Western District of Louisiana
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Landry Parish School Board Member Pleads Guilty to Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller, 72, of Opelousas, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Miller admitted that he and fellow St. Landry Parish School Board member Quincy Richard Sr., 51, of Opelousas, conspired to receive bribe money from school board superintendent candidate Joseph Cassimere in return for their support. During July, August and September of 2012, Miller admitted that he and Richard 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 Sept. 16, 2012, five applicants had been publicly named. The final vote was scheduled for Sept. 26, 2012.
The defendants met with Cassimere on Sept. 24, 2012 at the Quarters Restaurant in Opelousas and received $5,000 each in return for their votes. They made it clear that Cassimere had also secured their services, efforts, influence and due diligence to secure the votes of other members of the school board for Cassimere’s candidacy. Richard added that Cassimere could also recoup his $10,000 bribe by adding that amount to his salary request. Miller instructed Cassimere on how to make and justify a meritorious salary request above the amount listed for the superintendent’s salary as advertised. This conversation of Sept. 24, 2012 had been under video and audio surveillance. After the defendants exited the restaurant, they were confronted by authorities who recovered the $5,000 payments. Miller was indicted on Oct. 24, 2012.United States Attorney Finley stated, “This is a positive first step for the School Board to move forward so they can take care of the educational work that needs to be addressed for the children and citizens of this community.”
Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bribery. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker is prosecuting the case.
Jordanian Pleads Guilty to Marrying Two Women to Evade Immigration LawsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emad Edin Yousef Abdallah, 29, of Jordan, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to marriage fraud.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, the defendant admitted that he entered into two fraudulent marriages to change his immigration status and evade the immigration laws of the United States. The March 3, 2009 marriage ended in divorce in June 2010, and Abdallah married another woman on June 27, 2011. He admitted that the second marriage also took place in part to change his immigration status and evade immigration laws.Abdallah faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for marriage fraud. A sentencing of July 12, 2013 was set.
United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus is prosecuting the case.
Haughton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that John James William Bonacci Sr., 70, of Haughton, La., was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 10 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for possessing child pornography.
According to court documents, authorities searched Bonacci’s home on Feb. 17, 2012 in connection with a child molestation complaint. Before a search of his home was conducted, Bonacci admitted to viewing pornography for many years. Authorities found more than 1,100 videos and 90 photographs depicting child pornography. Some of the videos contained images of children under 12 years of age and some had children as young as one year. Bonacci pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2012.
The FBI, the Northwest Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice launched 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 (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.
Tips or other information can also be submitted to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Shreveport FBI office number is (318) 861-1890.
Montgomery Woman Pleads Guilty to Taking Nearly $200,00 in SSA Payments over 22 YearsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Mary Elizabeth Kilpatrick, 57, of Montgomery, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to theft of government money.
According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, Kilpatrick spent her mother’s Social Security Administration (SSA) payments for more than 22 years after her mother died. Kilpatrick’s mother died June 5, 1990, and until then, had been receiving widow’s benefits. The money continued to be placed in Kilpatrick and her mother’s joint account, and Kilpatrick continued to spend it. The SSA deposited $176,714 total in widow’s benefits into the joint account. Additionally, the SSA disbursed $15,954 in Medicare premiums after the death, and there was a $250 Economic Recovery Payment paid out to Kilpatrick’s mother in May 2009. The total loss was $192,918.
Kilpatrick faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release. Kilpatrick is scheduled to appear Sept. 27, 2013 for sentencing.
The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown is prosecuting the case.
Many Couple Sentenced for Counterfeiting $20 BillsRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Larry Maurice Malmay, 36, of Zwolle, La., and Kellie Amanda Craig, 29, of Many, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg for making counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Malmay received 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Craig received five years of probation. The equipment and items used to produce the counterfeit money were ordered forfeited to the government.
According to evidence presented at the guilty pleas, a Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Deputy came to Craig’s home June 12, 2012 in response to a domestic complaint. While talking to Craig, it was learned that there were counterfeit $20 bills in the home. Craig told authorities that Malmay and another person had printed most of the fake Federal Reserve notes. A search of the home revealed cut and uncut counterfeit bills, a paper cutter, cotton paper and a printer. Malmay later told authorities he had planned to print $16,500 worth of fake money to pay a drug dealer.The U.S. Secret Service-Shreveport Office and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
USDA Employee Pleads Guilty to 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, 51, of Winnsboro, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert G. James to lying on loan applications in order to receive loans used to hide the theft of $640,000 from a federally funded non-profit.
A trial started Monday but ended today as the prosecution was calling witnesses to testify. Remides decided to plead guilty to the charge of making a false statement to a bank instead of continuing with the 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 over 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.
Remides faces 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervised release for one count of making a false statement to a bank. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 7, 2013.
The USDA-Office of Inspector General in Jackson, Miss., and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Juan Carlos Curiel, 22, Missouri City, Texas, was sentenced Wednesday to 60 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth E. Foote for conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography. Curiel is also required to complete five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Curiel pleaded guilty on April 12, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, after obtaining a warrant, authorities searched an email account Curiel used. Authorities discovered the email account contained 30 images or videos of child pornography. A search of Curiel’s home Oct. 5, 2011 turned up over 100 videos and images of child pornography on laptops, a desktop computer and other computer storage devices. Curiel admitted that he downloaded many of the images on the computers using an online file-sharing program.
“The defendant’s actions furthered the spread of child pornography and promoted the abuse of the children used to produce it,” Finley said. “Hopefully, this case demonstrates that child predators will be brought to justice. We will continue to prosecute these cases. The safety of the children in this community is a priority for the Western District.”The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice launched 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 (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 and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously. The Lafayette FBI office number is (337) 233-2164.
Ball Man Sentenced for Growing/Selling MarijuanaRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Sidney Earl Wheeler III, 33, of Ball, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to 24 months in prison and four years supervised release for manufacture and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities received an anonymous tip that someone in a Ball, La., residence might be growing marijuana plants in a building behind a home. After conducting surveillance of the residence and obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered two hidden rooms in the building behind the house on June 7, 2012. The rooms contained marijuana plants in various growth stages as well as equipment and materials used to cultivate marijuana. Inside the house, hydrocodone, an AK-47 and ammunition were found. Authorities found more than 100 marijuana plants on the property. At the time of the search, Wheeler was found in the building and was arrested. Wheeler pleaded guilty March 4, 2013."This defendant’s drug production and distribution operation was a violation of the law,” Finley stated. “This illegal activity was uncovered thanks to the help of a concerned citizen and investigators who cared about this community. We hope this serves as a deterrent to those who try to profit from illegal drug production.”
The Louisiana State Police and the FBI-Central Louisiana Gang Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison D. Bushnell prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison for Attempting to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emery Weyland Graham, 43, of Longview, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 188 months in prison for attempting to produce child pornography. Graham is also required to complete 10 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Graham pleaded guilty on Feb. 19, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, the Youngsville Police Department received a complaint on Sept. 13, 2011 from a mother that her daughter had been sent sexually explicit messages by a 41-year-old man using a cell phone. Police confiscated the phone, and an undercover officer posed as the 13-year old girl, through texts, to continue communication with Graham. Graham sent sexually explicit messages about sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the girl and asked the girl to send him sexually explicit images of herself. He instructed the minor on how to take the pictures and provided details of the images he wanted. Graham was arrested on Oct. 5, 2011.
“Prosecuting internet predators is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Finley stated. “This sentence should send the message that there are serious consequences for attempting to exploit children. Predators who seek to rob the innocence of children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”Homeland Security Investigations, Youngsville Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case with assistance from the Texas Rangers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted 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 and to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Milton Man Sentenced for Illegally Receiving Nearly $325,000 in Social Security PaymentsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Randy P. Courville, 53, of Milton, La., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to serve 37 months in prison and three years of supervised release for theft of government money. The judge also ordered Courville to pay $324,818 in restitution.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Courville received Social Security disability payments from early 1995 until March 2012, even though he continuously worked as a self-employed painter. He owned his own business called R.T.’s Painting, which was later changed to Affordable Painting. Courville’s wife and three children also received benefits during this time. Courville was notified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that if his medical condition improved and if he was able to go back to work, he was obligated to immediately notify the SSA. At no time between 1995 and 2012 did the defendant notify SSA that he was able to work or that he had completed any type of work. Courville pleaded guilty on Feb. 15, 2013.United States Attorney Finley stated, “There are many people who are disabled and need Social Security to make ends meet as they struggle to get back on their feet. This defendant was motivated by greed and made a conscious decision to lie about his ability to work. We will continue to prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Uebinger prosecuted the case.Men Sentenced for Possession of Fake Credit CardsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Jose Antonio Abreu-Arbolaez, 38, of Cuba, and Yoany Quesada-Romero, 29, of Tampa, Fla., were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to each serve 10 months in prison and one year of supervised release for conspiracy to possess more than 15 counterfeit credit cards.
Documents filed into the court record during the guilty plea state that while traveling from Florida to Louisiana on Sept. 26, 2012 to Sept. 28, 2012, Abreu-Arbolaez and Quesada-Romero used counterfeit credit cards to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards. On Sept. 28, 2012, security at a Lafayette Wal-Mart contacted authorities and advised them that Abreu-Arbolaez and Quesada-Romero were using stolen or counterfeit credit cards to purchase Wal-Mart gift cards in and around the Lafayette area.Both were arrested Sept. 28, 2012, in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on West Pinhook Road in Lafayette. During a search of their minivan, 34 counterfeit credit cards displaying Abreu-Arbolaez’s name and 17 fake cards displaying Quesada-Romero’s name were found. The magnetic strips on the back of the counterfeit cards contained information related to real financial institutions that were improperly charged $9,729 for the Wal-Mart gift cards purchased by the defendants. The defendants pleaded guilty March 14, 2013.
“These defendants defrauded private citizens, financial institutions, and a retail business,” Finley said. “We will prosecute anyone who illegally uses other people’s credit to enrich themselves. I want to thank the company’s security personnel and the agencies involved for assisting in bringing the defendants to justice.”
The U.S. Secret Service and the Lafayette Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
Colorado Man Sentenced for Identity Fraud, Passport Fraud, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatWilliam Lyman Agnew, 55, of Cripple Creek, Colo., was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Court Judge Tom Stagg, to 51 months in prison with three years supervised release for identity fraud, passport fraud, possession of stolen goods, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to evidence presented in court hearings, Agnew fled Cripple Creek, Colo., after stealing property and possessions from a residence there in October 2010. Agnew came to Louisiana in January 2011. While in Louisiana, he obtained and used four false identities and obtained driver’s licenses, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other forms of identification. He also attempted to obtain a U.S. Passport using one of his false identities. The FBI in Monroe, La., discovered Agnew was living and working in Monroe at a local business and arrested Agnew on April 3, 2012. After Agnew’s arrest, many of the items stolen in Colorado were found and seized by federal agents at a storage unit in Monroe that Agnew had rented under one of his false names.The Cripple Creek, Colo., Police Department; the ATF in Colorado and Louisiana; the FBI, the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General; and the U.S. Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
Washington State Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Attempting to Send Obscene Images to A MinorRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Michael David Honan, 59, of Gig Harbor, Wash., was sentenced to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik for attempting to send obscene materials to a minor. Honan is also required to complete three years of supervised release and pay a $4,000 fine. Honan pleaded guilty on Nov. 27, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Honan, who traveled to Houma, La., from Washington state for work, engaged in online communication from August 2011 to September 2011 with what he thought was a 14-year-old girl. It was in fact an undercover law enforcement officer. Honan admitted to sending obscene images of himself via webcam and directing who he thought was a 14-year-old girl to websites displaying pornography. Honan was arrested in a Houma hotel Sept. 16, 2011 while chatting online with an undercover officer.
Homeland Security Investigations, the Lafayette Police Department and the Houma Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice launched 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 (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 http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
U.S. Attorney's Office Donates 132 Phones to St. Landry Parish Sheriff's OfficeRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT/LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that 132 phones have been donated to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, which has helped Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz realize savings of more than $20,800 for his office.
“I am happy that the Sheriff’s Office is able to use these phones,” Finley said. “The residents we serve will see this technology used to increase law enforcement operations in the Western District of Louisiana. Anything that we can do to help our law enforcement partners, benefits the whole community.”
“The phones will be a useful tool at the new sheriff’s office complex,” Guidroz stated. “We hope to be in our new Law-Enforcement Complex by Christmas 2014, and having these new phones installed there will save us money and add a new dimension to our interoffice communications. I am grateful that U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley has decided to donate this $20,800 cache of telephones to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office. The phones are speaker phones with alpha numeric display that shows a clock, calendar and call timer.”
Two Sentenced for Involvement in an International Criminal Network That Sexually Exploited ChildrenRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that two additional defendants were sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. for their involvement in an international criminal network organized to sexually exploit children in connection with their participation in the Dreamboard child exploitation bulletin board.
Todd Stumpf, 61, of Buffalo, N.Y., was sentenced to 20 years in prison with five years of supervised release for engaging in a childhood exploitation enterprise. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Stumpf joined Dreamboard on Jan. 19, 2008. He posted 1,042 posts and many contained child pornography.William Jewell, 44, of Burbank, Ill., was sentenced to 20 years in prison with a lifetime of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute child pornography. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Jewell joined Dreamboard on May 8, 2010. During his time using the site, he posted 13 advertisements offering to distribute child pornography and five of the posts contained child pornography. He also posted six posts to another section of the site and some contained images of prepubescent children engaging in sexual activities.
Stumpf and Jewell were charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011. The charges are the result of Operation Delego, an ongoing investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. Dreamboard was a members-only bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection.A total of 72 individuals, including Stumpf and Jewell, have been charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Forty-seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. Forty-six of the 48 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging between five years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities. Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. 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 as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who prey on children, including human traffickers, international sex tourists, Internet pornographers and foreign-national predators whose crimes make them deportable.
ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at http://www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Shreveport Doctor Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced thatEdozie Chukwudinma Okereke, 57, of Shreveport, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks Jr. to 21 months in federal prison with three years supervised release for health care fraud. Okereke was also ordered to pay $679,836 in restitution to Medicare.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Okereke, who was the owner/operator of Family Foot and Ankle Clinic, was a doctor of podiatric medicine for patients at the Shreveport clinic, and he was responsible for making sure that the correct treatment was billed by accurately submitting claims for the treatments and services he performed. Starting in 2005, Okereke submitted billing codes for treatment not covered under Medicare. Okereke was providing routine foot care, such as toenail clipping, and then “upcoding” or submitting codes for services that Medicare would cover.
“The defendant’s scheme was designed to defraud a government program that provided medical services to the elderly and the disabled,” U.S. Attorney Finley stated. “His actions were detrimental to the program and ultimately hurt U.S. taxpayers. This office will continue to vigorously pursue charges against those who steal from these types of programs.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan prosecuted the case.
Inmates Sentenced for Assaulting Fellow InmateRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that A’bleza Skyler Oakie, 24, of Sioux Fall, S.D., and Shannon Fernando Lewis, 27, of Sells, Ariz., were sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to five years and six months in prison, respectively, for assaulting a fellow inmate. Oakie was also ordered to serve three years and Lewis one year of supervised release following incarceration.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Oakie and Lewis entered the cell of an inmate on Oct. 28, 2011, while incarcerated at the Federal Penitentiary in Pollock, La. After they left the cell, the inmate was seen staggering out. It was determined that the inmate suffered severe injuries and was sent to various medical centers for treatment. The inmate remains in medical care because of the injuries he sustained.On March 4, 2013, Oakie pleaded guilty to assault and Lewis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault. Oakie is currently serving a manslaughter sentence, and Lewis is serving a murder sentence. The prison time for the assault charges will run consecutive to the charges they are now serving, and the supervised release will run concurrent.
The FBI-Alexandria, La., Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Senior Litigation Counsel Joseph G. Jarzabek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France prosecuted the case.
Fort Polk Man Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder, Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Marcus Patterson Carey, 28, of Fort Polk, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi to second degree murder of one soldier and attempted murder of another soldier at the Fort Polk Military Reservation.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Carey admitted that on June 19, 2010 he killed one victim at Fort Polk by striking the person with a hammer and stabbing the person multiple times. He also admitted to attempting to kill a second person by striking that person with a hammer and stabbing that person multiple times.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2013. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the FBI conducted the investigation. United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy are prosecuting the case.
Car Dealership Office Manager Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Dianne Handy, 43, of Alexandria, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell, to four months in prison with five years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $101,017 in restitution for defrauding Leglue Nissan. Handy was the office manager for Leglue. The judge also ordered Handy to perform 100 hours of community service and not to gamble or game.
Handy was sentenced for one count of bank fraud involving credit card transactions she processed through Peoples State Bank. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Handy fraudulently caused Leglue Nissan in Alexandria to issue unauthorized refunds to her own credit cards more than 72 times between July 2009 and July 2011 for a total of $57,894. As office manager, Handy was responsible for handling the dealership’s daily cash deposits, processing credit card transactions and making salary payments. The court ordered restitution included the amount for the federal charges as well as an additional amount for other losses associated with additional criminal conduct related to Count 1, all while she was employed at Leglue Nissan. Handy pleaded guilty Jan. 30, 2013.The U.S. Secret Service, Baton Rouge Office, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard C. Parker prosecuted the case.
Indian National Convicted for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a federal jury found Pal Sat, 42, of India, guilty of two counts of impeding or hampering his deportation. United States District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
The defendant’s trial started Thursday and ended this afternoon with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 45 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that on Sept. 12, 2012 and Oct. 16, 2012, U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) brought the defendant to the Alexandria International Airport and attempted to put him on a commercial flight. The defendant began verbally and physically resisting officers, which prevented him from boarding the flight because of airline and Transportation Security Administration policies.
"The defendant’s actions showed that he had little respect for the law in this matter,” Finley stated. “His refusal to comply with lawful deportation orders on multiple occasions caused unnecessary cost to the taxpayers.”
Sat faces four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for each count. Sentencing has been set for Sept. 27, 2013.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. France and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. are prosecuting the case.Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Speaks to Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School StudentsRead the Press Release
Alexandria, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley visited with Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School students last week in Alexandria, La. Ms. Finley was the featured speaker at an event held on the evening of May 24, 2013 for young women who are members of “Girls With Purpose” and their mothers. The Mother and Daughter Tea of Excellence marked a successful year of membership and school involvement for the girls in attendance.
Girls With Purpose is a mentoring group for young women who attend Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School. The group meets weekly and promotes the values of a good education and self-esteem. Dr. Norvella Williams, the Principal of Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School, started the organization to encourage young girls to stay focused, excel academically, attend college and make good career choices.
United States Attorney Finley spoke to the girls and their mothers about her job as the chief law enforcement officer for the district and her local connection. Finley was born in Pineville and spent her formative years in the Cenla area, attending St. Frances Cabrini School and Pineville High School. She discussed challenges that all young people face. She encouraged the girls to reach for the stars and shared with them that if they work hard, make good grades and stay focused, they are bound to succeed.
“I am honored to be invited to speak to these young women,” Finley said. "My life has been filled with great teachers and mentors. This organization should be commended for their efforts to steer these young ladies in the right direction. I always try to meet with young people and encourage them to dream big and remind them that there is not anything they can’t do. We all can do a little to try to be positive influences. These children have so many distractions; anything that I can do or say to help them focus and assist these great educators, I am more than happy to do so.”
Jury Finds Ferriday Drug Traffickers Guilty of Meth Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a jury found Maurice T. Smith, 33, and Chavo T. Thomas, 30, both of Ferriday, La., guilty for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States Chief District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial. Both defendants face mandatory life sentences.
The trial started Tuesday and ended today with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for an hour and 20 minutes. The jury found that Smith and Thomas conspired with others to travel to California in October 2011 to buy methamphetamine. The defendants were arrested in Brookhaven, Miss., while traveling on a train with 2 pounds of pure methamphetamine intended to be sold in Ferriday.
“We commend the work of the law enforcement agencies who investigated this case,” Finley stated. “They were able to stop this shipment of illegal drugs before it could be sold in the Western District of Louisiana. I also want to thank the prosecutors who tried this case. My office will continue to prosecute these types of cases to the fullest extent of the law.”Smith and Thomas were arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Operation “Delta Blues” investigation. The FBI-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.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James G. Cowles Jr. and Seth Reeg prosecuted the case.Abbeville Drug Distribution Conspirator SentencedRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Jose Manuel Mojica-Echeverria, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to 24 months in prison plus three years supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Mojica-Echeverria and Ramon Guadalupe Aldama-Rodriguez, who were residing in Lafayette, conspired with two residents of Abbeville, Jesus Silverio Cervantes and Joel Sotomayor Cervantes, on June 13, 2010, to drive a truck loaded with 2 kilograms of cocaine and 360 grams of heroin to Baton Rouge. Aldama-Rodriguez drove the truck, and Mojica-Echeverria rode with him, while Jesus Silverio Cervantes and Joel Sotomayor Cervantes followed in another vehicle. Authorities stopped the truck during a traffic stop. Mojica-Echeverria pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2012.
“The successful prosecution of this case is a result local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together with our prosecutors to bring drug traffickers to justice,” Finley stated. “These defendants’ attempt to smuggle kilos of cocaine and heroin into the Acadiana region was foiled because of the hard work and dedication of the agencies involved and their commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Mojica-Echeverria was arrested as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The DEA, the Baton Rouge Police Department and the Vermillion Parish Sheriff’s Office participated in this OCDETF investigation.
The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson prosecuted the case.Two Houma Residents Sentenced for Prison EscapeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Craig Boudreaux, 34, and Perrine Santoy, 30, both of Houma, La., were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Dee D. Drell to six months in prison. Boudreaux was charged with escape from custody and Santoy with accessory after the fact. Each will also serve two years and one year of supervised release.
According to evidence provided at the guilty plea, Boudreaux was incarcerated at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, La., serving a 14-year prison sentence for a drug distribution charge. Boudreaux and Santoy started communicating online on Oct. 6, 2012. Shortly thereafter, Santoy picked Boudreaux up from the Federal Corrections Complex, Pollock Camp on Oct. 24, 2012. The two did not return by the mandated time. Penitentiary staff discovered that Boudreaux was missing and executed search procedures. Boudreaux turned himself in to authorities the next day. Santoy was arrested in December 2012.
Boudreaux and Santoy pleaded guilty on Feb. 7, 2013. Today’s sentence will run consecutive to the time remaining on Boudreaux’s prior term of incarceration. Boudreaux’ two years of supervised release will also run consecutive to the five years of supervised release he received for the drug charge.
The Biloxi Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals, FBI-Alexandria Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cytheria D. Jernigan and Robert J. France prosecuted the case.Shreveport/Bossier Real Estate Agents Sentenced for Predatory Home Sale PracticesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Scott Rister, 43, of Shreveport, and William Clay Goodwin, 43, of Bossier City, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to serve six months in prison and two years of supervised release for mail fraud. The judge also ordered them to pay $8,150 in restitution to victims of the scheme.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Rister and Goodwin worked together to arrange short sales of residential real estate in the Shreveport/Bossier area. They identified residential property owners whose homes were scheduled for foreclosure or in bankruptcy. Rister offered to arrange short sales for their homes and informed them that Goodwin would attempt to negotiate with the financial institution that held the mortgage to settle the outstanding mortgage. Rister also told the home owners that the home owners would not see a profit from the short sales, and added that Rister and Goodwin’s only compensation was a broker’s commission, which was typically 5 to 6 percent of the sales price. However, Rister and Goodwin included fees and liens on the HUD-1 settlement statements without the home owners’ knowledge, permission or consent. The fees and liens were listed in favor of LLCs created and owned by Rister and Goodwin.
“The defendants took advantage of those who were caught in tough financial situations,” Finley said. “They used their knowledge of the real estate industry to add extra costs without informing the customers involved of the charges. We hope this serves as a reminder to those who would exploit home owners that our office will continue to prosecute cases such as this to the fullest extent of the law.”
Rister pleaded guilty to the mail fraud count Oct. 30, 2012, and Goodwin pleaded guilty Jan. 15, 2013.The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell prosecuted the case.
Nigerian National Convicted for Resisting Deportation OrdersRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Emmanuel Nwankwo, 54, of Nigeria, was found guilty by a federal jury for impeding or hampering his deportation. U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell presided over the trial.
Nwankwo’s trial started Monday and ended this morning with the jury returning the guilty verdict after deliberating for 14 minutes. Witness testimony and documents admitted at trial revealed that U.S. Immigration Enforcement Agents (IEA) brought the defendant to the Alexandria International Airport on Dec. 11, 2012 and attempted to put him on a commercial flight. The defendant began yelling and physically resisting officers, which prevented him from boarding the flight because of airline and Transportation Security Administration policies.
Nwankwo faces four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for each count. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 13, 2013.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Cytheria D. Jernigan are prosecuting the case.Former School Board Member Sentenced for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that former DeSoto Parish School Board member Bartholomew Claiborne, 31, of Mansfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to one year and one day in prison and three years supervised release for distributing cocaine.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Claiborne distributed cocaine and other controlled substances on 14 separate occasions between Oct. 11, 2011 and July 12, 2012. Authorities used surveillance methods to observe Claiborne selling cocaine.“As an elected official, Bartholomew Claiborne swore to uphold the law, and by his own admission, failed to do so,” Finley stated. “He has failed the children and parents of the school board district where he served as a role model. We hope this case sends a message that public officials are not above the law. We will continue to prosecute those who violate federal laws. I would like to thank all of the federal, state and local agencies who participated in the investigation.”
Claiborne was the first to be indicted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) “Operation Limpiar Casa,” an operation targeting drug trafficking in the Mansfield area. The FBI, the DEA, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Mansfield Police Department and the Tri-Parish Task Force which includes DeSoto, Sabine and Red River parishes, participate in the OCDETF program and conducted the operation.
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.First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook prosecuted the case.
New Iberia Woman Sentenced to 26 Months in Prison for IRS Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Veta Thompson, 40, of New Iberia, La., was sentenced on May 17, 2013 by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote, to 26 months in prison with one year supervised release for filing claims with the IRS and receiving tax refunds she was not owed. Judge Foote also ordered her to pay $77,349.09 in restitution to the IRS.
According to evidence presented during the guilty plea, Thompson contacted the IRS on Jan. 15, 2008 and asked how overpayments were handled. From Jan. 15, 2008 until April 29, 2010, she submitted 386 payments to the IRS totaling $12,825,992.33. During the time she submitted the payments, she was aware of the fact that she had no tax liability and that no money was owed to her by the IRS. Thompson’s bank rejected her payments to the IRS because her account was closed or because of insufficient funds. Prior to the IRS becoming aware that the payments were drawn from closed or insufficient fund accounts, the IRS issued nine refund checks totaling $77,349.09. They were mailed to her home and were used for gambling related expenses.
“This defendant fraudulently obtained money that she was not entitled to receive,” Finley said. “Her dishonest conduct has resulted in significant jail time. This office will continue to prosecute those who abuse and violate the tax laws.”
The IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger prosecuted the case.
Desperado's Owners and Others Indicted on Racketeering Conspiracy and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. –United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Desperado’s Cabaret owner James “Jim” Panos, 55, of Broussard, La., was indicted on May 8, 2013 in a superseding indictment, along with nine others on racketeering conspiracy and drug charges.
James Panos was charged with four counts in the indictment unsealed yesterday. 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. Panos was charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premises and distribution of controlled substances, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The co-defendants charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy are:
- Jennifer “Nancy” Panos, 47, of Broussard; and
- Dipak Vora, 69, of Baton Rouge, La.
The co-defendants charged with one count of conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premises and distribution of controlled substances are:
- Jennifer “Nancy” Panos, 47, of Broussard;
- Elias “E.J.” White, 52, of Lafayette;
- Heike Slattery, 41, of Carencro;
- Crystal Sampy, 51, of Lafayette;
- Acquila Shanete “Sexy” Latigue, 27, of Lafayette;
- Gerald Cormier, 43, of Carencro;
- Tanja Clavier, 28, of Lafayette; and
- Lydia “Unique” Gauthreaux, 31, of Crowley.
The racketeering conspiracy charge carries penalties of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than twice the gross profits, and three years supervised release. The conspiracy to maintain a drug involved premises charge carries penalties of up to 20 or 30 years in prison, fines of up to $500,000 to $2 million, and supervised release of three to six years. James Panos faces five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number charge. He also faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for the possession of a firearm by a prohibited person charge. The defendants are scheduled to appear for arraignment on May 29, 2013.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The DEA, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police and Lafayette Metro Narcotics investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.
Western District of Louisiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Recognized at the Annual National Missing Children's Day Commemoration in Washington, D.C.Read the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley is proud to announce today that the U.S. Justice Department has recognized Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) John Luke Walker for his exemplary efforts to protect children. AUSA Walker is the recipient of the Child Protection Award at the annual National Missing Children’s Day commemoration held in Washington, D.C. today. The award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of citizens and law enforcement officers who have made a significant investigative or program contribution to protecting children from abuse or victimization. Walker is one of nine citizens and law enforcement officers from Louisiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Washington state to receive the award.
Walker serves as the Western District of Louisiana’s Project Safe Childhood Coordinator. He was the lead prosecutor and a driving force behind Operation Delego, the largest child exploitation case ever prosecuted by the Department. To date, his efforts have resulted in 44 convictions of Operation Delego targets. The defendants included a teacher, police officer and a member of the military. The convictions resulted in sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment and helped to successfully dismantle a network of individuals whose main objective was the production of hardcore child pornography involving children under the age of 12. Overseas child sex rings and commercial child pornography production rings were also dismantled as part of Operation Delego. As a result of Operation Delego, at least three child victims in the United States were identified.
In addition to his significant contributions during the prosecution of Operation Delego, Walker carries a full caseload of various other cases. Walker also teaches children and parents throughout the Western District of Louisiana about the dangers of online activity through Internet Safety presentations. During 2012, he provided more than 25 presentations and reached approximately 3,000 children and 500 adults.
“AUSA Walker is a committed lawyer, but it is his tireless work and dedication to the children of this community that led to his being named as a recipient of this award,” Finley stated. “Walker is most deserving of this recognition. Still, no one does any of this difficult work alone. He has a wonderful assistant, and outstanding state and local officers and federal agents who assist in these difficult cases. A special thank you goes out to all of them. The Western District of Louisiana is committed to protecting children from exploitation and abuse.”
Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25, 1983, the first National Missing Children’s Day to remember Etan Patz, a six-year-old boy who disappeared from a New York City street corner on May 25, 1979. Missing Children’s Day honors his memory and the memories of children still missing.
Project Safe Childhood is 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.
Two Georgia Men Plead Guilty to Gift Card SchemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Derrick Nathaniel Hartfield, age 45, of Smyrna, Ga., and Rico Carty Clemons, 47, of Riverdale, Ga., pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to taking part in a scheme to defraud Wal-Mart and other retail business nationwide out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through identity theft and wire fraud.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, Hartfield and Clemons admitted they used the illegally obtained retail store gift cards and applied for credit/debit cards using other peoples’ identities. Hartfield acknowledged during the entry of his guilty plea that he had advised law enforcement officers that he may have obtained approximately one million dollars in cash since 2005 as a result of the scheme. A Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy working a security detail at a Lake Charles Wal-Mart on July 7, 2012, apprehended the defendant Hartfield in the store. The officer then identified Clemons who was in a parked vehicle. The two men were in possession of thousands of dollars and numerous debit and credit cards that were not in their names.Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine, restitution, and five years of supervised release for pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud. Hartfield faces a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for pleading guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. A sentencing date has not been set.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett L. Grayson is prosecuting the case.Leesville Financial Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Failure to Pay Company Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Larry Wayne Bruce, 61, of Leesville, La., was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Richard T. Haik to serve five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for failing to pay corporate payroll taxes collected from Express Marketing Inc. (EMI) employees and for failure to pay his own personal taxes. Judge Haik also ordered Bruce to pay restitution in the amount of $190,783.96 to the owners of EMI and restitution in the amount of $294,070.98 to the IRS.
According to evidence presented during the guilty plea and sentencing, Bruce admitted to being responsible for not paying payroll taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service while working as the financial officer for EMI in Leesville from 2003 to 2007. Bruce admitted the owners relied on him to pay the payroll taxes withheld from EMI employee paychecks and also admitted to taking more than $190,000 in excess of his salary from EMI during the time he failed to pay the taxes. By Bruce not paying the payroll taxes collected from EMI’s employees, EMI realized a profit of approximately $1 million per year. Bruce embezzled part of this money, but also manipulated company documents and reports to make EMI seem more profitable than it really was by withholding these tax liabilities from the owners and banks.Because of Bruce’s conduct, the loss to the IRS exceeds $3 million. The loss represents payroll taxes taken from EMI employee checks for several years but never paid to the IRS or reported to Social Security or other agencies. EMI collected the taxes from employees and kept the money under Bruce’s management.
Bruce also pleaded guilty to another count of the pending indictment, where he admitted to not paying his personal taxes from 2005 until he left the company in 2007.“The owners and employees of EMI relied on the defendant to fulfill his responsibility as financial officer for the company,” Finley said. “When Bruce chose to ignore his duty to pay the payroll taxes, he caused significant loss of tax revenue to the United States government and loss of future Social Security or Medicare benefits for the employees, all while embezzling extra money for himself. Yesterday, the defendant was held accountable for his actions, and in the end, the sentence represents appropriate justice. Further motivated by his greed, Bruce also willfully violated tax laws when he failed to file his personal income taxes for several years.”
“Our office is committed to vigorously prosecuting those who intentionally violate the tax laws. This should serve as a reminder to anyone who refuses to play by the rules that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law; Mr. Bruce is now a convicted felon with a long prison term to serve.”
The IRS conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
Lafayette Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography Containing Images of InfantsRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Ray Hatton III, 30, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U. S. District Judge Richard T. Haik, to possessing child pornography involving some images of infants.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, law enforcement authorities used computer surveillance software which detected the defendant downloading child pornography. He used the internet file sharing program Limewire to download the files. Limewire is an internet peer to peer site used to trade files among members and is regularly used to distribute child pornography. After obtaining a warrant, authorities searched his residence on March 8, 2012, and seized the defendant’s computer. Hatton was found to have downloaded 10 movies of child pornography. Some of the pornography depicted infants and very young children.
Hatton faces a minimum of five years to a maximum of 20 years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. The Lafayette Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker is prosecuting the case. Hatton was indicted Dec. 11, 2012.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.
Denham Springs Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Attempted Possession of Child PornRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Brad Maruschak, 37, of Denham Springs, La., was sentenced to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik for attempted possession of child pornography. Maruschak is also required to complete five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Maruschak pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Maruschak contacted an individual who he thought was a 14-year-old girl in an online chat room in April 2010. The person chatting with Maruschak was in fact an undercover Louisiana State Police officer in Lafayette posing as a 14-year-old girl. From April to August, Maruschak took part in a series of sexually graphic communications and asked the 14-year-old girl for pictures.
“Unfortunately, the internet should not be the playground for predators. Child predators troll the internet looking for children so that they can lure them into abusive situations,” Finley said. “In this case, the defendant was apprehended before any children were abused. Hopefully, this case causes child predators to think twice before trying to connect to youths online. We will continue to prosecute these cases. The safety of the children in this community is a priority for the Western District.”The Louisiana State Police investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice launched 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 (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.U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western Disrict of Louisiana Observes National Police Week 2013: Honoring and Remembering Our Fallen Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
Shreveport/Lafayette/Alexandria/Lake Charles/Monroe, La. : Communities across the United States will come together during National Police Week - May 12th through May 18th - to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind. The U.S. Attorneys will be honoring local heroes at their offices.
“Law enforcement officers face the monumental challenge of protecting and serving the public every day,” stated U.S. Attorney Stephanie Finley. “They risk their lives for all of us, and the men and women of the Western District salute and remember them during National Police Week. We specifically remember those who have fallen while on duty and the legacy of service their sacrifice leaves.”This year, the names of 321 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These 321 officers include 120 officers who were killed during 2012, plus 201 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.
The fallen officers of 2012 include two members of the law enforcement community in the Western District of Louisiana. Deputy Sheriff Randall L. Benoit, age 41, of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, died in an automobile accident Jan. 18, 2012. He served for 18 years and is survived by his wife. Deputy Sheriff Ricky Ray Issac Jr., age 24, of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, died Dec. 8, 2012, in an automobile accident as well. He is survived by his wife and newborn son.
In order to assist local public safety officers in the work that they do, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Louisiana, offers safety and survival training to increase awareness of the hazards they encounter on a daily basis. Some of the training classes offered by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this year are “Use of Force,” “Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement,” “the Bullet Proof Mind,” and “Road Side Interview Techniques.” The remaining courses for 2013 focus on officer safety and survival, and they are offered at various times throughout the year. The course curriculum and sessions are overseen by the Western District’s Law Enforcement Coordinator, Michael Campbell, a former Chief of Police for the city of Shreveport. The Western District of Louisiana consists of 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, and the courses are open to federal, state, local, military and tribal offices.
“We have and will continue to offer officer safety and survival training to increase awareness of the hazards our public safety officers face on a daily basis,” Finley stated. “Our goal is for all public safety officers to return home to their families at the end of their shifts each and every day.”
The names of all 321 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., during the 25th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2013. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be webcast live over the Internet beginning at 8 p.m. (EDT) on May 13. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
U.S. Attorney to Deliver 2013 Commencement Address to Southern University Law Center GraduatesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley will be the keynote speaker for the 2013 Southern University Law Center (SULC) Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2013, in the F.G. Clark Activity Center on the Southern University Baton Rouge campus. During the day’s event, U.S. Attorney Finely will speak to 173 graduates receiving their juris doctorate degrees.
“I am honored that Southern University Law Center chose me to speak to these students,” Finley said. “They are the future leaders who will serve our communities. It seems like only yesterday that I was where they are. They are now armed with a great legal education, and I am confident that they will be great lawyers who will affect meaningful change in whatever area of law that they choose to practice. I am excited for them, but will emphasize how crucial this time of transition is, and how important it is for them to remember service as they begin the next phase of their lives.
A 1991 Cum Laude graduate of SULC, Finley was recommended by Senator Mary Landrieu and appointed by President Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2010, to serve as the top federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Louisiana. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 28, 2010, and took the oath of office on June 2, 2010, as the first woman appointed to serve as U.S. Attorney in the State of Louisiana.Finley is responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions occurring in 42 of the 64 parishes in the State for crimes ranging from acts of terrorism to public corruption, complex white collar crimes, investment schemes, organized crimes and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, child exploitation, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling, among other criminal activity. She is also charged with defending the United States in civil cases and collecting debts owed to the United States.
Prior to her appointment, she served as the Senior Litigation Counsel and the Acting Deputy Chief in the Lafayette office and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal divisions of the Shreveport and Lafayette offices of the Western District. Finley has prosecuted cases involving white collar crimes, violent crimes, civil rights, environmental crimes, drug trafficking, public corruption and tax evasion. She also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District in 1991-1992 and in the District of South Carolina in 1992-1995.
United States Attorney Finley previously served as a member of the Attorney General Advisory Committee (AGAC). The AGAC is responsible for advising the Attorney General on a broad array of Department of Justice policy issues. In addition to having served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, Finley continues to serve on a number of subcommittees and working groups under the AGAC.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1995, Finley was on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, stationed at England Air Force Base in Louisiana and Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. She currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves where she is a Judge Advocate assigned to the 8th Air Force Global Strike Command located at Barksdale Air Force Base. Prior to being at the 8th Air Force, she was assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing Judge Advocate General’s Office at Barksdale Air Force Base. Her duties as a JAG officer have included serving as a hearing officer for criminal cases and administrative discharge boards, working in the areas of contract and labor law and military justice as well as providing legal assistance services for active duty, reservists and dependants of the military.
U.S. Attorney Finley has served as the Criminal Bar Examiner and an Assistant Bar Examiner for the Louisiana Bar. She is the recipient of various awards recognizing her leadership and public service. Finley has been honored as a “Top 20 under 40” recipient, one of Lafayette’s “Women Who Mean Business,” a “Person of Excellence” recipient from the National Association of University Women, a Torchbearer’s Award recipient, Grambling State University’s Beacon Award recipient for public service and a public service award recipient at Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Regional Conference.
Finley is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Grambling State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and was selected as one of the nation’s distinguished graduates of the Reserve Officer Training Corps. She is a Cum Laude graduate of SULC where she received her Juris Doctorate in 1991 and was the editor-in-chief of the Southern University Law Review. In 2011, she was inducted into the Southern University Law Center Hall of Fame.
Southern University Law Center (SULC) is located in Baton Rouge, La. The law school was established in 1947. Today SULC has more than 3,000 alumni and is noted as one of the most diverse law schools in the country. In addition to daytime classes, SULC offers a part-time evening program with classes meeting on Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on Southern University Law Center visit www.sulc.edu.Two Defendants Sentenced for Involvement in International Criminal Network Organized to Sexually Exploit ChildrenRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a Canadian and a California man were sentenced by U.S. District Judge S. Maurice Hicks for their roles in an internet-based international criminal child pornography and sexual exploitation network called Dreamboard.
Paul Graham Fry, 55, of Ontario, Canada, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Fry joined Dreamboard Dec. 2, 2009, and posted 2,722 child pornography posts to the online bulletin board.
Kevin Casey, 40, of Palos Verdes, Calif., was sentenced to 60 months in prison and five years of supervised release. According to the evidence presented at the guilty plea, Casey joined Dreamboard April 27, 2010, and posted advertisements offering to distribute child pornography to other members of the board.
Dreamboard was a private, members-only, online bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection. Fry and Casey were charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011. The charges are the result of Operation Delego, an ongoing investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard.
A total of 72 individuals, including Fry and Casey, have been charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Forty-seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. Forty-four of the 48 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging from five years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities. Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.“Members of this board traded graphic images and videos of adults molesting young children – often violently; and created a massive private library of images of child sexual abuse. They encouraged, and incentivized, the creation of child pornography,” Finley said. “My office will continue to work with our federal, state and local partners and international counterparts to identify, investigate and apprehend those who prey on or exploit children. This work is a priority for the Western District of Louisiana, and I hope these sentences send another strong message that we will continue to vigorously prosecute this kind of activity to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. 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 as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.
The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who prey on children, including human traffickers, international sex tourists, Internet pornographers and foreign-national predators whose crimes make them deportable.ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.
Former Monroe City Councilman Robert "Red" Stevens Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Shreveport, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Robert E. “Red” Stevens, 61, former elected member of the City Council of Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today, to accepting cash bribe payments from an FBI cooperating witness in exchange for help with matters pending before the City Council. The guilty plea was entered in federal court in Shreveport before United States District Judge Donald E. Walter.
Stevens was indicted in 2010 and charged with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, more commonly known as RICO, and the Hobbs Act, which involves extortion by a public official. During today’s court appearance, Stevens pleaded guilty to the RICO violation; pursuant to a plea agreement with the government, the Hobbs Act count will be dismissed after sentencing.
Stevens admitted in court filings that on three separate occasions in 2008 and 2009, he accepted cash bribe payments from a Monroe businessman who was working as a cooperating witness under the direction of the FBI. The payments were in exchange for Stevens’ assistance with matters pending before the City Council.
Stevens faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Sentencing in federal court is governed by the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the discretion of the sentencing judge. Sentencing is scheduled for September 26, 2013.
The case was investigated by the FBI-Monroe Resident Agenc and is being prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Counsel to the U.S. Attorney William J. Flanagan.
Ball Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography PossessionRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Alexander MacIver, 23, of Ball, La., pleaded guilty before U. S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to possessing child pornography on his computer.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, authorities discovered more than 10 images of child pornography and one video on MacIver’s laptop, after authorities executed a search warrant of his home on July 18, 2011. The images and video involved minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. MacIver admitted to downloading the material off the internet.
MacIver faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 12, 2013. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Lafayette investigations unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James T. McManus 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 can be submitted to ICE investigators online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp.
Branch Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Intellectual PropertyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Glenn J. Soileau, 64, of Branch, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill to illegally accessing a computer which held valuable copyright protected oilfield intellectual property, to include diagrams, product designs, schematics and oil exploration related materials.
According to the Stipulated Factual Basis at the guilty plea, Soileau admitted that he used a portable USB storage device to access his former employer’s computers at Applied Electronic Systems and Sondex, which are both located in Broussard, La., and subsidiaries of General Electric Oil and Gas (GE). Soileau downloaded more than 3,700 files containing pictures, diagrams and other information relating to tools and equipment used in oilfield exploration work. He then brought the information to his new employer at Advanced Electronic Services, and they used the information for work done at Advanced Electronic Services. After being questioned by GE security staff, Soileau admitted to taking the computer files and providing them to his new employer. FBI agents linked Soileau to the computers used in the theft through the USB.Soileau faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for the count of unauthorized access to a protected computer. Sentencing was set for Sept. 13, 2013, in Lafayette. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Namie P. Myers is prosecuting the case.
“Theft of intellectual property information is a growing problem in our country,” Finley stated. “We are primarily seeing it here in the oil and gas industry, but it occurs in many other industries. Intellectual Property theft hurts everyone, not just companies, and our office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who violate these laws. On the eve of World IP Day, this prosecution should serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to profit by stealing the intellectual property of others.”
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images and designs used in commerce. World IP Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to be celebrated every April 26th in order to promote the discussion of IP in encouraging innovation and creativity. The entire U.S. economy relies on some form of IP, because virtually every industry either produces it or uses it. American IP-intensive industries directly accounted for 27.1 million American jobs or 18.8 percent of all employment in the economy in 2010.Intellectual property (IP) theft is an ongoing problem, and the Department of Justice’s Task Force on Intellectual Property, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), and other government and private organizations work to fight IP theft. Citizens can help stop IP theft by not purchasing ‘knock-offs,’ pirated media or other counterfeit goods. To find out more about IP theft the public is encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/dag/iptaskforce, www.iprcenter.gov and www.ncpc.org/topics/intellectual-property-theft.
Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney Speaks at Local CollegeRead the Press Release
Lafayette/Alexandria/Lake Charles, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley recently visited local colleges within the Western District of Louisiana. On April 9, 2013, U.S. Attorney Finley spoke to the Criminal Justice Society at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Louisiana College Criminal Law Class on April 16, 2013, and the Juvenile Delinquency Class at McNeese State University on April 18, 2013.
Finley spoke to the students about her job as the chief law enforcement officer for 42 of the 64 parishes in the state of Louisiana and explained the daily work that she and her staff undertake in overseeing the investigation and litigation of all criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States. U.S. Attorney Finley discussed with the students what is involved in prosecuting criminal activity to include terrorism, public corruption, complex white collar crime, investment schemes, organized crime and gang activities, civil rights, internet-related crimes, drug trafficking, firearms violations, violent crimes, environmental crimes, tax evasion, illegal immigration and alien smuggling and representing the United States in civil actions.
During her visits, the Louisiana educated U.S. Attorney encouraged students to reach for the stars, but also cautioned them about the pitfalls that prevent young people from reaching their goals, to include social media and allowing others to negatively influence their lives. Finley told the students that hard work and good grades are the best preparation for success, and she reminded them that they are the future of our nation.“I am honored to be invited by the faculty of these universities to speak to their students,” Finley said. “I have been extremely blessed. My life has been filled with great teachers, mentors, and wonderful parents. Now, I’ve got to pay it forward because the future leaders of our country are in those classrooms. Some of these kids just need a nudge; they just need some encouragement to know that the achievement of their dreams can happen. This is just a little something that I can do to assist in that process.”
For more information on the Western District of Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Office, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
U.S. Attorney Speaks to American Legion Vermilion Post 29 VeteransRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La.: United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley was the guest speaker at a special event on April 17, 2013, hosted by the American Legion Vermilion Post 29. The American Legion Vermilion Post 29 held the event to honor women veterans.
During the night’s event, Comrade Jeffery Cessac was presented with the Blue Cap Award by Post 29 Commander Willie Hymel. The Legionnaire Blue Cap Award is a prestigious achievement presented to members with years of service in the Legion. The honor recognizes those who exemplify a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and servitude. Comrade Cessac served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967 during the Vietnam War. He is also a member of the Lions Club, Woodmen of the World and Knights of Columbus.
United States Attorney Finley thanked the veterans for their service and shared how much her career as both the U.S. Attorney and as an officer in the U.S. Air Force had been shaped by the military. Finley reminded those in attendance that they must continue to share their stories of service because they are examples and mentors for future generations. She applauded Post 29 for the work that they are doing to include more women and younger veterans. Among the veterans present were two female veterans who served in Vietnam and during Iraqi Freedom.
“As an officer in the United States Air Force, I am very aware of how lucky we are to have the veterans in our communities and am passionate about recognizing their service,” Finley said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the men and women who serve and have served our nation and safeguarded our freedoms.”
This event is the first of its kind for Post 29, but Commander Willie Hymel and Thomas Thompson, the Judge Advocate for Vermilion Post 29 and a former Assistant United States Attorney, hopes it will not be the last. Commander Willie Hymel served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961-1966 and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1973-2003. Judge Advocate Thomas Thompson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-1975.
The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans' service organization with a membership of 2.4 million men and women. All veterans of honorable service during a wartime period, and those currently serving on active duty, are eligible to join the American Legion. Congress chartered the American Legion in 1919 as a veterans service organization. The Legion’s primary goal is to protect veteran’s benefits. The American Legion continues to fight for a variety of veteran causes, to include a strong veterans health care system and a strong quality of life for U.S. military members and their families, and although it has an international presence, the Legion is very much a community-based service organization. Among the programs conducted regularly are community Veterans Day and Memorial Day observations, Blue Star Salutes honoring local military families and supportive businesses, American Legion Baseball, Junior Shooting Sports, a High School Oratorical Contest and American Legion Boys State and Nation. The American Legion is one of the nation's largest supporters of Scouting and the largest single donor organization of blood to the American Red Cross. Members of local American Legion posts provide volunteer funeral details to render military honors for fallen comrades. It’s Child Welfare Foundation donates over a quarter of a million dollars each year to worthy children and youth programs and the Legion's National Emergency Fund provides immediate financial assistance to fellow Legionnaires and their families displaced by natural disasters. Legionnaires record over a million volunteer-hours annually in VA medical facilities throughout the nation and they reinvest millions of dollars back into local communities through cash donations.If you are interested in joining a local American Legion Post or are interested in other veterans issues, you can find information on the American Legion website at www.legion.org to locate a Post nearest to you. The American Legion Vermilion Post 29 is located in Abbeville, La., and can be reached at (337) 893-5366 or through their website at www.vermilionpost29.com.
Lafayette Medical Clinic Owner Pleads Guilty to Bogus Prescription Drug SchemeRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Gloria Adams, 63, of LaPlace, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Patrick J. Hanna for her part in a conspiracy to sell and fill prescriptions without doctor supervision.
According to the Stipulated Factual Basis at the guilty plea, Adams, who is not a doctor, opened Essential Medical Center (EMC) in Lafayette November 2005. 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 using $15, 917 in proceeds derived from the illegal sale of controlled substances to engage in a monetary transaction through a financial institution.
Adams pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful dispensing of controlled substances and one count of money laundering. Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Adams is scheduled to appear Aug. 8, 2013, for sentencing before U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth E. Foote in Lafayette. Adams was indicted with co-defendants Dr. Kasimu Moody, Dr. Toland Ash, and Patrick Smith on May 12, 2011.The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)/Office of Diversion Control and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy is prosecuting the case.
Monroe Lawyer Pleads Guilty to False Tax Claim ChargeRead the Press Release
MONROE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that lawyer Francis C. Broussard, 53, of West Monroe, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert G. James Friday to 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.
According to the Stipulated Factual Basis in the plea agreement, Broussard, who has been licensed to practice law in Louisiana since 1986, had his accountant prepare his 2005 through 2007 tax returns, but the defendant never filed them. Broussard did present the documents to various financial institutions in efforts to obtain personal loans and other types of financing. In 2009, the defendant went to a different tax preparer to have his personal tax returns prepared for 2005 through 2008. The defendant brought already-prepared federal tax returns along with a separate piece of paper with a set of numbers on it. The defendant instructed the preparer to use the set of numbers on Forms 1099-Original Issue Discount (OID) and on the Schedule B, Interest Income section of the form. The defendant’s fraudulent claim is based on the OID interest income. Broussard claimed that he received Forms 1099-OID from four banks. All four banks denied they issued any forms to Broussard for his tax returns.Additionally, the Stipulated Factual Basis states that IRS agents interviewed Broussard in February 2009 regarding the tax returns he submitted for 2005, 2006, and 2008. The 2007 false return reflecting a multi-million dollar return was mailed after IRS agents contacted the defendant. Broussard did not receive the requested refunds.
Broussard faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for the false claim count.
The IRS criminal investigations unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cytheria D. Jernigan is prosecuting the case.
Dooley Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Felony Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Thomas R. Dooley Jr., 28, of Webster, La., was sentenced on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Maurice S. Hicks to 10 years in federal prison and three years supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon to be served after completion of his state prison term.
According to courtroom testimony, Dooley stole a .22 caliber handgun and used it to rob a Haughton, La., business on May 20, 2011. Haughton Police responded and stopped Dooley’s vehicle, but Dooley then sped away leading authorities on a high-speed chase. During the chase, Dooley fired his weapon at a pursuing officer, attempted to ram a Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office vehicle, and caused another vehicle to crash. After turning down a dead-end road, Dooley lost control of his truck and his vehicle ran into a tree. Then, he fled on foot. The handgun was found in his truck with all nine rounds fired. Dooley was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Dooley entered a guilty plea on July 23, 2012, in the 26th Judicial District Court, Bossier and Webster parishes, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Nov. 20, 2012, for attempted first degree murder of a peace officer and armed robbery.
Dooley pleaded guilty to the federal charge on Dec. 12, 2012. Dooley’s 10-year federal sentence is to be served consecutive to the state court sentence, and the federal sentence begins to be served after he completes his 40-year state court sentence.
“The defendant put citizens and law enforcement officers in harm’s way during the high-speed chase,” Finley stated. “Possessing a firearm by a convicted felon is illegal, and our office will continue to prosecute these cases. We hope these sentences send a message that this type of crime will not be tolerated.”
The Haughton Police Department, Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Shreveport office of the ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. prosecuted the case.
Lake Charles Doctor Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Dr. Lynn E. Foret, 63, of Lake Charles, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Richard T. Haik to defrauding Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies out of close to $1 million.
According to the bill of information, 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 $948,249.11. 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.
Foret faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and three years of supervised release for the count of heath care fraud. A sentencing date has not been set.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) of the Louisiana State Attorney General’s Office, FBI, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly P. Uebinger is prosecuting the caseLafayette Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Mark Anthony Slade, 55, of Lafayette, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U. S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to knowingly receiving child pornography on his computer.
According to court documents, local and federal law enforcement authorities using computer surveillance software detected the defendant downloading child pornography. He used the internet file sharing program Limewire to download the files. After obtaining a warrant, authorities searched his residence Oct. 29, 2010, and seized the defendant’s computer. Slade was found to have downloaded 10 movies of child pornography. Some of the pornography depicted prepubescent children.
Slade faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Sentencing has been set for Sept. 13, 2013. The Lafayette Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and Daniel J. McCoy are prosecuting the case.This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations/Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
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.Member of Vermilion Parish Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Francisco “Pancho” Delgado-Galaviz, 36, of Mexico and a member of a drug trafficking organization based out of Vermilion Parish, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote to 10 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
Delgado-Galaviz, and 11 co-defendants were indicted in June of 2009 on a variety of drug trafficking and firearms charges, along with unlawful use of communication facilities. The Stipulated Factual Basis entered into by both parties at the time of the guilty plea revealed that this drug trafficking organization was responsible for the movement and sale of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into the United States and distribution throughout the Acadiana area. Delgado-Galaviz and his co-conspirators possessed and distributed kilos of methamphetamine and cocaine. The defendant admitted that he, along with another co-conspirator, was a decision maker in the organization. Their source of supply was from Arizona, but they developed a secondary source of supply for this conspiracy in Houston. The defendant’s couriers were often armed with weapons while transporting the illegal substances. Delgado-Galaviz acknowledged that he was specifically responsible for the distribution of approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 5 kilograms of cocaine. He is the last of 11-co-defendants to be sentenced.
“The arrests and convictions in this case resulted in the elimination of large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine being distributed from Mexico into the Western District of Louisiana,” Finley said. “The agencies involved in this case worked tirelessly to investigate and remove these dangerous criminals and drugs from our streets. My office, along with our federal, state and local partners, will continue in their efforts to bring drug dealers to justice.”
The Lafayette Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Post of Duty, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafayette Metro Narcotics Task Force investigated the case. United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley prosecuted the case.Lafayette Businessman Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – The day after the annual tax filing deadline United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced that Gary M. Scott, 61, of Lafayette, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote on one count of tax evasion to two years in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $362,961.65 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service(IRS) in unpaid taxes.
According to the Stipulated Factual Basis in the plea agreement, Scott earned more than $2.4 million in gross receipts between 2004 and 2009, and failed to file timely tax returns for those years. In an attempt to avoid paying his tax liability and evade assessment of future income taxes, Scott intentionally hid assets and went to great lengths to remove those assets out of his name. He cashed checks totaling approximately $722,000 at local check cashing stores. Scott received wire transfers from customers into a bank account established under a third party’s name. The third party stated that Scott told him he needed a third party to open a bank account because Scott owed money to the IRS.
Each year, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country work with the IRS to enforce the nation’s tax laws.
“Our office will continue to prosecute those who intentionally violate tax laws. Internal Revenue Service agents and federal prosecutors are working together to protect the public and hold violators accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Finley.The U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted cases for Failure to Report Income, “Structuring” to Hide Income, Fraudulent Tax Preparers, and Stolen Identity Refund Fraud.
“The defendant attempted to hide income from the IRS in order to avoid paying taxes,” Finley said. “His actions were a willful violation of tax laws. This should serve as a reminder to those who refuse to play by the rules that they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The term voluntary compliance means that each of us is responsible for filing a tax return when required and for paying the correct amount of tax,” according to IRS Criminal Investigation’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Damon Rowe. “That responsibility should not be taken lightly. Mr. Gary Scott chose to ignore his duty to file and pay taxes and is now a convicted felon with a prison term to serve.”
The IRS office of criminal investigations in New Orleans conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard Parker prosecuted the case.
Two Defendants Plead Guilty to Involvement in International Criminal Network Organized to Sexually Exploit ChildrenRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that two additional defendants pleaded guilty Thursday for their involvement in an international criminal network organized to sexually exploit children in connection with their participation in the Dreamboard child exploitation operation. United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks presided over the hearing.
Christopher Blackford, 28, of Charleston, S.C., pleaded guilty to participating in a child exploitation enterprise and faces 20 years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years supervised release. According to the stipulated factual basis contained in the plea agreement, Blackford joined Dreamboard Dec. 29, 2009, and placed 84 online bulletin board posts containing child pornography.William Davis, 39, of Bristol, N.H., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and faces 15 to 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release for his part in the Dreamboard child exploitation operation. According to the stipulated factual basis contained in the plea agreement, during his time on Dreamboard, Davis posted advertisements offering to distribute child pornography to other members of the board.
Sentencing has been set for July 29, 2013.Blackford and Davis were charged in an indictment unsealed on Aug. 3, 2011. The charges are the result of Operation Delego, an ongoing investigation launched in December 2009 that targeted individuals around the world for their participation in Dreamboard. Dreamboard was a private, members-only, online bulletin board that was created and operated to promote pedophilia and encourage the sexual abuse of very young children in an environment designed to avoid law enforcement detection.
A total of 72 individuals, including Blackford and Davis, have been charged as a result of Operation Delego. To date, 57 of the 72 charged defendants have been arrested in the United States and abroad. Forty-seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and one was convicted after trial. Forty-two of the 48 individuals who have pleaded guilty or found guilty for their roles in the conspiracy have been sentenced to prison and have received sentences ranging between 10 years to life in prison. Three defendants have received life sentences, including one who was convicted at trial. Fifteen of the 72 charged individuals remain at large and are known only by their online identities. Efforts to identify and apprehend these individuals continue. Operation Delego represents the largest prosecution to date in the United States of individuals who participated in an online bulletin board conceived and operated for the sole purpose of promoting child sexual abuse, disseminating child pornography and evading law enforcement.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. 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 as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Keith Becker of CEOS. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The investigation was conducted by ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, the Child Exploitation Section of ICE’s Cyber Crime Center, CEOS, CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit and 35 ICE offices in the United States and 11 ICE attaches offices in 13 countries around the world, with assistance provided by numerous local and international law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world.
The investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide ICE initiative to identify, investigate and arrest those who prey on children, including human traffickers, international sex tourists, Internet pornographers and foreign-national predators whose crimes make them deportable.ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators. Tips or other information can also be submitted to ICE online at www.ice.gov/exec/forms/hsi-tips/tips.asp. Tips may be reported anonymously.