Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Sulphur Men Sentenced for Making and Distributing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Shaun Daigle, 35, and Patrick Murray, 45, both of Sulphur, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter for conspiring to counterfeit U.S. currency. Daigle received 41 months in prison and Murray received 24 months in prison. They were also sentenced to serve two years of supervised release. They pleaded guilty November 14, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from May 1, 2013 to May 25, 2013, Daigle and Murray conspired to manufacture and distribute counterfeit U.S. currency in the Sulphur, Lake Charles, and Westlake, La. areas.
The U.S. Secret Service and Sulphur Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.Chataignier Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Ricky Johnson, 53, of Chataignier, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to possession of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, in early 2010, a computer Johnson used was found to be downloading child pornography from a file sharing network online. In September of 2010, Johnson’s computer and other electronic devices were searched, and images and videos of child pornography were found. Johnson has a prior conviction for molestation of a juvenile.
Johnson faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.
Zwolle Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Felon in Possession of A Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that David Earl Sepulvado Jr., 33, of Zwolle, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Foote to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He pleaded guilty September 25, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on February 22, 2013, Deputy U.S. Marshals located and arrested Sepulvado in Shreveport on arrest warrants issued by the Kaufman County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office for aggravated robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Sepulvado was found in possession of a .380 caliber pistol and ammunition. He had prior felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances in Sabine Parish in 2008.
The U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force, Louisiana State Probation and Parole Office, the Kaufman County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program started in 2001 designed to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms laMonroe Man Sentenced to 117 Months in Prison as A Felon with A Firearm and Possession of A Firearm During Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael Pryor, 37, of Monroe, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James to 57 months in prison for one count of felon in possession of a firearm, and to an additional and consecutive 60 months in prison for one count of possession of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release, and his firearm was forfeited. He pleaded guilty October 28, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on December 6, 2012, Monroe Police officers investigated reports of marijuana being sold at a home on Gordon Avenue. They visited the home, and while speaking to Pryor about the reports, they smelled marijuana and received his permission to search the home. They found a total of 33 grams of marijuana packaged for street sale, a loaded .22 caliber pistol, baggies, scales, and scissors, and three other firearms. Pryor had previously been convicted in Orleans Parish in 1997 on possession of cocaine and attempted possession of a firearm while in possession of controlled dangerous substances. He was also convicted in Orleans Parish in 2004 for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
The Monroe Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. 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.
Monroe Lawyer Sentenced to 28 Months in Prison for False Tax ClaimsRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Francis C. Broussard, 54, of West Monroe, La., was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Robert G. James to 28 months in prison and three years of supervised release for making false, fictitious, and fraudulent claims to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in an attempt to receive more than $9.7 million in tax refunds. He pleaded guilty April 19, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Broussard, who has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1986, filed personal tax returns in 2009 for years 2005 to 2008 using documents containing false information in an attempt to receive a total of 9.7 million in refunds to which he was not entitled. Broussard did not receive the requested refunds.
The IRS criminal investigations unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Cytheria Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Madison Parish Hospital Administrator, Two Businessmen, Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the former Madison Parish Hospital administrator and two of its vendors were sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James for health care fraud. They pleaded guilty in October and November of 2013.
Charles Wendell Alford, 71, of Newellton, La., received 37 months in prison and was ordered to pay $1,383,874 restitution; Barney W.I. Hughes IV, 45, of Keller, Texas, received 12 months in prison and was ordered to pay $566,874 restitution; and Henry Russell Ham, 65, of West Monroe, La., received 14 months in prison and was ordered to pay $817,000 restitution. All were sentenced to three years of supervised release.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Alford served as hospital administrator for Madison Parish Hospital in Tallulah, La; Hughes served as owner of Tech Solutions of Keller, Texas; and Ham, served as owner of Insurance World in Monroe. Both Hughes and Ham paid Alford a combined total of more than $1.3 million in kickbacks for his approval and continuation of their business agreements. The hospital is a critical care facility that receives Medicare funds.
Madison Parish Hospital leased equipment and personnel from Tech Solutions to operate the hospital’s nuclear medicine and Ultrasound departments. At no time did Alford or Hughes disclose to the hospital’s board or Medicare that they had an exclusive agreement. From October 2006 to June 2012, the hospital paid Hughes’ company $2,029,504, and Hughes paid Alford $566,874 of that total. They submitted fraudulent cost reports to Medicare at least six times from December 2006 to 2011.
Madison Parish Hospital purchased a majority of its health insurance and life insurance products from Ham. Alford and Ham negotiated and set the insurance policy rates and Alford approved Ham’s billings as well as the hospital’s payments to Ham. From 2007 through April 2012, the hospital paid Ham $4,979,487, and Ham paid Alford $817,000 of that total. They submitted fraudulent cost reports to Medicare at least five times from December 2007 to 2011.
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph G. Jarzabek prosecuted the case.
Former St. Landry Parish School Board Member Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Bribery ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that former St. Landry Parish School Board member Quincy Richard Sr., 51, of Opelousas, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to 33 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and two counts of bribery. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay a $10,000 fine. A jury found him guilty after a two-day trial on August 20, 2013.
During trial, the witness testimony and documents presented revealed that Quincy Richard was shown to have conspired with fellow St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller, 72, of Opelousas, to receive bribe money from former school board superintendent candidate Joseph Cassimere in return for their support. In July, August and September of 2012, Richard and Miller had a number of private meetings with Cassimere where they negotiated price and payment from Cassimere in exchange for their favorable individual votes as school board members in support of Cassimere’s candidacy for superintendent. At the same time the screening process for the superintendent position was ongoing, and by the week of September 16, 2012, five applicants had been publicly named; the final vote was scheduled for September 26, 2012. Unknown to both school board members, Cassimere had reported Richard and Miller’s plans to the authorities and became a cooperating party in the investigation.
The defendants met with Cassimere on September 24, 2012, at the Quarters Restaurant in Opelousas and received $5,000 each in return for their votes. During the conversation, they made it clear that Cassimere’s payment was for their services, efforts, influence, and due diligence relating to the votes of other members of the school board who would support Cassimere’s candidacy. Trial testimony revealed that Richard advised Cassimere that he could recoup the $10,000 bribe by adding that amount to his salary request. Richard and Miller provided Cassimere with instructions on how to justify the salary increase since it was above the amount advertised for the superintendent’s position. The September 24, 2012 discussion was videoed and surveilled by the FBI. After the defendants exited the restaurant, they were confronted by agents who recovered the $5,000 payments in the possession of Quincy and Miller.Miller was indicted on October 24, 2012, and resigned from his position as a school board member on July 28, 2013. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery on July 1, 2013. Miller was sentenced on November 19, 2013, to home detention for 10 months and ordered to pay a $15,000 fine.
“This closes the door on a very unfortunate chapter for the School Board in Opelousas,” Finley stated. “Quincy Richard was thinking only of himself and not about the children, the community and the School Board he was elected to serve. This sentence should send a message that public corruption will not be tolerated. I hope the Opelousas School Board can now move forward to take care of the important work that needs to be addressed for the citizens of Opelousas.”
“Public corruption is unacceptable within any level or function of government, but when it infiltrates our schools and future generations of the citizenry, there is an even greater need for full accountability,” said Michael J. Anderson, FBI Special Agent in Charge, New Orleans Division.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alexandria Resident Agency, conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.10 Defendants Sentenced in Central Louisiana Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that 10 defendants were sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, for their roles in a cocaine distribution network operating across the central Louisiana area.
The defendants were sentenced on Thursday and Friday to three years of supervised release in addition to the drug conspiracy charge. They are: Michael J. Wright, 27, of Houston, who received 70 months in prison; Dennis Wayne Bradford, 30, of Cottonport, La., who received 54 months; Falon S. Maricle, 31, who received 40 months and Brandon C. Thomas, 31, who received 152 months, both of Marksville, La.; Abraham Baylor III, 39, who received 45 months, Earnest G. Miles III, 25, who received 48 months, Leotis V. Perry, 36, who received 60 months, Sedrick D. Porter, 36, who received 60 months, Terrace D. Winchester, 34, who received 44 months, and Dontour D. Drakes, 37, who received 168 months, all of Alexandria, La. Drakes was also sentenced to five years in prison as part of his sentence for one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from January 2012 through March 2013, authorities in Avoyelles and Rapides parishes conducted an investigation into cocaine trafficking that resulted in the arrest of these 10 defendants. It was determined that this group was responsible for the sale and distribution of more than 10 kilos of cocaine. Law enforcement agents seized more than 5 kilograms of powder cocaine, 500 grams of crack cocaine, and approximately $70,000 in cash. The defendants obtained their cocaine from Houston and converted it into crack in the central Louisiana area to sell in Avoyelles and Rapides parishes.
The FBI Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force, the Louisiana State Police, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, and the Louisiana Probation and Parole Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles and Seth Reeg prosecuted the case.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Lying to SBA About Loan DefaultRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Rene Michael Ward, 45, of Chantilly, Va., entered a guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick Hanna, to submitting false documents and lying to the Small Business Administration (SBA).
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Ward submitted numerous false documents to the SBA in an attempt to have the SBA agree to an offer-in-compromise to settle an outstanding loan in the amount of approximately $511,400 for a $10,000 lump sum payment.
Rene Ward faces five years in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of filing false documents to a government agency and also faces two years in prison and one year of supervised release for one count of making false statements to the Small Business Administration. He also faces a $250,000 fine for both counts. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014 was set.
The Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.Ferriday Man Sentenced to 200 Months for Part in Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Xavier L. Green, 26, of Ferriday, La., was sentenced late Friday afternoon by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 140 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and 60 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release. Green pleaded guilty on October 11, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from November 2011 to December 2011, authorities intercepted communications between Green and another defendant discussing the sale of crack cocaine and making purchases. On February 1, 2012, authorities were approaching a crowd on Alabama Avenue in Ferriday when they observed Green flee a home from across the street. They gave chase, and Green dropped and discarded a .357 caliber handgun and bags containing drugs. After capturing Green, authorities found more than $1,000 and more suspected narcotics.
Green was one in a group of individuals who sold cocaine, crack cocaine and marijuana in the Ferriday area. Green’s co-defendants were prosecuted and sentenced as follows:
Efuante Morales, 28, pleaded guilty September, 25, 2013, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced January 3, 2014 to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release.
Wilbert Henderson, 35, pleaded guilty September 12, 2013, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced December 12, 2013 to 70 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.
Marquise Poole, 31, pleaded guilty July 18, 2012, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced March 22, 2013 to 66 months in prison and five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $2,900 fine.
Ronathan Quinn, 41, pleaded guilty September 24, 2013, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced December 12, 2013 to 99 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release.
Frederick Saulsberry, 30, pleaded guilty July 10, 2013, to use of a communication facility and was sentenced October 28, 2013 to one year in prison and one year of supervised release.
Green and his co-defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Delta Blues” investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department, participated in the investigation. The U.S. Marshals and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office also participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. is prosecuting the case.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.Natchitoches Tax Preparer Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Lashanda E. Harris, 38, of Natchitoches, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 18 months in prison and a year of supervised release for aiding and assisting in making and subscribing a false return. She was also ordered to pay $101,795 in restitution. Harris pleaded guilty October 29, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from January 2012 to April 2012, Harris, a tax preparer in Natchitoches, assisted customers in preparing false tax returns for tax year 2011. The returns contained false information concerning W-2, federal tax withholdings, Earned Income Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit. Based on the false statements in the tax returns, individuals were able to obtain in excess of $100,000 in fraudulent tax refunds. As part of the scheme, Harris received “kickbacks” from the customers.
The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
Tax filing season is upon us, U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley urges the public to also protect themselves from identity thieves. Tax identity theft can occur when someone files a phony tax return using your personal information to get a tax refund from the IRS. It can also happen when someone uses a Social Security number to get a job or claims a child who is not theirs as a dependent on a tax return. Tax identity theft is the most common form of identity theft reported to the Federal Trade Commission. The IRS has made tax identity theft a top priority.
Keep your personal information safe by:
- shredding personal information before trashing it;
- being aware of imposters who send phony emails that look like they’re from the IRS asking for personal information; and
- limiting the personal information given to the public and businesses.
For those who have had their identity stolen and used for fraud, the IRS will issue a special PIN to use for filing taxes. Information on the PIN program is available at www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Combats-Identity-Theft-and-Refund-Fraud-on-Many-Fronts-2014. Please visit the FTC at ftc.gov/idtheft and the IRS at irs.gov/identitytheft for more information about tax identity theft.
Desperado's Co-owner Pleads Guilty to Benefiting from Prostitution at ClubRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dipvak Vora, 70, of Baton Rouge, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to a one count bill of information on a charge of engaging in interstate travel in aid of racketeering by receiving illegal proceeds from prostitution at the now closed Desperado’s Cabaret in Carencro, La. Desperado’s used facilities in interstate commerce to operate, which included shipment of alcohol and other goods, internet advertisements, and negotiation of debts through credit cards and checks.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Vora is the property owner of the building and land that formerly operated as Desperado’s Cabaret. Vora formed Desperado’s of Acadiana with business partner and operator of Desperado’s Cabaret, James Panos.
Vora admitted that he knew Desperado’s engaged in prostitution as early as 2006, and that between 2006 and 2011, he was paid cash totaling $500,000 in illegal proceeds from Desperado’s.
Vora, Panos, and eight others were charged on May 15, 2013, in an indictment 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.
Vora is the fifth person to plead guilty in the case. He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for one count of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises. As part of the plea agreement, Vora agreed to forfeit $500,000 of illegal proceeds and to forfeit the Desperado’s property. A sentencing date of June 11, 2014 was set.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 are prosecuting the case.
Jennings Man Pleads Guilty to Importing and Distributing Anabolic SteroidsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Christopher Paul Benoit, 33, of Jennings, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to conspiring to unlawfully import and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from January 2007 to June 2012, Benoit conspired with others to import steroids using the U.S. mail. Benoit ordered anabolic steroids online and paid for the drugs using money wires or debit cards to foreign accounts. The indictment lists five such orders delivered from China to Jennings from January 2011 to February 2012. Benoit and his co-conspirators would then take the powdered steroids from the packages, liquefy them, and place them into vials for sale. One of the co-conspirators, Regan Chase Benoit, 26, also of Jennings, and Christopher Benoit’s first cousin, approached Christopher Benoit in 2010 to purchase steroids. Regan Benoit admitted he later assisted his cousin in liquefying the powder steroids for distribution. Regan Benoit pleaded guilty to steroid importation, possession, and distribution charges on September 5, 2013, and sentencing is set for March 27, 2014.
Christopher Benoit faces up to 10 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to import and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Sentencing has been set for May 8, 2014.
Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Jennings Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson is prosecuting the case.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dwayne Dunlavy, 40, of Ravenna, Ohio, pleaded guilty Thursday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to possession of child pornography.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, in December 2011 investigators began looking for a suspect who was making child pornography available on file sharing networks. One individual was found to be at an Alexandria hotel using the hotel’s Wi-Fi network to distribute child pornography. On March 5, 2012, Dunlavy was discovered in the hotel room. Law enforcement personnel searched his laptop and found images of child pornography.Dunlavy faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, forfeiture, and a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. A sentencing date of April 25, 2014 was set.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
Leesville Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Elliot R. Duke, 29, of Leesville, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to receiving child pornography.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, after receiving information that child pornography was on Duke’s computer, law enforcement personnel searched Duke’s residence on May 14, 2013. The search revealed there was child pornography on Duke’s laptop, and upon further investigation, agents also discovered that Duke had been discussing and trading child pornography with other persons through email. A forensic examination of Duke’s laptop was conducted and revealed approximately 168 videos and 187 still images of child pornography.
Duke faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, forfeiture, and a lifetime of supervised release for receiving child pornography. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing has been set for April 24, 2014.
Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
Erath Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Hue Bui, 27, of Erath, La., entered a guilty plea on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill, to one count of wire fraud involving theft from Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar in Lafayette.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from February 2012 to August 2012, while employed as a server at Walk-On’s, Bui stole approximately $30,222. She devised a scheme using $25 prepaid American Express, VISA, and Master Card gift cards that she bought herself. During her shift, she would create a fake food or beverage order costing approximately $25, pay for the fake order with the gift card, write in a gratuity amount on the bill, and collect the tips at the end of her shift. When the credit card companies realized the $25 limit was exceeded, they charged the transactions back to Walk-On’s.Bui faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for the count of wire fraud. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014 was set.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the case.Scott Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements in Order to Steal Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that William Joseph Folse, Jr., 51, of Scott, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill, to making false statements to the Social Security Administration (SSA) concerning his disability status in order to receive nearly $200,000 in fraudulent benefits.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Folse applied for and was granted benefits for total disability in the 1990s for a slip and fall accident. He also signed paperwork acknowledging that he would report his change in job status should he return to work. Investigators later determined that Folse worked at a restaurant in Lafayette since 1998 and earned more than $12,000 per year plus tips. It is estimated that he improperly received $199,007.80 from the SSA.Folse faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014 was set.
The Social Security Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.Jury Finds Shreveport Men Guilty of Robbing Businesses in Louisiana and Texas at GunpointRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found Myles W. Robinson, 20, and Halston M. Smith, 22, both of Shreveport, guilty of taking part in a string of robberies in Louisiana and Texas. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial.
The trial started Monday and ended today with the jury returning a guilty verdict after deliberating for three and a half hours. Robinson was found guilty of all 27 counts of the indictment, and Smith was found guilty of 13 counts. Smith was found not guilty of interference with commerce by robbery, which is Count 10 of the indictment, and he was found not guilty of use of a firearm during a crime of violence, which is Count 11 of the indictment.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the armed robberies took place between June 1, 2012 and November 14, 2012 at 15 businesses with the men stealing more than $17,900. Robinson took part in all of the robberies but perpetrated five of the robberies alone. In some cases a shotgun was used, in other cases a handgun, and sometimes both were used to rob the businesses. The defendants robbed businesses in Shreveport, La., Bossier City, La., Stonewall, La., Oil City, La., and Atlanta, Texas. In addition to Robinson and Smith, two other defendants, James D. Tyson, 22, and Tremario D. Washington, 23, took part in the robberies.
“These men threatened and frightened the citizens of the community out of greed,” stated Finley. “Hopefully, the citizens will feel safer now that they have been brought to justice. This verdict is the result of the dedicated prosecutors and various agencies who investigated this case, and they are to be commended for all of their hard work.”
Robinson faces a 312-year prison term and Smith a 134-year prison term. For the count charging conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, they face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release, and they also face 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for each robbery count. For using firearms during a crime of violence, the first count requires seven years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. After that, each firearms count requires 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Sentencing for Robinson and Smith is set for June 4, 2014.
Washington pleaded guilty on June 6, 2013, and Tyson pleaded guilty on July 1, 2013 to one count of conspiracy and one count of using firearms during a crime of violence. Washington and Tyson are scheduled to be sentenced on February 5, 2014.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Office, DeSoto Parish District Attorney’s Office, Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, Shreveport Police Department, Bossier City Police Department, and the Atlanta, Texas Police Department took part in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles and Seth D. Reeg are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney's Office Warns Public to Be Aware of Tax Identity Theft During Tax SeasonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley joins other federal law enforcement agencies to raise awareness about a growing problem of identity theft as it relates to tax refund fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has named this week “Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week.” The FTC reports that the use of a Social Security number or other personal information to file a false return is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft. Early in the year when tax refunds are due, tax thieves steal social security numbers to grab someone else’s tax refund.
Nationwide tax ID theft fraud is estimated to cost the U.S. Treasury more than $5 billion annually. The IRS has made tax identity theft a top priority and has hired new staff to explore new technologies and adopted new procedures to fight it. In fiscal year 2013, the IRS initiated 1,492 identity theft related criminal investigations, an increase of 66 percent over investigations initiated in FY 2012. Indictments and sentencing doubled in FY 2013 and the average prison term was more than three years (38 months).
Tax identity theft happens when someone files a tax return using other people’s personal information, like a Social Security number, to get an income tax refund from the IRS. It also can happen when someone uses a Social Security number to get a job or claims someone else’s child as a dependent on a tax return. Victims usually do not realize that their identity has been stolen until they do their taxes. The IRS will contact the victim saying that more than one tax return was filed using their Social Security number, or that IRS records show they received wages from an employer they do not know.
There are a number of ways for tax identity thieves to get personal information, to include:
- going through trash or stealing mail from a home or car;
- sending phony emails that look like they’re from the IRS asking for personal information;
- misusing clients’ information or passing it along to identity thieves by employees of businesses.
“With the federal income tax season upon us, it is important that the public is aware of the ways that thieves can steal your identity and your income tax refund,” Finley stated. “Tax identity is one of the biggest hassles you could face and protecting your personal information has never been more critical. Our office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, are keenly aware that these types of crimes are on the rise, and we will continue to prosecute these cases and seek the stiffest penalties available for those who try to scam innocent victims.”
“Individuals who commit violations of identity theft deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Gabriel L. Grchan said. “IRS Criminal Investigation remains vigilant in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those individuals who participate in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud schemes. We appreciate the Office of the U.S. Attorney for their aggressive support of identity theft tax fraud cases. It is only with the support of our law enforcement partners that we can assure American taxpayers that identity thieves will be held accountable.”
“Tax identity theft is a significant and growing issue,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “It’s critical that we make sure consumers are aware of how they can prevent it, and if they are victimized, what steps they can take to recover as quickly as possible.”
To protect yourself this tax season, it is important to know the ways that the IRS will and will not contact you if they have concerns. It is not going to be through text, email or the phone. The IRS will only contact you by mail if there is anything they have a concern with. If you receive a letter from the IRS, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
For those who have had their identity stolen and used for fraud, the IRS will issue a special PIN to use for filing taxes. Information on the PIN program is available at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Combats-Identity-Theft-and-Refund-Fraud-on-Many-Fronts-2014. Please visit the FTC at ftc.gov/idtheft and the IRS at irs.gov/identitytheft for more information about tax identity theft.
Tioga Man Convicted of Being A Felon in Possession of ExplosivesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found Calvin James Doherty, 43, of Tioga, La., guilty on Wednesday of being a felon in possession of explosive material and improper storage of explosive material. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the two-day trial.
Doherty’s trial began Tuesday and ended Wednesday with the jury returning the guilty verdicts after deliberating for about 30 minutes. Witness testimony and exhibits admitted into evidence at the two-day trial established that on July 26, 2011, members of the Western District of Louisiana Violent Offender Task Force went to Doherty’s house in Tioga to arrest another person who had three outstanding felony arrest warrants pending against him. While searching the home, Task Force members found and seized a spool belonging to Doherty. The spool was wrapped with more than 700 feet of detonating cord, which is a high explosive. Doherty had a prior felony conviction for possession of methamphetamine in 2007, which prohibited him from possessing any firearm, ammunition, or explosive.
Doherty faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release after he completes the prison term. The sentencing date is April 25, 2014.“Those with felony records are prohibited by law from owning dangerous devices such as explosives and firearms,” Finley stated. “People who willfully commit these types of crimes will be prosecuted by this office to the fullest extent of the law. I would like to thank the prosecutor and agents for their hard work in obtaining this conviction.”
Members of the Western District of Louisiana Violent Offender Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Department, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms and explosives laws.
Quitman Man Indicted on Child Pornography Production ChargesRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal grand jury indicted Christopher Nixon, 21, of Quitman, La., Wednesday for production of child pornography.
According to the indictment, between February 1, 2012 and March 30, 2012, Nixon produced child pornography using a male under the age of 18. Nixon faces 15 to 30 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and five years of supervised release for production of child pornography. He also faces forfeiture of the equipment used to produce and store the child pornography. A trial date will be set at a later date.
“This indictment was made possible by the tireless efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and the public who provided information sought in this case,” Finley stated. “I would like to thank all who are involved and dedicated to halting the production of child pornography in this district. The damage to victims that these crimes inflict cannot be calculated. This office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This case shows anyone who produces child pornography can and will be held accountable for their criminal actions regardless of where in the world the investigation leads or how much time has passed,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent in Charge of HSI New Orleans. “Sexual abuse scars children for life, and HSI will continue to do all it can to identify the perpetrators of these horrendous acts and seek justice on behalf of their victims.”
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Sixth Defendant Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy Charge in Curious Goods CaseRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that businessman Daniel Paul Francis, 43, of Dawsonville, Ga., pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Hanna, to conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
According to the stipulated factual basis entered into the court record during the guilty plea, Francis admitted to conspiring with various individuals to cause the introduction of misbranded drugs into interstate commerce between early 2011 through early 2012. Specifically, Francis admitted to conspiring to sell synthetic cannabinoids through a Lafayette area business known as Curious Goods LLC.
Curious Goods sold a product infused with synthetic cannabinoids called “Mr. Miyagi.” Francis admitted that although “Mr. Miyagi” was specifically labelled “not for human consumption,” it was sold to be consumed by the user of the product. The users of “Mr. Miyagi” ingested it, typically by smoking it, in order to achieve a “high.” Francis also admitted that the co-conspirators intended the packaging of “Mr. Miyagi” to be false and misleading with the intent to defraud and mislead others by falsely identifying “Mr. Miyagi’s” contents, failing to identify the manufacturer, packer, or distributor, and falsely labeling “Mr. Miyagi’s” intended use.
Francis faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A sentencing date of May 16, 2014 was set.
Bastrop Resident Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Attempting to Receive Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Christopher Wallace, 25, of Bastrop, La., was sentenced last week (January 10, 2014) by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 65 months in prison and five years of supervised release for attempting to receive child pornography. He pleaded guilty on September 5, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on January 31, 2011, Wallace began chatting online with a female he believed to be 14 years of age. He asked the girl, who was actually an undercover officer, to perform sexual acts in front of a web camera, while Wallace himself also performed sexual acts in front of the camera. Wallace was attempting to receive the sexually explicit video by using the web camera feature.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $6.8 Million in Criminal and Civil Actions in FY 2013Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana collected $6,876,596.69in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2013. Of this amount, $6,577,567.18 was collected in criminal actions and $299,029.51 was collected in civil actionsThe U.S. Attorney’s Office also worked with other offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect $508,781.75.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Louisiana collected$1,162,569 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2013.Forfeited assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced on Thursday that the Justice Department collected approximately $8.1 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. The more than $8 billion in collections in FY 2013 represents nearly three times the appropriated $2.76 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorney’s offices and the main litigating divisions in that same period.
Included in the FY 2013 criminal collections, the Western District of Louisiana recovered $2,000,000 in court-ordered restitution from Pelican Refining owed to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to the Louisiana State Police, and to the Louisiana Environmental Trust Fund for violations of the Clean Air Act. A judgment was imposed against Pelican Refining on December 15, 2011, and the defendant agreed to an immediate payment of $2,000,000, and $2,000,000 per year for the next five years. Collected so far is $4,001,200 with a balance due of $8,010,970.19.
The U.S. Attorneys’ offices are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department of Justice Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
“The Department’s enforcement actions help to not only ensure justice is served, but also deliver a valuable return to the taxpayer,” said Attorney General Holder. “It is critical that Congress provide the resources necessary to match the Department’s mounting caseload. As these figures show, supporting our federal prosecutors is a sound investment.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is dedicated to protecting the public and recovering funds for the federal treasury and for victims of federal crime,” stated U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley. “Victims depend on our office to collect restitution. We will continue to make every effort to collect restitution on behalf of victims and hold accountable those who seek to profit from illegal activities.”.
For further information, the U.S. Attorneys’ annual statistical reports can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/resources/reports/Shreveport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatAnthony Larance Williams, 36, of Many, La., was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Maurice S. Hicks Jr. to 42 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Williams pleaded guilty on July 24, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, members of the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force arrested Williams and three others at a casino hotel in Shreveport on June 20, 2012. During the arrest, agents discovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, two handguns, ammunition, and body armor in the hotel room.
The Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.
United States Attorney's Office Says Goodbye to Forensic Financial AuditorRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced the retirement of Kathy T. Penfield, financial auditor, who served in the Western District of Louisiana for 22 years. Penfield was honored on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at a retirement ceremony held at the U.S. Courthouse in Shreveport. Her last day with the office was December 31, 2013.
“We are losing a talented expert forensic auditor and public servant,” Finley stated. “Throughout her career, Ms. Penfield played an integral role in prosecuting cases with our office. Her years of service and dedication to the Department of Justice are a true testament of her commitment to justice and the citizens of this district. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her the very best as she starts the next chapter of her life. I am grateful for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the Western District.”
Penfield joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana on November 12, 1991 as a forensic financial auditor assigned to the Criminal Division. During her 22 years with the office, Penfield provided expert forensic auditing and accounting services in investigations by determining whether there were violations of federal statutes such as bank fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, commodities fraud, Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO), mail fraud, and more. She focused her work on tracking complex financial transactions. Her work was used by federal prosecutors to convict many high profile defendants, including corrupt public officials. Penfield has worked with numerous federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Among her numerous awards and citations, Penfield received a letter of commendation from the Director of the FBI for her work on two very complex cases, received multiple recognitions from regional FBI offices for her forensic fraud examinations, and was a recipient of the 2007 and 2008 awards from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, Southeast Region, for her service in the Western District of Louisiana.
Penfield graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1981 from Centenary College in Shreveport receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She is a certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner, past president of the local chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and is certified by the American Institute of CPAs in Financial Forensics. She is a 25-plus year member of the Louisiana Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Kathy Penfield is married to Jim Penfield, her husband of 42 years.
L to R: Kathy Penfield and U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley
Shreveport Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Darrell Rogers Johns, 32, of Shreveport, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter, to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Judge Walter also ordered that the firearm and ammunition involved be forfeited. Johns was found guilty on October 9, 2013, after a two-day bench trial.
Based on witness testimony, documents and other evidence presented at the trial, it was established that on February 11, 2011, Shreveport police stopped Johns’ vehicle because it matched the description of a vehicle sought in an ongoing criminal case. Johns gave consent to search his vehicle, and 11 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition was found. His residence was also searched, and a Smith & Wesson handgun loaded with 12 rounds of .40 caliber ammunition was found. Johns accompanied another person earlier to two pawn shops where he directed the person to purchase the firearm at one pawn shop and then to purchase the ammunition at a second pawn shop.
Johns was on parole at the time of his arrest. Before his arrest, he was convicted of the following state felony charges: possession of a Schedule II, controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), Caddo Parish District Court, 1999; forgery, Caddo Parish District Court, 2001; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, Caddo Parish District Court, 2005; possession of a Schedule II, controlled dangerous substance (crack cocaine), Caddo Parish District Court, 2006; and attempted possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I, controlled dangerous substance (marijuana), Bossier Parish District Court, 2010.
The Shreveport Police Department; the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Probation and Parole; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program started in 2001 to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms laws.
U.S. Attorney's Office Programs Strengthen Local Law Enforcement with Training in 2013Read the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE/ALEXANDRIA/LAKE CHARLES/MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that the Western District of Louisiana, through its Law Enforcement Coordinator Mike Campbell, had an outstanding year in providing training courses to local law enforcement agencies in 2013.
As the district’s Law Enforcement Coordinator, 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 Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee 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.
In 2013, Campbell worked with federal, state, local, military and tribal offices and spearheaded 28 training courses, which were provided in the district’s 42 parishes. A total of 2,193 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers participated in various training events provided at no-cost to the attendees. Cities where the training events took place included: Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, West Monroe, Natchitoches, Plain Dealing, Many, Alexandria, Lafayette, Lake Charles, and New Iberia. Topics covered included: investigation techniques, personal safety, narcotics, search and seizure, and many others.
Campbell joined the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney's Office in November 2007 after a 33-year career in law enforcement with the Shreveport Police Department. He entered service in 1974 as a patrol officer and retired as Chief of Police in 2007. He is a retired officer from the Louisiana National Guard with 21 years of service. During his military career, he served with the U.S. Air Force Reserve, U.S. Army Reserve, and the Louisiana National Guard. Campbell holds a bachelor’s degree of science from Louisiana Tech. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a member of the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police.
“We are proud to be able to continue to join with other organizations to provide these important services to law enforcement agencies within the Western District of Louisiana,” Finley stated. “The training improves the knowledge and strengthens the skills of personnel working in the field. I applaud Mike Campbell, the participating organizations, local law enforcement, and all of the trainers/speakers for their hard work and dedication that make these programs possible. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners who assist us every day to get the job done and look forward to providing training for 2014 as well.”
For more information and a listing of resources that the LECC provides in the Western District of Louisiana visit www.justice.gov/usao/law/lecc.Norfolk, Va., Man Sentenced for Sexually Abusing Minors at Fort Polk BaseRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Renounte Abdul Jackson, 20, of Norfolk, Va., was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 27 months in prison and five years of supervised release for two counts of having abusive sexual contact with minors. Jackson pleaded guilty August 15, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Jackson was at a party at an unoccupied residence on the Fort Polk Military base July 18, 2012. He admitted to having sexual contact with a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old girl at different times that night. He also provided alcohol to those attending the party, including minors.
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.Houston Man Sentenced for Using Fake Credit Cards and Other Devices to Illegally Access Cash While at Southeast Louisiana CasinosRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Deamioune Fransyre Caples, 33, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 41 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and 40 hours of community service for using counterfeit credit cards and other devices to steal thousands of dollars. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $70,700 taken in the scheme. He pleaded guilty August 1, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, between June 21, 2012 and January 13, 2013, Caples used counterfeit credit cards and other access devices at Delta Downs, L’Auberge Du Lac, and Isle of Capri casinos to access money. The devices included Green Dot Visa cards, 123 Rewards cards, Chase cards, Wells Fargo cards and Bank of America cards among others. The cards displayed Caples’ name on the front, but the magnetic strip on the back contained the identity of the financial institution and individual who had not authorized Caples to use their account information. The defendant made the counterfeit access devices in Texas and traveled to the Western District of Louisiana to use them.
The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
Pollock Prisoner Sentenced to 80 Months in Prison for Assaulting Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that John Waller, 41, of New Rochelle, N.Y., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 80 months in prison and three years of supervised release for attacking a fellow inmate with a makeshift knife at the U.S. Penitentiary at Pollock, La. A federal jury found Waller guilty on September 17, 2013 after a two-day trial.
At the trial, it was established that on March 28, 2010, Waller stabbed a fellow inmate repeatedly with a makeshift knife. The assaulted inmate received puncture wounds to the upper body and was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment. The attack was recorded by the prison’s video recording system. Waller is currently serving a 320-month sentence on narcotics and weapons charges.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Ferriday Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Transporting MethRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Marvin L. Thompson, 37 of Ferriday, was sentenced Thursday(December 12, 2013) by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine. Thompson pleaded guilty July 18, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Thompson admitted that he conspired with Chavo Thomas, Maurice Smith and other defendants to deliver methamphetamine from California to Ferriday. Thompson and Thomas traveled to California to purchase and bring back the illegal drugs. The two defendants were arrested on October 28, 2011, at a Brookhaven, Miss., train station with 2 pounds of pure methamphetamine. Smith, who had organized the California trip, was arrested later in Ferriday.
Smith and Thomas were sentenced September 27, 2013. Smith received life in prison, and Thomas received 275 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A jury found Smith and Thomas guilty on May 31, 2013.
The defendants were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Delta Blues” investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Central Louisiana Safe Streets Task Force, which is composed of the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department, participated in the investigation. The U.S. Marshals and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office also participated in the investigation. The Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Task Force, Brookhaven (Mississippi) Police Department and the Lincoln County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office assisted in the defendants’ arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. Cowles Jr. prosecuted the case.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Federal Jury Convicts Opelousas Man for Robbing and Assaulting Postal EmployeeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Brandon Handy, 33, of Opelousas, La., was found guilty by a federal jury on Tuesday of assaulting and robbing a postal employee. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote presided over the trial.
Handy’s trial started Monday and ended Tuesday with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for one hour and 30 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence at trial established that Handy and another individual wearing masks and armed with a pistol robbed a U.S. Postal Service contract driver on August 13, 2011, at the Lawtell Post Office. Handy grabbed the driver from behind by the neck and wrestled him to his knees while the other individual took a bag of mail from the employee’s truck. After Handy and the other individual fled the scene, the driver was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for injuries.
Handy faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for aggravated robbery of mail matter. A sentencing date has been set for April 11, 2014.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson is prosecuting the case.
Breaux Bridge Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for CounterfeitingRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Joshua J. Dore, 28, of Breaux Bridge, La., was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release for counterfeiting. He pleaded guilty August 8, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives questioned Jacob Boudreaux on November 12, 2012. He was caught on camera in Breaux Bridge attempting to use a counterfeit $5 bill at a convenience store. After questioning, the detectives determined Dore made the fake money. They searched a home where Dore was staying and found a color printer, a bag of résumé paper, and 22 pages of counterfeit U.S. Currency printed with denominations of $5, $10, $20, and $100 bills. Additionally, they found a bag of shredded counterfeit currency. Dore admitted to making the counterfeit money between November 5 and November 12, 2012, and providing the counterfeit bills to his friends. Authorities also found $263 of legitimate currency on his person. One of the bills had a serial number that matched the counterfeit $5 bill found with Boudreaux at the convenience store.
The U.S. Secret Service and the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Lake Charles Doctor Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dr. Lynn E. Foret, 64, of Lake Charles, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to 12 months in prison and three years of supervised release for defrauding Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies out of close to $1 million. He was ordered serve 12 months of home confinement with the use of electronic monitoring while on supervised release and also ordered to pay $878,328.98 restitution and a $25,000 fine. Foret pleaded guilty April 18, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, from 2003 to 2009, Foret injected his patients’ knees with a steroid solution while falsely billing and receiving payments from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies for a more costly drug called Hyalgan. During the time period outlined in the bill of information, he received reimbursements totaling $878,328.98. Foret is a Lake Charles medical doctor who specialized in orthopedic surgery since 1976. He closed his practice in December of 2012.
Various types of steroids are often used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Hyalgan is another more costly type of medication that is used to treat osteoarthritis. It contains a natural substance called Hyaluronate, which is normally found in the fluid that lubricates and cushions knee joints and is injected directly into a patient’s knee to relieve inflammation.
“This defendant used his trusted position as a physician to steal,” Finley stated. “He lied about the treatments he administered and drained money from private insurers and federal programs intended for those in need who depend on health care. The agencies and prosecutors who worked in this case are to be commended for their outstanding work in uncovering this fraud.”
The FBI, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Attorney General, Director of Executive Office of the U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Attorney of the Western District of Louisiana Recognizes Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly UebingerRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger was recognized by Attorney General Eric Holder and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director H. Marshall Jarrett, with a 2013 Director’s Award.
Each year the Executive Office of the United States Attorneys recognizes the exceptional work, dedication, and distinguished achievements of the men and women of the Department of Justice, the Offices of the United States Attorneys, and partners of the law enforcement community nationwide. The recipients provide support in the United States Attorneys’ Offices, investigate and prosecute the most heinous criminals, and represent the United States in significant criminal and civil cases. All of the recipients continue to make major contributions to the Offices of the United States Attorneys and to the mission of the Department of Justice. The Superior Performance award recognizes Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) who have distinguished themselves through the outstanding performance of their duties in criminal matters. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Director’s Award.
H. Marshall Jarrett and U.S. Attorney Finley presented the award to AUSA Uebinger today at a gathering at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Lafayette. Because of sequestration, the awards presentation at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., was canceled, but Jarrett was able to attend by video teleconference.
AUSA Kelly Uebinger received the Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney award recognizing her exceptional work in the case of United States v. Dr. Mehmood M. Patel, a practicing cardiologist in the Lafayette area for more than 25 years.
AUSA Uebinger coordinated a joint investigation by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI which revealed that Dr. Patel had falsified patient symptoms in medical records, falsified findings on medical tests, and performed unnecessary coronary procedures such as deploying angioplasty balloons and stents, and used radiation in coronary arteries that had little or insignificant disease. In the first criminal case of its kind in the country, Dr. Patel was indicted on 94 counts of health care fraud. During the three-year period covered by the indictment, he billed Medicare and private insurance companies more than $3 million for unnecessary cardiology services, performing procedures at two area hospitals and eventually opening his own catheterization laboratory at his private office.
Uebinger presented the government’s case to a jury during a 3 ½ month trial. Through months of pre-trial preparation, and after more than 100 witnesses and nine expert witness presentations, AUSA Uebinger accurately and effectively presented complex testimony to the jury. The jury deliberated for six days and returned a guilty verdict on 51 counts of health care fraud. Dr. Patel was sentenced to 10 years in prison, received a $175,000 fine, and was ordered to pay $387,511 in restitution.
In a personalized letter to the recipient, Attorney General Holder told the awardee that the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney was “a significant achievement that recognizes your exceptional efforts to promote the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.”
Jarrett also explained that only 155 out of nearly 800 nominees from across the United Stated were selected, and only 29 received an Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal category.
“There is no doubt that Kelly’s performance was outstanding and moreover met these lofty requirements to earn her a Director’s Award,” Jarrett added.
“It is Kelly’s tireless work and dedication to justice on this case and throughout the years that garnered this award,” Finley stated. “Her efforts have righted wrongs in our community and continue to bear fruit. I am honored to present this award to such an outstanding member of our office.”
AUSA Kelly Uebinger joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in August of 1992 and worked in the Shreveport office as an OCDETF AUSA until 1997. While working with the OCDETF program, she received a Director’s Award for her role in the prosecution of the Bottoms Boys, a notorious Shreveport street gang. In 1997, she transferred to the Lafayette office where she prosecutes a variety of complex white collar cases, to include health care fraud, investment fraud, embezzlement fraud and tax fraud. Ms. Uebinger currently serves as the Criminal Health Care Fraud Coordinator for the District. She received the Inspector General’s Integrity Award for the Patel prosecution.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, AUSA Uebinger clerked for Magistrate Judge John F. Simon in the Alexandria Division. Ms. Uebinger has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and graduated with a double major in Finance and International Business from Loyola University in New Orleans in 1988, and was chosen as the Outstanding International Business Graduate. In 1991, she received her Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School.
H. Marshall Jarrett was appointed Director for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys by Attorney General Holder on April 13, 2009. The Executive Office, created in 1953, provides general guidance and supervision to the 94 United States Attorneys’ Offices and its nearly 12 thousand employees.
From left, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Kelly Uebinger and U.S. Attorney, Stephanie A. Finley
United States Attorney's Office Says Goodbye to Two Outstanding Assistant U.S. AttorneysRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced the retirement of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josette L. Cassiere and Robert A. “Bob” Thrall, who served in the Western District of Louisiana with more than 45 years of combined experience. Cassiere and Thrall were honored on November 21, 2013, at a retirement ceremony held at the U.S. Courthouse in Shreveport. Their last day with the office was November 30, 2013.
“We are losing talented, dedicated lawyers and public servants,” Finley stated. “Throughout their careers, Josette and Bob have played integral roles in prosecuting cases with our office. Their years of service and dedication to the Department of Justice are a true testament of their commitment to justice and the citizens of this district. They will be greatly missed, and we wish them the very best as they start the next chapters of their lives. I am grateful for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the Western District.”
Josette Cassiere began her career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in March of 1989. She served one year in the civil division, concentrating on land condemnation cases for the Red River Waterway project and collections with the Financial Litigation Unit (FLU). From 1990 to 2001, Cassiere was responsible for all of the District’s criminal appeals to the Fifth Circuit. Beginning in 2001, she was primarily responsible for criminal appeals generated by the Shreveport Division of the office. In 23 years of appellate practice, Cassiere has filed approximately 700 briefs and argued more than 100 appeals at the Fifth Circuit, including one en banc rehearing and several cases involving res nova issues.
Cassiere received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1970, and taught in the Elmbrook School District in Wisconsin for four years before attending law school. She received her Juris Doctorate from the Louisiana State University School of Law in 1977. Josette Cassiere and Robert Gillespie Jr., also an assistant U.S. attorney, have been married for 36 years, and have three children, Sarah, Paul and Michael.
“My time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been both challenging and extremely satisfying both from the perspective of service to the law and the legal system and from the perspective of service to community and country,” Cassiere stated. “It is with mixed feelings that I leave that office which, in my opinion, is one of the best law firms in this state.”
Bob Thrall began his career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1991, primarily handling bankruptcy, foreclosures, and collection efforts for the FLU. He also handled defensive litigation involving federal programs and complex financial litigation. Since September 2011, Thrall handled the bankruptcy referrals for the entire District. The District has consistently been one of the 10 districts with the greatest number of Chapter 13 filings in the nation and one of the heaviest districts with overall bankruptcy filings. Although his primary clients have been the IRS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Thrall has handled cases and bankruptcy matters for federal agencies, to include the Small Business Administration, HUD, Department of Education, FEMA, EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, ATF, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Veterans Administration.
Thrall graduated Magna Cum Laude from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree of arts in political science in 1975 and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon’s School of Law in 1979. Bob Thrall is married to Blair Thrall, an accomplished artist. They have been married more than 17 years and have two sons, Brent and Wesley, and one daughter, Erica.
From left, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. "Bob" Thrall, U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley,
and Assistant U.S. Attorney Josette L. Cassiere
Medical Drug Clinic Owner Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Drug Distribution and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Gloria Adams, 63, of LaPlace, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 60 months in prison with three years of supervised release for her part in a conspiracy to fill prescriptions without doctors being present. She also was ordered to forfeit $241,793. Adams pleaded guilty on April 23, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Adams, who is not a doctor, opened Essential Medical Center (EMC) in November 2005 in Lafayette. She admitted to conspiring to dispense Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) such as Xanax and Lortab when no doctors were present at the clinic through a system called “pre-signing.” Pre-signing took place at the clinic when some non-physician staff used pre-signed documents to dispense prescriptions to patients while doctors were absent. She also admitted that she aided and abetted the practice of dispensing CDS outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Adams also admitted to laundering approximately $16,000 in drug proceeds through a financial institution.
“I would like to thank the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service for combining forces to successfully investigate this case,” Finley stated. “Combating the illegal distribution of prescription drugs remains a priority in my office.”
“IRS - CI will continue to play an active part in the war on drugs,” stated IRS Special Agent in Charge Gabriel L. Grchan. “Individuals such as Gloria Adams that are guilty of attempting to launder their illegal drug profits will be prosecuted for money laundering violations; IRS - CI will continue to work with our federal partners to that end.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration – Office of Diversion Control and the Internal Revenue Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.LSU Academic Assistance Director, Assistant Director Sentenced for Stealing Federal FundsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dr. Marvette J. Thomas, 60, of Grambling, La., and Carra Sergeant, 60, of Ragley, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 14 months and 12 months in prison respectively for theft of government funds. They were also ordered to pay $159,167 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Thomas served as Director of the Office of Academic Assistance, and Sergeant served as Assistant Director of Academic Assistance at Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE). From September 1, 2008 until February 28, 2012, Thomas and Sergeant used their positions to take funds from federal grants meant for the Upward Bound and Student Support Services projects, which are designed to assist students in their education efforts and goals. They used grant funds for their personal benefit and attempted to cover up their activities by altering receipts and submitting false records.
Thomas and Sergeant admitted to buying clothes, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry, personal electronic devices, cookware, tools, toys, recreational vehicle parts, pet supplies, household items, outdoor items, exercise equipment, religious books, and gifts for family, friends and co-workers. LSU auditors, U.S. Department of Education/Office of Inspector General, and the FBI estimate that Thomas spent at least $68,464 and Sergeant $74,653. Additionally, they allowed and encouraged subordinate co-workers to make personal purchases as well. The co-workers’ purchases total $16,050. A total of $159,167 was illegally spent under Thomas and Sergeant’s watch.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Education/Office of Inspector General, and Louisiana State University auditors conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie is prosecuting the case.
Downsville Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Randy A. Powell, 33, of Downsville, La., pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen L. Hayes to receiving child pornography.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, in February 2012, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies learned that Powell, who is a registered sex offender, was maintaining social media accounts under an alias, which is a violation of his sex offender registration requirements. Authorities arrested Powell February 23, 2013, and his home was searched. They found 1,041 images and 150 videos of prepubescent children. Approximately 50 of the videos/photos depicted children in bondage. Powell admitted to investigators that he used a file-sharing program to download the images. Powell has a previous conviction for attempted possession of child pornography.
Powell faces five to 40 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release for one count of receiving child pornography. Sentencing is set for April 7, 2014. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at (866) DHS-2ICE. Investigators are available at all hours to answer hotline calls. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Those concerned may also leave tips with the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Monroe FBI office number is (318) 387-0773.
United Kingdom National Sentenced for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael Phillip Telemaque, 47, of the United Kingdom, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for four counts of impeding or hampering his deportation. A federal jury found Telemaque guilty on September 10, 2013 after a two-day trial.
Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that Telemaque refused to fill out passport applications for his deportation to the United Kingdom four times between November 2010 and September 2011. In addition to the application requirement, the United Kingdom also requires that Telemaque must speak to a representative of the consulate, provide fingerprints and a photo, and show proof that he is a United Kingdom citizen. He refused to perform any of these tasks. Telemaque was convicted in January 1997 of selling crack cocaine and received a 180-month prison sentence. He was ordered to be removed from the United States in June of 2010.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
United Kingdom National Sentenced for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael Phillip Telemaque, 47, of the United Kingdom, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for four counts of impeding or hampering his deportation. A federal jury found Telemaque guilty on September 10, 2013 after a two-day trial.
Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that Telemaque refused to fill out passport applications for his deportation to the United Kingdom four times between November 2010 and September 2011. In addition to the application requirement, the United Kingdom also requires that Telemaque must speak to a representative of the consulate, provide fingerprints and a photo, and show proof that he is a United Kingdom citizen. He refused to perform any of these tasks. Telemaque was convicted in January 1997 of selling crack cocaine and received a 180-month prison sentence. He was ordered to be removed from the United States in June of 2010.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Abendroth prosecuted the case.
Former USDA Employee Sentenced to 40 Months for Lying in Order to Secure Loans to Hide More Than $600,000 in Thefts from Federally Funded Non-profitRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Donna Jean Remides, 52, of Winnsboro, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert G. James to 40 months in prison and five years of supervised release for lying on loan applications in order to receive loans used to hide the theft of $640,000 from a federally funded non-profit. She was also ordered to pay $450,000 in restitution. Remides pleaded guilty June 24, 2013 during the course of a trial.
Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial and the guilty plea revealed that Remides was employed as a project coordinator by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to work for the non-profit Northeast Delta Resource Conservation and Development Council (NDRC&DC) in Winnsboro. From January 2001 to December 2010, Remides used the NDRC&DC accounts to pay herself $640,000 without authorization from the NDRC&DC. She wrote herself and her private business checks during the nearly 10-year period. She also obtained loans in the name of the council to cover the thefts. Loan documents were filled out stating that the council members had authorized loans at meetings when in fact they had not.
The USDA, Office of Inspector General in Jackson, Miss., and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Larry Robert Baker, 50, of Maud, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm after being convicted and serving time for a murder and other felonies in Texas. He pleaded guilty August 29, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) conducted an operation on January 11, 2013 to catch night hunters who were shooting after dark from the roads in north Caddo Parish. During the operation, LDWF agents observed Baker shooting from a car at a deer decoy set up by agents. A .22 caliber revolver was found in the car that he was driving, along with a box of .22 caliber ammunition. Baker was arrested for the wildlife violation, driving under suspension, and traveling with open containers of alcohol. Upon further investigation, agents found that Baker had recently been released from prison after serving 20 years for a Texas murder. Baker was found guilty of murder on August 5, 1993, in the 54th District Court of McLennan County, Texas. He also has prior burglary and property theft convictions.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide program started in 2001 designed to reduce violence by aggressively enforcing existing federal firearms laws.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Illegally Transporting ImmigrantsRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La.–United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Juan Betancourt-Duran, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 12 months in prison for transporting illegal aliens. Betancourt-Duran will be deported after completion of his sentence.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on April 24, 2013, an officer with the Louisiana State Police conducted a vehicle stop on the vehicle Betancourt-Duran was driving because of a traffic violation. The defendant’s vehicle was found to contain nine occupants who could not produce U.S. issued identification. Upon further investigation, it was found that four of the passengers were from Honduras, two from Mexico, two from El Salvador and one from Guatemala. The immigrants told U.S. Border Patrol agents that they paid between $1,200 and $7,000 per person to be smuggled into the United States. Some of the immigrants said they stayed at various residences in separate towns in Texas before being brought to Houston. From there, Betancourt-Duran was to drive them to various cities on the east coast in the United States. Betancourt-Duran admitted that he knew the passengers were illegal aliens. Betancourt-Duran pleaded guilty August 29, 2013.
The U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security, and the Louisiana State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus prosecuted the case.
Houston Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Meth Possession and Distribution ChargesRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Ricky Martinez, 44, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi, to 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Martinez pleaded guilty August 7, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy stopped the defendant on February 13, 2012, for speeding north of Lake Charles. The deputy asked Martinez to step out of the vehicle and saw that he had an open beer container. After the deputy conducted a safety pat-down, $10,540 was found in Martinez’s pants pocket. During a search of the vehicle, the deputy found 10 plastic baggies containing more than 265 grams of methamphetamine, a baggie containing a cutting agent, and a digital scale. Martinez admitted at the guilty plea hearing that he intended to deliver the methamphetamine to other people.
Anthony Frederick “Tony” Giaimis, 49, of Westlake, La., and Justin W. Brewer, 42, of Houston, were also charged in the same indictment with Martinez in August 2012.
A jury found Giaimis guilty on April 10, 2013, of conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, possession of more than five grams of pure methamphetamine and felony weapon possession. Giamis was sentenced on August 1, 2013, to 262 months in prison and six years of supervised release. Brewer was sentenced on July 25, 2013, to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on April 8, 2013.
“Methamphetamine is a harmful and destructive drug,” Finely stated. “Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners will continue to do everything in our power to keep these drugs out of our communities.”
The Westlake Police Department, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Combined Anti-drug Team (CAT) Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Possessing 216 Stolen Social Security ChecksRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Terry Ulysses Morris, 50, of Lithonia, Ga., was sentenced Wednesday, November 20, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to 45 months in prison and three years of supervised release for possessing stolen U.S. mail. He pleaded guilty July 30, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities pulled over Morris’ vehicle during a traffic stop on January 18, 2012, as he was driving eastbound on Interstate 10 through Calcasieu Parish. A strong odor of marijuana prompted authorities to ask Morris if they could search the vehicle. Authorities found two sacks containing 216 U.S. Treasury checks that had not been cashed. The checks were from Social Security Administration accounts with Georgia addresses. The face value for the checks totaled $144,920. Morris admitted that he traveled to Houston to find someone to cash or buy the checks. He could not find buyers because the checks were so old that most of the intended recipients had requested that replacement checks be issued. Morris was driving back to Georgia when he was stopped in Calcasieu Parish.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Calcasieu Anti-drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph T. Mickel prosecuted the case.
Two Men Sentenced for Prison EscapeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell sentenced Roland Castro, 42, an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., to 22 months in prison and one year of supervised release for escaping a federal prison; and Timothy D. Willis, 50, of Philadelphia, Miss., to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for assisting in Castro’s escape. They pleaded guilty August 20, 2013.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Castro was serving 240 months at the federal penitentiary in Pollock for a felon in possession of a firearm conviction. Castro met Willis previously, and the two arranged to meet at an agreed-upon location on February 7, 2013. Willis drove to the location on that date and picked up Castro. Castro did not have permission to leave the prison. After an emergency count of the prisoners was conducted, prison staff discovered Castro was missing. Willis had dropped Castro off near the prison, but Castro had left instead of returning to custody. Castro was apprehended on July 5, 2013, in Houston.The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown prosecuted the case.
Inmate Sentenced for Assault at Pollock PrisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Samuel Gonzalez, 34, of Luling, Texas, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release for assaulting a fellow inmate, causing serious bodily injury. A federal jury found Gonzalez guilty on August 8, 2013 after a two-day trial.
Witness testimony and documents admitted into evidence at trial revealed that on September 6, 2011, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., Gonzalez was observed with another inmate on surveillance video assaulting a third inmate. The victim was repeatedly struck with an edged weapon resulting in nine lacerations to the upper torso and neck. The injured inmate survived and was taken to a local hospital.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth D. Reeg prosecuted the case.Charenton Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on Woman and Chitimacha Tribal Police OfficerRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that David Frederick, 38, of Charenton, La., pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik, to assaulting a woman and a Chitimacha tribal police officer.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, on January 27, 2013, Frederick assaulted his girlfriend near her place of employment on Chitimacha tribal lands. After he was arrested and while being booked, Frederick attacked a Chitimacha tribal police officer and attempted to take his handgun. A second officer entered the struggle, and Frederick was subdued after pepper spray and a TASER were deployed. During the investigation, law enforcement agents learned that the defendant also assaulted his girlfriend on January 25, 2013, at her residence on the Chitimacha Tribal Reservation.
Frederick faces 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the assault of the Chitimacha tribal police officer. He also faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for the assault within Indian Country count.
Jurisdiction in Indian Country is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. Congress has criminalized certain acts that take place in Indian Country, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is the agency that prosecutes the felony cases where either the defendant or the victim is an Indian or both the defendant and the victim are Indian. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also prosecutes cases involving misdemeanors where the defendant is a non-Indian and the victim is an Indian.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Chitimacha Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.