Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –GEOURVON SEARS (“SEARS”), age 27, was sentenced on January 16, 2025 by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 111 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

According to court documents, on June 6, 2024, New Orleans Police Department officers executed a search warrant at SEARS’s residence.  Officers recovered SEARS’s backpack, which contained methamphetamine, tapentadol, and marijuana that SEARS intended to sell.  Officers also recovered two loaded firearms—a Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco semi-automatic pistol and a Norinco Model SKS rifle—that SEARS possessed, in furtherance of his possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 16, 2025, TYRAN ADAMS (“ADAMS”), age 34, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to possession, with intent to distribute, tapentadol.

According to court documents, ADAMS, was arrested on June 18, 2024, for possession of 200 tablets of tapentadol.  ADAMS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  He is scheduled for sentencing on April 24, 2025.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Orleans Gang Task Force.  Special Assistant United States Attorney James Ollinger and Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICARDO JORDAN (“JORDAN”), age 21, of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on January 16, 2025 before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to three counts of Distribution of Fentanyl and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

As to each count, JORDAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  JORDAN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each count.

Sentencing in this matter is set for April 10, 2025.

According to court documents, on August 3, August 10, and September 19, 2023, JORDAN sold forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl to an undercover Louisiana State Police Trooper.  On September 28, 2023, Louisiana State Police and Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at JORDAN’s Covington residence where they recovered approximately 101 grams of fentanyl.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the

Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVIN HILLIARD (“HILLIARD”), age 49, of New Orleans, pled guilty on before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, to selling drugs and possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Sentencing is set for April 24, 2025.

According to court documents, HILLARD was engaged in drug trafficking in the New Orleans area and was apprehended carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. 

HILLIARD faces up to life imprisonment on the charges, a fine of up to $1,000,000, followed by up to five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of three hundred dollars. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 15, 2025, U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced DONTE EDWARDS (“EDWARDS”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, to 27 months imprisonment.  

According to  court documents, EDWARDS and co-defendant, Carlos Jones, were charged in an 11-count indictment with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act relating to narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses in New Orleans from January through June 2022.  Specifically, EDWARDS pled guilty to Counts 1 and 7 of the indictment that charged him with violating 21 U.S.C. § 846, conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, controlled substances (crack) and 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  Due to previous his felony convictions, EDWARDS is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 16, 2025, U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced BRIAN WARD (“WARD”), age 30, to 30 months imprisonment, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, on January 7, 2024, WARD was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department following a physical altercation between WARD and another man in the 300 block of Bourbon Street.  During the altercation, WARD produced a firearm he possessed and shot at the man.  After WARD’s arrest, his firearm, a Taurus Model PTl40 G2, .40 caliber pistol, was recovered near a van where WARD had hidden it.  Additionally, law enforcement recovered a spent .40-caliber shell casing from the scene that matched the gun recovered.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TRAVIS JORDAN (“JORDAN”), age 39, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on January 17, 2025 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). 

Specifically, JORDAN was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, on February 18, 2024, JORDAN was denied entry into the Saint Bar in Orleans Parish due to his intoxication.  In response, JORDAN instigated an altercation with an employee and a firearm fell from his waistband.  As JORDAN reached for the firearm,  other employees, who witnessed the altercation, seized and secured the firearm.  They then restrained JORDAN until the police arrived.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case    was prosecuted by AssistantUnited States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit   .

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHI GANG ZHENG (“ZHENG”), age 55, a Chinese national residing in New Orleans, was sentenced on January 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe.

According to court documents, ZHENG was sentenced to 27 months of imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty, to making false statements under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding (18 U.S.C. § 152(2), possession with intent to distribute marijuana (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm (18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8)).

ZHENG is a Chinese national who illegally entered the United States in 1991.  Although he was  ordered removed, the government of China declined to facilitate his removal, causing him to remain in the United States illegally.  In July 2018, ZHENG filed a petition for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in which he falsely stated that he did not own any firearms, significant jewelry, or other assets.  Thereafter, the United States Trustee determined that numerous Chapter 7 bankruptcy documents submitted by ZHENG were fraudulent.  Further, the Trustee located unreported assets, including numerous firearms.  ZHENG admitted ownership of those firearms and learned he was prohibited to possess firearms due to his immigration status.  In September 2023, members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office saw ZHENG conduct a drug transaction. Subsequent searches of ZHENG’s vehicle, residence and his arrest yielded, in combination, approximately 51 kilograms of marijuana as well as a firearm, which was prohibited due to his immigration status.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security/Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight, Chief of the Criminal Division.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MAURICE FLORANT (“FLORANT”), age 34, formerly a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 180 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  The sentence, 180 months, is the maximum statutory sentence allowed.  Judge Barbier also ordered that FLORANT be placed on supervised release for three (3) years following his release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Court documents reveal that on September 5, 2022, FLORANT, a convicted felon, and another unknown individual, were seen on a home video camera shooting at two individuals with two pistols while driving in New Orleans in a stolen vehicle.  Four days later, FLORANT was seen in a different stolen vehicle by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies but fled when they   attempted to stop him.  A high-speed chase ensued that ended when FLORANT crashed into an exterior air conditioning unit of an apartment complex.  FLORANT ran from deputies but was eventually arrested.  A Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, .556 caliber pistol, and a CZ Scorpion Model EVO 3 S1, nine-millimeter pistol were recovered from the stolen car FLORANT was driving.  Ballistic testing revealed that the shell casings found at the scene of the shooting matched the shell casings from the pistols found in the stolen car FLORANT was driving.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted JPSO and the New Orleans Police Department in the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

United States Attorney Evans praised work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit handled the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – KEVIN LADAY (“LADAY”), age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  Specifically, LADAY was sentenced to seventy months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

As part of “Operation Big Easy,” agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives identified individuals who were involved in trafficking firearms within the City of New Orleans.  Agents conducted an undercover purchase of firearms from LADAY between August 30, 2023, and October 26, 2023.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DONALD MILLER a/k/a “Duck,”(“ MILLER”), age 43, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride.  MILLER was sentenced to seventy-eight months imprisonment, four years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, MILLER and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  During the investigation, law enforcement, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty (40) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, nearly $700,000.00 in cash, and other property.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office and was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS –The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced that RYAN J. HARRIS, a/k/a “Red,” (“HARRIS”), age 36, of New Orleans, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to a three-count superseding bill of information.

Count One charged him with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349.  Count Two charged him with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and 2.  Count Three charged him with causing death through the use of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j) and 2.

According to court filings, HARRIS admitted to acting as a “slammer” in a scheme in which he and his co-conspirators intentionally staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  As a slammer, HARRIS drove automobiles and intentionally collided them with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles in order to stage these collisions.  After the collisions, the slammers fled the scene, and a passenger would falsely claim to have been the driver during the collision.  Thereafter, the passengers, who had been recruited to be part of the scheme, would file false insurance claims.  HARRIS then referred these passengers to attorneys, also a part of the scheme, who then filed fraudulent lawsuits on the passengers’ behalf.  HARRIS also admitted to aiding and abetting in the murder of a cooperating federal witness, Cornelius Garrison.  Garrison, a slammer who had been covertly cooperating with federal agents since October 2019 regarding the staged automobile collision scheme, was shot outside of his home in New Orleans on September 22, 2020.

As to each of Counts One and Two, HARRIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  As to Count Three, HARRIS faces a maximum term of life imprisonment or death, a fine of up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any person, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  As set forth in the plea agreement in this matter, HARRIS and the government agreed to a total sentence of 35 years in prison, pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.  Judge Vitter scheduled HARRIS’s sentencing for September 23, 2025.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Field Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman; and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren of the U.S. Department of Justice - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CLIFTON C. JAMES (“JAMES”), age 50, of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 15, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo to making false statements, theft of government funds, and money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). He also pled guilty to false tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service.

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The two primary sources of funding for small businesses were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program.         

According to the charging documents, or about April 30, 2020, JAMES, on behalf of a business that he owned, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain a $86,800 PPP loan.  On or about July 13, 2020, JAMES stole $149,900 from the SBA by using a false application in the name of Crescent City Tax Services, LLC.  JAMES then committed money laundering by using these ill-gotten funds to buy an automobile from a dealership in California.  Lastly, JAMES filed a false document with the Internal Revenue Service wherein he claimed to have earned $1.00 in a 2019 tax return.

At his sentencing on April 23, 2025, JAMES faces up to five years in prison for each individual charge of making  false statements and  for filing the false tax document.  He also faces up to ten years in prison for each individual charge of  money laundering and the theft of government funds.  Each charge, individually, also carries a penalty of up to a $250,000  fine, up to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force.  The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response.  The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.  The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program.  Task force agents who are detailed to the PRAC receive expanded authority to investigate pandemic fraud as well as tools and training to support their investigations.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EVIN ENRIQUE FUNEZ CRUZ (FUNEZ CRUZ”), age 22, a native of Honduras, was charged in a bill of information on January 15, 2025, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1).

According to court documents, FUNEZ CRUZ, a Honduran national, was apprehended in St. Tammany Parish on or around January 6, 2025.  He had been previously deported to Honduras on June 21, 2024.

If convicted, FUNEZ CRUZ faces a maximum penalty of ten years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

Bollinger Shipyard LLC (Bollinger), a Lockport, Louisiana, based company, has agreed to pay $1,025,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Coast Guard for labor provided by workers who were not eligible to work in the United States.  

Bollinger manufactures ships for the United States, including the Coast Guard’s Fast Response Cutter (FRC). The United States alleged that, from 2015-2020, Bollinger knowingly billed the Coast Guard for labor prohibited under the FRC contracts. Specifically, the United States alleged that Bollinger was contractually required to confirm that its employees were eligible to work in the United States. The United States further alleges that Bollinger failed to comply with this requirement and, as a result, several ineligible employees worked on the contract.  Further, the United States alleged that Bollinger billed the Coast Guard for the labor provided by the ineligible employees and received payment for those bills.

“It is essential to the safety and operational readiness of our fleet that contractors comply with all contractual requirements,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those who knowingly disregard their contractual obligations.”

“Companies that conduct business with the United States are required to do so in a legitimate manner,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of these False Claims Act allegations illustrates the collaboration and commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”

“Today’s settlement sends a clear message that contractors providing services to DHS programs will be held accountable for breaking the law,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D. of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “DHS’ Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize protecting our national security from these kinds of schemes.”

“The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) is committed to continually working with all our law enforcement partners to protect and secure taxpayer funds and aggressively act to fully investigate allegations of false claims involving the Coast Guard,” said Assistant Director William Hicks of CGIS.

Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Lee Sears for the Eastern District of Louisiana handled the matter.  

DHS OIG and CGIS assisted in the investigation.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 8, 2025, the U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced GERNELL HANKTON (“HANKTON”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, to 135-months imprisonment.    As to Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment against him, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), HANKTON was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment per count, to run concurrently.  As to Count 3, charging him with making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6) and 924(a)(2), The Court sentenced HANKTON to a term of imprisonment of 15 months imprisonment which runs consecutive to the 120 months imposed in Counts 1 and 2.

Following imprisonment, HANKTON will also be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years.  HANKTON was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.

According to court records, on July 20, 2019, HANKTON was involved in a hit and run vehicular accident when he struck an occupied vehicle in the drive-thru of the McDonald’s restaurant located at 2856 Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. When the victim exited his vehicle, HANKTON and the victim argued. HANKTON then drove away and ran over the victim’s girlfriend’s foot with his truck. HANKTON also struck a security guard who was standing in parking lot.

The victim pursued HANKTON’s truck and called 911.  Upon reaching a nearby intersection, HANKTON exited his truck, brandished and fired a .40 caliber firearm approximately seven (7) times at the vehicle occupied by the victim. The victim, however, was not injured.

On August 7, 2019, members of the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) located HANKTON’s truck in the 1800 block of Laurel Street.  A black firearm was positioned on the floorboard of the truck. HANKTON was observed exiting a nearby residence and was arrested. NOPD obtained a search warrant for HANKTON’s truck, and seized the Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol. Ballistic analysis of the firearm and the seven (7) casings recovered from the scene of the shooting confirmed it was the same firearm discharged by HANKTON.

On August 8, 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was notified of an attempted straw purchase of a firearm from the Gurvich Detective Agency, a federal firearms licensee.   Gurvich records revealed that HANKTON’s then-girlfriend, purchased a Century Arms, Model C39V2 classic pistol and unsuccessfully attempted to pick up the firearm from Gurvich.  Later, HANKTON arrived at Gurvich asking for the pistol on behalf of his girlfriend. HANKTON was instructed to have the original purchaser complete the ATF 4473 form.

Days later, HANKTON returned to Gurvich with an ATF 4473 form that he claimed had been completed by his girlfriend as purchaser of the weapon.  HANKTON was informed a second time that only A.S. could receive the firearm because she was the listed purchaser on the ATF 4473 form.  Days later, a Gurvich employee contacted HANKTON’s girlfriend.  When contacted by a Gurvich employee, HANKTON’s girlfriend admitted that she was not the purchaser of the firearm.  Thereafter, HANKTON admitted he was the real purchaser and had made a false statement on the ATF 4473 form to get the pistol.  However, HANKTON was not allowed to legally possess, or purchase this weapon since he was a convicted felon

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.

Bollinger Shipyard LLC (Bollinger), a Lockport, Louisiana, based company, has agreed to pay $1,025,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the U.S. Coast Guard for labor provided by workers who were not eligible to work in the United States.  

Bollinger manufactures ships for the United States, including the Coast Guard’s Fast Response Cutter (FRC). The United States alleged that, from 2015-2020, Bollinger knowingly billed the Coast Guard for labor prohibited under the FRC contracts. Specifically, the United States alleged that Bollinger was contractually required to confirm that its employees were eligible to work in the United States. The United States further alleges that Bollinger failed to comply with this requirement and, as a result, several ineligible employees worked on the contract.  Further, the United States alleged that Bollinger billed the Coast Guard for the labor provided by the ineligible employees and received payment for those bills.

“It is essential to the safety and operational readiness of our fleet that contractors comply with all contractual requirements,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those who knowingly disregard their contractual obligations.”

“Companies that conduct business with the United States are required to do so in a legitimate manner,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of these False Claims Act allegations illustrates the collaboration and commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”

“Today’s settlement sends a clear message that contractors providing services to DHS programs will be held accountable for breaking the law,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D. of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “DHS’ Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and our law enforcement partners will continue to prioritize protecting our national security from these kinds of schemes.”

“The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) is committed to continually working with all our law enforcement partners to protect and secure taxpayer funds and aggressively act to fully investigate allegations of false claims involving the Coast Guard,” said Assistant Director William Hicks of CGIS.

Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Lee Sears for the Eastern District of Louisiana handled the matter.  

DHS OIG and CGIS assisted in the investigation.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

 NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENNIS MICHAEL PEYROUX (“PEYROUX”), age 57, of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on January 8, 2025 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for over the counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 test kits that were not requested or otherwise ineligible for reimbursement.

According to court documents, starting in November 2022, PEYROUX conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary information, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and clearly fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and “requesting” OTC COVID-19 test kits, that PEYROUX used to bill Medicare for test kits through his chiropractic clinic.  PEYROUX then misappropriated the credentials of a former nurse practitioner who worked for him and falsely listed the nurse practitioner as the referring provider on the thousands of false and fraudulent claims.  In total, in around six months, PEYROUX allegedly billed Medicare approximately $3.3 million in false and fraudulent claims for OTC COVID-19 test kits through his clinic, for which Medicare reimbursed approximately $3.2 million. Under the terms of the plea agreement, PEYROUX agreed to pay over $3.2 million in restitution to Medicare. The government also forfeited over $1 million seized from PEYROUX’s bank accounts.  The Honorable Lance M. Africk set sentencing for April 23, 2025.

At sentencing, the maximum penalty PEYROUX may receive is ten years of imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release.  He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under 18 U.S.C. § 3571, or both.  PEYROUX also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRION YOUNG, age 40, of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long to 207 months incarceration for pleading guilty to Counts 1 through Count 6 of the Indictment.  Judge Long ordered that YOUNG shall be on supervised release for a term of four (4) years following his release from imprisonment.  BANKS was also ordered to pay a $600 mandatory special assessment fee.

Count One charged YOUNG with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). Count Two charged YOUNG with brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).  Count Three charged YOUNG with distribution of a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  Count Four charged YOUNG with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count Five charged YOUNG with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Count Six charged YOUNG with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, On January 13, 2022, at approximately 9:40 PM, NOPD responded to a corner store near 1527 Saint Phillip Street for a reported carjacking.  There, NOPD spoke with the victim, who stated that YOUNG had forcefully put a gun to her and took her vehicle, a Ford Fusion. YOUNG intended to cause death or seriously bodily harm when he took the vehicle. The vehicle was not manufactured in the state of Louisiana and thus had been transported in interstate commerce prior to the carjacking. January 14, 2022, YOUNG was observed parked in the 1800 block of Touro in a Ford Fusion. Agents captured a still photo of the vehicle from the pole camera and showed it to the carjacking victim, who positively identified it as the vehicle YOUNG carjacked.

FBI agents proceeded to the 1800 block of Touro Street and set up physical surveillance on the vehicle. Soon after, agents observed YOUNG get into the vehicle and drive away. Agents followed the vehicle to Stephen Girard Street and Montegut Drive, where they conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. There were two males inside the car, YOUNG was the driver. The vehicle was  searched and these items were found One black Smith & Wesson SD40VE model, .40 caliber handgun, bearing serial number FWX8936 (driver’s seat), 2.5 grams of cocaine (in bag near center console), 6.7 grams of fentanyl (in bag near center console), and 71 MDMA pills (in bag near center console).

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun track violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERICK GETTRIDGE, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 17, 2024, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, after previously pleading guilty to Counts 1 and 2 of an indictment.  The indictment charged GETTRIDGE with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D) (Count 1); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(a)(A) (Count 2).

GETTRIDGE was sentenced to a total of 63 months in prison, comprising of 3 months for Count 1 and 60 months for Count 2, to be served consecutively.  Additionally, Judge Long ordered a 4-year term of supervised release and imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.

According to court documents, New Orleans Police Department officers stopped GETTRIDGE for traffic violations.  During a search of his vehicle, the officers found three digital scales, sandwich baggies, and two Glock pistols, which GETTRIDGE admitted that he possessed in the furtherance of his narcotics trafficking.  Police officers also discovered $892.00 in U.S. currency in GETTRIDGE’s pocket.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARCUS THEODORE (“THEODORE”), age 33, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 10, 2025, before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion, to violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, law enforcement learned that THEODORE was distributing narcotics around the former Calliope Projects. The FBI developed confidential sources who then made a series of controlled purchases of heroin/fentanyl from THEODORE and his drug trafficking associates starting in mid-2022 and continuing through early 2023.  As a result, the FBI initiated Title III intercepts of two of THEODORE’s phones in February 2023.

During the wires, the FBI confirmed that THEODORE had been distributing anywhere from small user amounts to several ounces of narcotics daily, and sometimes larger quantities, for several months.  In conjunction with the wires coming down in March 2023, the FBI obtained several federal search warrants related to THEODORE.  On March 15, 2023, FBI agents stopped THEODORE as he was driving.  In THEODORE’s waistband, agents discovered a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, bearing serial number BKZX752, with a round in the chamber.  In THEODORE’s coat pocket, agents recovered approximately 50.4 grams of a substance, packaged in clear plastic baggies, suspected to be a heroin/fentanyl mixture.  During the execution of a search warrants, agents located approximately 165.8 grams of fentanyl, as well as the accoutrement of drug processing.

THEODORE was previously convicted in state court of attempted possession with the intent to distribute heroin, manslaughter and attempted manslaughter, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon  and, as such, was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

THEODORE was charged federally with conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Because his prior manslaughter conviction counts as a serious violent felony, THEODORE was also charged with a recidivist enhancement that increased the potential penalty for the drug crimes.

On January 10, 2025, THEODORE pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  He also conceded that the recidivist enhancement based on his prior manslaughter conviction applied.

Judge Papillion set sentencing for April 22, 2025.  The maximum penalties THEODORE facesare as follows.  For possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl,  imprisonment of at least ten years up to life in prison, up to a $8,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release.  For possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a term of he faces imprisonment of at least five years up to life in prison that must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.   For being a felon in possession of a firearm, a term of he faces imprisonment of up to fifteen years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. In total, THEODORE faces a mandatory minimum of at least 15 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment.  As to each count to which THEODORE pled guilty, he also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHANE BOLDEN (“BOLDEN”), age 25, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on January 8, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) executed a search warrant at BOLDEN’s residence on April 8, 2024.  NOPD recovered over a pound of marijuana that BOLDEN intended to sell, and eight firearms that belonged to BOLDEN: a Glock Model 33, .357 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 15 armor-piercing rounds; a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 22 hollow point rounds; a Zastava Arms Model PAP M85 NP, 5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Stag Arms Model Stag-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 30 rounds; a Glock Model 19x, 9 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 16 red-tip hollow point rounds; a Diamondback Arms Model DB380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with eight rounds; and a stolen Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  BOLDEN is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions, including a conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  NOPD also recovered over $108,000 in cash belonging to BOLDEN.  BOLDEN has agreed to forfeit all of the firearms and cash to the United States government.

As to his conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, BOLDEN faces up to five years in prison and a minimum of two years of supervised release.  As to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, he faces up to 15 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.  Each count also carries up to a $250,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on January 8, 2025, ABDUL ROUVOOF SHAIK (“SHAIK”), age 30, a Republic of India national, pled guilty to Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).  SHAIK faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, SHAIK was previously employed by Carnival Cruise Lines and was arrested in July 2024 after special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, found SHAIK in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for April 16, 2025 before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

These cases were 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 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 would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANIEL IGNACIO MEJIA-CASTILLO (“MEJIA”), age 32, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, an armed robbery occurred on the evening of February 8, 2022, in the 4400 block of N. Dorgenois Street.  New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to the scene and began canvassing the area for potential suspects. During their search, officers discovered MEJIA crouching in a patch of overgrown grass near the 2500 block of St. Louis Street.  MEJIA, an illegal alien from Honduras, was found in possession of a firearm and arrested.  The firearm was a Kel-Tec Model PF-9, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc. in Florida.

At sentencing, MEJIAfaces a maximum penalty of 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing has been scheduled for April 10, 2025.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Office of the Inspector General Social Security Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – ERIC ROGERS (“ROGERS”), age 33, of New Orleans, was indicted on January 3, 2025, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

According to the indictment, ROGERS possessed a firearm on October 10, 2024.  ROGERS was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his previous felony conviction(s).  If convicted,  ROGERS faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  ROGERS also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMMANUEL UGBAJA (“UGBAJA”), age 55, of Duluth, Georgia, pled guilty on January 7, 2025 before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

Court records show that in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams – one such Kansas-based scam involved a victim sending money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest, during a “romance scam” and the other California-based scam involved a victim sending money to a person posing as an attorney during an “inheritance scam.”  At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims sent the funds to a bank account controlled by UGBAJA.  UGBAJA retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the remaining victim funds totaling $60,000, to a local maritime broker as partial down payment for an unrelated vessel.

Sentencing is set for April 8, 2025.  At that time, the defendant faces up to five (5) years of imprisonment.  Upon release from prison, the defendant up to three (3) years of supervised release and up to a $250,000.00 fine, or twice the gross gain to the defendant of twice the gross loss to any victim.  The defendant also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based overseas that target U.S. citizens.  The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/.

The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MELCOLM DOLLIOLE (“DOLLIOLE”), age 39, of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged on January 3, 2025, by a federal grand jury in an eight-count superseding indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  Count 1 charged him with distribution of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  Count 2 charged him with distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.  Count 6 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(2).  Count 7 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Finally, Count 8 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to the superseding indictment, on November 18, 2024, New Orleans police officers and federal agents arrested DOLLIOLE for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act while he was in possession of firearms.  Further investigation determined that DOLLIOLE was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony conviction(s).

If convicted,  DOLLIOLE faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release for Counts 1, 2, and 6; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of imprisonment to run consecutive to Count 6, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for Count 7; and up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 8.  DOLLIOLE also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all five counts.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 19, 2024, MARIA DINORA PORTILLO-ALFARO (“PORTILLO-ALFARO”), age 36, of Honduras, was indicted for misuse of a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).   

According to the indictment, on or about December 10, 2022, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, PORTILLO-ALFARO, willfully, and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent a Social Security account number that was not assigned to her for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining employment.

If convicted, PORTILLO-ALFARO faces up to five years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit in in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANIEL WAYNE CALLIHAN (“CALLIHAN”), age 37, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, was charged today in a two-count bill of information with kidnapping resulting in death, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1201(a) (Count 1), and transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a) (Count 2). CALLIHAN was previously charged for his crimes in a federal complaint on June 14, 2024, and  has remained in federal custody since that time.

According to the bill of information,  on or about June 13, 2024, CALLIHAN kidnapped Minor Victim 1 and Minor Victim 2 from Loranger, Louisiana, and transported them to the State of Mississippi, using a 2012 Chrysler 200.  CALLIHAN's actions resulted in the deaths of Minor Victim 1 and Adult Victim 1. 

Additionally, the bill of information alleges CALLIHAN transported Minor Victim 2 from the State of Louisiana to the State of Mississippi with intent that Minor Victim 2 engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, namely violations of criminal laws of the State of Louisiana, including La. Rev. Stat. 14.81 and La Rev. Stat. 43.1, and the State of Mississippi, including Miss. Code § 97-3-95 and Miss. Code § 97-5-23. 

For Count 1, CALLIHAN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  For Count 2, CALLIHAN faces a mandatory minimum of ten (10) years in prison, and up to life in prison, at least five (5) years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. A conviction on Count 2 may also require CALLIHAN to register as a sex offender.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Department’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 Justice.gov/PSC.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the United States Marshals Service, Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Jackson (Mississippi) Police Department.  Additionally, U.S. Attorney Evans commended the work of the U.S Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Sarah Dawkins, of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS - On behalf of the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, I would like to express and extend my heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the victims of yesterday’s violent, heinous and calculated acts.  These same sentiments we likewise extend to the valiant law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect the public.

The United States Department of Justice and our office, standing alongside our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, have also been hard at work protecting the public. 

Our current role in this situation is to provide counsel and guidance and legal resources to our fellow law enforcement agencies as part of the ongoing investigation.  In that regard, we have assembled Assistant U.S. Attorneys, at all levels, from our office in addition to a Department of Justice National Security Division prosecutor, as force multipliers during this difficult period.  Since yesterday morning, this team worked diligently at command stations situated within our office and FBI New Orleans.

Since this situation remains fluid, we remind everyone to be aware, and most importantly, to be safe.

Anyone with information, photos, or video should call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit www.fbi.gov/bourbonstreetattack.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 18, 2024, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL SOMMERS (“SOMMERS”), age 42, of Slidell, La., was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).  United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced SOMMERS to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The defendant’s sentence was subject to a sentencing enhancement of a ten-year mandatory minimum because of a conviction on December 13, 2011, in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for Receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).

According to court documents, the case against SOMMERS developed from an undercover online investigation by the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona into those individuals who were sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”).  As a result, on April 3, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at SOMMERS’s residence in Slidell.  During the execution of the search warrant, SOMMERS was found in possession of a Samsung 256 gigabyte USB thumb drive containing 950 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.

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 United States Attorney’s 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 would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; The Apache Junction Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 39, of New Orleans, and NINA THOMAS (“THOMAS”), age 34, of Austin, Texas, were charged a superseding indicted on December 13, 2024, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028(A)(a)(1), money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.  THOMPSON alone was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).

According to the indictment, in 2020, THOMAS filed a petition for divorce from her husband (“Victim 1”) in 2020 in Texas.  In 2021, THOMAS and THOMPSON entered into a romantic relationship.  From on or about September 6, 2021, to on or about December 13, 2024, THOMAS and THOMPSON obtained money and property from Victim 1 by fraudulently transferring funds from Victim 1’s bank accounts to bank accounts created by THOMAS and THOMPSON.  To obtain these funds, THOMAS and THOMPSON created an email account in Victim 1’s name then opened several bank accounts by using that email account and Victim 1 or THOMPSON’s address, or THOMPSON’s address and/or telephone number.  THOMAS and THOMPSON then fraudulently wired funds from Victim 1’s actual financial accounts into the newly created accounts which they controlled.  After obtaining the funds from Victim 1’s accounts, THOMAS and THOMPSON made several cash withdrawals, sometimes in amounts as much as $300,000.00, from the accounts that she and THOMPSON created.  In addition to making cash withdrawals, THOMAS and THOMPSON used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase items, including a Hermes Birkin handbag for $28,796.00 and a Porsche Panamera for $52,890.00.

Also according to court records, on or about June 9, 2023, THOMPSON knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  Additionally, on that same day, THOMPSON knowingly possessed a Springfield Armory HS Produkt Model Hellcat, nine-millimeter pistol, in furtherance of the possession with intent to distribute cocaine offense.

If convicted of the wire fraud counts, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.   For the aggravated identity theft counts, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the money laundering count, THOMAS and THOMPSON each face a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine count, THOMAS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.    For the firearm count, THOMPSON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of  up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DRESHAWN FIELDS, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 to a one-count indictment for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

FIELDS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to court records, in 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) began to monitor FIELDS’s Instagram account.  On October 4, 2023, FIELDS posted a video of four boxes of Tapentadol with the caption “Rush hour (train emoji).”  Train emojis are often used to advertise Tapentadol for sale.  Tapentadol is a Schedule II narcotic.  On January 9, 2024, a New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officer observed a white Dodge Charger located at 10833 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Law enforcement verified the identification of the vehicle via the vehicle identification number (“VIN”) and discovered that it was stolen from Kenner, Louisiana on December 8, 2023.  The female stated that FIELDS was the driver of the vehicle.  The investigating officer authored a search warrant for the vehicle FIELDS fled from, which was signed by an Orleans Parish magistrate commissioner. The investigating officer confiscated multiple items pursuant the execution of the search warrant.

On March 11, 2024, a federal criminal complaint was signed charging FIELDS with possession with the intent to distribute narcotics.  Subsequently, law enforcement arrested FIELDS near Orleans Parish Criminal District Court as he exited a vehicle.  A search warrant for the vehicle was submitted and approved.  Pursuant to the search warrant, law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, a magazine with live rounds, a scale, baggies, and five individual pills that later tested positive for fentanyl.

The case was investigated by New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH P. SCHWARTZ, IV (“SCHWARTZ”), age 21, of Marrero, La., was sentenced on December 17, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion after previously pleading guilty to possessing a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  SCHWARTZ was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on February 25, 2022, while patrolling Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, Louisiana State Police (LSP) troopers observed two males engaged in an altercation.  One male, later determined to be SCHWARTZ, possessed a concealed firearm.  As Troopers attempted to stop him, SCHWARTZ resisted and fled through the Mardi Gras crowds with the gun in his hand.  Ignoring repeated law enforcement commands to stop, he discarded the weapon in a trash can. SCHWARTZ was apprehended thereafter, and the firearm recovered.  It was later determined that the recovered firearm, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, with a Glock auto-sear, had been modified to enable automatic fire.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James N. Ollinger of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHAD WOODS (“WOODS”), age 29, of New Orleans, pled guilty on Thursday, December 19, 2024,  to Conspiracy to Steal United States Mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 Possession of a United States Postal Service (USPS ) “arrow” key in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, and Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708. United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for March 27, 2025.

According to the indictment, on June 23, 2022, WOODS and another man stole mail from one location and attempted to steal mail from another location in Kenner, Louisiana.  The co-conspirator acted as the driver and WOODS used the USPS key to steal mail from the first location .  After a police chase, the pair were found in possession of 36 stolen checks, including one forged counterfeit check, six opened pieces of mail, and the USPS “arrow key” used to open the USPS mailboxes to steal mail.

WOODS faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment on the Conspiracy to Steal United States Mail and the Possession of Stolen Mail counts, and up to ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of Possession of the United States Postal Service mail key, each of these counts to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution. 
 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAYDEN D. D. HALL (“HALL”), age 23, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced for federal crimes involving child sexual abuse.

HALL previously pled guilty to one count of Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); and three counts of Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1) and (b)(1).  According to court documents, HALL created child sexual abuse videos and used social media accounts to distribute those videos, and other child sexual abuse material, through the internet.

United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced HALL to twenty-five years in prison for the production count.  For each transportation count, HALL was sentenced to twenty years in prison, concurrent with the production count.  HALL was also sentenced to five years of supervised release after his release from prison, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

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 United States Attorney’s 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 would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the following agencies in this matter: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Strategic Engagement Team; and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 19, 2024, Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced TYSHON COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 28, a resident of Hammond, La., to a term of imprisonment for 106 months.  COLEMAN previously pled guilty to Counts Three and Five of an indictment,  charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances  and  Federal Gun Control Acts.  In Count Three, COLEMAN is charged with possession of a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). In Count Five, COLEMAN is charged with possession of machine guns, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Sections 922(o)(1) and 924(a)(2).  For Count Three, COLEMAN was sentenced to imprisonment for 60 months.  For Count Five, COLEMAN was sentenced to imprisonment for 46 months.  The sentences in Counts Three and Five were ordered to run consecutively.

Following imprisonment, COLEMAN also faces 3 years of supervised release and payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court records, on May 18, 2022, the Ponchatoula Police Department went the Walmart Supercenter after receiving a complaint that a male, later identified as COLEMAN, was in possession of a firearm.  Once at the parking lot, officers saw COLEMAN and another male seated inside of a vehicle.  When officers ordered COLEMAN to show his hands, he        refused to comply.   After removing COLEMAN from the vehicle, officers observed a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter handgun with a Glock machine gun conversion device and extended magazine, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, tucked between the passenger seat and the center console.

The officers also saw a red backpack in the front passenger seat area where COLEMAN was seated, and a green backpack on the adjoining floorboard. Upon opening the red bag, the officers found another Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter pistol, with a machine gun conversion device, as well as marijuana, fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and a digital scale.

On the driver’s side floorboard, officers located a drum Model F5MFG, nine-millimeter caliber magazine, and a green backpack containing cocaine hydrochloride and marijuana.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Ponchatoula Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Public Integrity Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH AUTHEMENT (“AUTHEMENT”), age 25, of Hammond, LA, pled guilty on December 18, 2025, to Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1).  AUTHEMENT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years and up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or up to a fine of $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense.  In addition, AUTHEMENT faces a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release and up to life, after his release from prison.  He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”)  obtained a federal search warrant to seize AUTHEMENT’s Apple iPhone.  On March 12, 2024, HSI special agents (“SA”) located AUTHEMENT at his residence in Hammond, LA.  The agents seized AUTHEMENT’s iPhone and located images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors on that phone.  SAs later determined AUTHEMENT used Telegram to download and purchase child sex abuse materials.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 19, 2025, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

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 United States Attorney’s 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 would like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit today against the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) alleging that the state and LDOC maintain a pattern or practice of confining incarcerated people for weeks and months after they have fully completed their prison sentences and are legally entitled to be released, in violation of the 14th Amendment.

“Every person in the United States, whether incarcerated or otherwise, enjoys certain fundamental rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Foremost among them is the right to individual liberty. The Founders were keenly aware of the potential abuse of power when government can arbitrarily take away a person’s freedom without a lawful court order specifying the period of their confinement. In this context, the right to individual liberty includes the right to be released from incarceration on time after the term set by the court has ended. To incarcerate people indefinitely, as LDOC does here, not only intrudes on individual liberty, but also erodes public confidence in the fair and just application of our laws. The Justice Department looks forward to proving its case in court.”

The lawsuit is the result of a multi-year investigation into allegations of systemic overdetention in LDOC’s system conducted by the department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana.

As required by the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), the department provided the state with written notice of the supporting facts for these alleged conditions, and the minimum remedial measures necessary to address them in a report issued on Jan. 25, 2023.  CRIPA authorizes the department to act when it has reasonable cause to believe there is a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional rights of individuals confined to correctional facilities operated by or on behalf of state or local government.

Today’s lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to remedy deficient conditions identified by the department’s investigation. The lawsuit does not seek monetary damages. While the State has made marginal efforts to address the systemic deficiencies leading to overdetention, these steps are inadequate to address the deficiencies, which are longstanding and well-known to the State. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle, Eastern and Western Districts of Louisiana are handling the case. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the department by phone at 1-833-492-0097 or by email at community.louisianadoc@usdoj.gov.

For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Additional information about the Eastern, Middle and Western U.S. Attorneys’ Offices is available at www.justice.gov/usao-edla, www.justice.gov/usao-mdla and www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 18, 2024, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL SOMMERS (“SOMMERS”), age 42, of Slidell, La., was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2).  United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced SOMMERS to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a fifteen (15) year term of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The defendant’s sentence was subject to a sentencing enhancement of a ten-year mandatory minimum because of a conviction on December 13, 2011, in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, for Receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2).

According to court documents, the case against SOMMERS developed from an undercover online investigation by the Apache Junction Police Department in Arizona into those individuals who were sharing Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”).  As a result, on April 3, 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents, along with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, executed a federal search warrant at SOMMERS’s residence in Slidell.  During the execution of the search warrant, SOMMERS was found in possession of a Samsung 256 gigabyte USB thumb drive containing 950 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of minors.

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 United States Attorney’s 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 would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the St Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; The Apache Junction Police Department; and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencing of  FREDERIC THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 24, of New Orleans, who previously pled guilty to Conspiring to Steal Mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and Possession of Stolen Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.

According to the indictment, on January 30, 2022, THOMPSON conspired with others to steal mail from two locations, the Lakeview Post Office in Orleans Parish and United States Postal Service (USPS) mailboxes located on Metairie Road in Jefferson Parish.  One conspirator acted as the driver and another conspirator used a stolen USPS key to steal mail from the two locations, while THOMPSON was seated in the back of the vehicle.  After a police chase, the trio were found in possession of approximately 30 pieces of stolen mail.

U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced THOMPSON to three (3) years probation and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.     

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – KERNELIUS ALFORD (“ALFORD”), age 35, of Metairie, was charged on December 13, 2024, in a six-count superseding indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  Count 1 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D).  Counts 2 and 5 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 3 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e).  Count 4 charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(2).  Finally, Count 6 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 942(e).

According to the indictment, ALFORD possessed a firearm on May 2, 2024.  ALFORD was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his previous felony conviction(s).  If convicted,  ALFORD faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, at least two (2) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for Count 1; a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release for Counts 2 and 5; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 3; up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and up to 6 years of supervised release for Count 4; up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count 6.  ALFORD also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all six counts.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUAN CARLOS MORALES-HINOJO (“MORALES-HINOJO”), age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on December 13, 2024 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and (b)(1).

According to the indictment, on November 8, 2024,MORALES-HINOJO reentered the United States after being previously deported on August 15, 2019.  For this offense, MORALES-HINOJO faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

United States Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – VARION ROGELIO LOBO-BARAHONA (“LOBO-BARAHONA”), age 31, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  LOBO-BARAHONA was sentenced to time served, supervised release for  three (3) years and payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to court documents, on or about November 23, 2023, LOBO-BARAHONA, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a Smith and Wesson handgun. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies observed a vehicle without a license plate being driven carelessly at a high speed, while attempting to flee, and succeeded in pulling over the vehicle.  The JPSO then noticed a handgun in the defendant’s waistband.  The gun, a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson Model SD40, was manufactured out of state and had been reported stolen.  JPSO learned from federal immigration authorities that the defendant was a Honduran citizen, who had been deported on July 5, 2013 and had not received permission to come back to the United States.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 5, 2024, BRANDON D. HILL (“HILL”), age 32, of Boutte, Louisiana, was sentenced to ten years in prison by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a felon, and possession, with the intent to distribute, fentanyl, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base.

According to court records, on March 8, 2023, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies approached HILL in Boutte concerning an outstanding arrest warrant for a probation violation.  HILL attempted to flee on foot but was subsequently detained and searched.  During his arrest, HILL attempted to discard two plastic bags from his pocket.  While seizing the bags, the deputies also spotted, and seized, a handgun from HILL’s waistband.  The handgun was a Canik semi-automatic pistol with a round in the chamber.  Deputies also found HILL in possession of a digital scale with residue and four clear plastic bags, one of which contained approximately 3.78 grams of fentanyl.  The second bag contained approximately 17.44 grams of marijuana.  The third bag contained approximately 1.15 grams of packaged cocaine hydrochloride, and the   fourth bag contained approximately 6.25 grams of cocaine base.

In addition to the ten-year concurrent sentence as to the firearm and narcotics charges, Judge Ashe sentenced HILL to three years of supervised release, also to be served concurrently.  HILL was ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to each count.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) New Orleans Field Division and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.  U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for the 29th Judicial District for its assistance in this prosecution.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit  is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAVONDA CHAMBERS, age 44, of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, for embezzling money from her employer.

According to court documents, SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was employed as a bookkeeper for a local business and was apprehended submitting false electronic payroll authorizations to an out-of-state payroll processing company.  As a result of her false submissions, SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was able to steal and fraudulently divert more than $2.5 million dollars from her employer to financial accounts she controlled.

SHAVONDA CHAMBERS was sentenced to thirty-six (36) months of imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release.  The defendant was also ordered to pay over 2.5 million dollars in restitution, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that ALVARO LUIS ALCERRO-BANEGAS (“ALCERRO-BANEGAS”), age 38, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1).

According to court documents, ALCERRO-BANEGAS, reentered the United States after being previously deported on September 2, 2022.  ALCERRO-BANEGAS, a Honduran national, came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after his arrest by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office on March 2, 2024.  On January 18, 2017, in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, ALCERRO-BANEGAS was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, after previously being found guilty of illegal re-entry after deportation.   

ALCERRO-BANEGAS faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  However, because of his prior felony conviction, ALCERRO-BANEGAS also faces a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Over the past few months, MICHAEL LOTT, DIANTA TROPEZ, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON, all of New Orleans, pled guilty before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to charges stemming from a controlled purchase of methamphetamine as well as an  attempted controlled purchase of methamphetamine, during which a Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) undercover agent, and another individual, were armed robbed, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, on August 29, 2023, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON, conspired to distribute, methamphetamine to an undercover ATF agent and another individual, at a Westbank, New Orleans apartment.  The plan came to fruition when VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, and SHEENA RUDOLPH sold the undercover ATF agent approximately seven grams of pure methamphetamine.

After this methamphetamine distribution deal was completed, VERNELL WOODARD arranged for the undercover ATF agent and the other individual to return to the apartment the following day to purchase more drugs.  When the undercover ATF agent and the other individual arrived at the apartment complex the next day, WOODARD told them to return to the same apartment.  As they were coming upstairs, MICHAEL LOTT, armed with an AR-15 style weapon,hid in a closet inside the apartment. Once the undercover ATF agent and the other individual were inside the apartment, DIANTA TROPEZ entered, pointed a Glock pistol at the undercover ATF agent and the other individual, and demanded they get down and hand over their possessions.  Simultaneously, MICHAEL LOTT emerged from the closet, pointed the AR-15 style weapon at them, and also demanded they turn over their possessions.

Other agents monitoring the deal, realized something was wrong and began responding. MICHAEL LOTT and DIANTA TROPEZ heard the law enforcement response, which stopped the robbery, and everyone in the apartment tried to flee.  The undercover ATF agent and the other individual went onto the third-floor apartment balcony and began climbing down to escape. During their climb, the agent fell and sustained severe injuries.

As a result of this criminal conduct, MICHAEL LOTT, DIANTA TROPEZ, VERNELL WOODARD, QUINDELE ADDISON, SHEENA RUDOLPH, and CORIS ADDISON were indicted on eleven-counts related to the drug trafficking and  armed robbery.

On August 14, 2024, SHEENA RUDOLPH pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and the distribution of methamphetamine on August 29, 2023.  On August 29, 2024, CORIS ADDISON pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy. On September 13, 2024, DIANTA TROPEZ pleaded guilty to conspiring to rob a person of money belonging to the United States, armed robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 2, 2024, MICHAEL LOTT pleaded guilty to the same charges as TROPEZ. On November 22, 2024, VERNELL WOODARD pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution charges, as well as the charges related to his participation in the armed robbery and to maintaining a drug involved premises.  Finally, on December 5, 2024, QUINDELE ADDISON pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy, the distribution of methamphetamine, in addition to being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and maintaining a drug involved premises.

SHEENA RUDOLPH and CORIS ADDISON are set for sentencing on January 22, 2025.  RUDOLPH faces at least five years up to forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a $100 per count mandatory special assessment.  CORIS ADDISON faces a potential penalty of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

DIANTA TROPEZ, MICHAEL LOTT, and VERNELL WOODARD are set to be sentenced on February 18 and 19, 2025. On the drug counts, WOODARD faces at least five years up to forty years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release.  All three defendants face the following potential penalties on the armed robbery counts: for the conspiracy, a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release; for the robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States, a penalty of up to twenty-five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release; for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, a mandatory minimum of at least seven years up to life in prison, that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release; and, or the assault on a federal officer, up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  LOTT and TROPEZ also face up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release, on the felon in possession of a firearm counts.

QUINDELE ADDISON is set to be sentenced on March 26, 2025.  On the drug counts, he faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.  For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, he faces a mandatory minimum of at least five years up to life in prison, that must run consecutive to every other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  Finally, on the felon in possession of a firearm count, QUINDELE ADDISON faces up to fifteen years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

As to every charged count to which a defendant has pled guilty, that person would also face payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The investigation of this case was conducted, primarily, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, that was assisted by the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and Crimestoppers GNO.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator, and Nolan Paige, Chief of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, ANGELA C. MITCHELL (“MITCHELL”), age 49, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana was sentenced to a year and a day in prison by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry.  MITCHELL had previously pleaded guilty to access device fraud in connection with her embezzlement from a Covington, Louisiana company ( “Company A” in court documents) where she worked from October 2016 to June 2018.

According to court records, MITCHELL embezzled approximately $116,998.70 from Company A by, among other things, fraudulently transferring funds from Company A’s bank accounts via electronic transfers and by drafting unauthorized checks to herself.  MITCHELL committed the fraud during her employment, and continued illegally accessing Company A’s accounts after she was terminated in June 2018.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Guidry ordered MITCHELL to pay $116,998.70 in restitution to Company A.  Judge Guidry also sentenced MITCHELL to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations - New Orleans Field Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, of the Financial Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEO TATE (“TATE”), age 31, a resident of New Orleans,  pled guilty on December 11, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, in April 2024, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents stopped a vehicle occupied by TATE, who agents knew had a felony arrest warrant from Orleans Parish, and another man, for whom agents had a federal warrant to obtain a DNA swab.  When agents stopped the vehicle, TATE and the other man attempted to flee, but were apprehended shortly after exiting the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, agents found a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and a round in the chamber that TATE admitted was his.  TATE also admitted knowing he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, due to his numerous prior felony convictions.

Judge Milazzo set sentencing for January 30, 2025. TATE faces a maximum term of fifteen years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.