Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Melville man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Melville man pleaded guilty last week to storing child pornography on electronic devices.
Russell Guillory, 34, of Melville, La., entered a conditional guilty plea Friday for one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik. According to the guilty plea, Guillory’s home was searched in January of 2015. The investigation uncovered four electronic devices Guillory owned containing 75 videos and six images of child pornography.
Guillory faces up to 10 years in prison, five years to life supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is also required to register as a sex offender and forfeit the devices and images seized during the investigation. A sentencing date was not set.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jamilla A. Bynog and John Luke Walker 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 combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application (http://www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app). Tips also may be submitted anonymously.
Former Mamou, Louisiana, Police Chief Sentenced, Second Former Police Chief Pleads Guilty to Firing Taser at Non-Combative PrisonersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the former Mamou, Louisiana, Police Chief Gregory W. Dupuis was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, and former Mamou Police Officer and Chief Robert McGee pleaded guilty to one count of the deprivation of rights under color of law, both for their roles in a series of incidents in which they deployed TASERs on non-resistant inmates at the Mamou Jail. Dupuis’s and McGee’s guilty pleas are the result of a federal investigation into the illegal use of excessive force upon inmates at the Mamou jail.
Dupuis, 57, of Mamou, pleaded guilty to one count of violation of an individual’s civil rights on Apr. 13, 2015, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik of the Western District of Louisiana.
According to evidence presented at Dupuis’s plea hearing, Dupuis served as police chief from 1994 to 1997 and from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure as chief, officers, including McGee, repeatedly administered TASER shocks as a form of punishment on inmates who were being disruptive, even if the inmates’ disruption was purely verbal, and on inmates who were calm and compliant when the officer deployed the TASER. On Apr. 25, 2010, Dupuis went to the department’s jail to deal with a verbally disruptive detainee. Dupuis ordered the detainee to get down from his bunk and put his hands on the far wall. The detainee complied. Dupuis then entered the cell and deployed the TASER on the detainee’s back, causing the detainee to fall to the ground, suffer pain and injure his knee. At his plea hearing, Dupuis admitted that he knew at the time that his actions were unlawful.
McGee, 44, of Mamou, pleaded guilty today to one count of violation of an individual’s civil rights committed as an officer in 2010, prior to his 2014 election as chief of the Mamou Police Department. According to McGee’s guilty plea, McGee was called to the Mamou Police Department on multiple occasions in 2010 and 2011 to deal with disruptive inmates. On Aug. 6, 2010, McGee and an inmate were engaged in a conversation. Although the inmate posed no threat to himself or the officers, McGee fired the TASER at the inmate, causing the inmate to fall and experience pain. McGee, who was elected Mamou police chief after this incident, resigned his position as chief on Oct. 8, 2015, as a result of the federal investigation. McGee faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.
“The defendants abused the trust given to them as law enforcement officers when they engaged in a pattern of repeatedly tasing compliant detainees,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those who violate the civil rights laws to ensure that the rights of all individuals, including those in custody, are protected.”
“Law enforcement officers have a duty to ensure that detainees are treated fairly and humanely when taken into custody,” said U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana. “Mr. Dupuis and Mr. McGee breached that trust and violated their oaths by using excessive force on incarcerated individuals.”
The FBI and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Stephen Curran and Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Robert Abendroth of the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Former Mamou police chief sentenced, 2nd former police chief pleads guilty to firing TASER at non-combative prisonersRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – The Justice Department and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the former Mamou Police Chief Gregory W. Dupuis was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, and former Mamou Police Officer and Chief Robert McGee pleaded guilty to one count of the deprivation of rights under color of law, both for their roles in a series of incidents in which they deployed TASERs on non-resistant inmates at the Mamou Jail. Dupuis’s sentencing and McGee’s plea are the result of a federal investigation into the illegal use of excessive force upon inmates at the Mamou jail.
Dupuis, 57, of Mamou, La., pleaded guilty to one count of violation of an individual’s civil rights on April 13, 2015, and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik.
According to evidence presented at Dupuis’s plea hearing, Dupuis served as police chief from 1994 to 1997 and from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure as chief, officers, including McGee, repeatedly administered TASER shocks as a form of punishment on inmates who were being disruptive, even if the inmates’ disruption was purely verbal, and on inmates who were calm and compliant when the officer deployed the TASER. On Apr. 25, 2010, Dupuis went to the department’s jail to deal with a verbally disruptive detainee. Dupuis ordered the detainee to get down from his bunk and put his hands on the far wall. The detainee complied. Dupuis then entered the cell and deployed the TASER on the detainee’s back, causing the detainee to fall to the ground, suffer pain and injure his knee. At his plea hearing, Dupuis admitted that he knew at the time that his actions were unlawful.
McGee, 44, of Mamou, pleaded guilty today to one count of violation of an individual’s civil rights committed as an officer in 2010, prior to his 2014 election as chief of the Mamou Police Department. According to McGee’s guilty plea, McGee was called to the Mamou Police Department on multiple occasions in 2010 and 2011 to deal with disruptive inmates. On Aug. 6, 2010, McGee and an inmate were engaged in a conversation. Although the inmate posed no threat to himself or the officers, McGee fired the TASER at the inmate, causing the inmate to fall and experience pain. McGee, who was elected Mamou police chief after this incident, resigned his position as chief on Oct. 8, 2015, as a result of the federal investigation.
McGee faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.
“The defendants abused the trust given to them as law enforcement officers when they engaged in a pattern of repeatedly tasing compliant detainees,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta of the Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously prosecute those who violate the civil rights laws to ensure that the rights of all individuals, including those in custody, are protected.”
“Law enforcement officers have a duty to ensure that detainees are treated fairly and humanely when taken into custody,” Finley stated. “Mr. Dupuis and Mr. McGee breached that trust and violated their oaths by using excessive force on incarcerated individuals.”
The FBI and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Stephen Curran and Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Robert Abendroth of the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s office staff attends Shreveport, Lafayette Night Out eventsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office staff members and other local law enforcement and community leaders met in neighborhoods throughout Caddo and Lafayette parishes Tuesday as part of their annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention events.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and other members of the office, Mike Campbell, Law Enforcement Community Coordinator (LECC), and Robert W. Gillespie Jr., Assistant U.S. Attorney/Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator (PSN), joined Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler, Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw, Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s Office and the Shreveport Fire Department for events in Northwest Louisiana. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Joseph T. Mickel joined the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Sheriff’s Department, Lafayette Parish Fire Department and other agencies for National Night Out events in South Central Louisiana.
Residents unlocked their doors, turned on porch lights and spent the evening outside with family, friends, neighbors, emergency response personnel and city officials. Many neighborhoods throughout Caddo Parish hosted a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies. In Lafayette, residents met at Neyland Park on Eraste Landry Road and the Martin Luther King Center near Willow Street. The events included music, food, games, fun jumps and displays by the Lafayette Fire Department, the Lafayette Sheriff’s Office, the Lafayette Police Department SWAT Team, Horse Patrol, Motorcycle Unit, Bicycle Patrol and the Police Command Bus.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and send a clear message that neighbors are organized and fighting back.
“National Night Out is a way for neighbors to join with their law enforcement and community partners to demonstrate that crime does not rule the night and that criminals have no safe haven when the sun goes down,” Finley stated. “The ‘Night Out’ is also a great way to acknowledge the accomplishments of neighborhood organizations that keep communities safe, and especially to thank and acknowledge our law enforcement community for putting their lives on the line for us every day.”As the District’s LECC, Mike Campbell acts as a liaison between the U.S. Attorney=s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement. He assists with grants, coordinates and provides law enforcement training and assists law enforcement agencies with special and community needs. The mission of the LECC is to develop coordination, communication and cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout the Western District of Louisiana by providing education, training and technical assistance to all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the district.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is the District’s coordinator for the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. Project Safe Neighborhoods is the anti-gang, anti-gun violence initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice. It is a comprehensive, strategic approach to reducing gun violence and promoting safe communities around the country. Project Safe Neighborhoods combats gun violence by bringing together local, state and federal law enforcement officials, prosecutors and community leaders to implement a multi-faceted strategy to deter and punish gun violence.
Thousands of communities across the United States took part in the 32nd Annual National Night Out starting in August. To find out more about National Night Out, visit the National Association for Town Watch at http://www.natw.org.
U.S. Attorney’s Office contributes to local food pantries through Feds Feed Families driveRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Shreveport and Lafayette collected more than 275 pounds of food and non-perishable items this week that were delivered to two local food pantries.
In all, federal employees contributed 275 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport and the FoodNet: The Greater Acadiana Food Bank, in Lafayette. The Shreveport U.S. Attorney’s Office gathered 118 pounds of the total and the Lafayette U.S. Attorney’s Office gathered 157 pounds. Donation boxes for the Feds Feed Families food drive campaign were located at the federal courthouses in Shreveport and Lafayette. The food drive campaign ended October 2, 2015.
“This food drive campaign is our way of giving back to those most in need in our communities,” Finley said. “Food pantries need help throughout the year and not just during the holidays. Feds Feed Families assists by being there to donate food during the summer before the holiday season begins. I want to thank all federal employees in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Courts and other agencies that donated food, time and other resources to make this possible.”
The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana began in 1995 when a group of individuals from churches with food pantries and benevolent organizations met to discuss the need to establish a local food bank to serve the parishes of Northwest Louisiana. The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is the largest distributor of donated food for the seven-parish area and is one of only five food banks in the state. They sort, warehouse and distribute food to more than 120 non-profit organizations in the seven-parish region, which includes: Caddo, Bossier, Bienville, Claiborne, Desoto, Red River, and Webster parishes. For more information about the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, visit their website at www.foodbanknla.org or call (318) 675-2400.
FoodNet: The Greater Acadiana Food Bank, a non-profit food bank serving Lafayette Parish, was established in October 1987. FoodNet has distributed tens of thousands of tons of food since opening, and presently serves several agencies including: Faith House of Acadiana women’s shelter, the Children’s Shelter, St. Joseph Shelter for Men, Acadiana Youth Shelter for Girls, St. Joseph Diner, the Red Cross, Alleman Center, Acadiana Cares, St. Francis Foundation for Substance Abuse, and the Arc. For more information, visit www.foodnetacadiana.org or call (337) 232-3663.
In the United States, 50 million people are challenged with hunger, including 17 million children. Feds Feed Families was started when Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and former Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry realized that food donations were dropping during the summer months because many families were on vacation. The campaign has run every summer since 2009, and to date, it has collected more than 39 million pounds of food, including 14.8 million pounds last year alone. The Department of Justice has contributed more than 73,425 pounds to food banks across the country.
For more information visit www.usda.gov/fedsfeedfamilies or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, at 337-262-6618.
Texas man pleads guilty to transporting a minor to Shreveport for prostitutionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man from Texas pleaded guilty to bringing a minor to Shreveport to engage in prostitution.
Larry D. Bluitt, 26, of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in prostitution. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a law enforcement agent working in an undercover capacity responded to an online ad for prostitution on December 17, 2014. The undercover agent arranged to meet an individual at a Shreveport hotel for the purpose of prostitution. Agents observed Bluitt driving a 14-year-old female to the hotel to meet the undercover agent for sex. After he dropped off the juvenile, Bluitt was arrested by members of the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Bluitt admitted he drove the minor female from Dallas to Shreveport for prostitution.
Bluitt faces 10 years to life in prison, five years or life of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, forfeiture of property and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A sentencing date of January 28, 2016 was set.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
The FBI-Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
Palmetto man pleads guilty to cocaine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Palmetto man pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in St. Landry Parish.
Steven Paul Banks, 47, of Palmetto, La., entered a conditional guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement agents recorded Banks and other co-conspirators from September to August of 2013 negotiating the purchase of cocaine for later sale in Melville, La.
Banks faces five to 40 years in prison, four to five years of supervised release and a $5 million fine. A sentencing date was not set.
The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Howard C. Parker and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case.
Mexican national pleads guilty to lying on passport applicationRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Mexican national pleaded guilty Monday to submitting false information when applying for a passport.
Federico Vargas Mares, 28, of Mexico, entered a conditional guilty plea for one count of false statement on a passport application before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik. According to the guilty plea, Mares filed an application at the Iberia Parish Clerk of Court in New Iberia, La., on May 17, 2013 under a different name. He also listed his home of origin as Puerto Rico instead of Mexico. After further investigation, it was discovered that the defendant had multiple immigration-related arrests and was charged with smuggling aliens in January of 2006. He was removed from the United States in October of 2007 and was barred from returning.
Mares faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog is prosecuting the case.
Federal jury finds Shreveport man guilty of possessing a firearm after a felony convictionRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found a Shreveport man guilty of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
Marcus Milton, 38, of Shreveport, La., was found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial. The defendant’s trial started Monday and ended today with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately 45 minutes. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that after executing a probation violation warrant at Milton’s home on December 4, 2014, law enforcement agents found a Tanfoglio semiautomatic pistol and .40 caliber ammunition in the trunk of his vehicle that was parked in front of his residence. Prior to this offense, Milton had other felony convictions, which precluded him from lawfully possessing a weapon.
Milton faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and forfeiture of the weapon seized. A sentencing date of January 28, 2016 was set.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.
The ATF and Louisiana Probation and Parole investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Shreveport resident pleads guilty to producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport resident pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.
Jason Carl Fruge, 45, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to one count of production of child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, during the course of investigating Fruge for other offenses, agents found a video on Fruge’s computer of a minor male child engaged in a sexually explicit sex act. Fruge pretended to be an attractive female in order to convince the minor to engage in the sexual act. Fruge directed the minor child to commit the sexual explicit act and recorded the minor using an online video chat service similar to Skype on June 9, 2014.
Fruge faces 15 to 30 years in prison, five years to life of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and mandatory registration as a sex offender. A sentencing date of January 28, 2016 was set.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Those concerned may leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) also encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online by visiting their website at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone application (http://www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app). Tips also may be submitted anonymously.
The FBI and ICE Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Bossier City man pleads guilty to possessing ammunition after being convicted of feloniesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a man from Bossier City pleaded guilty to possessing shotgun shells and bullets even though he was prohibited from doing so because he had prior felony convictions.
Sidney Joseph Patterson, 44, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on January 9, 2015, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputies began investigating the discharge of a homemade “zip gun” firearm at Patterson’s residence which wounded Patterson in his back. Found at the residence was the discharged “zip gun” and three other “zip guns” loaded with two rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition and one round of .380 caliber ammunition. Prior to this offense, Patterson had other felony drug convictions.
Patterson faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of February 17, 2016 was set.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.
The ATF and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Kenyan child pornography producer sentenced to life in prison for participation in Dreamboard child sexual exploitation websiteRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division announced that a Kenyan child pornography producer was sentenced late yesterday to life in prison for participating in the Dreamboard child sexual exploitation website.
Brian Musomba Maweu, 52, who was extradited from Kenya to the United States in September 2014, pleaded guilty in April 2015 before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. of the Western District of Louisiana to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. In addition to serving life in prison, Judge Hicks ordered that Maweu will be required to register as a sex offender.
In connection with his guilty plea, Maweu admitted that, while using the online alias “Catfish,” he posted 121 messages on the Dreamboard website – a private, members-only online bulletin board that promoted pedophilia and encouraged the sexual abuse and exploitation of very young children in an environment designed to avoid detection by law enforcement – including 34 posts containing child pornography that he produced. Maweu was considered a “Super VIP” member of Dreamboard, a designation that was given to members who were prominent on the site and produced their own child pornography.
This defendant, and people like him, who advertise, participate, distribute or exploit children to access child pornography work hard to evade law enforcement and disguise what they are doing,” said U.S. Attorney Finley. “Their sole purpose is to view children hurting for their own sexual satisfaction. We want them to know, that like Mr. Maweu, they will face serious consequences for their actions. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute this type of criminal activity to the fullest extent of the law. We want the community to know that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice, along with our federal, state and local partners, are committed to protecting children from these vile criminals.”
The prosecution of Maweu was the result of Operation Delego, an investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. A total of 72 individuals, including Maweu, were charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of those defendants have been arrested either in the United States or abroad, and 49 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial. Sentences have ranged between five years to life in prison.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), CEOS’ High Technology Investigative Unit, and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Michael O’Mara of the Western District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of the Department of Justice Criminal Division, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Kenyan Child Pornography Producer Sentenced to Life in Prison for Participation in Dreamboard WebsiteRead the Press Release
A Kenyan child pornography producer was sentenced late yesterday to life in prison for participating in the Dreamboard child sexual exploitation website, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley of the Western District of Louisiana.
Brian Musomba Maweu, 52, who was extradited from Kenya to the United States in September 2014, pleaded guilty in April 2015 before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. of the Western District of Louisiana to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. In addition to serving the prison term, Maweu will be required to register as a sex offender.
In connection with his guilty plea, Maweu admitted that, using the online alias “Catfish,” he posted 121 messages on the Dreamboard website – a private, members-only online bulletin board that promoted pedophilia and encouraged the sexual abuse and exploitation of very young children in an environment designed to avoid detection by law enforcement – including 34 posts containing child pornography that he produced. Maweu was considered a “Super VIP” member of Dreamboard, a designation that was given to members who were prominent on the site and produced their own child pornography.
The prosecution of Maweu was the result of Operation Delego, an investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. A total of 72 individuals, including Maweu, were charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of those defendants have been arrested either in the United States or abroad, and 49 have either pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial. Sentences have ranged between five years to life in prison.
The investigation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), CEOS’ High Technology Investigative Unit, and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.
The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Michael O’Mara of the Western District of Louisiana. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Ville Platte man sentenced to 70 months in prison for possessing, receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Ville Platte man was sentenced Thursday to 70 months in prison for possessing and receiving more than a thousand images of child pornography using an internet file sharing program.
Bradley Smith, 60, of Ville Platte, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on two counts of possession of child pornography and three counts of receiving child pornography. He was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. A federal jury found Smith guilty after deliberating for 40 minutes after a two-day trial that ended on July 14, 2015. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that in September of 2012, law enforcement detected Smith using an internet file sharing program to download child pornography. The software is used to trade files on the internet among its members. Law enforcement searched Smith’s residence on September 24, 2012 and seized his computer and computer hard drives. After a forensic examination of the hardware, a total of 40 videos and 1,100 images of child pornography were found.
The FBI and Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Robert C. Abendroth 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.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 232-2164.
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 get out this weekend and throw out unused prescription drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and more than 4,200 national, tribal and community law enforcement partners nationwide promote National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day with events all across the nation this weekend. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general 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. The DEA reports that almost twice as many Americans (6.8 million) currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. More Americans died in 2010 from overdoses of prescription medications (22,134, including 16,651 from narcotic painkillers) than from motor vehicle accidents, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
“Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high,” Finley stated. “The DEA reported that last April that Americans turned in 2,411 tons of prescription drugs, and since the DEA’s first National Drug Take-Back event in September of 2010, consumers have disposed of more than 4.8 million pounds of unwanted medication.”
The DEA will have collection sites across the country on Saturday, September 26th, 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, at the following sites:
Shreveport
- Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, 8910 Jewella Avenue,
Bossier City
- Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office Viking Drive Substation, 2510 Viking Drive,
- Louisiana State Police Troop G office, 5300 Industrial Drive, Extended,
Monroe
- Monroe Police Department, 700 Wood St.,
- Louisiana State Police Troop F office, 1240 Highway 594,
Alexandria
- Louisiana State Police Troop E office, 1710 Odom St.,
Broussard
- Broussard Police Department at Walgreen’s Parking Lot, 105 St. Nazaire,
Lake Charles
- Lake Charles Police Department at the Lake Charles Civic Center Parking Lot, 900 Lakeshore Drive,
- Louisiana State Police Troop D office, 805 Main St.,
The public can also find a nearby collection site 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 they can call 800-882-9539.
U.S. Attorney urges Western District residents to register to voteRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, LAFAYETTE, MONROE, ALEXANDRIA, LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley urged residents of the Western District of Louisiana to register to vote in observance of National Voter Registration Day.
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is dedicated to ensuring every American is registered to vote at their current address in time for the next election. National Voter Registration Day is celebrated on the fourth Tuesday of every September by thousands of volunteers, celebrities, organizations, businesses and elected officials from all over the country. More than 600 voter registration events were hosted nationwide as part of this year’s NVRD. To find out more about NVRD, visit nationalvoterregistrationday.org.
In Louisiana, registering can be done in person, by mail or online and is open throughout the year. Registration to be eligible to vote in the October 24th election has ended, but registration to be eligible to vote in the November 21st election is open until October 22nd. Eligibility to register to vote in an election ends 30 days before that election. To find out more, call the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office at 225-922-0900.
Upcoming elections for Louisiana are October 24th for the primary and November 21st for general. Early voting is October 10th to October 17th (except Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the October 24th primary election, and November 7th to November 14th (except Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the November 21st general election. Residents should contact their local Registrar of Voters’ Office to determine their voting location. Download a sample ballot or obtain other election information by visiting the Louisiana Secretary of State’s web page at www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting.
“The right to vote is essential to maintaining our system of democracy,” Finley stated. “One of the Department of Justice’s most sacred responsibilities is ensuring access to the ballot box for every eligible American in the Western District of Louisiana.”
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.
Complaints of election fraud or voting rights violations should be directed to the FBI, who will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations. The local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: Shreveport at 318-861-1890, Lafayette at 337-233-2164, Monroe at (318) 387-0773, Alexandria at (318) 443-5097 and Lake Charles at (337) 433-6353. For a complete list of FBI field offices in Louisiana visit www.fbi.gov/neworleans/contact-us/territory-jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached by the public at 318-676-3600 (Shreveport) or 337-262-6618 (Lafayette).
Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division=s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., at 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767. The division’s email address is [email protected], and voter complaints also can be filed online at www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake.
The Civil Rights Division=s Voting Section enforces six federal statutes. They are the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. For more information on the acts that the division enforces, visit www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/overview.php.
Private Investigator Williamson sentenced to 78 months in prison on charges in bribery caseRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that private investigator Robert Williamson was sentenced to 78 months in prison on charges related to his role in a pay-for-plea scheme that garnered favorable treatment for defendants charged with OWI and various state crimes.
Williamson, 67, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy, one count of bribery and one count of Social Security fraud. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $77,677.20 in restitution. According to the June 8, 2015 guilty plea, Williamson, who is not licensed to practice law, was part of a conspiracy from March 2008 to February 2012 that solicited thousands of dollars from individuals with pending criminal charges in the 15th Judicial District. Williamson promised favorable resolutions to pending felony and misdemeanor cases, the majority of which were OWI cases.
Williamson paid bribes in cash and other things of value to personnel within the District Attorney=s Office for the 15th Judicial District and employees with other organizations associated with the OWI program, including Acadiana Outreach. Williamson also obtained false and fraudulent certifications from Acadiana Outreach, which certified that his clients completed court-ordered community service, when in fact the individuals had not. Williamson would obtain fraudulent driver safety training certificates showing that Williamson=s Aclients@ completed court-mandated driver improvement programs when they had not. Some of those monies were for fines, penalties and other expenses. During the course of the scheme, Williamson also received approximately $77,677.20 from the Social Security Administration that he was not entitled to receive.
“The public good was circumvented by the greed and lies perpetrated by Williamson and his associates,” Finley stated. “People who should have been dissuaded from drunk driving by receiving jail time and other penalties were instead given a pass to endanger lives again and again. The damage that this conspiracy has wrought cannot be quantified. We hope that this sentence brings an end to this type of practice and serves as a warning to anyone who would try to conduct a similar scam and circumvent the legal process.”
Co-defendants Barna D. Haynes, 61; Greg Williams, 47; and Sandra Degeyter, 64, all of Lafayette, were sentenced July 10, 2015 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Co-defendants Denease Curry, 49, of Broussard, and Elaine Crump, 62, of Lafayette, were also sentenced by Foote July 10, 2015 on one count of misprision of a felony for failure to report bribes offered and received by employees of the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Haynes received 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Williams, Degeyter, Curry and Crump received two years of probation. Additionally, Williams and Degeyter were sentenced to six months of home confinement. Hanyes, Williams and Curry are former employees of the District Attorney’s Office. Degeyter and Crump are former employees of Acadiana Outreach.
The FBI and the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Lake Charles man sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for receiving child pornography on computerRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lake Charles man was sentenced Thursday to 210 months in prison for receiving child pornography on his home computer.
Ricky Joseph Guidry, 31, of Lake Charles, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi on one count of receiving child pornography. He was also sentenced to serve a lifetime of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to evidence presented at the March 14, 2015 guilty plea, a witness told law enforcement agents there was child pornography on Guidry’s computer. After conducting an examination of the computer, it was determined that the defendant downloaded child pornography on October 2nd and 3rd of 2014. The images included prepubescent child pornography that was sadistic in nature.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
“The internet is no longer a safe haven for child predators to view illegal images and encourage child abuse,” Finley stated. “This office will prosecute those who download, view and distribute child pornography. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors will continue in their work to bring these abusers to justice.”
“Criminals who trade in child pornography steal the innocence of children and contribute to the destruction of innocent lives,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Raymond R. Parmer Jr. “HSI special agents are actively working to identity and arrest those who abuse children as well as those who further exploit them by recording the abuse.”
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone app (http://www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app). Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Catahoula parish man pleads guilty to explosives, firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Catahoula Parish man pleaded guilty to possessing unregistered explosives and illegally possessing firearms.
Bill W. Womack, 56, of Manifest, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of possessing unregistered explosive devices and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to information presented at the guilty plea, agents seized machine guns, destructive devices, silencers, a short barreled rifle and more than a kilogram of marijuana. The weapons were not registered as required by law. In addition, law enforcement destroyed improvised explosive devices at the scene over a five-day period.
Womack faces up to 10 years in prison for the explosive device charge and a mandatory five years in prison for the firearm/drug trafficking charge. He also faces three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and forfeiture of the weapons seized. A sentencing date of December 18, 2015 was set.
The ATF, FBI, Louisiana State Police and Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and William J. Flanagan are prosecuting the case.
Bossier City man sentenced to 15 years in prison for receiving child pornography on computerRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bossier City man was sentenced to 180 months in prison for receiving child pornography.
Kenneth Ray Jurls, 40, of Bossier City, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of receiving child pornography. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. According to evidence presented at the May 20, 2015 guilty plea, law enforcement agents detected someone downloading child pornography using a peer-to-peer internet file sharing program. Law enforcement agents searched Jurls’ home on July 16, 2014 and seized his computer. A forensic examination of the computer revealed Jurls had been downloading child pornography for years. More than 1,000 images and videos of child pornography were found on his computer.
“Sooner or later a child predator’s illegal activity will come to light,” Finley stated. “This defendant contributed to the abuse of children by downloading and trading massive amounts of child pornography online. My office will hold those accountable who possess, trade and view this type of material.”
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and the Bossier City Marshal’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney F. Michael O’Mara prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourage the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp or through the Operation Predator smartphone app (http://www.ice.gov/predator/smartphone-app). Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Richard Johnson Jr. pleads guilty to filing a false tax returnRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Richard Z. Johnson Jr. pleaded guilty to filing a false federal income tax return.
Johnson, 58, of Mansfield, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to a one count bill of information charging him with making or subscribing a false tax return. According to the guilty plea, Johnson reported a total income of $126,197 on his 2011 U.S. individual tax return but willfully failed to report additional income in the amount of $78,717.
Johnson faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution of taxes owed to the U.S. Treasury. A sentencing date of February 17, 2016 was set.
The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Flanagan and Seth D. Reeg are prosecuting the case.
Lafayette man pleads guilty to shooting at postal workerRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette man pleaded guilty last week to firing a gun at a postal worker.
David C. Sonnier, 40, Lafayette, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of discharging a firearm during commission of a crime of violence. According to the guilty plea, Sonnier shot a Hi Point 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on March 27, 2014 at the door of the postal worker’s vehicle passing in front of Sonnier’s home. The bullet passed through the driver’s side door and the postal worker’s pant leg before becoming lodged in the opposite side of the vehicle, which caused approximately $1,178 of damage.
Sonnier faces up to 10 years to life in prison, five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date was not set.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI and the Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.
Shreveport optometrist pleads guilty to illegally writing prescriptionsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport optometrist pleaded guilty Monday to writing prescriptions for non-patients and non-medical purposes.
Charles D. Shanks, 63, of Shreveport, entered a conditional guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby for one count of distributing or dispensing a controlled substance. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Shanks, a Shreveport optometrist, wrote dozens of prescriptions for codeine and hydrocodone in 2012 and 2013 from pharmacies and wholesale distributors that were for non-patients and not for valid medical purposes.
Shanks faces up to 10 years in prison, two years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine. A sentencing date of January 11, 2016 was set.
The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
Morgan City man pleads guilty to stealing from federally funded nonprofitRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Morgan City man pleaded guilty to stealing loan money from a federally funded nonprofit.
Timothy Daigle, 32, of Morgan City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of fraud concerning program receiving federal funds. According to the guilty plea, while working as a loan officer and agent at the nonprofit Southern Mutual Help Association (SMHA) in New Iberia, La., Daigle stole more than $90,000. On four separate occasions from September 2013 until February 2014, Daigle, acting as an agent of SMHA, helped to fraudulently approve loans in the names of friends and associates in New Iberia and Morgan City.
Daigle faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date was not set.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David C. Joseph and Kelly P. Uebinger are prosecuting the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 54 months in prison for possessing 8 stolen firearms in homeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to 54 months in prison for possessing eight stolen firearms.
Rico D. King, 39, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of possession of stolen firearms. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the May 7, 2015 guilty plea, during an investigation into Lafayette burglaries and after developing leads as to the location of the stolen firearms, agents executed a search warrant in September of 2014 at a residence in Lafayette where King was an occupant. During the search, agents found King in possession of the stolen firearms including a .26-06 caliber rifle, two .25-06 caliber rifles, a .410 gauge shotgun, two .12 gauge shotguns, a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle and a .270 caliber rifle. Victims of the burglaries reported all eight firearms as stolen.
Multiple agencies including the ATF, FBI, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program designed to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms laws.
Bossier City resident pleads guilty to selling firearms to out-of-state resident at gun showRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Louisiana resident pleaded guilty to selling firearms to an out-of-state resident.
Thomas Cleve Veillon, 68, of Bossier City, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of sale of a firearm to an out-of-state resident. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Veillon had numerous firearms for sale at a June 27, 2015 gun show in Shreveport. He was not a federally licensed firearms dealer. Veillon sold a .270 caliber rifle and a Glock .45 caliber pistol to a resident of Arkansas, knowing that the buyer resided out-of-state.
Veillon faces up to five years in prison, one to three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of January 4, 2016 was set.
This investigation and prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative to reduce firearm crimes by preventing the possession and use of firearms by dangerous and persistent felons and others not authorized to possess a firearm and to promote firearm safety.
The ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, honors the fallen from 9/11Read the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley stated that the Western District of Louisiana remembers all of those who lost their lives on 9/11 and who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Finley stated “This never gets easy. We all remember it clearly, where we were when we found out; the horror we saw, and the bravery displayed by so many first responders and courageous citizens who represented strength and grit of this nation in those critical days and hours after the attacks. We also recognize and honor all of the fallen soldiers from the Western District of Louisiana who answered the call to defend this nation. They are in our thoughts every time the Department of Justice works to eliminate threats to national security. No aspect of our work is more important or more urgent. As we reflect on this day, let’s take a moment to remember all of those who have died here and abroad and continue to keep their families in our prayers.”
Below is a list of Louisiana’s Fallen Heroes who served Honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operating Enduring Freedom. Thank you to all of those who continue to serve!
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Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Weathers, of DeRidder, La, Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher O. Grant, 20, of Richwood, La., Army Spc. Christopher R. Drake, 20, of Tickfaw, La., Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Henderson, 27, of Franklin, La., Air Force Tech. Sgt. Larry Bunn, 43, of Bossier City, La., Marine Sgt. Michael J. Guillory, 28, of Pearl River, La., Army Capt. Aaron D. Istre, 37, of Vinton, La., Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 1st Class Joseph P. Fitzmorris, 31, of West Monroe, La., Navy Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32, of Shreveport, La., Navy Special Warfare Operator Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Robert J. Reeves, 32, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Christopher P. Soderlund, 23, of Pineville, La., Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Garcia, 27, of Bossier City, La., Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Douville, 33, of Harvey, La., Marine Cpl. Matthew T. Richard, 21, of Acadia, La., Army Staff Sgt. Quadi S. Hudgins, 26, of New Orleans, Army Spc. Christian J. Romig, 24, of Kenner, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Dakota R. Huse, 19, of Greenwood, La., Army Spc. Steven L. Dupont, 20, of Lafayette, La., Army Spc. Matthew C. Powell, 20, of Slidell, La., Marine Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 24, of Kenner, La., Marine Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman, 23, of Jonesboro, La., Army Sgt. Jordan E. Tuttle, 22, of West Monroe, La., Army Pfc. Bryant J. Haynes, 21, of Epps, La., Army Maj. Ronald W. Culver Jr., 44, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Joshua A. Tomlinson, 24, of Dubberly, La., Army Sgt. Patrick O. Williamson, 24, of Broussard, La., Army Pfc. Brian R. Bates Jr., 20, of Gretna, La., Army Spc. Michael S. Cote Jr., 20, of Denham Springs, La., Army Pfc. Matthew E. Wildes, 18, of Hammond, La., Army Pfc. Jason R. Watson, 19, of Many, La., Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Milton E. Suggs, 51, of Lockport, La., Air Force Senior Airman Omar J. McKnight, 22, of Marrero, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class David J. Todd Jr., 36, of Marrero, La., Marine Staff Sgt. Danny P. Dupre, 28, of Lockport, La., Army Pfc. Bryan M. Thomas, 22, of Lake Charles, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst, 31, of Kenner, La., Army Cpl. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., Army Sgt. Joseph A. Richard III, 27, of Lafayette, La., Army Sgt. Terrell W. Gilmore, 38, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Gabel, 30, of Crowley, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jarred S. Fontenot, 35, of Port Barre, La., Army Pvt. Justin T. Sanders, 22, of Watson, La., Army Spc. Charles E. Leonard Jr., 29, of Monroe, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class John M. Hennen, 26, of Vinton, La., Army Cpl. William J. Crouch, 21, of Zachary, La., Marine Cpl. Willie P. Celestine Jr., 21, of Lafayette, La., Army Pvt. Mark W. Graham, 22, of Lafayette, La., Army Staff Sgt. Ronnie L. Sanders, 26, of Thibodaux, La., Army Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jacob G. McMillan, 25, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Myles C. Sebastien, 21, of Opelousas, La., Army Spc. Joshua B. Madden, 21, of Sibley, La., Army Sgt. Jay R. Gauthreaux, 26, of Thibodaux, La., Army Pvt. Joshua C. Burrows, 20, of Bossier City, La., Army Cpl. Joseph C. Dumas Jr., 25, of New Orleans, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Jon E. Bowman, 21, of Dubach, La., Marine Lance Cpl. John E. Hale, 20, of Shreveport, La., Army Cpl. Marcus A. Cain, 20, of Crowley, La., Army Sgt. Matthew J. Vosbein, 30, of Metairie, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Donald E. Champlin, 28, of Natchitoches, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Terry O.P. Wallace, 33, of Winnsboro, La., Corpsman 3rd Class Lee Hamilton Deal, 23, of West Monroe, La., Army Spc. Brandon L. Teeters, 21, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Derrick J. Cothran, 21, of Avondale, La., Marine Pfc. Chase A. Edwards, 19, of Lake Charles, La., Army Staff Sgt. Bryan A. Lewis, 32, of Bunkie, La., Marine 1st Lt. Brandon R. Dronet, 33, of Erath, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Barnes, 20, of West Monroe, La., Army Spc. William S. Hayes III, 23, of St. Tammany, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Billy D. Brixey Jr., 21, of Ferriday, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Ryan S. McCurdy, 20, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Sgt. Julia V. Atkins, 22, of Bossier City, La., Army Pfc. Benny S. Franklin, 19, of Hammond, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert, 31, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Willard T. Partridge, 35, of Ferriday, La., Marine Cpl. David S. Stewart, 24, of Bogalusa, La., Navy Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan, 36, of New Orleans, La., Marine Cpl. Chad W. Powell, 22, of West Monroe, La., Army Sgt. David J. Murray, 23, of Clinton, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Peter J. Hahn, 31, of Kenner, La., Army Sgt. Robin V. Fell, 22, of Shreveport, La., Army Sgt. Bernard L. Sembly II, 25, of Bossier City, La., Army 1st Sgt. Michael J. Bordelon, 37, of Morgan City, La., Marine Cpl. Richard P. Schoener, 21, of Hayes, La., Army Sgt. Maj. Barbaralien Banks, 41, of Harvey, La., Army Sgt. Isiah J. Sinclair, 31, of Natchitoches, La., Army Sgt. Lee M. Godbolt, 23, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Paul M. Heltzel, 39, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Sgt. Nicholas J. Olivier, 26, of Ruston, La., Army Spc. Seth R. Trahan, 20, of Crowley, La., Army Sgt. Rene Knox Jr., 22, of New Orleans, La., Army Spc. Christopher J. Ramsey, 20, of Batchelor, La., Army Spc. Michael S. Evans II, 22, Marrero, La., Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Reed, 25, of Opelousas, La., Army Staff Sgt. William F. Manuel, 34, of Kinder, La., Army Sgt. Robert W. Sweeney III, 22, of Pineville, La., Army Spc. Warren A. Murphy, 29, of Marrero, La., Army Spc. Armand "Luke" Frickey, 20, Houma, La., Army Spc. Huey P.L. Fassbender, 24, of LaPlace, La., Army Spc. Bradley J. Bergeron, 25, of Houma, La., Army Sgt. Christopher J. Babin, 27, of Houma, La., Army Sgt. 1st Class Kurt J. Comeaux, 34, of Raceland, La., Army Sgt. Craig L. Nelson, 21, of Bossier City, La., Army 1st Lt. Christopher W. Barnett, 32, of Baton Rouge, La., Army Pfc. Lionel Ayro, 22, of Jeanerette, La., Marine Sgt. Jeffrey L. Kirk, 24, of Baton Rouge, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Justin D. McLeese, 19, of Covington, La., Marine Pfc. David P. Burridge, 19, of Lafayette, La., Army Spc. Joseph C. Thibodeaux 24, of Lafayette, La., Marine Lance Cpl. Larry L. Wells 22, of Mount Hermon, La., Army Pfc. Torey J. Dantzler 22; of Columbia, La., Army Pfc. Charles C. Persing 20, of Albany, La., Army Spc. Robert L. DuSang 24, of Mandeville, La., Army Spc. Jeremy M. Heines 25, of New Orleans, La., Army Cpl. David M. Fraise 24, of New Orleans, La., Army Staff Sgt. Robert J. Mogensen 26, of Leesville, La., Army Pfc. James P. Lambert 23, of Ascension Parish, La., Army Command Sgt. Maj. Edward C. Barnhill 50, of Shreveport, La., Army Staff Sgt. Toby W. Mallet 26, of Kaplan, La., Army Staff Sgt. Craig Davis 37, of Opelousas, La., Army Pfc. Kristian E. Parker, 23, of Slidell, La., Army Sgt. Taft V. Williams, 29, of New Orleans, La., Army Sgt. Floyd G. Knighten Jr., 55, of Olla, La., Army Spc. Levi B. Kinchen, 21, of Tickfaw, La., and Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, La.
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This year the Department of Justice’s commemoration included a ceremonial planting of a seedling of the famed “Survivor Tree”—the Callery pear tree that once stood on the original World Trade Center Plaza. The collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 nearly destroyed it, but it was nursed back to health, and today it stands strong again at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, where it is often adorned with tributes from the Memorial’s millions of visitors. It is known around the world as the “Survivor Tree.”
Fruit from the Survivor Tree was harvested in the fall of 2011. In the summer of 2013, the students of John Bowne High School in Flushing, Queens, New York, took custody of the seedlings and have continued to care for them. The project is a learning experience for the students, teaching about the agriculture of the trees and the history of 9/11. The 9/11 Memorial graciously donated one of these very special Survivor Tree seedlings to the Department of Justice.
Find out more about the 9/11 Memorial at http://www.911memorial.org.
Jury finds Monroe tax preparer guilty of filing false returnsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found a Monroe tax preparer guilty of filing multiple false tax returns.
The jury found Richard Allan Scott, 38, of Monroe, guilty of multiple counts of aiding or subscribing a false tax return. United States District Judge Robert G. James presided over the trial, which started Wednesday and ended today. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and a half. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that more than 50 false tax returns for years 2011 and 2012 were prepared. Many of the returns contained fictitious information pertaining to W-2 withholdings, dependent care expenses and tax credits. The total amount stolen during the scheme was approximately $338,380.
“We are pleased with today’s conviction,” Finley stated. “Our tax system is built on the premise that taxpayers voluntarily file accurate and timely tax returns. Mr. Scott used his knowledge of this system to fraudulently manipulate tax returns to steal from the U.S. Treasury and now will have to pay for this crime. To ensure confidence in the tax system, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the IRS remain committed to the aggressive pursuit and prosecution of individuals who intentionally violate the nation’s tax laws.”
Scott faces up to three years in prison, five years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution for each count. A sentencing date of January 4, 2016 was set.
The IRS-Criminal Investigations and the Monroe Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Rayville man sentenced to more than 9 years in prison for stealing motor vehiclesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Rayville man was sentenced Tuesday to 110 months in prison for his role in a vehicle theft ring that stretched from Louisiana to Mississippi.
James Phillips, 63, of Rayville, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles. He was also sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and pay $443,500 restitution. According to the May 13, 2015 guilty plea, Phillips was apprehended on August 16, 2013 driving a recently stolen vehicle. After further investigation, Phillips was identified as a leader of an organization involving several conspirators who stole and disposed of more than 30 tractors, trailers and other motor vehicles from Louisiana and Mississippi with a value in excess of $850,000.
The two co-defendants were sentenced on August 12, 2015. Otis Frankenll, 61, of Delhi, La., was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release on one count of interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles. Gary Hunter, 54, of Greenville, Miss., was sentenced to five years of probation on one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. They were also ordered to pay $120,100 restitution.
The charges were the result of a joint investigation between the FBI and the West Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph G. Jarzabek prosecuted the case.
Pitkin man pleads guilty to stealing from Fort Polk consumer goods storeRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Pitkin man pleaded guilty to stealing more than $13,000 from the Fort Polk Post Exchange.
Darian Chad Pottmeyer, 40, of Pitkin, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to one count of theft of government money. According to the guilty plea, Pottmeyer, who was a cashier at the Post Exchange store on the Fort Polk military base, stole more than $13,000 from January 2014 to November 2014. An investigation using surveillance video at the store showed Pottmeyer placing money into his register without logging the sale. Pottmeyer would then, at opportune times, steal the money from the register. After being confronted about the thefts, Pottmeyer admitted to stealing at least $60 per day during the scheme.
Pottmeyer faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of December 10, 2015 was set.
The U.S. Army Criminal Command investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph is prosecuting the case.
Ferriday woman pleads guilty to stealing Veterans Affairs benefitsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Ferriday woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 of her deceased aunt’s Veterans Affairs benefits.
Linda Sue Bourgeois, 45, of Ferriday, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of theft of government property or funds. According to the guilty plea, even though Bourgeois’ aunt died in July of 2007, Bourgeois did not inform Veterans Affairs of the death and took the benefits from a shared bank account until March 2015 when the payments terminated. Bourgeois stole $107,452.33 during the scheme.
Bourgeois faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of December 17, 2015 was set.
Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney F. Michael O’Mara is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office mourns the loss of Assistant United States Attorney John BroadwellRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – It is with profound sadness that U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announces that Civil Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Broadwell passed away today after a long battle with cancer.
AUSA Broadwell had more than 30 years of experience practicing law, with the majority of those years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shreveport Division. Mr. Broadwell received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Orleans in 1979 and his law degree from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1983. That same year, he married his way to Shreveport and joined a small firm that engaged primarily in civil litigation. Not long after that, he joined the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office where he initially handled appeals and later handled misdemeanors and felonies as a litigating Assistant District Attorney. In January of 1987, Mr. Broadwell joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office and handled appeals to the Fifth Circuit for approximately three years before joining the Civil Division. He served 13 years as the Deputy and Civil Chief of the Civil Division from April 1989 to February 2002 and later served as litigator handling a wide variety of civil matters. AUSA Broadwell served the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice with distinction under five Presidents.
“John was a special kind of leader in our office. I was fortunate to know him for many years and have shared numerous conversations on a variety of topics, but the lasting lesson that will stay with me is his example of how to walk gracefully when confronted with mortality. I have never seen someone more courageous, caring and at peace with life and death. John wanted everyone else, despite the heaviness of his diagnosis, to be okay. He served this District admirably, with great pride and distinction,” Finley stated. “His wit, experience, and commitment to the Western District of Louisiana and the Department of Justice will be sorely missed by all. The value of his service cannot be measured. We ask for prayers and support for his family during this time of grief.”
In the 2014 August/September Edition of the Louisiana Bar Journal, John Broadwell said his goodbyes to his Louisiana colleagues in the legal profession in an open letter to the Louisiana Bar Journal. The letter can be viewed online on page 170 at http://files.lsba.org/documents/publications/BarJournal/Journal-Aug-Sept-2014.pdf.
John is survived by his wife, Diane Davis Broadwell, two children, Christopher Moore Broadwell and Heather Diane Broadwell, granddaughter, Hattie Broadwell, mother, Laura Jean Broadwell, and brothers, Dr. Larry K. Broadwell and Terry D. Broadwell. Plans for a memorial service are pending.
Shreveport man sentenced to more than 7 years in prison for possessing an assault rifle after felony convictionsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Shreveport man was sentenced Monday to 86 months in prison for possessing an assault rifle and ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies.
Cori Yarborough, 41, of Shreveport, 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. According to the September 25, 2014 guilty plea, Shreveport Police responded to a complaint on May 3, 2014 that someone was driving in a van with an assault rifle. Police stopped Yarborough’s vehicle and found a Colt rifle, model M4, .223 caliber, and ammunition. After examining the rifle, police found that it had been reported stolen. Yarborough has multiple felonies including simple robbery in 1992, aggravated battery in 1997, and attempted burglary of an inhabited dwelling in 2012.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety.
The ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
Lafayette business owner pleads guilty to defrauding investors out of $1.27 millionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Lafayette woman pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding investors out of more than $1.27 million.
Catherine Doucet Romero, 52, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. According to the guilty plea, from March 2007 to July 2009, Romero tricked investors into believing that their money was going to be used to purchase a manufacturing facility and tannery for exotic skin products, to include alligator and stingray. Instead, Romero used the money to pay personal bills and expenses of an unrelated business. The amount stolen in the scheme is $1,271,000.
“Ms. Romero conned individuals into believing that they were investing in a unique Louisiana business, knowing full well that she was going to divert their investment to her personal use,” Finley stated. “This case further demonstrates our ongoing commitment to deter investor fraud in Louisiana.”
Romero faces 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for the wire fraud count and 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the money laundering count. She also faces a $250,000 fine, restitution and forfeiture. A sentencing date was not set.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office participates in duffle bag drive benefitting foster childrenRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by U.S. Courts in Lafayette and Shreveport, donated 45 bags last week as part of the “Duffle Bag Drive” for children in foster care hosted by the Department of Children and Family Services and Townsquare Media.
The duffle bags, sports bags, backpacks and suitcases collected during the drive will give foster children something to carry their belongings in when moving from one home to another. There are more than 400 children in foster care in our area. Of the 45 bags donated, four were suitcases, 20 were duffle bags, 10 were backpacks and 11 were other assorted bags. The bags were delivered to the Department of Children and Family Services office in Lafayette last week.
“I’m grateful to the members of our staff and members of the U.S. Courts who participated in this drive,” Finley stated. “This donation will make a foster child’s life a little easier when transitioning to a new home, which also assists the Department of Children and Family Services with their mission.”
According to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services, Foster care is a protective service intended to provide temporary care for children who must live apart from their parents because of child abuse, neglect or special family circumstances requiring the need for out-of-home care. The first goal of foster care is to reunite the child with his or her biological family; however, adoption of the child may be the outcome. To find out more about becoming a foster parent, visit www.dcfs.la.gov/foster or call 1-888-524-3578.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is active with community outreach, to include educating youth in middle schools and high schools on social media and cyberbullying, mentoring high school and college students during back-to-school and career day events, supporting law enforcement during National Night Out events, serving meals during Thanksgiving at St. Joseph Diner, participating in events such as the Alzheimers’ Walk and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and hosting annual drives for Coats for Kids, Dress for Success and Feds Feed Families.
Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana. She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010. United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010, to serve as the Western District of Louisiana’s chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the 64 parishes in the state. In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as Co-Chair of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.
Jury finds Texas man guilty of attempting to make a sexually explicit video of a child and persuading mother to allow sexual exploitation of the childRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a federal jury found a Texas man guilty late Friday of attempting to use a child to make a sexually explicit video and of persuading and convincing the mother to allow sexual exploitation of the child.
The jury found Mark Anthony Thompson, 49, of Richmond, Texas, guilty of one count of attempting to use a child to produce a visual depiction or production of child pornography and one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. United States District Judge Patricia Minaldi presided over the trial, which started Monday, August 24th, and ended late Friday, August 28th; the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Evidence admitted at trial revealed that Thompson persuaded a Louisiana mother to use her child to unknowingly produce a sexually explicit video and tried to further sexually exploit the child. In December of 2013, the victim and her father found disturbing messages, pictures and a video from the defendant on his wife’s phone, and the father reported the matter to the DeRidder Police Department.
“It took courage for any victim to come forward under these circumstances,” Finley stated. “This young girl and her father are to be commended for assisting law enforcement in stopping this abuser. I want to encourage all victims of sexual abuse to speak up and know that there is help. You are not alone, and you are not at fault. I want to thank the prosecutors and the state, local and federal law enforcement officers who worked diligently to ensure that justice was served in this case. ”
“Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes HSI investigates as it steals the innocence of children and leaves lasting scars on victims,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge of HSI New Orleans. “Criminals who prey on children will continue to be one of the agency’s highest priorities in order to protect the innocent from these terrible crimes.”
Homeland Security Investigations, the DeRidder Police Department, Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Social Services conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and John Luke Walker 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. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) 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 at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing firearms after being convicted of feloniesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty to possessing three firearms and ammunition after being convicted of multiple felonies.
Jonathan Shane Roberts, 41, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to the guilty plea, Roberts swapped an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) for a 9 mm pistol, a .308 caliber rifle, a .223 caliber rifle and ammunition on November 19, 2014. Roberts later filed a police report claiming the ATV was stolen. After further investigation, a Shreveport Police Department detective found that Roberts had at least three felony convictions before obtaining the firearms. Roberts was convicted in March of 1993 of unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, in December of 2001 of simple robbery, and in August of 2007 of felony theft of more than $500. All convictions were in the First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish.
Roberts faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 16, 2015 was set.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and to promote firearm safety.
The Shreveport office of the ATF and Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr is prosecuting the case.
Mexican national pleads guilty to reentering the United States illegallyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Mexican national pleaded guilty to charges that he reentered the United States multiple times illegally.
Hugo Campuzano Cuellar, 37, of Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of illegal reentry of a deported alien. According to the guilty plea, immigration officers encountered Cuellar in the St. Mary Parish jail on April 8, 2015. He admitted that he was a citizen of Mexico. He was previously removed from the United States on May 23, 2002, May 16, 2005 and May 7, 2009.
Cuellar faces 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date was not set.
Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominic A. Rossetti is prosecuting the case.
Ferriday man, Natchez woman plead guilty to stealing Veterans Affairs benefitsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a former Concordia Parish couple pleaded guilty Friday to their roles in a scheme to steal Veterans Affairs benefits over a 10-year period.
Alfred Lewis Jr., 67, of Ferriday, La., and Rose M. Lewis, 63, of Natchez, Miss., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell. Alfred Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property or funds, and Rose Lewis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government property or funds. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from July of 2003 until November of 2013, the defendants conspired to steal $197,784 in Veterans Affairs benefits. Alfred Lewis served in the U.S. Air Force and applied for veterans benefits in July of 2003. He and Rose Lewis did not disclose to Veterans Affairs that Rose Lewis had been working while living with Alfred Lewis during the 10-year period he received benefits. In written statements of their income sent to Veterans Affairs, they denied they were working when in fact Rose Lewis was earning more than $50,000 a year in Mississippi.
Alfred Lewis faces up to 10 years in prison for the theft count, Rose Lewis faces up to five years in prison for the conspiracy count. They also face three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of November 23, 2015 was set.
Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.
New Iberia woman pleads guilty to stealing from a Chitimacha tribal businessRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a New Iberia woman pleaded guilty Thursday to stealing from a Chitimacha tribal business.
Rebecca Bacas, 40, of New Iberia, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of theft from an Indian tribal organization. According to the guilty plea, Bacas conducted a scheme from December 30, 2011 to January 12, 2012 to steal $1,630.50 from the Chitimacha Trading Post in Charenton, La., by cashing what appeared to be three payroll checks that turned out to be worthless. Bacas stole two checks bearing the unauthorized digital signature of the account owner and made them payable to herself in amounts that exceeded the balance of the small business account on which the checks were drawn. She also cashed a third check that also purported to be a payroll check drawn on a business account closed within two weeks because it had been overdrawn.
Bacas faces up to five years in prison, three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date was not set.
Jurisdiction in Indian Country is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. Congress has extended the territorial jurisdiction of the United States to major crimes committed against Native Americans that take place in Indian Country, which includes all property that the government holds in trust or use by officially recognized Native American tribes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes all major crimes and misdemeanor cases arising in Indian Country that are within the jurisdiction of this office.
The FBI and the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office participates in backpack drive at Sunset Middle SchoolRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – This year the U.S. Attorney’s Office participated in a back-to-school backpack drive at Sunset Middle School. Staff members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Lafayette and Shreveport and federal courthouse employees in Lafayette collected school supplies and 20 backpacks for this school year that included spiral notebooks, loose leaf paper, construction paper, journals, pens, pencils, glue sticks, colored pencils, erasers, scissors, markers, pencil pouches and hand sanitizer.
The school is led by Principal Marquet Rideau, who along with staff members, accepted the backpacks on Monday and will distribute them among the students. The school’s mission statement is “Teacher, Parents and Community Working Together to Ensure That All Students Will Learn.” Sunset Middle School has been recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education as being a Top Gains School.
“This is just a little something to show support for a school, like so many others, that has young people who are eager and excited to learn,” Finley stated. “Sunset Middle School is working to keep children on track for academic success. A special thank you to everyone in the federal courthouse who participated in this project, and thank you to the staff at Sunset Middle for all of your hard work throughout the year. Our wish is that all schools across the nation and within the Western District of Louisiana will have a successful and rewarding school year.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is active with community outreach, to include educating youth in middle schools and high schools on social media and cyberbullying, mentoring high school and college students during back-to-school and career day events, supporting law enforcement during National Night Out events, serving meals during Thanksgiving at St. Joseph Diner, participating in events such as the Alzheimers’ Walk and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and hosting annual drives for Coats for Kids, Dress for Success and Feds Feed Families.
Finley is the first female U.S. Attorney to serve in Louisiana. She was selected by President Barack Obama in January of 2010, after being recommended by U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2010. United States Attorney Finley was sworn into office on June 2, 2010, to serve as the Western District of Louisiana’s chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the 64 parishes in the state. In addition to her duties as the U.S. Attorney, Finley is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force and currently serves as Co-Chair of the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Management and Budget Committee.
Tallulah man sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Tallulah man was sentenced Monday to 120 months in prison for selling methamphetamine.
Marvin Brown, 45, of Tallulah, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of distribution of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the May 1, 2015 guilty plea hearing, law enforcement agents recorded Brown selling 109.1 grams of methamphetamine on July 9, 2014 for $6,000 in cash in Tallulah. As agents approached to arrest him, Brown fled. He was later captured after abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot.
The DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney F. Michael O’Mara prosecuted the case.
Monroe store owner sentenced to 46 months in prison for SNAP/WIC benefits fraudRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Monroe grocery store owner was sentenced Monday to 46 months in prison for a conspiracy to provide cash and ineligible items to SNAP and WIC recipients in exchange for their benefits.
Allen Woods, 60, of Monroe, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James on one count of criminal conspiracy and one count of theft of government property. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $5,048,305.60 restitution. According to evidence presented at the April 2, 2015 guilty plea, Woods operated two businesses illegally at the same location on Old Sterlington Road in Monroe from December 2010 until March 2014. After his other business, Big Al’s grocery store located on Sherrouse Street in Monroe, was permanently disqualified from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in March of 2010, he opened Honey’s Grocery Store with another Monroe resident in 2010. The store was approved to participate in the SNAP program in December of 2010. As the owner of Honey’s, Woods and others permitted SNAP and WIC recipients to exchange their benefits for cash and other ineligible items.
After Honey’s closed its operations in August 2012, Woods and Marshall Brown opened Brown’s Grocery Store in the same location in September of 2012. Brown’s name was used to qualify the business as a SNAP retailer. Woods, Brown and others allowed SNAP benefits to be used to purchase ineligible items such as alcohol and tobacco from September 2012 until March 2014. Woods, Brown and others also exchanged cash for SNAP benefits and fraudulently acquired at least $5 million from illegally trafficking SNAP and WIC benefits while operating Honey’s and Brown’s grocery stores.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the USDA are actively working on behalf of American taxpayers to protect the federal investment in the SNAP programs to make sure the program is targeted towards those families who need it most,” Finley stated. “We will aggressively act to control SNAP fraud by using purchase data to identify suspicious transaction patterns, conducting undercover investigations, collaborating with other investigative agencies and prosecuting offenders.”
Brown was sentenced on July 7, 2015 to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release on the conspiracy count. He was also ordered to pay $876,501.40 in restitution.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Colombian national sentenced to 36 months in prison for illegally re-entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that a Colombian national was sentenced Monday to 36 months in prison for re-entering the country after having been previously deported.
Luis Mesa-Quinones, 39, of Colombia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of illegal re-entry after being deported. According to evidence presented at the March 25, 2015 guilty plea, the defendant was arrested on April 7, 2014 in Iberia Parish for driving while intoxicated, failure to yield, driving without a license and vehicular negligent injury. After further investigation, he was found to have been previously deported in May of 1998 after being arrested in Harris County Texas for delivering between 4 and 200 grams of cocaine.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case.
Shreveport man pleads guilty to possessing a rifle after being convicted of a felonyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Shreveport man pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony.
Daranski M. Wynder, 33, of Shreveport, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Shreveport police responded to calls on January 6, 2015 reporting that there was a man standing outside his residence with a rifle. Wynder was found at this residence with rifle bullets in his pocket. Police also found a 7.62 by 39 mm rifle and ammunition in his residence. Wynder was convicted in the 26th Judicial District Court in Webster Parish for monetary instrument abuse in 2011. He was also convicted in First Judicial District Court in Caddo Parish for attempted felon in possession of a firearm in 2005 and for simple burglary in 2001.
Wynder faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and forfeiture of the rifle and ammunition. A sentencing date of December 3, 2015 was set.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which is a Department of Justice initiative designed to reduce firearm crimes by removing dangerous and persistent felons from the community and promote firearm safety.
The ATF and the Shreveport Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr is prosecuting the case.
Police officer sentenced to 18 months in prison for accepting cash payments from Desperado’s Cabaret ownerRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Carencro Police officer was sentenced to 18 months in prison for receiving cash payments from James Panos, former owner and manager of Desperado’s Cabaret, while the officer was in charge of regulating exotic dancer permits for the Carencro Police Department, and during a time Desperado’s operated as an illegal enterprise.
Timothy Prejean, 42, of Carencro, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of interference with commerce by extortion under color of official right. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at the March 25, 2015 guilty plea, Prejean accepted cash payments from James Panos during the years Prejean processed and delivered exotic dancer licenses for Desperado’s employees. Additionally, Prejean failed to investigate reported illegal activity at Desperado’s from 2007 to December 5, 2012. The illegal activity involved prostitution in the VIP room and drug distribution/use inside the business. During this time, Prejean was assigned as the liaison officer between the Carencro Police Department and Desperado’s for the purpose of enforcing local ordinances pertaining to exotic dancer licensing and related regulations.
Prejean improperly received a total of $10,000 in cash and other benefits from club owners James and Jennifer Panos while in performance of his regulatory duties. Other benefits included no cover charge to enter, free access to the VIP rooms, and free drinks.
James Panos, Jennifer Panos, and eight other defendants were charged in a 10-count indictment on May 15, 2013, alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and firearms charges. The charges are the result of an investigation of drug trafficking, drug distribution, prostitution and other illegal activity that took place at Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro located on Northeast Evangeline Thruway.
“Timothy Prejean took cash payment from a corrupt business, and in the process let down the police department and the community that he took an oath to serve,” Finley stated. “The people of Carencro deserve and expect more from their law enforcement officers. My office will continue to investigate all allegations of public corruption.”
James Panos, Jennifer Panos and the remaining defendants were sentenced on August 7, 2014. As part of the plea agreement, the owners agreed to forfeit illegal proceeds already seized, return proceeds illegally earned, and they agreed to forfeit the Desperado’s property to include the building and land.
The DEA, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Lafayette man sentenced to 10 years in prison for bomb threat, bank robbery chargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Lafayette man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for making a bomb threat and attempting to rob a bank.
Devin Haywood, 31, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik on one count of using a facility in interstate commerce to willfully make a threat or maliciously convey false information, and one count of attempted bank robbery. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. According to the indictment, Haywood used a cell phone to make a bomb threat at 5:30 a.m. on July 16, 2014, to a local television station that there was a bomb at Girard Park in Lafayette and on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus. While law enforcement agents were investigating the bomb threats, Haywood attempted to rob a bank on Moss Street in Lafayette. Haywood approached two of the bank employees after they had arrived for work at the bank. He appeared to be carrying a gun. The two bank employees fled back to their vehicles and left the scene.
“Mr. Haywood used a fictitious bomb threat to divert law enforcement and other first responders to facilitate his attempt to rob a bank,” Finley stated. “He will spend the next 10 years in prison for his dangerous and disruptive actions. I want to thank the men and women from all of the area law enforcement agencies who responded professionally and promptly to this incident.”
The FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case.
Elm Grove woman pleads guilty to stealing deceased mother’s benefit paymentsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a woman from Elm Grove pleaded guilty to stealing more than $36,000 worth of her deceased mother’s Worker’s Compensation benefits.
Rose M. Young, 60, of Elm Grove, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to one count of theft of government funds. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, after Young’s mother died, Young continued to receive and spend her mother’s Worker’s Compensation benefits without notifying the U.S. Department of Labor that her mother had died. Young received a total of $36,716.76.
Young faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of November 19, 2015 was set.
The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Bastrop resident pleads guilty to sex offender registration violation chargeRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Bastrop man pleaded guilty to not updating his sex offender registration.
Solomon Lewis Devoil, 50, of Bastrop, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to one count of failure to register as a sex offender. His plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Devoil knowingly failed to register as a sex offender in Louisiana and traveled in and out of the Western District of Louisiana without registering as a sex offender in the State of Louisiana. In December 1997, Devoil pleaded guilty in San Bernadino Superior Court in California to lewd act upon a child. The victim was 14, and Devoil was 32. He is required to register as a sex offender for life. Bastrop Police arrested him for failure to appear in court in January 2014 and in February of 2014 for simple burglary. On May 12 and 14 of 2015, Devoil failed to appear in court for hearings related to the simple burglary charge, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Devoil was arrested on June 15, 2016 at an Elementary School in Oklahoma where he was working.
Devoil faces up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date of December 1, 2015 was set.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney F. Michael O’Mara is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney recognizes Voting Rights Act 50th anniversaryRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/MONROE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/LAFAYETTE, La.: Today marks the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States.
voting_rights_act.pdf (101.4 KB)The U.S. Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, held an open media call to mark the momentous occasion.
United States Attorney Stephanie Finley stated, “The Voting Rights Act along with the Civil Rights Act was pivotal legislation for all Americans. The goal - to ensure that every person, regardless of race, nationality or status in life, could exercise one of the most important rights of citizenship in this country, the right to vote. It is hard to believe, and we often forget, that just 50 years ago there were Americans who desired to exercise their voice through the ballot, but were denied, solely based on race. They were met with many restrictions, often intimidated and limited in other ways, sometimes by force. Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. It ensures that this great nation continues to be a government ‘of the people, by the people and for the people.’ This office is committed to enforcing the provisions of the act to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect that precious right.”
Following the Civil War to the 1960s, the freedoms provided in the 15th Amendment of 1870, guaranteeing the freedom of former slaves and people of color were muted. Some states, including Louisiana, enacted laws to bar these groups from voting and participating in other forms of civic involvement. In addition to laws, poll taxes, education tests, threats, intimidation and violence were used to further push minority groups farther from the ballot box. Change came slowly and real legislation was seen in 1964 with the enactment of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. The Voting Rights Act was passed in 1965 to further expand upon the rights of the disenfranchised and specifically to bring fairness to the voting and the redistricting process. For more history of the Voting Rights Act visit www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot/intro/intro_b.php. See President Johnson’s March 15, 1965 speech to Congress concerning the voting rights online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNjlwwf2K9g.
If members of the public have any information on potential violations, contact the Justice Department or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The public may contact the Voting Section of the Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931 or [email protected] for general information concerning the Section’s activities or to make a complaint concerning a voting matter. The U.S. Attorney’s offices are in frequent contact with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Criminal Division, and can direct calls to the appropriate office.