delivering the guilty verdict. United States District Judge Rebecca F. Doherty presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Reed robbed three commercial establishments in Opelousas in 2014. On May 2, 2014, Reed robbed the Tiger Stop #7 gas station. He fired a shot, and told everyone inside to “get down.” He then had the employees empty the cash register of $704 and fled the scene. One May 10, 2014, Reed robbed the Chicken King restaurant. He entered the restaurant with a gun, which he pointed at the cashier. He demanded money and threatened to harm those present. The cashier turned over $985, and Reed fled. On September 22, 2014, Reed robbed a Family Dollar store. He entered the store with a handgun and demanded money. Before leaving, he also threatened the employees’ lives and took $1,400. The defendant was arrested on September 30, 2014 after police conducted a traffic stop. Extensive ballistic and digital forensic evidence were key in proving Reed to be the perpetrator in all three robberies.
Reed faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the robbery counts, seven years in prison on each of the brandishing offenses, and 10 years in prison for the discharging offense. Because the defendant has been convicted of multiple firearms offenses, two of the firearms convictions are subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment for each count. Sentencing will be set at a later date.
The FBI and the Opelousas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
New Iberia attorneys plead guilty to failure to file tax returnsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – Two Louisiana attorneys pleaded guilty Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to willfully failing to file federal tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley for the Western District of Louisiana.
According to documents filed with the court, James Lynden Burton, 48, and his ex-wife, Lucretia Pecantte-Burton, 50, of New Iberia, La., are licensed attorneys and were partners of the law firm of Pecantte-Burton & Burton. The law firm offered general legal services and representation and regularly received cash payments from clients for legal services rendered. They also had a partnership interest in a tax return preparation business. For tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009, Burton and Pecantte-Burton did not file individual income tax returns despite earning income from their law practice and the tax return preparation business. They filed delinquent returns after learning that they were under criminal investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Burton and Pecantte-Burton each face a statutory maximum sentence of 12 months in prison as well as a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Finley thank special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Joseph and Trial Attorney Daniel McGraw, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Louisiana Attorneys Plead Guilty to Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Two Louisiana attorneys pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to willfully failing to file federal tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley for the Western District of Louisiana.
According to documents filed with the court, James Lynden Burton, 48, and his ex-wife, Lucretia Pecantte-Burton, 50, of New Iberia, Louisiana, are licensed attorneys and were partners of the law firm of Pecantte-Burton & Burton (PB&B). PB&B offered general legal services and representation and regularly received cash payments from clients for legal services rendered. They also had a partnership interest in a tax return preparation business. For tax years 2007, 2008 and 2009, Burton and Pecantte-Burton did not file individual income tax returns despite earning income from their law practice and the tax return preparation business. They filed delinquent returns after learning that they were under criminal investigation by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Burton and Pecantte-Burton each face a statutory maximum sentence of 12 months in prison as well as a term of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Finley thanked special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Joseph and Trial Attorney Daniel McGraw, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Minden man sentenced to 15 months in prison for role in scheme to sell company propertyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Minden man was sentenced Thursday to 15 months in prison for selling his employer’s equipment and pocketing the money.
Brian C. Campbell, 41, of Minden, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of wire fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $15,800 in restitution. According to the May 19, 2016 guilty plea, Campbell worked in the well tester division of a well construction and testing company’s sub-yard in Minden. From at least February 2015 through July 2015, Campbell sold company property to unsuspecting third parties, including trailers and a pickup truck, without the company’s permission. Campbell conspired with company personnel in Houston to send certificates of title and registration paperwork to his residence. The ownership documents were changed to show Campbell as the owner, and he would either sell the vehicles or keep them for personal use. He kept a portion of the sale proceeds for himself and sent kickbacks to the employee who aided him.
The FBI, Louisiana State Police and Texas Department of Public Safety-Texas Rangers Division conducted the investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Bogalusa man pleads guilty to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Bogalusa man pleaded guilty Wednesday to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Craig Antwon Jefferson, 30, of Bogalusa, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement officers pulled over Jefferson’s vehicle April 14, 2016 on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish for a traffic violation. An officer searched the vehicle and found 6.5 pounds of cocaine and 6 grams of marijuana in a backpack.
Jefferson faces 10 years to life in prison, eight years of supervised release and a $8 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of May 22, 2017.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.
Youngsville man sentenced to 220 months in prison for distributing, possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Youngsville man was sentenced Thursday to more than 18 years in prison for distribution and possession of child pornography.
Thomas Hanes, 49, of Youngsville, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of distribution and one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release. According to the November 7, 2016 guilty plea, Hanes was identified through an investigation as distributing thousands of files of child pornography using an online peer-to-peer network. Law enforcement agents searched his home in Youngsville on February 26, 2016 and found sexually explicit images of children as young as two and three years of age on electronic media.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and the Youngsville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Texas man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for methamphetamine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Texas was sentenced Wednesday to 140 months in prison for conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area with another Texas man.
Tares Terrell Hearn, 37, of Carthage, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the September 19, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement agents learned that Hearn had organized a transaction to sell methamphetamine on May 10, 2016 at a Greenwood, La., gas station. Co-defendant Delton Williams Jr., 29, of Deberry, Texas, arrived earlier in a Cadillac Escalade. Hearn was then seen entering the Escalade and exiting the vehicle with a package tucked under his arm. While Hearn was being arrested, Williams was followed to an adjacent business where he was also arrested. Hearn and Williams were found with large sums of money. Hearn was found with a large amount of methamphetamine not intended for personal use. It was later learned that Williams transported methamphetamine from Texas to Greenwood for Hearn who intended to distribute it.
Williams was sentenced on February 1, 2017 to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for the conspiracy count.
The DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 20 years in prison for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced Thursday to 240 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Dondell Pea, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release. According to the October 24, 2016 guilty plea, Pea was arrested on May 26, 2016 after returning home. He had made arrangements to sell methamphetamine with a buyer. Agents found him with 266.3 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle and a .40 caliber handgun in his home.
The DEA and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath and Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Missouri man sentenced to 57 months in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Missouri was sentenced Thursday to 57 months in prison for possessing child pornography, including images of children under the age of 12.
Douglas Beer, 49, of Ballwin, Mo., but who previously lived in Lafayette Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of possession of child pornography involving a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the July 25, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement agents received information that a computer in Lafayette Parish was being used to download child pornography. Agents conducted a search of Beer’s residence in Lafayette Parish on March 9, 2016. Beer admitted to downloading child pornography, and agents found more than 600 images with some depicting children under the age of 12.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Breaux Bridge woman sentenced to 10 months for stealing more than $64,000 from a New Iberia companyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Breaux Bridge woman was sentenced Thursday to 10 months in prison for stealing more than $64,000 from a New Iberia company.
Joan C. Edgar, 66, of Breaux Bridge, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of wire fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release, $64,860 restitution and a $,5000 fine. According to the September 20, 2016 guilty plea, Edgar worked as an office manager for a New Iberia company. The company’s sole stockholder began negotiating with Edgar for her to buy the company in 2011, and while still working for the company, she stole $64,860. She concealed her actions by altering company records.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Company to Pay $9.5 Million for False Reporting of Safety Inspections and Clean Water Act Violations That Led to Explosion in Gulf of MexicoRead the Press Release
Wood Group PSN Inc., a Nevada corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas, was ordered to pay $9.5 million today in two separate cases involving their conduct in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, Wood Group PSN was ordered to pay $7 million for falsely reporting over several years that personnel had performed safety inspections on offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico in the Western District of Louisiana, and $1.8 million for negligently discharging oil into the Gulf of Mexico in violation of the Clean Water Act after an explosion on an offshore facility in the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeff Wood of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana Stephanie A. Finley, and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Kenneth A. Polite. Wood Group PSN was also ordered to pay $700,000 in community service to projects in the areas where the criminal conduct took place.
“The events of November 2012 at West Delta 32 were tragic, and since then federal prosecutors have worked diligently to investigate and understand the full scope of criminal conduct,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood. “Today’s plea agreement demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to the integrity of federal safety programs and accountability for those who falsify federal safety inspection reports. In addition, the plea agreement ensures that Wood Group is held responsible for its wrongful pollution of the Gulf of Mexico, and it will bring community service projects to benefit the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Coast communities.”
“Ensuring that public resources are developed in a professional and responsible manner is among the highest priorities for this department, and the OIG is committed to work with its federal partners to hold violators accountable when they choose to ignore their professional and legal responsibilities and place the public and environment at risk,” said Ronald Gonzales, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of the Interior OIG’s Energy Investigations Unit.
“Developing domestic sources of energy is of vital importance to our nation. This development must be done responsibly and safely to protect public health and the environment,” said Christopher R. Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Louisiana. “This case is an example of federal law enforcement partners holding individuals accountable for their illegal conduct, and ensuring that the hard work invested in restoring the Gulf of Mexico is not jeopardized.”
According to the factual basis of the company’s plea agreement in the false reporting case, from April of 2011 to July of 2014, employees at Wood Group PSN’s Cameron, La., office failed to inspect and maintain facilities they had contracts with on the Outer Continental Shelf’s Creole Loop, and also falsely indicated that the facilities had been properly inspected and maintained according to federal safety and environmental regulations. The company operators at the Cameron office had trouble keeping up with inspections and maintenance on facilities they serviced. The office did not have sufficient labor and transportation, and the work was not always completed on time. The employees, from operators to clerks, then falsified reports to the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement. The company admitted to 87 violations on offshore platforms.
Wood Group PSN’s Clean Water Act conviction stems from an explosion on Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, L.L.C.’s (BEE) offshore oil production facility located at area West Delta 32 in the Gulf of Mexico. According to court documents, BEE had contracted with Wood Group PSN for individuals to man and conduct production operations at the West Delta 32 facility. Beginning on November 3, 2012 and continuing through November 16, 2012, construction was being conducted at the West Delta 32 facility. Wood Group PSN supported the construction by issuing hot work permits for welding.
However, starting on or about Nov. 10, 2012, the Wood Group PSN Person-in-Charge, Christopher Srubar, stopped issuing hot work permits and conducting all-hands safety meetings, and instead delegated the hot work permitting to a less experienced operator. On Nov. 16, 2012, Grand Isle Shipyards, Inc. (GIS) construction superintendent, Curtis Dantin, assigned workers to perform welding in three different areas of the “E” platform, including sump line piping that had previously contained hydrocarbons but had not been made safe for hot work, or identified in a permit as an area safe for hot work. The sump line piping led to an oil storage tank that contained hydrocarbons contaminated with water, also known as the wet oil tank.
After the construction workers had cut and grinded the sump line piping the morning of Nov. 16, they attempted to weld on the cut piping with an arc welder. At that time, hydrocarbon vapors that had escaped from the wet oil tank ignited. The ignition caused an explosion setting off a series of additional explosions in the three oil tanks on the “E” platform. One of the dry oil tanks and the wet oil tank were blown into the Gulf of Mexico. The other dry oil tank was blown off its base and destroyed the platform crane. Oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico causing a sheen on the water. Oil rained down to the lower deck of the platform where workers had been performing other construction activity. The fire and explosions that occurred resulted in the deaths of construction workers, Avelino Tajonera, Elroy Corporal, and Jerome Malagapo. Other workers were seriously burned and physically injured.
Wood Group PSN admitted that its employees were negligent in the way they authorized hot work on West Delta 32, and that a lack of communication between personnel on the platform, including Wood Group PSN’s Person-in-Charge, Christopher Srubar, contributed to the events that caused oil to be discharged into the Gulf of Mexico in a harmful quantity.
Co-defendants, BEE and GIS face manslaughter charges, and Curtis Dantin, Christopher Srubar, and Don Moss face criminal violations of the Clean Water Act in the Eastern District of Louisiana before the Honorable Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, in case no. 15-cr-197 “H.” BEE also faces eight felony counts of regulatory violations under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Charges against Don Moss, Christopher Srubar, Curtis Dantin, and GIS under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act that were dismissed by the district court are pending an interlocutory appeal by the government to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, case no. 16-30561.
The U.S. Department of the Interior-Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-CID conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and David D. Joseph prosecuted the case for the Western District of Louisiana, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Greenfield and Nicholas Moses, and Department of Justice Senior Trial Attorney Ken Nelson prosecuted the case for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Bossier City man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Bossier City man pleaded guilty Wednesday to possessing child pornography.
Travis Eugene Henson, 42, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession of child pornography. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified Henson as someone who was actively downloading child pornography. His home was searched on April 25, 2016, and child pornography was found on various electronic media within his home. Law enforcement later conducted a forensic analysis of the media that showed the electronic media contained more than a million files with a majority being child pornography.
Henson faces five to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, mandatory registration as a sex offender, forfeiture of property seized during the investigation and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for June 16, 2017.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) 347-2423. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the Northwest Louisiana Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Texas man sentenced to 105 months in prison for Bossier City methamphetamine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Texas man was sentenced Tuesday to more than eight and a half years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine.
David Wayne Carlisle, 41, of Marshall, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the December 21, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement agents arrested Carlisle at a hotel in Bossier City on February 5, 2016. A source indicated that Carlisle would be in town that day to sell illegal narcotics. Carlisle and his hotel room were searched, and agents found more than 5 grams of methamphetamine and $43,305 in cash.
The DEA and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 21 months in prison for felony possession of firearm, ammunitionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Monday to 21 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after having previously been convicted of two felonies.
Shawn D’Anthony Brown, 21, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Brown was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the November 8, 2016 guilty plea, Lafayette police stopped a black four-door vehicle not using headlights on September 27, 2015 on Celeste Street. Brown was searched, and a loaded .32 caliber revolver spray-painted gold was found in his front right pocket. After further investigation, law enforcement discovered that he had previously been convicted of two felonies.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Jonesboro man sentenced to 24 months in prison for FEMA fraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Jonesboro man was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison for obtaining FEMA grants for a fire department so that he could then sell his company’s products to it.
Curtis Roller, 60, of Jonesboro, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of wire fraud after illegally obtaining Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants and making false statements on worker compensation forms. He also was sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $403,355 restitution. According the guilty plea, Roller submitted false information on a grant application on May 9, 2009 to FEMA so that the Jackson Parish Ward 3 Fire Protection District was eligible to receive federal funds, which could be used to purchase equipment from his company, Louisiana Firefighting Services. It is against FEMA rules and policies for a grant writer to financially benefit from money awarded.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
United States files consent decree of permanent injunction against a Louisiana drug and dietary supplement manufacturer to stop distribution of misbranded and unapproved new drugs and misbranded and adulterated dietary supplementsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice filed a proposed consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana that permanently enjoins Pick and Pay, Inc./ Cili Minerals LLC (Cili Minerals), and its owner and CEO, Anton S. Botha, to stop the distribution of misbranded and unapproved new drugs and misbranded and adulterated dietary supplements, the Justice Department announced today.
The complaint alleged that the defendants violated the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by manufacturing, promoting, and distributing numerous dietary supplements that the defendants had been marketing as drugs that were intended to treat, cure, or prevent a variety of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and other serious conditions. These marketing and sale efforts all involved unapproved drugs, in violation of the FDCA because the products had never been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, and had never been found to be safe and effective for the medicinal uses claimed by defendants. Some of the products at issue were named ADD-Ease, Bone Structure, CilZinCo, Calcium, Boron, Potassium, Cilver, Sulfur, and Germanium. The Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on February 16 at the request of the FDA.
The complaint further alleges the defendants violated the FDCA by failing to manufacture products in accordance with FDA’s current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations for dietary supplements, which require manufacturers to have systems in place to ensure that their products meet specifications for identity, purity, strength and composition. According to the complaint, several FDA inspections between 2012 and 2016 allegedly revealed that the defendants failed to ensure the identity, purity, strength and composition of their finished products.
“Dietary supplement manufacturers endanger public health when they make unsupported claims about unapproved drugs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice and FDA will continue to work together to protect the public from unapproved, adulterated and misbranded products, and to ensure that dietary supplement manufacturers furnish accurate information to consumers about the purity and contents of their products.”
In conjunction with the filing of the complaint, the defendants agreed to settle the litigation and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. Once entered by the court, the consent decree requires that the defendants cease all production and distribution of misbranded and unapproved new drugs and adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements, and recall and destroy their drugs and dietary supplements. The proposed consent decree further requires that if the defendants wish to resume manufacturing drugs or dietary supplements in the future, they must implement the remedial measures set forth in the consent decree, notify FDA of the measures taken, and obtain written approval from the FDA that they appear to be in compliance with the remedial measures set forth in the consent decree and the FDCA. The proposed consent decree is currently awaiting judicial approval.
“Consumers deserve to know that the dietary supplements they ingest are safe and comply with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley for the Western District of Louisiana. “When manufacturers and distributors market and distribute misbranded and adulterated products, the Justice Department will take affirmative steps to protect consumers. I want to thank the attorneys and investigators who worked so hard to keep our citizens safe.”
This matter was handled by Trial Attorney Christopher O’Connell of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen King of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and Ariel Seeley of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
United States Files Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction Against a Louisiana Drug and Dietary Supplement Manufacturer to Stop Distribution of Misbranded and Unapproved New Drugs and Misbranded and Adulterated Dietary SupplementsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice filed a proposed consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana that permanently enjoins Pick and Pay, Inc./ Cili Minerals LLC (Cili Minerals), and its owner and CEO, Anton S. Botha, to stop the distribution of misbranded and unapproved new drugs and misbranded and adulterated dietary supplements, the Justice Department announced today.
The complaint alleged that the defendants violated the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) by manufacturing, promoting, and distributing numerous dietary supplements that the defendants had been marketing as drugs that were intended to treat, cure, or prevent a variety of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, and other serious conditions. These marketing and sale efforts all involved unapproved drugs, in violation of the FDCA because the products had never been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval, and had never been found to be safe and effective for the medicinal uses claimed by defendants. Some of the products at issue were named ADD-Ease, Bone Structure, CilZinCo, Calcium, Boron, Potassium, Cilver, Sulfur, and Germanium. The Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on Feb. 16, at the request of the FDA.
The complaint further alleges the defendants violated the FDCA by failing to manufacture products in accordance with FDA’s current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) regulations for dietary supplements, which require manufacturers to have systems in place to ensure that their products meet specifications for identity, purity, strength and composition. According to the complaint, several FDA inspections between 2012 and 2016 allegedly revealed that the defendants failed to ensure the identity, purity, strength and composition of their finished products.
“Dietary supplement manufacturers endanger public health when they make unsupported claims about unapproved drugs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad A. Readler of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice and FDA will continue to work together to protect the public from unapproved, adulterated and misbranded products, and to ensure that dietary supplement manufacturers furnish accurate information to consumers about the purity and contents of their products.”
In conjunction with the filing of the complaint, the defendants agreed to settle the litigation and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. Once entered by the court, the consent decree requires that the defendants cease all production and distribution of misbranded and unapproved new drugs and adulterated and misbranded dietary supplements, and recall and destroy their drugs and dietary supplements. The proposed consent decree further requires that if the defendants wish to resume manufacturing drugs or dietary supplements in the future, they must implement the remedial measures set forth in the consent decree, notify FDA of the measures taken, and obtain written approval from the FDA that they appear to be in compliance with the remedial measures set forth in the consent decree and the FDCA. The proposed consent decree is currently awaiting judicial approval.
“Consumers deserve to know that the dietary supplements they ingest are safe and comply with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley for the Western District of Louisiana. “When manufacturers and distributors market and distribute misbranded and adulterated products, the Justice Department will take affirmative steps to protect consumers. I want to thank the attorneys and investigators who worked so hard to keep our citizens safe.”
This matter was handled by Trial Attorney Christopher O’Connell of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, with the assistance by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen King of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and Ariel Seeley of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of General Counsel.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
St. Landry woman sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing more than $250,000 from an Opelousas businessRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a St. Landry woman was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison for stealing more than $250,000 from an Opelousas-based medical imaging business.
Misty Johnson, 40, of St. Landry, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count each of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and theft of mail. She was also ordered to pay $258,128.78 restitution. According to the July 12, 2016 guilty plea, Johnson worked as an office manager for an Opelousas medical imaging services business from January 2009 to July 2014. She was responsible for day-to-day financial operations including billing, payroll and managing accounts payable and receivable. Her responsibilities included access to the company’s financial information and mail. She also had signatory authority on business accounts and was provided a company credit card for making purchases. In order to further the scheme, she would write checks to herself or to cash, issue herself additional paychecks and make unauthorized purchases on the company credit card. She would then alter the company’s account records to look as though she was properly paying the company’s bills. Johnson also stole company mail including past-due bills and brought them to her home. Johnson’s theft totaled $258,128.78.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic Rossetti and John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Pollock prisoners plead guilty to assaultRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced last week that three prisoners at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock pleaded guilty to the assault of an inmate that resulted in injuries requiring hospitalization.
Jason Dwight Mackenzie, 35; Robert Shipp Jr., 32; and Calvin Skelton, 42, inmates at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., pleaded guilty Friday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to the guilty plea, the defendants beat a fourth inmate on October 21, 2015. The defendants jumped and punched the victim while he was reading a newspaper in the cell block causing the victim to fall to the ground. The assailants punched and kicked him in the head, upper body and legs until they appeared winded and tired. Once a guard approached, the defendants went back to their cells. The victim was taken to the prison infirmary then to a hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries to repair severe injuries from the assault.
The defendants face a maximum of 10 years in prison, one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court set the sentencing date for May 26, 2017.
The FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael O’Mara is prosecuting the case.
Monroe woman pleads guilty in connection to scheme to defraud insurance companyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Monroe woman pleaded guilty Monday to mail fraud for a scheme where she lied on U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings and insurance documents.
Lasandra Laverne Edwards, 54, of Monroe, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of mail fraud. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks. According to the guilty plea, Edwards filed for bankruptcy in October 2013 and valued her furniture and clothing at $1,000. In November of 2013, Edwards purchased a renters’ policy that valued her assets at $100,000. Edwards’ house caught fire and burned on December 1, 2013. The defendant attended a creditors’ hearing associated with her bankruptcy case on December 10, 2013. She reaffirmed the information in the previous filings that her furniture and clothing were valued at $1,000. However, the next day on December 11, 2013, Edwards filed a claim under her insurance policy with State Farm falsely stating that her personal property was valued at $116,063.
Edwards faces up to 20 years in prison, one to three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. The court set a sentencing date of June 1, 2017.
The U.S. Trustee’s Office – Region V, Louisiana State Police and Monroe Fire Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille M. Gilreath and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.
Mexican citizen sentenced to 24 months in prison for reentering the U.S. illegallyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen was sentenced Monday to 24 months in prison for reentering the United States illegally on four separate occasions.
Miguel Rosales-Sanchez, 46, of Guanajuato, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the guilty plea, Rosales-Sanchez was arrested in St. Mary Parish on February 7, 2016. He was previously removed from the United States in 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic Rossetti prosecuted the case.
Honduran citizen sentenced to 87 months in prison for reentering the U.S.. illegally, firearm possessionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Honduran citizen was sentenced Monday to 87 months in prison for reentering the United States and illegally possessing firearms.
Hector Alexander Cruz, 37, of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter on one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the July 25, 2016 guilty plea, Lafayette police responded to a complaint of marijuana odor coming from a residence on University Avenue. Upon contacting the inhabitants, they found Cruz and two others inside the apartment as well as a strong odor of marijuana. After questioning them and obtaining a search warrant, police found a 9 mm pistol, a .22 caliber pistol, a .380 caliber pistol and ammunition. After further investigation, law enforcement agents determined that Cruz had been removed from the country in December of 2011 after being convicted of an aggravated felony.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Former Ville Platte detective sentenced for filing false police report to cover up civil rights violationRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – A former detective with the Ville Platte Police Department was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for filing a false report to cover up a civil rights violation, announced U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana and Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Nathaniel Savoy, 39, pleaded guilty to the crime in November 2016. At the plea hearing, Savoy admitted that he conspired with a civilian to burglarize a local hardware store, and used his official authority as a law enforcement officer to cover up his criminal activity. Around midnight on March 8, 2015, Savoy and his accomplice drove to Doug Ashy Building Materials in Ville Platte, La., in Savoy’s police department-issued truck. An on-duty police officer who was patrolling the area noticed their suspicious behavior and drove over to investigate. Savoy falsely told the officer that he was checking on local businesses to prevent burglaries. Satisfied with Savoy’s explanation, the police officer drove away. Savoy then dropped off his accomplice and instructed him to break in and steal 20 packs of shingles for a construction project Savoy was working on in his spare time. Savoy then responded to a traffic stop across town to create an alibi, and as the senior officer on the scene, ordered the other officers to check houses and local businesses on that side of town, which was miles from the hardware store. Savoy then returned to the hardware store with his accomplice and loaded the shingles onto the bed of his pickup truck and drove off. The next day, having realized that he might have been caught on surveillance video, Savoy wrote and filed a police report in which he falsely stated that he happened to find several packs of shingles by the side of the road, and he loaded them onto his truck for safekeeping. Savoy filed the false police report with the intent to obstruct an investigation into his conspiracy to deprive the hardware store of property.
“The vast majority of American law enforcement officers conduct themselves with honor,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wheeler. “But when an officer violates his or her oath and breaks the law, as did Mr. Savoy, the Department of Justice stands ready to enforce the law and protect the civil rights of all Americans.”
“The people of this District deserve to have law enforcement officers working in their communities who follow the laws they are sworn to uphold,” said U.S. Attorney Finley. “Savoy’s actions are not representative of the majority of officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve. We will continue to work with our local and federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate their oath to protect and serve their communities.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Lafayette Division and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana.
Former Detective Convicted and Sentenced for Filing False Police Report to Cover up Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
A former detective with the Ville Platte Police Department in Ville Platte, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for filing a false report to cover up a civil rights violation, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana.
Nathaniel Savoy, 39, pleaded guilty to the crime in November 2016. At the plea hearing, Savoy admitted that he conspired with a civilian to burglarize a local hardware store, and used his official authority as a law enforcement officer to cover his tracks. Around midnight on March 8, 2015, Savoy and his accomplice drove to Doug Ashy Building Materials in Ville Platte, Louisiana, in Savoy’s department-issued truck. An on-duty police officer who was patrolling the area noticed their suspicious behavior and drove over to investigate. Savoy falsely told the officer that he was checking on local businesses to prevent burglaries. Satisfied with Savoy’s explanation, the police officer drove away. Savoy then dropped off his accomplice and instructed him to break in and steal 20 packs of shingles for a construction project Savoy was working on in his spare time. Savoy then responded to a traffic stop across town to create an alibi. Savoy, the senior officer on the scene, ordered the other officers to check houses and local businesses on that side of town, which was miles from the hardware store. Savoy then returned to the hardware store, his accomplice loaded the shingles into the bed of Savoy’s pickup truck, and they drove off. The next day, having realized that he might have been caught on surveillance video, Savoy wrote and filed a police report in which he falsely stated that he just happened to find several packs of shingles by the side of the road and he loaded them onto his truck for safekeeping. Savoy filed the false police report with the intent to obstruct an investigation into his conspiracy to deprive the hardware store of property under color of law.
“The vast majority of American law enforcement officers conduct themselves with honor,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wheeler. “But when an officer violates his or her oath and breaks the law, as did Mr. Savoy, the Department of Justice stands ready to enforce the law and protect the civil rights of all Americans.”
“The people of this District deserve to have law enforcement officers working in their communities who follow the laws they are sworn to uphold,” said U.S. Attorney Finley. “Savoy’s actions are not representative of the majority of officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve. We will continue to work with our local and federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate their oath to protect and serve their communities.”
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Lafayette Division, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher J. Perras of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla Bynog of the Western District of Louisiana.
Mississippi woman sentenced to 26 months in prison for mail fraud, identity theftRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Mississippi woman was sentenced Monday to 26 months in prison for using stolen identities to file 100 false income tax returns in order to illegally receive refunds.
Andrea W. White, 46, of Jackson, Miss., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of mail fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $195,296 in restitution. According to the August 13, 2014 guilty plea, from January 6, 2012 to September 25, 2012, White conducted a scheme to electronically file 100 fraudulent income tax returns using stolen identities. Most of the refunds were then mailed to four U.S. Post Office boxes in Tallulah, La. On April 27, 2012, the Internal Revenue Service mailed one such refund check to one of the U.S. Post Office boxes in the name of an unsuspecting innocent taxpayer for $5,454. White received the benefit of that federal tax refund.
The IRS and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Federal jury finds Shreveport mental health facility administrator guilty of kickback schemeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found a former Shreveport mental health facility administrator guilty Thursday of taking part in a kickback scheme.
Tom McCardell, 64, of Lafayette, La., was found guilty of 14 counts of paying illegal kickbacks. After the conclusion of the four-day trial, the jury deliberated approximately four hours before delivering the guilty verdict. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial. According to the evidence presented, from July of 2011 to November 2012, McCardell operated a kickback scheme while he was administrator of Physicians Behavior Hospital (PBH) in Shreveport. He paid kickbacks to an Alabama resident, who had no medical training or background, to recruit and refer patients to PBH for psychiatric and substance abuse treatment. The hospital would then purchase bus tickets for the patients to travel to PBH in Shreveport. Many of the patients traveled unattended without escort. To avoid detection and suspicion, the defendant arranged for the kickbacks to be issued in the name of the patient recruiter’s son. The defendant also ordered PBH personnel to create an “employee file” in the name of the recruiter’s son in order to provide cover for the illegal kickback arrangement between the defendant and the recruiter. During the scheme, McCardell caused the hospital to pay the recruiter’s son checks totaling $41,000 to which he was not entitled. As a result of the illegal kickback scheme, the hospital billed more than $6.7 million dollars to Medicare and was paid more than $1.2 million dollars.
McCardell faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and $250,000 fine for each count.
The Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Earl M. Campbell and Tennille M. Gilreath are prosecuting the case.
New Iberia men plead guilty to roles in wire fraud schemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that two New Iberia men pleaded guilty to a wire fraud conspiracy after admitting their roles in a scheme to create false invoices for shipments that never occurred.
Randy LeBlanc, 33, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The plea will become final after it is accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, LeBlanc worked as driver and later a dispatcher for Acme Trucking Lines (ATL) in New Iberia from February 2009 to May 2014. While employed as a driver beginning in 2011, an unnamed conspirator instructed LeBlanc to furnish waybills for shipments that had not occurred. LeBlanc did not inform the companies involved or authorities about the false invoices. In 2013, LeBlanc became a dispatcher for the terminal and continued driving for ATL. The unnamed conspirator provided instructions on creating waybills and “ghost” invoices, and LeBlanc created them until he was terminated in late 2014. After his termination, the unnamed conspirator told LeBlanc to take the blame for the false waybills. As a result of the scheme to defraud, LeBlanc personally received more than $220,000 to which he was not entitled.
Another New Iberia resident, Jahorae Johnson, 38, pleaded guilty January 30, 2017 to one count of conspiracy. Johnson worked as an ATL hot-shot driver from October 2011 to November 2014. Johnson did not have a commercial driver’s license but would make deliveries using a large pickup truck to different parts of the country. During his employment he created and submitted fraudulent invoices for trips that did not take place. Johnson stipulated that he received more than $96,000 of which he was not entitled.
LeBlanc and Johnson face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and a $250,000 fine. The court set May 5, 2017 as the sentencing date for both defendants.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
Coushatta man pleads guilty to drug, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Coushatta man pleaded guilty last week to illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms.
Aaron Joseph Clark, 65, of Coushatta, La., pleaded guilty February 2, 2017 before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents identified Clark as a suspect in a drug case and conducted a search of his temporary residence in Ringgold, La., on January 26, 2016. They found a gram of methamphetamine, two grams of marijuana and nine Xanax pills. They also found digital scales, baggies, syringes and pipes. Additionally, agents located ammunition and a number of loaded weapons including: three revolvers, two derringers, four pistols, four rifles, three shotguns and a weapon made from a shotgun with no serial number. Two of the shotguns were sawed off, and at least six silencers were also found among his possessions. Two days later, agents found 20 grams of methamphetamine hidden in an ammo bag.
Clark faces up to 20 years in prison for the drug distribution count and mandatory five years for the firearm count, which is to run consecutive to the distribution count. He also faces at least three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of May 31, 2017.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to promote firearm safety and to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm.
The ATF, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and Tri-Parish Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods grant announcementRead the Press Release
Deadline for grant proposals is February 27, 2017
SHREVEPORT / MONROE / ALEXANRIA / LAKE CHARLES / LAFAYETTE, LA: United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana Stephanie A. Finley and the Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force announced today that the Department of Justice, the Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding of a grant under the Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program, also known as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
PSN furthers the Department of Justice=s mission to reduce violent crime by providing support to state, local and tribal efforts to create safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in gang violence and violent crimes committed with firearms. Contingent on the availability of funds, grant awards totaling $350,000 are possible in the Western District of Louisiana to fund new and current comprehensive gun crime reduction and gang violence reduction strategies. The application for this fiscal year 2017 (FY2017) PSN grant must be submitted to and received by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Lafayette by noon on February 27, 2017.
Various types of single or multi‑grantee grant applications are welcome including those that address the following:
- Gang violence and gun violence reduction, deterrence, prevention, community outreach and education;
- Enforcement, adjudication and supervision programs;
- Prisoner reentry programs; or
- Other innovative related projects.
The FY2017 PSN Competitive Grant Announcement, OMB No. 1121-0329, can be found at https://www.bja.gov/Funding/PSN17.pdf. For the announcement or more information on the PSN program visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office website at http://www.justice.gov/usao-wdla and www.justice.gov/usao/law/psn.html or at www.psn.gov or www.bja.gov/programs/psn.
More information about the FY2017 PSN grant announcement and the PSN program can also be found by contacting Lisa Alwert at (337) 262-6618.
Homer resident sentenced to 24 months in prison for failing to update sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Homer resident was sentenced Wednesday to 24 months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration.
James Fernando Rhodes, 50, of Homer, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of failure to update sex offender registration. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the September 28, 2016 guilty plea, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana conducted a sex offender compliance check on Rhodes in March of 2013. He was not found at his reported address and a warrant was issued for his arrest. A tip to the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office led to Rhodes’ arrest in May of 2016. He later admitted to living in Louisiana for two years without registering as required by law. The defendant was convicted of indecency with a child-sexual contact on December 8, 1995 in Dallas County, Texas, and was required to register as a sex offender for life.
The U.S. Marshals Service, Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick prosecuted the case.