Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Crowley man pleads guilty to taking videos of sex with minorRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Crowley man pleaded guilty Tuesday to using his cell phone to record sex acts with a minor.
Blake Damian Rodgers, 35, of Crowley, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol Whitehurst to one count of production of child pornography. The plea will become final after it is accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Rodgers was arrested and booked into the Acadia Parish jail February 24, 2016 on theft charges. While incarcerated, he had sexually explicit conversations on the phone with a 14-year-old minor. They discussed having had sexual intercourse and of videos he had taken of the acts on his cell phone. After retrieving the cell phone, law enforcement agents found several sexually explicit videos of the minor.
Rodgers faces 15 to 30 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The court did not set a sentencing date.
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.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph is prosecuting the case.
Bossier City woman, Minden man sentenced for smuggling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bossier City woman and a Minden man were sentenced last week for attempting to smuggle more than a pound of methamphetamine into Louisiana from Texas.
Rustin J. Stein, 30, of Bossier City, La., and James Lee Adkins, 30, of Minden, La., were sentenced Friday to 51 months and 87 months in prison respectively by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They were also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the guilty pleas, the defendants were traveling on February 8, 2016 near mile marker 2 on Interstate 20 when a state trooper conducted a traffic stop. State police searched the vehicle, and one pound of methamphetamine was found in the right rear door. Adkins also had a small baggie of methamphetamine in his front pants pocket, and Stein had a small amount of methamphetamine in her purse. Stein admitted to traveling to Dallas with Adkins to buy methamphetamine from a source for $5,000 and planned to split the cost of the drugs and the trip.
The DEA and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Man from Mexico pleads guilty to reentering the U.S. twiceRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a citizen of Mexico pleaded guilty Thursday to illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed.
Bertoldo Labra-Martinez, 33, of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. According to the guilty plea, the defendant was found in the United States on November 3, 2016, while incarcerated at the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center. Records show that Labra-Martinez was previously removed from the United States in January of 2008 and March of 2015.
Labra-Martinez was previously convicted on October 23, 2014, in the U.S. District Court, Lake Charles Division, for the offense of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. As a result of that conviction, Labra-Martinez faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison, three year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for the offense of reentry of a removed alien. A sentencing date of March 12, 2017 was set.
United States Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
Texas man pleads guilty to distributing methamphetamine in Louisiana, TexasRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Texas man pleaded guilty Tuesday to selling methamphetamine in Louisiana and Texas.
Adam Micah Baltutis, 31, of Beaumont, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the guilty plea, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop January 5, 2016 on a vehicle traveling continually in the passing lane on Interstate 10. The officer conducted a search of the vehicle, and while looking for registration and insurance papers, found a lockbox containing methamphetamine along with two cell phones. One of the cell phones belonged to the defendant. The defendant told law enforcement agents the next day that he had been dealing methamphetamine since December of 2015 and selling it in Orange, Texas, and the Lake Charles area. The Southwest Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory determined the methamphetamine seized from the car to have an approximate weight of 418 grams.
Baltutis faces five to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The court set a sentencing date of April 21, 2017.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Team conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.
Oakdale woman pleads guilty to bribery charge at federal prisonRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Oakdale woman pleaded guilty last week to receiving bribes for smuggling cell phones and tobacco into the Federal Correctional Institution at Oakdale.
Billie A. Holmes, 55, of Oakdale, La., pleaded guilty January 17, 2017 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of bribery of a public official. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Holmes worked as an education contractor for FCI Oakdale. From September 2014 to May 2015, an inmate paid Holmes thousands of dollars to smuggle cell phones and tobacco into the prison. In January of 2015, another inmate informed law enforcement that he had been approached by an inmate who offered to sell him a cell phone for $1,600. Upon further investigation, it was learned that Holmes worked with an inmate to smuggle contraband into the prison. During the investigation, Holmes was recorded making plans to smuggle in a cell phone. Financial records also showed $4,200 in wire transfers to Holmes between November 2014 and December 2014.
Holmes faces not more than 15 years in prison, not more than three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of April 21, 2017 was set.
The U.S. Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore is prosecuting the case.
Louisiana company to pay $1.2 million for discharge of pollutants into the Vermilion RiverRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a dietary supplement company must pay $1.2 million for illegally discharging pollutants into the Vermilion River.
Omega Protein Inc. was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for two counts of unlawful discharge of a pollutant into a water of the United States. Company representative John D. Held was present on the company’s behalf at the hearing. The company pleaded guilty and was sentenced Wednesday, January 18, 2017. Omega will pay a $1 million fine to the United States and $200,000 community service fee will be paid to the Louisiana State Police Emergency Service Unit. The company was also placed on probation for three years. Omega is a corporation located in Louisiana and incorporated under the laws of Virginia. According to evidence presented at the hearing, on December 8, 2014 and February 1, 2016, a manager at the Abbeville Omega plant directed employees to place a hose in a treatment pond and drain polluted water into a canal that emptied into the Vermilion River.
The criminal investigation divisions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Federal jury finds Texas man guilty of methamphetamine charges after Lincoln Parish traffic stopRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found a Texas man guilty last week of transporting methamphetamine for later sale.
Brian Manuel Garcia, 27, of Welaco, Texas, was found guilty Thursday, January 19, 2017 of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After the conclusion of the three-day trial, the jury deliberated for two hours before delivering the guilty verdict. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented, a Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s deputy stopped a speeding vehicle on Interstate 20 carrying Garcia and Alberto Trevino, 34, also from Welaco, Texas, on July 5, 2016. The deputy searched the vehicle and found marijuana and a beer box in the trunk. Inside the box were four plastic bags containing 4,027 grams of methamphetamine. Trevino later admitted they were traveling to Mississippi to deliver drugs to a buyer.
Garcia faces at least 10 years to life in prison for both counts. Garcia’s sentencing is set for April 20, 2017. Trevino pleaded guilty on December 20, 2016 to conspiracy. Trevino’s sentencing was set for March 16, 2017. They also face five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.
The DEA and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Drucker and Allison D. Bushnell are prosecuting the case.
Brothers sentenced to 10 months in prison for flying unregistered plane, transporting marijuana for saleRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two brothers from Alabama were sentenced last week to 10 months in prison for flying an unregistered plane loaded with marijuana.
George Bancroft Marshall, 39, and John Samuel Marshall IV, 42, both of Gulf Shores, Ala., were sentenced Wednesday, January 18, 2017 by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. George Marshall was sentenced to 10 months in prison on one count of operation of an unregistered aircraft, and John Marshall was sentenced to 10 months in prison on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. They must also forfeit the plane seized during the investigation and serve more than two years of supervised release. According to the guilty pleas, law enforcement agents searched a 1966 Mooney M20E aircraft on February 11, 2015 at the Alexandria Airport. George Marshall had been piloting the plane and was transporting his brother John Marshall from California to Alabama. They had stopped in Alexandria overnight to fuel. Law enforcement found 19 vacuum sealed packages of marijuana weighing approximately 34.9 pounds. They also located 10 vacuum sealed packages of hash oil weighing approximately 20.9 ounces. George Marshall later admitted that he worked as a commercial pilot, had purchased the airplane in January of 2015 in Arkansas for $30,000 and did not complete the registration for the plane.
Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection-New Orleans Air and Marine Branch, and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for methamphetamine, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced Thursday to 135 months in prison for methamphetamine distribution and handgun possession.
Paul Matthew Garza, 35, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the September 20, 2016, guilty plea, Garza’s vehicle was pulled over during a traffic stop on May 25, 2016, near the Louisiana-Texas border in Caddo Parish. Upon searching his vehicle, law enforcement found 408 grams of methamphetamine and 142.73 grams of Xanax bars. Upon searching his home, additional methamphetamine and Xanax were found. A Ruger LCP .380 semi-automatic handgun, digital scales and $17,400 were also found in his home.
The DEA and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 60 months in prison for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for possessing child pornography.
Ronald Wilson, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to the April 14, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement officers searched the Wilson’s Shreveport residence in March of 2015. Officers found 19 videos of child pornography stored on several electronic devices in his bedroom.
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.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Pollock prisoner from Texas pleads guilty to assaulting fellow inmateRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Pollock prisoner pleaded guilty Wednesday to assaulting another inmate.
John Garza, 33, a prisoner at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., who is from Gonzales, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to the guilty plea, Garza assaulted a fellow inmate on July 31, 2016, by stabbing him in the neck and back area. Video cameras showed Garza attacking a fellow inmate pushing him to the ground. He then stabbed and tramped on the inmate. The inmate was later brought to a local hospital where he was treated for severe injuries.
Garza faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of April 12, 2017 was set.
The FBI and U.S. Bureau of Prisons investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath is prosecuting the case.
Florida man sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting Fort Polk officerRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Florida man was sentenced Thursday to 121 months in prison for sexually assaulting a female officer stationed at the Fort Polk Military Base.
Maurice Antuan Speights, 32, of Tallahassee, Fla., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald Walter on one count of sexual abuse. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release, ordered to pay $3,570 in restitution and is required to register as a sex offender. According to testimony and evidence admitted at the two-day trial, which ended September 20, 2016, the defendant, a civilian, was an acquaintance of the victim who was temporarily residing at a relative’s home in Leesville. Speights, the victim and a female friend went out for a night of drinking on October 20, 2013. At trial, the female friend testified about the events of the evening. She stated that the victim was so intoxicated that by the time the three returned to the female friend’s home, the victim passed out. The female friend and Speights had to carry the victim to an upstairs bedroom. An FBI agent testified that during an interview, Speights acknowledged engaging in sexual intercourse with the victim but claimed it was consensual. The victim took the stand during the two-day trial and testified that she had no memory of anything that occurred until she woke up in the middle of the night with the defendant sexually assaulting her.
“Our military keeps us safe here and around the globe,” Finley stated. “Its members should not have to face violence on any military installation. We take these cases seriously and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case was brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the crime occurred on the Fort Polk Military Base where the United States has exclusive jurisdiction.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.
Crowley men sentenced to 10 years in prison for robberies in Acadia, St. Landry and Evangeline parishesRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that two Crowley men were each sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for robberies in three parishes.
Algernon James Wilson, 30, and Larry Malcolm Fisher, 32, both from Crowley, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald Walter on one count of Hobbs Act robbery. They were also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the guilty pleas, Wilson and Fisher have been engaging in robberies in and around Rayne, Eunice and Ville Platte, La. Wilson orchestrated the robberies. Wilson was the driver in each of the robberies and Fisher committed the robberies. During at least one of the robberies, Wilson was on a cell phone with Fisher telling him what to say. They were apprehended on March 7, 2016, after Fisher robbed a Ville Platte Pharmacy. Fisher exited the pharmacy after displaying a firearm and ordering the employees to fill a backpack with controlled substances. He then got into a vehicle with Wilson, and they engaged in a high-speed chase with the police. Wilson wrecked in a curve, which disabled the vehicle, and was arrested. Fisher fled the scene, but was later apprehended.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to threatening Washington, D.C., pizzeriaRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty to calling a Washington, D.C., pizzeria and threating to shoot those there.
Yusif Lee Jones, 52, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of interstate threatening communications. According to testimony at the guilty plea, on December 7, 2016, three days after the shooting at the Comet Ping Pong pizza shop in Washington, D.C., which was reported on by the national news media and generally referred to as “Pizzagate,” Jones called the Besta Pizza shop in Washington, D.C., and said he was trying to “save the kids” and threatened to “shoot everyone in the place.” Further investigation by the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI traced the call to Jones in Shreveport. Jones admitted to making the threatening call and was arrested.
Jones faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of April 12, 2017 was set.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan is prosecuting the case.
Haughton man sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for methamphetamine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Haughton man was sentenced last week to 151 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
David Brian Bullock, 55, of Haughton, La., was sentenced January 6 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the September 14, 2016 guilty plea, during an ongoing investigation Bullock was identified as a transporter of methamphetamine from Texas to Louisiana. His vehicle was stopped in Haughton for a traffic violation on March 18, 2016. Bullock’s vehicle was searched, and 72.8 grams of methamphetamine were found in one set of containers and 645.1 grams of methamphetamine were found in another container. His home was searched later an even more methamphetamine was found.
The DEA and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Federal jury finds South Carolina man guilty of sexually exploiting juvenileRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found a South Carolina man guilty last week of producing child pornography and traveling to Louisiana to have sex with a juvenile.
Frankie Maldonado, 50, of Reeseville, S.C., was found guilty on January 4 of two counts of production of child pornography and one count of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. After the conclusion of the two-day trial, the jury deliberated for an hour and a half before delivering the guilty verdict. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented, Maldonado began communicating with a 15-year-old girl. The girl’s father was a friend of Maldonado. Maldonado sent sexually explicit pictures of himself to the juvenile using text messaging in June of 2014. Thereafter he requested that she send sexually explicit pictures of herself. He also traveled to Louisiana on June 22, 2014 where he picked up the juvenile, brought her to a motel, took sexually explicit pictures and engaged in sexual activity with her.
Maldonado faces up to 15 to 30 years in prison for the child pornography production counts and 30 years in prison for the traveling to engage in sexual conduct count. He also faces and five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is also required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing was set for March 24, 2017.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Jamilla A. Bynog are 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office presents more than $1 million in proceeds from money laundering case to law enforcement agenciesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI and the IRS presented $800,126 to state and local law enforcement agencies upon completing a forfeiture action involving money laundered through a local car dealership.
At the conclusion of a money laundering prosecution of the owners and operators of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance Company, the United States forfeited assets totaling $2,194,270. Of this amount $1,253,783 was allocated for disbursement to law enforcement agencies who participated in the investigation. The Louisiana State Police, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police Department and the Bossier City Police Department each received approximately $174,170. The Internal Revenue Service received $208,765. The forfeited funds came from the sale of assets of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance Company. The companies obtained these assets by facilitating the acquisition of cars and laundering money for drug dealers.
Michael Paul Boyter, 54, and Anthony Reuben Riley, 53, both of Shreveport, were two of the owners and operators of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance Company. They were sentenced on February 18, 2014 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, on charges arising out of a money laundering conspiracy operated from the businesses. Boyter was sentenced to 60 months in prison for wire fraud and tax evasion charges. He was also ordered to pay $290,381 restitution and a $200,000 fine. Riley was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the failure to file Form 8300 charges and was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine. As part of their plea agreements with the United States, both men also agreed to forfeit property of Mike’s Auto Sales and A-1 Auto Finance, and to pay a money judgment of $1.3 million.
Since the sentencings, the properties where the businesses were housed were sold and funds in bank and brokerage accounts were seized. According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to commit money laundering beginning in 1996 and continuing through November 2010. The defendants’ scheme concerned the sale and financing of used and new vehicles to individuals who derived, or represented that they derived, significant income from the distribution of illegal drugs. The defendants knowingly accepted cash from drug dealers, allowed vehicle purchases in the names of nominees, and falsified records of payments received. The defendants also provided false information to multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Shreveport Police Department and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, to facilitate the release of vehicles seized from drug dealers.
In 2009 and 2010, the FBI conducted multiple “sting” operations using cooperating individuals to purchase vehicles from Mikes Auto Sales. During the undercover operations, Boyter, Riley, and others accepted large cash payments toward the purchase of vehicles, registered the vehicles in the name of nominees, and failed to report cash received in excess of $10,000 as required by federal law. These operations proved that the defendants routinely accepted large amounts of money thought to be drug proceeds and skimmed cash from down payments by manipulating records to show lower sales prices and reduced amounts of down payments.
“This case serves as an example of what can happen when law enforcement agencies work together,” Finley said. “The defendants in this case shamelessly facilitated drug trafficking by allowing drug dealers to launder their money and obtain vehicles that they otherwise would have been unable to purchase without detection by law enforcement. The dismantling of this criminal enterprise led to the sale of its assets and the funds being distributed today. This money will allow these law enforcement agencies to further provide needed services to our community.”
The case is part of an investigation called Operation NOMAS conducted by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint multi-agency group consisting of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies with a cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking.
Operation NOMAS was investigated by the FBI’s Northwest Louisiana Violent Crimes Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Service, Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Shreveport Police Department, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police Department, Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force and the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Tri-Parish Drug Task Force. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office in Marshall, Texas, also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison D. Bushnell, Cytheria D. Jernigan and Richard A. Willis prosecuted this case.
Two Shreveport residents sentenced for sex trafficking a minorRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced a man and woman from Shreveport were sentenced Monday to 32 years and 20 years in prison for having a minor female from Texas engage in prostitution.
Tyrone Larry Smith, 37, and Lacoya Washington, 34, both of Shreveport, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 384 months and 240 months in prison respectively on one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Smith was also sentenced for one count of coercing or enticing a minor to travel to engage in prostitution. The defendants must also serve five years of supervised release and must register as sex offenders. According to evidence presented at the three-day trial, which ended July 27, 2016, Smith began conversing with a 14-year-old female from Texas over an internet dating service in June of 2015. He convinced her to travel to Shreveport saying he had feelings for her. Upon arriving in Shreveport, the female met Smith and Washington and stayed at their home. That same month, they brought her to local hotels where she engaged in prostitution. If she resisted, Smith struck her and abused her in order for her to continue the illegal activity. Smith also took the money from the prostitution. The minor was contacted by authorities who later arrested Smith and Washington.
“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep the children of our community safe by prosecuting those who engage in this despicable trade,” Finley stated. “Human trafficking exploits the most vulnerable among us.”
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking takes many forms, but generally targets the most vulnerable in our society – our children, those who suffered past abuse, people with physical or mental disabilities, the poor and those without legal immigration status.
For more information on human trafficking and the department’s efforts to combat it, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking. For those wishing to find out more about victim services, please visit the website of the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime website – ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking. To report suspected human trafficking, connect with anti-trafficking services in your area or find anti-trafficking resources, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888, [email protected] or www.traffickingresourcecenter.org. The toll-free hotline is available to answer calls from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day/seven days a week, in more than 200 languages.
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.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
Man from Many sentenced to 30 months in prison for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man from Many was sentenced to 30 months in prison for illegally possessing a shotgun.
John Michael Murphy, 30, Many, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the September 14, 2016 guilty plea, Many police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle Murphy was riding in on January 9, 2016. Once the police activated their patrol car’s overhead lights, a shotgun was thrown from the vehicle. When the vehicle came to a stop, Murphy exited and fled into a wooded area. Police retrieved the firearm, which was determined to be a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with ammunition. The defendant was later arrested at his residence in Many.
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, Many Police Department and Zwolle Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Zwolle man pleads guilty to methamphetamine, firearms chargesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Zwolle man pleaded guilty Monday to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing multiple firearms.
Heath Meshell, 33, of Zwolle, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents searched Meshell’s home on April 12, 2016. The agents found more than 1,700 grams of methamphetamine, a small number of prescription pills, digital scales and $1,585. They also found a 9 mm rifle, 9 mm pistol, a 410 shotgun and assorted rounds of ammunition.
Meshell faces 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine for the drug count and not less than five years and a $250,000 fine for the firearms count. He also faces at least five years of supervised release and forfeiture of the firearms and cash seized in the case. A sentencing date of February 20, 2017 was set.
The ATF and the DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Texas man pleads guilty to Bossier City methamphetamine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Texas man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
David Wayne Carlisle, 41, of Marshall, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. According to the 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.
Carlisle faces five to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date of February 21, 2017 was set.
The DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Monroe man sentenced to 5 years in prison for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Monroe was sentenced Tuesday to 60 months in prison for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
Robert L. Smith, 43, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release. According to the July 6, 2016 guilty plea, police attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Smith was driving on September 3, 2015. Instead of stopping the vehicle, a chase ensued with Smith’s vehicle reaching speeds of up to 90 mph before becoming snarled in traffic. During the pursuit, he tossed two bags into the Ouachita River. Upon arrest, police found $4,574, two boxes of shogun shells and a box of plastic bags. The bags thrown into the river were located, and 111 grams of crack cocaine and 96.6 grams of powder cocaine were inside them.
The DEA and the West Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Delhi doctor sentenced to 6 months in prison for issuing illegal prescriptionsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Delhi doctor was sentenced Tuesday to six months in prison for issuing prescriptions for opiates to those without following proper procedures.
Dan J. LeFleur, 64, of Delhi, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession with intent to distribute Suboxone. He was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine. According to the August 16, 2016 guilty plea, LeFleur issued illegal prescriptions from October 2012 until February 2013. Several sources sent complaints to law enforcement agents that LeFleur, who is a medical doctor, was prescribing medications without following proper protocols. One of the main medications prescribed was Suboxone, which is used for opiate addiction. LeFleur issued the prescriptions from his personal residence in Delhi; from the Louisiana Health Center in Rayville, and from his Suboxone Clinic in Rayville, La.
The DEA and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Baton Rouge man sentenced to 51 months in prison for threatening Monroe magistrate judgeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a prisoner in Jackson, La., was sentenced last week to 51 months in prison for sending threatening messages to U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes.
Charles Lidberg, 28, of Baton Rouge, La., was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of making threatening communications. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the August 16, 2016 guilty plea, Lidberg, who was serving time at a state correctional institution for an unrelated crime, mailed a letter on February 19, 2014 to Judge Hayes’ office stating that he would hunt down and kill her after he was released from prison. Lidberg said his friend promised him half a million dollars to kill the judge if she sentenced Lidberg’s friend to more than 10 years in prison. Lidberg also said he did not state his friend’s name because that would “take the fun out of this.” He also gave a second letter threatening the judge to a fellow inmate who turned it over to law enforcement agents.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office collects more than $13.5 million in civil, criminal, asset forfeiture actions in FY2016Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected $13,511,583.51 through civil, criminal and asset forfeiture actions in fiscal year 2016.
The District collected $8,839,501.29 in criminal actions and $3,757,876.02 in civil actions. Working with various other offices and components of the Department of Justice, the Western District of Louisiana collected an additional $1,973.20. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also worked with its partner agencies and divisions to collect $912,233 in asset forfeiture actions in FY2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
Included in the FY2016 criminal collections for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, is $4,030,739.79 collected from Pelican Refining Co., LLC. Pelican previously pleaded guilty to violations of the Clean Air Act and obstruction of justice.
Of the total amount collected by the District in FY2016, $733,140.33 was through garnishment proceedings commenced by the district’s Financial Litigation Unit (FLU). The significant increase collected through garnishment proceedings is due in part to the garnishment of various financial interests of debtors including retirement accounts, life insurance policies, wages and other financial accounts as well as the aggressive collection activity handled by the FLU. The largest recovery resulting from a garnishment proceeding in FY2016 occurred in United States v. Herbert Fouke, which was $69,259.98.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from Affirmative Civil Enforcement cases in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
“It takes long hours and dedication from our attorneys and support staff to collect these funds,” stated U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley. “The numbers do not always reflect the work that goes into these collections, but it is a team effort. I am thankful for those in my office who for another year brought in a substantial amount in collections on behalf of the taxpayers, which made this milestone possible.”
Alexandria woman sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing over $22,000 from college studentsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Alexandria woman was sentenced last week to 12 months and one day in prison for charging fees to college students and pocketing the money.
Makquel D. Gailes, 43, of Alexandria, La., was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of mail fraud. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $22,707 restitution. According to the August 5, 2016 guilty plea, Gailes worked as a financial aid officer at Unitech Training Academy in Alexandria from January 2009 to December 2011. Gailes conducted a scheme to steal thousands from the students of Unitech. When a student’s federal financial aid exceeded school cost and expenses, Gailes requested refund checks from Unitech for the students. Gailes received the refund checks in the mail, and Gailes notified the students to get their checks. After giving the students their checks, Gailes told the students they owed additional money in fees, which included graduation fees, promissory note fees or out-of-pocket expenses. Gailes told the students to pay these fees in cash to her, which many did. Gailes did not apply the student cash payments to outstanding balances, if they had one, but pocketed and used the money for her own personal expenses leaving the students with more debt and less money.
The U.S. Department of Education-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Pearland man pleads guilty to using fake TWIC card to gain entrance into Westlake facilityRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Texas man pleaded guilty Thursday to trying to use a fake TWIC card to enter a Westlake plant.
Jacob Charles Travis, 32, of Pearland, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen Kay to one count of fraudulent possession or use of an official pass. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the guilty plea, Travis attempted to enter a petrochemical plant in Westlake, La., using a fake Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) on May 23 and 24 of 2016 to perform work as a sub-contractor. Security guards questioned the use of the card both times, and Travis left the premises before his TWIC card could be verified. Law enforcement agents questioned Travis on May 26, 2016, and he admitted to buying a fake TWIC card to gain entrance into the facility. The plant is a Transportation Security Act regulated facility and workers are required to present a TWIC card to enter.
Travis faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of March 9, 2017 was set.
The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth is prosecuting the case.
Federal jury finds Ball man guilty of stealing more than $100,000 in Veterans Affairs benefitsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found a Ball man guilty of stealing more than $100,000 in Veterans Affairs benefits from a deceased woman’s bank account.
Tracy Marler, 51, of Ball, La., was found guilty of one count of theft of government property. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial, which took place Monday and ended today with the jury deliberating for 20 minutes. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that from February 25, 2008 until April 30, 2014, Marler withdrew $100,610.57 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. Marler was a friend of the deceased woman. He provided care, which included running errands, managing finances and maintaining her home.
Marley faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been set for March 17, 2017.
The Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Mexican citizen sentenced to 10 months in prison for producing fake identificationRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican citizen was sentenced Tuesday to 10 months in prison for manufacturing fake identification, immigration and Social Security documents.
Marco Antonio Damian-Presno, 32, of Puebla, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must forfeit items seized during the investigation.
According to the July 12, 2016 guilty plea, Shreveport police arrested two undocumented aliens attempting to use fake driver’s licenses, resident alien cards and Social Security cards in April 2015. The aliens told police their source was Damian-Presno. During their investigation, agents bought a number of fake documents from Damian-Presno including identification cards, driver’s licenses, resident alien cards and Social Security cards, which he made in his Bossier City, La., home. On September 9, 2015, agents arrested Damian-Presno. He told agents that he sold three or four cards a week. Agents searched his home and seized cash, a computer, electronic storage devices, paper cutting devices and laminating devices.
Homeland Security Investigations, Shreveport Police Department and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man sentenced to 14 years in prison for selling methamphetamine at casinoRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced to 168 months in prison Tuesday for selling methamphetamine while staying at a Bossier City casino.
Kenvalleno Dixon, 33, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to the July 11, 2016 guilty plea, Dixon was identified as a seller in a methamphetamine trafficking enterprise at a Bossier City, La., casino. Dixon was observed on June 25, 2015 meeting someone in the lobby of the casino and then bringing the person up to a room on the ninth floor where Dixon sold 26.6 grams of methamphetamine for $900. Dixon was not an employee of the casino.
The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Pineville man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Pineville man pleaded guilty Monday to possession of child pornography.
George Jeffus, 73, of Pineville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of possession of child pornography. According to the guilty plea, Pineville police received a report concerning Jeffus possessing possible child pornography. His home was searched, and 136 images and five video files of child pornography were found on electronic storage devices.
Jeffus faces up to 20 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, forfeiture of items that were seized during the investigation and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date of March 16, 2017 was set.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the 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.
Delhi man sentenced to 10 years in prison for receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Delhi man was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for receiving child pornography.
Daniel Lee Brown, 28, of Delhi, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of receiving child pornography. He was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. According to the September 12, 2016 guilty plea, Brown used the internet and Facebook, pretended to be a female teenager and directed an out-of-state 12-year-old to produce and send him child pornography. Brown received this child pornography using his computer in Delhi on October 28, 2014.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. 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.
Ringgold man sentenced to 36 months in prison for illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Ringgold man was sentenced to 36 months in prison for possessing a pistol after being convicted of a felony.
Jason Edward Myers, 42, 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 forfeit the weapon seized during the investigation. According to the August 17, 2016 guilty plea, law enforcement agents learned that Myers planned to sell drugs and a pistol to someone in Ringgold. An undercover operation was conducted, and law enforcement agents observed Myers on December 11, 2015 selling a Ruger, Model LCP .380 caliber pistol at Layfield Road in Ringgold. After his arrest, he admitted to being a convicted felon.
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 Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath prosecuted the case.
Federal jury finds Angolan national guilty of resisting deportation ordersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found an Angolan national guilty Monday of refusing to leave the country twice after being ordered to depart.
Faustino Ngay, 46, of Cazengo, Angola, was found guilty of two counts of failure to depart. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial, which took place Monday. The jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for 15 minutes. Evidence admitted at 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.
Ngay faces four years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each count. Sentencing has been set for March 16 2017.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic A. Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Youngsville man pleads guilty to distributing, possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Youngsville man pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography.
Thomas Hanes, 48, of Youngsville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna to one count of distribution and one count of possession of child pornography. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the 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.
Hanes faces five to 20 years in prison for the distribution count and up to 20 years in prison for the possession count. He also faces five years to life of supervised release, forfeiture of items that were seized during the investigation and a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Hanes is required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date of March 9, 2017 was set.
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.
Many woman sentenced to 27 months in prison for possession of sawed-off shotgunRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a woman from Many was sentenced to 27 months in prison for possessing a short-barreled shotgun.
Christi Rene McPherson, 36, of Many, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. According to the July 26, 2016 guilty plea, after a physical altercation with her boyfriend, McPherson took a black bag from the boyfriend’s house in 2015 that contained firearms and other contraband. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office contacted McPherson at a convenience store and found her to be in possession of the black containing a 12-gauge shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, five grenade simulators, a Kevlar vest and other firearms. McPherson was also found to be in possession of 3 grams of methamphetamine and 12 pills of Lorazepam. Federal law restricts the ownership of shotguns with barrels shorter than 18 inches long and requires that they be registered.
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 Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.
Jena man sentenced to 16 months in prison for illegal possession of silencersRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Jena man was sentenced Monday to 16 months in prison for possessing unregistered silencers, which he also constructed and sold.
Robert E. Durham, 34, of Jena, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the June 20, 2016 guilty plea, the defendant was recorded setting up a sale of silencers with an undercover ATF agent. They met on May 10, 2016 in Winnfield, La., and the undercover agent purchased three silencers. Law enforcement agents then searched Durham’s home on May 19, 2016. They found and seized silencers, homemade firearm suppressors, ammunition, tools and a drill press to make silencers, silencer parts, and packaged “solvent trap kits,” which are also used to make silencers. The silencers and silencer parts and kits are defined as firearms according to federal law and are required to be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The illegal silencers Durham possessed were not registered.
The ATF and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Bossier City woman sentenced to 12 months in prison for stealing more than $90,000 in VA benefitsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bossier City woman was sentenced to 12 months in prison for fraudulently taking more than $90,000 in federal benefits that were payable to her deceased mother.
Gloria Lynn Perry, 67, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. on one count of theft of government property. She was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $ 88,915.15 restitution. According to the July 24, 2015 guilty plea, Perry stole $90,000 of her mother’s Veteran’s Affairs Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits from April 1, 2008 until July 1, 2014. Her mother died in 2008 and was no longer entitled to the benefits. In addition, Perry filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2014, but she did not report the existence of the bank account where her mother’s benefits were deposited nor the income she received as a result.
The Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney, Justice Department announce grant awards to Western District of Louisiana agenciesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/ LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/MONROE/LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and the Department of Justice announced that 14 grants totaling more than $2.3 million have been awarded to agencies within the Western District of Louisiana through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
An individual grant of $1 million was awarded to the City of Shreveport through the BJA’s Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. The Planning and Implementation Grant’s goal is to improve community safety as part of a strategy to advance neighborhood revitalization. The city is required to set up a plan to reduce crime in a target neighborhood and then begin implementation during the project period.
Nine other grants totaling $534,516 were awarded to law enforcement through the BJA as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The grant is awarded to local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime.
They include:
Alexandria: Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office: $85,320 to fund the Metro Narcotics Task Force and provide overtime;
Bastrop: Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s Office: $12,780 to update vehicle equipment;
Bossier City: Bossier City government: $29,153 to provide overtime, education and mobile radios;
Franklin: St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office: $13,164 to purchase safety and training equipment;
Lafayette: Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office: $97,880 to support law enforcement initiatives to purchase servers, laptops and computer workstations;
Lake Charles: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office: $71,607 to purchase rescue equipment, software, radar equipment and a patrol motorcycle;
Monroe: Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office: $90,640 to purchase law enforcement equipment, including vehicle wireless routers and digi-ticket devices;
Natchitoches: City of Natchitoches: $13,548 to purchase surveillance equipment for the drug task force; and
Shreveport: City of Shreveport: $120,424 to purchase police patrol boats and patrol vehicles.
Three crime labs in the District have been awarded a total of $487,989 through the DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program.
The labs awarded are:
Lake Charles: Southwest Criminalistics Laboratory: $100,000 to upgrade equipment and for training;
New Iberia: Acadiana Crime Lab: $116,875 to maintain and expand employment; and
Shreveport: North Louisiana Criminalistics Laboratory: $271,114 to increase amount of cases analyzed and for training.
The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Lake Charles was named the recipient of $350,000 through the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. The funds are to be used to build a single jurisdiction drug court. It is also tasked with preventing recidivism through targeted treatment, vocational services and community reintegration programs.
“The coordinated federal support will provide much needed funds for our local law enforcement partners and important initiatives for our communities to develop comprehensive crime strategies,” Finley stated. “I am especially pleased to make this announcement for the Western District of Louisiana. I want to thank the members of our grant committee who spend many hours to make sure that our law enforcement community has a chance to receive these funds.”
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. The OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART). For more information on grant award programs, visit www.bja.gov.
Duson man pleads guilty to not paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars in taxesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Duson business owner pleaded guilty Wednesday to evading taxes for three years.
Larry J. Thibodeaux, 65, of Duson, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of attempting to evade and defeat payment of tax. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to the 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.
“The prosecution of individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes is a vital element in maintaining public confidence in our tax system,” Finley stated. “Honest taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bill for those that hide income from the IRS. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute individuals who intentionally conceal income and evade taxes.”
"The filing and timely payment of tax returns is an obligation that all Americans share,” said Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Jerome R. McDuffie. “Our agency will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to aggressively investigate allegations of tax crimes and prosecute those who fail to pay their fair share. The guilty plea entered by Mr. Thibodeaux today is a reminder that citizens have the responsibility to file accurate returns and report all of their income.”
Thibodeaux faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 13, 2017 was set.
IRS Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney speaks at two Lafayette ceremonies honoring military on Veterans DayRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley was guest speaker at two Veterans Day events dedicated to those who serve our nation’s military.
The U.S. Attorney was keynote speaker at the Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery annual Veterans Day Service at 3 p.m. The event featured Junior ROTC members, a singer, pledge recitation, invocation and the placing of a wreath to honor fallen soldiers. She was also guest speaker at Honorfest at 6 p.m. at Parc International hosted by Townsquare Media that featured inspirational messages, a video presentation and country music star Trace Adkins. It also featured local music artists such as Kipp Sonnier, Steve Grisaffe and Jeff Dugan who entertained the veterans and visitors. A portion of the proceeds of Honorfest goes to American Legion Post 69 in Lafayette. Finley spoke about sacrifices that military members and their families makes every day. She reminded those attending that we owe thanks to them for the freedoms they protect.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy spoke on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the St. Thomas More High School Veterans Day ceremony. McCoy served as guest speaker addressing the student about the importance of veterans to our nation. The event also featured patriotic music being played by the high school band and a mass.
“Our military members should never be forgotten,” Finley stated. “We don’t always acknowledge the soldiers, sailors and airman who continue to serve and sacrifice. They come from all walks of life and many backgrounds and are bonded by their dedication to our nation.”
A 1991 Cum Laude graduate of SULC, Finley was recommended by Senator Mary Landrieu and appointed by President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2010 to serve as the top federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Louisiana. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 28, 2010, and took the oath of office on June 2, 2010, as the first woman appointed to serve as U.S. Attorney in the State of Louisiana.
Finley is responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions occurring in 42 of the 64 parishes in the State for crimes ranging from acts of terrorism to public corruption, complex white collar crimes, investment schemes, organized crimes and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, child exploitation, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling, among other criminal activity. She is also charged with defending the United States in civil cases and collecting debts owed to the United States.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Finley was on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, stationed at England Air Force Base in Louisiana and Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. She served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves where she was a Judge Advocate assigned to the 8th Air Force Global Strike Command located at Barksdale Air Force Base. Prior to being at the 8th Air Force, she was assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing Judge Advocate General's Office at Barksdale Air Force Base. Her duties as a JAG officer have included serving as a hearing officer for criminal cases and administrative discharge boards, working 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.
Daniel J. McCoy serves as the Executive Officer of the Navy Reserve, Defense Institute of International Legal Studies unit in Newport, R.I., in addition to being an assistant U.S. Attorney in Lafayette. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and received a bachelor’s degree of science in political science, with distinction, in May 1996. Following his graduation, McCoy was commissioned as an ensign, and completed Surface Warfare Officer’s School in Newport, R.I., in March 1997. He has served in various operations and missions all over the world throughout his career. He was selected for the Law Education Program early in his career and attended Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans. He received the degree of Juris Doctor, cum laude, in May 2004. In addition to his work as an attorney in the Navy, he also served as an instructor and has earned numerous medals for his service.
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes Western District of Louisiana veteransRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley would like to honor the men and women of the Western District of Louisiana and their family members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Western District of Louisiana employees being honored for their service are:
United States Army - Kevin Bodden, F. Michael Campbell, U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, Robert W. Gillespie Jr., U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik (retired), David C. Joseph, Deborah Ritchey Mahony, C. Vincent Mangum, Joseph T. Mickel, Howard C. Parker, Edward Prokopf, U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg (deceased), Fifth Circuit Chief Judge Carl E. Stewart, Chris Turner and U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter.
United States Navy - Joseph G. Jarzabek, Daniel J. McCoy and Ryan Turner.
United States Coast Guard - Dennis K. Austin and U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna.
United States Marine Corps – Jerry Stanley Hayden and Angelo Iorio.
United Stated Air Force - Mitzie Cochrane, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, Samuel W. Glass Sr., John S. Odom Jr., F. Michael O’Mara, Ryan Peck, Charlene Pullum, U.S. District Judge James T. Trimble Jr. and U.S. Marshal Henry L. Whitehorn Sr.
Immediate family members of the personnel in the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. District Court System being honored for their service are:
United States Army – Alan Carpenter, Steven Carpenter, Gerald Champagne, Andrea Doucet, Steven L. Dupont, Garnett L. Gilreath, Doyce Ray Hebert, Eddie Hutchens, Eric Iorio, Shelton Julian, Joseph LeJeune, David A. McBride, Joseph R. Nolan, Michael E. Schaff, Barney W. Skipper and Fritz L. G. Trappey.
United States Navy - Kyle Alwert, Thomas P. Cagney, David Cochrane, Leon Gordon Jones, Joseph R. Namie Jr. and John L. Witt.
United States Air Force - John T. Julian, Russell Pullum and Alan Williams.
United States Marine Corps - Stephen Box, Enoch L. Drost, Will L. Hayden and Richard L. Hayden.
Of those listed above, three have received Purple Hearts and other medals for their actions during various wars. Shelton Julian, the grandfather of Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen King, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was assigned to the 92nd Infantry, Buffalo Division. During his service, he received the Purple Heart and one Oak Leaf Cluster. United States District Court Judge Tom Stagg served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Europe from 1944-1946. During his service, he received the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and two Purple Hearts. Judge Stagg died on June 23, 2015. Steven Dupont, son of FDA Investigator Charles Dupont, served in the U.S. Army from 2008 until 2010 and was stationed at Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. He was assigned to Ghostrider Company as a Forward Observer during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Dupont was killed in action on October 24, 2010, in Rangrizan, Afghanistan. Specialist Dupont was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal and the Combat Action Badge, posthumously. While on active duty, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
The Purple Heart is given to military members who are wounded or killed in action. The Bronze Star of Valor is awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit or meritorious service in a combat zone and is the fourth highest combat decoration awarded to military members. The Oak Leaf Cluster denotes subsequent decorations and awards.
“There is no ceremony or monument that can ever show enough gratitude or tell the stories of every member of our military who has given so much in the service to our country,” Finley stated. “Rarely does anyone recount the struggle of the service member who leaves his or her family behind to serve overseas in support of a military operation, the sailor who risks his or her life traveling through dangerous waters for weeks, or the soldier or airman who works sun up to sun down to ensure our country’s safety. Their deeds of heroism will never be fully told, but today we can remember, then we can honor them, and celebrate those who continue to serve this nation with dedication, courage and sacrifice. It is their contributions of time, effort, emotion, patriotism and sometimes even their lives that we can live free. Today is about thank you!”
Former Homer police officer sentenced to six months in prison for civil rights violationRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a former Homer Police Department Officer was sentenced Wednesday to six months in prison for violating the civil rights of a woman and for making false statements about the incident to the FBI.
Willie Fred Knowles, 66, was also sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. According to the August 5, 2016 guilty plea, Knowles admitted that on October 29, 2012, while he was on duty as a police officer, he pushed a woman down and struck her face and body without legal justification. Knowles also admitted that he falsely told FBI agents that the woman started the incident by grabbing him and jumping on his back, and he falsely denied that he ever hit the woman.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Louisiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary J. Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana.
Lafayette man pleads guilty to felony possession of firearm, ammunitionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man pleaded guilty Tuesday to illegally possessing a revolver and bullets after being convicted of a felony.
Shawn D’Anthony Brown, 20, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Carol B. Whitehurst to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi. According to the 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. At the time of the offense, Brown had two previous felony convictions.
Brown faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, forfeiture of the seized items and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 23, 2017 was set.
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 Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
Alexandria woman pleads guilty to illegally using clinic credit cards to steal $119,000Read the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that an Alexandria woman pleaded guilty Monday to using an Alexandria clinic’s credit cards to make unauthorized purchases of $119,000.
Alaina Stansell, 35, of Alexandria, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of wire fraud. According to the guilty plea, Stansell worked in a urology clinic in Alexandria where she had access to the office’s credit cards. She used the credit cards from December 1, 2013 to March 30, 2015 to make unauthorized purchases and expenditures totaling approximately $119,000.
Stansell faces up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 3, 2017 was set.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 57 months in prison for stealing nearly $1.5 million from disabled sisterRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison for stealing approximately $1.5 million from an insurance settlement his sister received while she was incapacitated.
Kevin Ralph Andrus, 37, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell on one count of wire fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and must pay $1,449,999.37 in restitution. According to the March 17, 2016 guilty plea, Andrus, after being appointed as the curator for his sister’s estate when an automobile accident left her incapacitated and unable to manager her own affairs, stole almost $1.5 million in settlement funds his sister received from a lawsuit related to the automobile accident. After partially recovering from her injuries, Andrus’ sister discovered that settlement funds had been transferred to the defendant’s own personal and business accounts, and squandered, even though he took an oath to spend the money only on approved expenses for the benefit of his sister.
The U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and David C. Joseph prosecuted the case.
Texas man pleads guilty to methamphetamine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a man from Texas pleaded guilty last week to conspiring to sell methamphetamine in the Shreveport area with another Texas man.
Delton Williams Jr., 29, of Deberry, Texas, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. According to the guilty plea, law enforcement agents learned that co-defendant Tares Terrell Hearn, 37, of Carthage, Texas, had organized a transaction to sell methamphetamine on May 10, 2016 at a Greenwood, La., gas station. Williams had 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 and Hearn face up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine. A sentencing date of February 1, 2017 was set. Hearn pleaded guilty on September 9, 2016 to the conspiracy count. Sentencing for Hearn is set for January 12, 2017.
The DEA and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Last of six defendants in cocaine distribution conspiracy sentencedRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced last week to 80 months in prison for his role in a cocaine distribution conspiracy that stretched from Dallas to Shreveport.
Sanchez Latson, 41, of Shreveport, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Latson is the last to be sentenced of six defendants from Texas and Shreveport who pleaded guilty to various cocaine distribution related charges. According to the guilty pleas, Latson conspired with other defendants to possess with intent to distribute powder cocaine from April 2015 to November 2015. The drugs were purchased in Dallas and then transported to Shreveport. They were also recorded planning sales and trips to deliver the drugs.
The other defendants previously sentenced in the conspiracy are:
Keimond De Andri Graham, 33, of Arlington, Texas, was sentenced on August 11, 2016 to 70 months in prison and four years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Jermaine Cassie Steadman, 31, of Shreveport, was sentenced on August 18, 2016 to 62 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine and one count of distribution of powder cocaine.
Alonzo B. Morris, 37, of Shreveport, was sentenced on August 11, 2016 to 42 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine and one count of distribution of powder cocaine.
Ravion Delshon Shelley, 38, of Shreveport, was sentenced on September 13, 2016 to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine.
Cedric Ray Alford, 25, of Shreveport, was sentenced on August 11, 2016 to eight months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to distribute powder cocaine.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation. The DEA, Louisiana State Police and Smith County Texas Sheriff’s Office participated in 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 targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt and dismantle the targeted criminal organization, and to seize its assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Justice Department reaches settlement with Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana state education agencies to desegregate A.E. Phillips Laboratory SchoolRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with Louisiana Tech University to ensure that black students have access to the high-quality education programs at the A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, a K-8 public school operated by Louisiana Tech on its campus in Lincoln Parish. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana today approved the court-ordered agreement, which will reduce barriers to enrollment for black students and further desegregate A.E. Phillips’ faculty, staff and facilities.
A.E. Phillips, which opened in approximately 1910 as a segregated school serving only white students, was first ordered to desegregate in 1984. Following an investigation the Justice Department concluded, and Louisiana Tech agreed, that more work is needed to open up A.E. Phillips’ quality educational program to all students of Lincoln Parish. As a laboratory school, A.E. Phillips is known for its strong academic programs and teaching, and serves as a resource for Louisiana Tech’s College of Education to train future teachers and apply innovative education techniques.
The University of Louisiana System, the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education are also parties to the settlement agreement. Under the consent order, Louisiana Tech and A.E. Phillips will do the following:
- increase the percentage of black student enrollment so that the percentage of black students enrolled at A.E. Phillips reflects the percentage of black students in grades K-8 enrolled in Lincoln Parish School Board’s schools by the 2020 through 2021 school year;
- take steps to expand A.E. Phillips’ existing facilities to two classrooms per grade level to accommodate additional black student enrollment;
- develop a comprehensive plan to recruit black students for incoming kindergarten classes and for available vacancies in other grade levels;
- offer full and partial tuition scholarships to admitted black students who are eligible for free and reduced price student meals under the federal guidelines;
- offer free and reduced price meals to admitted black students who meet the federal requirements for assistance; and
- take affirmative measures to recruit black candidates for administrator, teacher, certified staff and other staff vacancies at the school.
“We commend the Louisiana Tech community for its firm commitment to make the promise of equal access to education a reality for all children, regardless of the color of their skin,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our consent order establishes long overdue protections critical to increasing the enrollment of – and support for – black students at A.E. Phillips.”
“All students should have a quality education and should not be barred from any school that provides them that education,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana. “This consent order will have an important and lasting impact for all the students in the Lincoln Parish community. The children of Louisiana should always be the focus. We look forward to continuing to work with Louisiana Tech, A.E. Phillips and the state education agencies to ensure that the order is successfully implemented.”
The order dismisses the court’s supervision of the desegregation of A.E. Phillips in the areas of transportation and extracurricular activities. Upon full implementation of the consent order, Louisiana Tech and the state education agencies may seek the court’s approval to dismiss the desegregation case against A.E. Phillips.
Promoting school desegregation and enforcing Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
U.S. Attorney’s Office urges public to participate in Drug Take-Back driveRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley urges the public to discard unused prescription drugs this weekend at neighborhood collection sites during Drug Take-Back Day.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and more than 4,200 national, tribal and community law enforcement partners nationwide will be promoting National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day with events across the nation this weekend. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day provides a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. It also educates the public about the potential for abuse of medications. Unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse and abuse. More than 46,000 Americans die each year from drug-related deaths, and more than half of those are from prescription opioids and heroin.
The majority of prescription drug abusers report in surveys that they get their drugs from friends and family. Cleaning out old prescription drugs from medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers, and bedside tables can reduce accidents, thefts, and the misuse and abuse of these medicines, including the opioid painkillers. Eight out of 10 new heroin users began by abusing prescription painkillers and moved to heroin when they could no longer obtain or afford those painkillers.
The DEA will have collection sites across the country on Saturday, October 22nd, for those who are interested in bringing their unused or expired prescription drugs for proper disposal. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites – liquids and needles or other sharp objects will not be accepted. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription drugs can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, October 22nd at the following sites:
Shreveport
- Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s Safety Town in the Parking Lot of Summer Grove Baptist Church, 8910 Jewella Ave.
Bossier City
- Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Viking Drive Substation, 2510 Viking Drive
- Louisiana State Police Troop G office, 5300 Industrial Drive
Barksdale Air Force Base
- Barksdale Air Force Base Exchange, 455 Curtis Road
Monroe
- Louisiana State Police Troop F office, 1240 Highway 594
- University of Louisiana at Monroe Police Department, 3811 Desiard St.
West Monroe
- Brookshire Food Store, 3426 Cypress St.
Alexandria
- Louisiana State Police Troop E office, 1710 Odom St.
- Alexandria Police Department, 1000 Bolton Ave.
Lafayette
- Louisiana State Police Troop I office, 121 E. Pont Des Mouton Road
Broussard
- Broussard Police Department at Walgreen’s Parking Lot, 105 St. Nazaire St.
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Police Department, 830 Enterprise Blvd.
- Louisiana State Police Troop D office, 805 Main St.
The public can also find other nearby collection sites by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they enter their zip code or call 800-882-9539.