Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSHUA WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 21, pled guilty on December 12, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, WILLIAMS sold marijuana in the New Orleans area, including through his Instagram accounts. WILLIAMS frequently posted photos and videos to Instagram showing him in possession of firearms, marijuana, and large amounts of cash.

Law enforcement tracked a GMC Sierra pickup truck, stolen in New Orleans to WILLIAMS’s residence.  Officers executed a search warrant at WILLIAMS’s residence and recovered the following items: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm (reported stolen), a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter firearm, and a large glass jar containing 75 grams of marijuana, some of which was packaged for distribution.  Both firearms were loaded and had extended magazines.  WILLIAMS possessed the firearms and ammunition in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.

WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, up to three years of supervised release, 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 theUnited States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMES WALLACE (“WALLACE”), age 25, was sentenced on December 11, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 88 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $600 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), (b)(1)(D), and 846; two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of controlled substances, in violation of  21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, on June 22, 2021, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) detectives were conducting surveillance in an area north of Airline Highway in Metairie, a frequent site of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.  JPSO detectives observed WALLACE carrying a Glock Model 17 handgun equipped with a micro conversion kit, which places the handgun within a rifle-style platform.  WALLACE is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior state drug trafficking offense.

On October 13, 2021, WALLACE led a Louisiana State Police trooper on a dangerous car chase and, while evading law enforcement, threw several blister packs of tapentadol out of the window.

Only months later, in January of 2022, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) observed WALLACE back in the same area of Metairie where he was previously observed.  On January 4th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE holding two handguns and carrying an orange backpack.  Two days later, on January 6th, ATF special agents observed WALLACE carrying the same orange backpack and conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions with a handgun in his waistband.  WALLACE handed the backpack, that contained fentanyl, heroin, marijuana, and tapentadol, to a co-conspirator who was arrested later that day. Despite the arrests of several of his co-conspirators, WALLACE continued to deal drugs in that same area and, on January 25th, he sold cocaine base to a confidential informant for the ATF.  

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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 4, 2024, RANDY BROWN, JR. (“BROWN”), age 31, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, pled guilty to the four-count indictment filed against him.  BROWN is charged with unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a), and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.

According to court documents, between on or about July of 2022, through October 4, 2022, BROWN unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed U.S. mail, entrusted to him as a postal employee; and on September 26, 2022, September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, BROWN did knowingly embezzle, steal, abstract, and remove checks from U.S. mail, entrusted to him as a postal employee.

At sentencing, as to Counts 1-4, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  BROWN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each individual count.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH HAROLD WEST, JR. (“WEST”), a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on December 5, 2024 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

According to court documents, from as early as November 2020, and continuing through at least May 2024, WEST, and others, conspired to: defraud Candidate 1 with fake campaign services; defraud Victim 1 out of approximately $236,867 in fake real estate purchases and associated costs; defraud Victim 2 out of approximately $83,268.05 in fraudulent claims of real estate and title work; and defraud Victims 3 and 4 out of approximately $112,328.18 in connection with a fake legal defense scheme. Among other things, WEST and others utilized numerous fake aliases and occupations, “burner” numbers for text messages and calls, and fraudulent invoices, all in order to defraud their victims.

WEST faces up to five (5) years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  WEST has agreed to pay restitution of approximately $446,302.23 to his victims. 

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney, Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAKEITHA WILEY (“WILEY”), age 41, of New Orleans,  was sentenced on December 5, 2024 to 3 years probation, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  WILEY previously pled guilty to unauthorized opening of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(b).  Additionally, WILEY was ordered to pay a $25.00 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution and fine in the amounts of $210.00 respectively.

According to court documents, on or about August 25, 2023, WILEY, a mail handler at the New Orleans Processing and Distribution Center, opened a parcel of mail not directed to her and removed two gift cards totaling $210.  WILEY later used the stolen gift cards for her own benefit.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –CYRIL HOFFMAN, JR. (“HOFFMAN”), age 26, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion to two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and receipt of a firearm while under indictment, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(n) and 924(a)(1)(D).

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at HOFFMAN’s residence on August 20, 2021.  FBI personnel recovered marijuana that HOFFMAN intended to sell and six firearms from HOFFMAN’s bedroom. Specifically, the FBI recovered a Brothers LA Arms .300 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with a 60 round magazine; a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, .223/5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, loaded with a 30 round magazine; an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15, 5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with a high-capacity magazine containing live rounds; a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 20 live rounds; a Glock Model 19, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 14 live rounds; and a Glock Model 17, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 17 live rounds.

A few weeks before the execution of the search warrant, HOFFMAN was indicted in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for six felony offenses, including four counts of attempted second degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit second degree murder.  Following the search warrant, HOFFMAN was arrested on those charges but bonded out of jail in June 2022.  On October 25, 2022, while still under indictment and awaiting trial in Orleans Parish, deputies with the United States Marshals Service encountered HOFFMAN inside a motel room in New Orleans East.  There was a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber firearm inside the room, which HOFFMAN denied was his.  However, the FBI later found messages that HOFFMAN sent to a third-party admitting he was in possession of the gun. HOFFMAN continued to sell marijuana while on bond and on May 17, 2023, FBI personnel executed another search warrant at HOFFMAN’s new residence and recovered marijuana, digital scales, and packaging supplies for distribution.

As to each of his convictions for possession with intent to distribute marijuana, HOFFMAN faces up to five years in prison and a minimum of two years of supervised release.  As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to his conviction for receipt of a firearm while under indictment, he faces up to 5 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 10, 2024, KAMILA HORAKOVA DUDLEY (“DUDLEY”), age 43, of Silver Spring, Maryland, was sentenced to 3 years probation, payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, and restitution in the amount of $473,702.43 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.  DUDLEY previously pled guilty to misprision of a felony, namely, wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4.

According to court documents, DUDLEY was employed by Company A from September 2008 through March 2023; and, from March 2017 through November 2018, she served as Company A’s office manager.  As Company A’s office manager, DUDLEY, among other things, prepared and submitted Company A’s invoices for payment.

In approximately March 2017, Company A subcontracted with Company B to provide onsite support services at the Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) facility in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Company A, by and through multiple employees, committed wire fraud by knowingly submitting materially false invoices to Company B, knowing that Company B would, in turn, present the false information to the United States for payment.  From March 2017 through November 2018, Company A billed the United States, through Company B, for services not provided. The fraudulent invoices included the names of Company A’s executives, who performed no work at MARFORRES.  The fraudulent invoices also included the names of certain individuals who worked full-time on a separate contract at a separate facility and, thus, performed no work at MARFORRES.  Because neither Company B nor the United States, was aware of the fraudulent nature of the invoices, Company A was paid approximately $1,300,000 under the subcontract. 

Despite having knowledge of these events, that constituted wire fraud, DUDLEY did not make known the information and, further, attempted to conceal it.  For example, on or about October 31, 2017, DUDLEY was notified by one of her colleagues that Company A’s cost submissions contained the names of individuals who worked on a separate contract and who performed no work at MARFORRES.  DUDLEY did not make that information known, including the fact that prior invoices containing those names were false and fraudulent.  DUDLEY resumed the preparation and submission of Company A’s invoices, removed only the challenged names, and concealed the fraudulent nature of the earlier submissions.

“Ms. Dudley’s submission of false invoices to the Department of the Navy for payment represents a disservice to the U.S. Government and American taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office.  “NCIS remains committed to conducting thorough investigations that protect service members from the threats posed by procurement fraud, safeguard the integrity of the defense acquisition process, and preserve warfighting readiness.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the special agents of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and members of the Defense Contract Audit Agency.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CESAR ALVAREZ-ESPINAL (“ALVAREZ-ESPINAL”), age 31, a native of Honduras, was charged on December 6, 2024 in a bill of information with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to filed documents, on or about November 13, 2024 in the Eastern District of Louisiana, ALVAREZ-ESPINAL fraudulently used a social security number that was not assigned to him.

ALVAREZ-ESPINAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of  five (5) years, up to three (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 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 Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 10, 2024, PANKAJ SINGH BOHRA (“BOHRA”), age 35, a foreign national of the Republic of India, pled guilty on December 10, 2024 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).  BOHRA 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 mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, BOHRA 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 BOHRA in possession of child pornography at the Erato Street Cruise Terminal in New Orleans.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for March 11, 2025 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.

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 – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PENELOPE PASSERO (“PASSERO”), age 50, of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on December 10, 2024 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to court documents, from February 2016 to December 2020, PASSERO knowingly accessed and converted approximately $59,320.97 in Social Security Administration and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.

United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced PASSERO to time served as to Count 1 of the Indictment.  PASSERO was also sentenced to three (3) years supervised release, payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and restitution in the amount of $59,320.97.

On May 17, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources, and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.  For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of fraud related to COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, 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 –The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announce the unsealing of a ten count superseding indictment charging RYAN J. HARRIS, a/k/a “Red,” (“HARRIS”), age 36, of New Orleans; SEAN D. ALFORTISH (“ALFORTISH”), age 57, of New Orleans; VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”), age 43, of New Orleans; JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), age 45, of New Orleans; LEON M. PARKER, a/k/a “Chunky,” (“PARKER”), age 51, of New Orleans; DIAMINIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), age 34, of Metairie; CARL MORGAN (“MORGAN”), age 66, of New Orleans; and TIMARA N. LAWRENCE (“LAWRENCE”), age 34, of New Orleans.  Also charged are the law firms MOTTA LAW, LLC (“MOTTA LAW”) and THE KING FIRM, LLC (“THE KING FIRM”), both of New Orleans.  The superseding indictment was returned on Friday, December 6, 2024, and unsealed on Monday, December 9, 2024, after PARKER was arrested by special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).

Count One charges defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW FIRM, GILES. THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT and LAWRENCE with Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349.  Count Two charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  Count Three charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2.  Count Four charges defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2.  Count Five charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Obstruction of Justice, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1503(a) and 2. Count Six charges defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM with Witness Tampering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(b)(1) and 2.  Count Seven charges defendant STALBERT with Making False Statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).  Count Eight charges defendant HARRIS with Witness Tampering through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1512(a)(1)(C), 1512(a)(3)(A), and 2.  Count Nine charges defendant HARRIS with Retaliation Against a Witness Through Murder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1513(a)(1)(B), 1513(a)(2)(A), and 2.  Count Ten charges defendant HARRIS with Causing Death Through Use of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(j)(1) and 2.

According to the superseding indictment, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE were members of a conspiracy that engaged in a fraud scheme, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, witness tampering through murder, and retaliation against a witness through murder.  The members of the conspiracy intentionally staged automobile collisions in the New Orleans metropolitan area and submitted fraudulent insurance claims based on the staged collisions.  The members of the conspiracy filed fraudulent lawsuits in state and federal court based on the staged automobile collisions.  The members of this conspiracy also obstructed justice and made material misrepresentations in court cases to prevent detection of their scheme by law enforcement and members of the judiciary. 

The superseding indictment alleges that HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, LAWRENCE, Cornelius Garrison (“Garrison”), then attorney Danny Patrick Keating (“Keating”), Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), and others participated in a scheme in which they intentionally  staged automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  The scheme included individuals who rode in automobiles as passengers knowing they would be part of staged collisions.  Those individuals later lied as part of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions.  Additionally, the scheme included individuals who drove automobiles and intentionally collided with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles, in order to stage collisions (“slammers”). After the staged collisions, the slammers would flee the scene and a passenger would falsely claim to have been driving at the time of the collision.  HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman were slammers.  HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, and Hickman also recruited and conspired with others to participate in staged collisions.  Additionally, the scheme included individuals (“spotters”) who drove getaway cars that allowed the slammers to flee the scene after causing a collision and evade detection by law enforcement.  The spotters would sometimes also pretend to be eyewitnesses and would flag down the commercial vehicles after the staged collisions, alleging that the commercial vehicles were at fault. Additionally, the scheme included individuals, including ALFORTISH, MOTTA, GILES, Keating, other attorneys and others associated with the attorneys, who pursued fraudulent claims and fraudulent lawsuits knowing they were based on staged collisions.

Garrison worked with HARRIS as a slammer and spotter.  Similar to HARRIS, Garrison recruited others to participate in staged collisions.  Both HARRIS and Garrison caused or attempted to cause passengers in the staged collisions to hire the attorneys who were part of the scheme.  Between approximately December 12, 2011, and the date of the superseding indictment, HARRIS, Garrison, Labeaud, Hickman, and others caused multiple staged collisions in order to file fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits based on the staged collisions.  The scheme involved the use of the mail and the use of interstate wires, including through the filing of fraudulent insurance claims and fraudulent lawsuits.  The superseding indictment includes twenty-two (22) staged collisions perpetrated by the charged defendants.

The superseding indictment alleges that, in or around 2019, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM became aware of the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme.  ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM committed various acts of obstruction of justice and witness tampering to cover-up the illegal collision scheme and to obstruct justice.  These acts included ALFORTISH, MOTTA, and MOTTA LAW conspiring to 1) manipulate an individual into making a false statement, 2) offering to pay Garrison and to move Garrison outside of the United States if Garrison agreed not to cooperate with the federal criminal investigation into the staged collision scheme, and 3) obstructing Garrison and HARRIS’s participation in civil depositions related to 18-wheeler tractor trailer collisions.  Also, GILES and THE KING FIRM manipulated Labeaud and Hickman by secretly recording them, and thereby obstructing justice and committing witness tampering. GILES and THE KING FIRM also suggested that Labeaud leave town while there was increased attention on the staged collisions and convinced passengers in staged collisions to sign documents created to cover up the scheme.    

In or around October 2019, Garrison began covertly cooperating with the federal government concerning staged automobile collisions.   On September 18, 2020, Garrison was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, and other offenses related to the staged collisions.  The superseding indictment alleges that on September 22, 2020, HARRIS murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of Garrison, as part of a scheme to prevent Garrison from cooperating with the federal government and exposing the scheme to stage collisions.

In addition, the superseding indictment charges STALBERT with lying to Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on May 28, 2020, in connection with her involvement in staged collisions.       

PARKER made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Michael B. North, on Monday, December 9, 2024.  Defendant HARRIS remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest on May 3, 2024.  Defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM, MORGAN, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE will make their initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the near future.

If convicted of Count One, defendants HARRIS, ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM,MORGAN, PARKER, STALBERT, and LAWRENCE face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim.  If convicted of Count Two, defendants GILES and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victims.  If convicted of Counts Three or Five, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim.  If convicted of Counts Four or Six, defendants ALFORTISH, MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM face up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim.  If convicted of Count Seven, defendant STALBERT faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  If convicted of Counts Eight, Nine, or Ten, defendant HARRIS faces a mandatory life sentence, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine as to each of these three counts.  For each of the ten counts, any charged defendant also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee for the charged conduct.

Including this superseding indictment, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 FBI, 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; and Trial Attorney J. Ryan McLaren of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANDER ULISES ESPINOZA-RUGAMA (“ESPINOZA-RUGAMA”), age 27, a native of Nicaragua, was indicted on December 5, 2024 for 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, on or about June 30, 2024, ESPINOZA-RUGAMA, an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter handgun.  He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations officers for violating immigration laws.

If convicted, ESPINOZA-RUGAMA faces a maximum penalty of 15 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 an 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARNELL DOUCET (“DOUCET”), age 26, was charged on December 5, 2024, in a four-count indictment, with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

DOUCET is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D).  He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  He is charged in Count 4 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

According to court documents, on September 24, 2024, DOUCET possessed cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana with the intent to distribute those substances, and possessed four firearms in furtherance of that drug-trafficking crime: a Zastava Model ZPAP92, 7.62 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Glock Model 27, 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and a Glock Model 48, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol.

As to each of the drug trafficking charges in Counts 1 and 2, DOUCET faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.  As to the charge of possessing a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in Count 3, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  As to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Count 4, he faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. 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.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALEX SAUL HERNANDEZ-PEREZ (“HERNANDEZ- PEREZ”), age 33, a native of Honduras, was indicted on December 5, 2024 for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, HERNANDEZ- PEREZ, an illegal alien, was found in St. Bernard Parish on or around October 21, 2024.  He had previously been deported to Honduras on June 13, 2019.

If convicted, HERNANDEZ-PEREZ faces up to two 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 an 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 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.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANCIS OSORIO CANALES (“OSORIO CANALES”), age 44, of Honduras, was indicted on December 5, 2024 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).   

If convicted, OSORIO CANALES 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 ICE Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit in in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUAN K. SIMPSON (“SIMPSON”), age 30, of New Orleans, was indicted for bank robbery, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, on November 25, 2024, SIMPSON robbed a Capital One Bank located on South Claiborne Avenue, in New Orleans. If convicted, SIMPSON faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  SIMPSON 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 was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on November 26, 2024, FELIPE GARCIA, (“GARCIA”), age 46, a Mexican national residing in California, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to misprision of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4.  Judge Morgan scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2025.  At sentencing, GARCIA faces up to 3 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least 1 year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court records, an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police, uncovered a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in New Orleans that was receiving methamphetamine from California via U.S. mail.  Law enforcement in California, specifically the Ontario Police Department, intercepted packages, containing large amounts of methamphetamine, destined for New Orleans.  Further investigation uncovered that GARCIA mailed these packages from California. 

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Ontario (California) Police Department, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evansannounced that JOSE OMAR VARGAS-DUQUE (“VARGAS”), age 39, a resident of Mexico, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to a two-count superseding indictment.  Count One charged VARGAS with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and four hundred grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).  Count Two charged VARGAS with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h).

According to court documents, VARGAS, and other co-conspirators, distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Additionally, VARGAS, and other co-conspirators, traveled between New Orleans, and other states, in order to transport U.S. Currency and narcotics on behalf of a Drug Trafficking Organization, from Louisiana to Mexico.

As to Count One, VARGAS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  As to Count Two, VARGAS faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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  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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evansannounced that MICHELLE ALVARADO (“ALVARADO”), age 27, a resident of Georgia, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to two counts of a superseding indictment.  Count Two charged ALVARADO with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h). Count Three charged ALVARADO with interstate travel in aid of racketeering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3)(A) and (2).

According to court documents, ALVARADO, and other co-conspirators, traveled between New Orleans, and other states, in order to transport U.S. Currency and narcotics, on behalf of a Drug Trafficking Organization, from Louisiana to Mexico.

As to Count Two, ALVARADO faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  As to Count Three, ALVARADO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIAM LANG (“LANG”), age 46, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on November 27, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and four hundred grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(A).

According to court documents, LANG, and other co-conspirators, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute, multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

LANG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TODD F. MORRELL (“MORRELL”), age 57, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to six (6) counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to defraud the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) and the New Orleans Fair Grounds, an entity that paid him to provide off-duty police details.

According to court documents, MORRELL was a NOPD Sergeant with NOPD’s Special Operations Division, serving both on a Tactical Platoon and the Bomb Disposal Unit.  He supplemented his NOPD income with security-oriented secondary employment (i.e., “police details”) while off-duty, including a detail with the New Orleans Fair Grounds Neighborhood Patrol (“Fair Grounds Patrol”).  The Fair Grounds Patrol was created by city ordinance to enhance police service around the New Orleans Fair Grounds Racecourse.  The Fair Grounds Patrol consisted of two patrol cars operating 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, with one off-duty NOPD officer per car.  MORRELL signed annual certifications attesting to his understanding of NOPD policies, including the secondary employment policy , and acknowledging that he would “actively monitor my hours” and would “not engage in activities or personal business which would cause them to neglect or be inattentive to duty.”

Notwithstanding these annual certifications, on numerous occasions between early 2017 and November 30, 2021, MORRELL submitted and certified timecards to NOPD and time sheets to the Fair Grounds Patrol,falsely claiming to have been on duty (for NOPD) and on detail (for the Fair Grounds Patrol) when, in actuality, MORRELL was not present for duty.  Instead, MORRELL engaged in personal, recreational activities unrelated to his work duties.  Often, MORRELL was engaged in recreational race car driving in Avondale, Louisiana, and Austin, Texas, while claiming to be on duty and on detail.  Additionally, MORRELL “double billed” NOPD and the Fair Grounds Patrol by submitting time sheets to both entities reflecting that he was working for both entities simultaneously.  The six counts to which MORRELL pled guilty, are representative examples of his scheme. These counts related to individual payments MORRELL received for submitting false and fraudulent time sheets for on duty and secondary employment shifts while a part of the Fair Grounds Patrol. The various dates he falsely claimed to work that constituted the six counts were: July 1, 2019, December 21, 2020, January 23, 2021, March 13, 2021, March 14, 2021, April 25, 2021, April 30, 2021, and October 23, 2021.

“When anyone commits fraud, our office will vet, investigate, and if warranted, prosecute,” stated United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.  “By pleading guilty today, Mr. Morrell admitted that he violated the public’s trust in his agency and position.  This investigation exemplified the strong partnership that exists between our office, the FBI, and the New Orleans Office of Inspector General.”

"Mr. Morrell abused his position of trust with this community and his role as a leader in the police department when he chose to steal from NOPD," said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of FBI New Orleans. "His actions served as a horrible example for other officers, but today's plea serves as a promise that the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office will pursue every single case to ensure justice is served.  We thank the New Orleans Inspector General's Office for their assistance in bringing this misconduct to light."

For each count, MORRELL faces up to twenty (20) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for February 25, 2025.

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 City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, and Brittany L. Reed also of the Public Integrity Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER GLASS (“GLASS”), age 46, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 21, 2024 to time served.  The Court’s sentence consists of a 16-month term of imprisonment, with the defendant already having served the past 18 months in federal custody.  Upon release from imprisonment, GLASS was sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

GLASS previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.

According to court records, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents started investigating GLASS in June 2020 as a narcotics distributor in the New Orleans area.  The investigation involved the use of a court authorized, Title III, wiretap investigation.  During the wiretap investigation, agents overheard dozens of recorded telephone calls that revealed GLASS was conspiring with others to distribute cocaine, as well as pills containing heroin and fentanyl.

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. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –CHARVAN MORRIS (“MORRIS”), age 27, was sentenced on November 21, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

According to court documents, in February of 2024, MORRIS made three sales of fentanyl to a confidential informant for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives at a motel on Airline Highway. Over the three sales, MORRIS distributed more than nine ounces of fentanyl.  MORRIS made one of the sales from the driver’s seat of a vehicle, all while the front seat passenger was armed with an AR-style pistol.

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.  Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROOSEVELT COCKHERAN (“COCKHERAN”) , age 40, formerly a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 22, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan  to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of  Title 21, United States Code, Section 846; Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, to Further a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b); Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C); and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  COCKHERAN also admitted that he is a prior drug offender and as such, is subject to enhanced penalties as to the conspiracy charge.

As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN  faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release.  As to Unlawful Use of a Communications Facility, COCKHERAN faces up to 4 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and, up to 1 year of supervised release.  As to Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, COCKHERAN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and, at least 3 years supervised release.  As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, COCKHERAN faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release. Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Judge Morgan ordered sentencing to occur on February 25, 2025.

Court documents reflect that COCKHERAN was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck.  Examination of the cell phone by JPSO experts and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, revealed text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities.

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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JULES GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 39, formerly a resident of Gonzales, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 21, 2024, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and, to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, 846; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). GIBSON admitted that as a prior drug offender, he is subject to enhanced penalties for the conspiracy charge.

As to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute Cocaine, GIBSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of  life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000 and, at least 8 years of supervised release. As to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, GIBSON faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine and, up to three years of supervised release.  Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

Sentencing in this matter is set for  February 25, 2025.

Court documents court reflect that a co-defendant, who also pled guilty, was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) deputies after they recovered  several plastic bags containing cocaine and crack cocaine, a black digital scale, a Black Taurus Model PT 24/7 PRO handgun with a magazine containing 11 live rounds of .45 ammo and his cell phone, from his pick-up truck. Examination of the co-defendant’s cell phone by the JPSO and special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, uncovered text messages, photographs and other information documenting his drug trafficking activities.  Additionally, the cell phone examination identified GIBSON and revealed his own drug related purchases and payments.  GIBSON was later arrested by JPSO in possession of a Taurus Model PT140 PRO, .40 caliber pistol.

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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –, HECTOR OMAR SEGURA-LARA (“SEGURA-LARA”) age 36, and JOSE ANTONIO ORTEGA-SILVA (“ORTEGA-SILVA”), age 33, both residents of Dallas, Texas, were sentenced by United States District Judge Susie E. Morgan on November 19, 2024, to 108 months imprisonment and 37 months imprisonment, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to  conspiracy to distribute and, possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, on August 25, 2021, near milepost 56 on Interstate 12, Louisiana, State Troopers stopped a Chrysler 200 occupied by SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA.  When the vehicle’s occupants provided contradictory answers to the troopers regarding their itinerary, the troopers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle. During the search, the troopers discovered four kilograms of cocaine in an additional car battery located under the hood.

Both SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA acknowledged that they were driving to Virginia to deliver drugs.  ORTEGA-SILVA admitted that, at the request of another individual, he obtained the vehicle in Dallas and drove it to Houston where another individual loaded the vehicle with drugs.  ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were then instructed to drive to Virginia where the drugs would be offloaded and $152,000.00 in cash placed in the car’s battery.  ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were to then return to Texas with the proceeds.

For the conspiracy count charged, ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA each face up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DARREN PHILLIP COLER, JR. (“COLER”), age 35, pled guilty on August 7, 2024 to misappropriation of postal funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1711.  COLER was sentenced on November 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

According to court records, COLER, an employee of the United States Postal Service (USPS), beginning in July 2021 and continuing until November 2021, did knowingly and willfully use money and property, totaling $62,033, belonging to the USPS.

COLER was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of supervised release, mandatory restitution in the amount of $62,033 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COSTEL ALIMAN (“ALIMAN”), SABINA MUNTEANU (“MUNTEANU”), and RAMBO HARNA (“HARNA”), citizens of Romania, were charged on November 21, 2024 in a three-count superseding indictment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  ALIMAN and MUNTEANU were previously indicted in Counts 2 and 3 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to Count 1 of the superseding indictment, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA, conspired to defraud Walmart stores across the country, out of merchandise, money orders, and money transfer requests.  ALIMAN would count out money  in front of a Walmart cashier, while one of his co-conspirators, including MUNTEANU and HARNA, would  distract the cashier.  Using a sleight-of-hand technique, ALIMAN would pretend to hand the cashier the full amount while secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash.  The co-conspirators would then return merchandise for a refund to other Walmart stores in a different state or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after having only paid for a fraction of the cost.

If convicted of Count 1, ALIMAN, MUNTEANU, and HARNA each face up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  As to Counts 2 and 3, ALIMAN and MUNTEANU each face up to 2 years of imprisonment, up to 1 year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced  that on November 20, 2024, FAUSTIN WILLIAMS, (“WILLIAMS”), age 46, of Thibodaux, Louisiana pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to one count of possessing, with the intent to distribute, an amount of cocaine and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.  Judge Africk scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025.

As to the drug count, WILLIAMS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  As to the firearm count, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Both counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court records, on June 5, 2024, multiple law enforcement agencies executed search warrants on several residences in Lafourche Parish stemming from an investigation into a cocaine and methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.  This conspiracy operated throughout Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  WILLIAMS was found inside a residence during a search and possessed two firearms and cocaine, packaged for distribution.  WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior cocaine distribution convictions.

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 effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – JAMAUR JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 36, of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to four counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of  Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  Specifically, JOHNSON was sentenced to 87 months of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $500 mandatory special assessment fee.

As part of “Operation Big Easy,” agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, identified individuals involved in trafficking firearms in New Orleans. Between August 30, 2023 and October 26, 2023, agents conducted multiple undercover purchases of firearms from JOHNSON.

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 – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOAN E. ESCOBAR-REYES (“ESCOBAR-REYES”), age 26, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on November 19, 2024, to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).

According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2024, ESCOBAR-REYES, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock Model 32, .357 SIG caliber, semi-automatic pistol and a H&R Model 92, .22 LR caliber revolver.

ESCOBAR-REYES faces up to 15 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. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for February 20, 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 and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

Two Honduran men were convicted on Monday by a federal jury for their roles in a scheme to illegally smuggle Honduran nationals into the United States.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya, 30, and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 37, conspired with at least six others to bring Honduran nationals from Honduras to the United States. In February 2022, the defendants attempted to illegally bring 23 Honduran migrants from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, aboard the M/V Pop, a 65-foot Sportfishing vessel. Most of the migrants each paid several thousand dollars to the co-conspirators to be smuggled into the United States. At some point during the voyage, the M/V Pop developed engine trouble and lost power in the Gulf of Mexico. The co-conspirators chartered a boat to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey into the United States. Before the chartered boat reached the disabled vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted the vessel approximately 75 miles off the coast of Louisiana and towed it to shore.

For almost a year, Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez participated in the scheme to bring Honduran migrants from Honduras to the United States via two vessels: the Masita III and the M/V Pop. Once the migrants reached the United States, the co-conspirators placed some of them in factories and other businesses, knowing that the migrants lacked authorization to enter, remain, or work in the United States.

Cooper Zelaya and Jackson Hernandez were convicted of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and two counts of attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The lead defendant in the case, Carl Allison, 47, previously pleaded guilty in December 2023 to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Three additional co-conspirators, all Honduran nationals, pleaded guilty earlier last year for their roles in the scheme. Darrel Martinez, 41, and Josue Flores-Villeda, 36, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Allison. Lenord Cooper, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

The HSI Houma, Louisiana Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the HSI Pittsburgh Field Office, HSI Atlanta Field Office, and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, North Huntington Township Police, and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training in Honduras provided substantial assistance.

Deputy Chief Rami Badawy and Trial Attorney Kate Wagner of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice of the General Crimes Unit for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

This case is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, Districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; more than 272 U.S. convictions; more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial seizures and forfeiture of assets and contraband including more than a million dollars in cash, real property, vehicles, firearms and ammunition, and drugs; along with multiple indictments and precedent setting extraditions of foreign leadership targets.

This case is also supported by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI, and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LIONEL HESTER (“HESTER”), age 25, and REGINALD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 42, both residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on November 7, 2024, by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle for violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  

According to court records, the police targeted the 3900 Block of Ulloa Street in New Orleans due to numerous reports of drug dealing and firearms violations.  Police saw JOHNSON engage in a hand-to-hand drug transaction and stopped the suspected buyer to confirm the drug purchase from JOHNSON. Before the police could arrest JOHNSON for distributing drugs, JOHNSON got into an SUV driven by HESTER. JOHNSON then escaped from the back of the SUV, leaving a backpack containing a gun and paperwork with his name. HESTER was later arrested. A search of the SUV uncovered crack cocaine, tramadol, marijuana and a Glock Model 31, .357 caliber pistol, by the driver’s seat.  Both JOHNSON and HESTER had several prior felony convictions and were not allowed to possess firearms.

Judge Lemelle sentenced HESTER to 176 months imprisonment, followed by 6 years of supervised release and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.  JOHNSON was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years supervised release, and the payment of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, who is Senior Litigation Counsel at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SANTIAGO PUENTE-GARCIA (“PUENTE-GARCIA”), age 25, a native of Mexico, was indicted on November 15, 2024 for illegal reentry by a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, PUENTE-GARCIA was previously removed from the United States on February 4, 2022.  He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on October 29, 2024 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the country.

If convicted, PUENTE-GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HECTOR MONDRAGON-FLORES a/k/a Fumele, age 32, EDWIN SALGADO-NUNEZ, age 29, ABEL GARCIA, age 48, and JANNETTE RAMIREZ, age 33, were indicted on November 15, 2024, for kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1201(a)(1) and (c).  Additionally, HECTOR MONDRAGON-FLORES a/k/a Fumele is charged with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1) and (b), and being an alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, Untied States Code, Sections 922(g)(5) and 924(a)(8).

The kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping, offenses each carry up to life in prison, up to a $250,00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  The charge of assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon carries up to 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  The charge of being an alien in possession of a firearm carries up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each of the four counts also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, beginning on or about October 1, 2024 through October 2, 2024, the defendants conspired to, and did, kidnap a victim and hold him for ransom.  The defendants variously held the victim at gunpoint, bound his legs together and his arms together behind his back, and threatened to kill the victim if his father did not pay a $7,000 ransom.  After receiving a $3,000 ransom payment from the victim’s father, the defendants also attempted to extract an additional ransom payment from the victim’s girlfriend. Ultimately, the defendants took the victim to an ATM where he withdrew $400 in cash in exchange for his release.

U.S. 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.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys David Berman and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on November 12, 2024, YOLANDA TILLMAN, (“TILLMAN”), age 42, of Des Allemands, Louisiana, and ANJHAELYN HAYNES, (“HAYNES”), age 28, of Humble, Texas, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long to charges stemming from a cocaine distribution conspiracy. Both are scheduled for sentencing  on February 18, 2025.

TILLMAN pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  At sentencing she faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release.

HAYNES pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  At sentencing, she faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  All counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court records, beginning on a time unknown, but continuing until at least June 5, 2024, TILLMAN, HAYNES, and others, conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting the narcotics to Thibodaux, Louisiana.  The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications, and the use of multiple vehicles.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SAUL MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ (“MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ”), age 38, a Texas resident, pled guilty on November 13, 2024 before United States District  Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to two counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine (Count 1) and, possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine (Count 5), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ and other co-conspirators distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

For Counts 1 and 5, MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum term of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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 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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARREN LEE (“LEE”), age 36, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 12, 2024, by United States District Judge Darrel J. Papillion, for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, LEE was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department after being observed driving a stolen vehicle.  When police searched the vehicle, they found two firearms, a Century Arms Inc. Model TP9, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and a Taurus Model Millennium G2,  nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, both equipped with high-capacity magazines, and one of which was stolen.  LEE had several prior felony convictions, including multiple convictions for drug possession.

Judge Papillion sentenced LEE to 57 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

NEW ORLEANS – MARSHALL GRACE (“GRACE”), age 47, of Mississippi, was sentenced on November 12, 2024, by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously being found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count One) and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (Count Two), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  On Count One, GRACE was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  On Count Two, GRACE was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment, four years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, to run concurrent with the sentence imposed in Count One.

According to the evidence at trial, GRACE supplied local methamphetamine dealers in the Hollygrove neighborhood in Orleans Parish with methamphetamine from approximately July 2019 until July 2020. GRACE was arrested after a traffic stop by Louisiana State Troopers in St. Tammany Parish, that uncovered half a kilogram of methamphetamine hidden in the trunk of GRACE’s vehicle.  GRACE's two cellular phones were recovered at the time of his arrest and information was extracted.  Drug Enforcement Administration Agents located multiple narcotics trafficking communications on GRACE’s two cellular phones, that included communications between GRACE and the local dealers he supplied.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, and the Kenner Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn E. Schiffman and Nolan D. Paige of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –ALTON GRAYSON, age 37, was sentenced on November 7, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to 88 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release, along with a $200 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), and 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, in January of 2023, GRAYSON was pulled over by a Kenner Police Department officer for traffic violations.  Inside GRAYSON’s car there were large bags of multicolored pills containing methamphetamine that GRAYSON intended to sell.  GRAYSON also possessed a stolen Kimber Model Ultra TLE II, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  GRAYSON is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions, including a conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin.

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 Kenner Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PETER NEALON (“NEALON”), age 66, from Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion, after previously pleading guilty to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b).  NEALON was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, beginning on or about July 17, 2023, NEALON met undercover law enforcement personnel posing as a fifteen-year-old female (FM1) on Instagram.  Over the next several months, NEALON engaged FM1 in overtly sexual conversations and, on multiple occasions, transmitted images and videos depicting what he claimed to be his erect penis.  Beginning in about July 2023, and continuing on multiple occasions until on or about March 27, 2024,  NEALON communicated his intention to visit FM1 in Louisiana for the purpose of engaging in sex with FM1, explaining in detail the sex acts he intended to perform.

In February 2024, NEALON used a messaging application to communicate with who he believed to be a fourteen-year-old female who was FM1’s friend (FM2).  During

conversations with FM1 and FM2, NEALON expressed an intent and expectation to engage in various forms of sexual contact with FM1 and FM2, individually and collectively.

In March 2024, NEALON discussed the logistics of his trip with FM1 and, on about March 19, 2024, booked flight and hotel reservations from Albany, New York, to New Orleans, Louisiana.  NEALON travelled by plane to New Orleans on about March 27, 2024, to his intent to engage in sexual acts with FM1 and FM2.

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 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Briana Williams, of the Narcotics Unit, and Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, were in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TRAVIS JACKSON (“JACKSON”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on November 12, 2024, by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion, for conspiring to distribute, and  possess with the intent to distribute, fentanyl and, being a felon in possession of a gun, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made several controlled purchases of drugs from JACKSON and his co-defendant.  The FBI then conducted wire intercepts of two phones belonging to the co-defendant.  During the wiretaps, the FBI heard multiple calls related to drug trafficking, including calls with buyers and larger-scale dealers, as well as calls warning other dealers of police activity.  The FBI later executed search warrants, arresting the co-defendant with a gun and fentanyl and, also, arresting JACKSON with a gun.  JACKSON’s prior felony convictions prohibited him from possessing a firearm.

Judge Papillion sentenced JACKSON to 60 months imprisonment on each count to run concurrently, 4 years of supervised release on the drug count and 3 years of supervised release on the felon in possession of a firearm count, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.

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 Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LOUISIANA SWAMP TOURS, LLC, a company based in Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 12, 2024, by U.S. District  Judge Darrel James Papillion, to pay a $53,200 fine, after previously pleading guilty on August 27, 2024, to making false statements, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).  The Court also ordered that LOUISIANA SWAMP TOURS, LLC be placed on probation for 1 year, and pay a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on or about February 25, 2022, LOUISIANA SWAMP TOURS, LLC told investigators from the United States Coast Guard that the hull of a watercraft vessel had been repaired after being damaged in a storm when, in fact, a new hull was built for the watercraft vessel with similar materials and measurements and, the required plans were not submitted to the United States Coast Guard for approval.

This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on November 7, 2024, DERRICK THERIOT (“D. THERIOT”), age 29, of New Orleans, pled guilty to Counts 5 through 8 of the superseding indictment pending against him.  Count 5 charged D. THERIOT with possession, with intent to distribute, fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D).  Count 6 charged D. THERIOT 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 7 charged D. THERIOT with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  Finally, Count 8 charged D. THERIOT 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).

As to Count 5, the maximum penalty is 20 years of imprisonment, and/or up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.

As to Count 6, the minimum penalty is 5 years, up to a life sentence, to run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.

As to Count 7, the maximum penalty is 10 years of imprisonment, and/or  up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.

As to Count 8, the maximum penalty is 15 years of imprisonment, and/or up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  Each count carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court records, on May 12, 2023, two victims were shot and killed after leaving a bar on N. Claiborne Avenue.  A co-defendant was identified as a possible suspect in that double homicide.  During the investigation of the co-defendant, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents, assisting New Orleans Police Department detectives, saw suspected stolen vehicles at two residences, and linked one of them to the co-defendant and D. THERIOT.

On November 27, 2023, law enforcement obtained search warrants for both residences.  D. THERIOT admitted possessing the fentanyl for future drug sales.  Additionally, D. THERIOT admitted possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, because those weapons were kept to protect his drugs.  Additionally, D. THERIOT knew that the Glock Model 27, 40 caliber pistol contained a Glock auto-sear and, if the trigger was pulled, it would expel more than one bullet without having to reset the trigger.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department.  United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEVIN JUNEAU (“JUNEAU”), age 38, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on November 7, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan, to time served, after previously pleading guilty to engaging in the business of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials without a license, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(a)(1) and 844(a)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on or about February 6, 2024, JUNEAU manufactured and sold  M-Type explosive devices that contained explosive materials to undercover agents, without possessing a license to engage in the business of manufacturing and dealing in explosive materials. 

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DIONTAE DORSEY, (“DORSEY”), age 43, of New Orleans, pled guilty on November 7, 2024 to Counts 1, 4, and 8 of an indictment before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier. Sentencing is scheduled for February 27, 2025.

DORSEY was charged in Count 1 with Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  At sentencing, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

DORSEY was charged in Count 4 with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1).  At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment.  Any sentence on Count 4 must run consecutive to any other sentence.

DORSEY was  charged in Count 8 with maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856(a) and Title 18 U.S.C. § 2.  Count 8 carries up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment.  All three counts also carry a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, DORSEY and other individuals, maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.  Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.

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 the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evansannounced that BRANDIE ROWE (ROWE), age 36, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on November 6, 2024, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to a two-count superseding indictment.  Count One charged ROWE with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C).  Count Two charged ROWE with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(2)(A) and 1956(h).

According to court documents, ROWE and other co-conspirators distributed of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Additionally, ROWE and the co-conspirators traveled between New Orleans, and other states, in order to transport U.S. Currency and narcotics on behalf of a Drug Trafficking Organization.

As to Count One, ROWE faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  As to Count Two, ROWE faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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 is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LORENZO ALEXANDER BENITEZ (“BENITEZ”), age 40, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced by United States District Judge Susie Morgan on November 7, 2024 to two years of probation, after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, BENITEZ admitted to reentering the United States illegally after  previously being deported on July 27, 2018.  BENITEZ was encountered by law enforcement on April 29, 2024, while driving on Interstate 610 in New Orleans.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Customs and Border Patrol in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 44, of New Orleans, was sentenced today to 137 months in prison for federal firearms and narcotics offenses.

According to court documents, WILLIAMS possessed a firearm and several narcotics after a foot chase and subsequent arrest by New Orleans Police Department officers.  WILLIAMS pled guilty to possessing, with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as quantities of cocaine, hydrocodone, and tapaentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and (b)(1)(C).  WILLIAMS also pled guilty to possessing a firearm, in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion sentenced WILLIAMS to 77 months in prison for the drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm offenses, followed by a consecutive 60 months in prison for possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking, for a total 137 months.  WILLIAMS was also sentenced to 4 years of supervised release, and a  $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each of the three counts of conviction.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 31, 2024 JOHNNIE HAGANS (“HAGANS”), age 31, pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) (Count 1); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1(a)(i) (Count 2); and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) (Counts 3 and 4).

As to Count 1, HAGANS faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  As to Count 2, HAGANS faces from five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  As to Counts 3 and 4, HAGANS faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to each of Counts 1-4, HAGANS also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

HAGANS is set for sentencing on January 30, 2025.

According to court documents, on January 23, 2024, a New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officer conducting surveillance of a Valero gas station on South Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans saw HAGANS making multiple hand-to-hand drug sales. NOPD patrol officers attempted to detain HAGANS,one officer was able to feel and detected an object in HAGANS’s waistband recognizable as a firearm.  HAGANS fled from the officers and discarded an object in an open lot.  After HAGANS’s subsequent detention, officers recovered a Ruger Model LCPII, .380 caliber pistol from the open lot.  Officers also obtained a search warrant for a  Nissan Rogue SUV located in the Valero gas station parking lot that HAGANS had previously been seen  accessing.  Inside the SUV, officers found a Kahr Arms Model CW40, .40 caliber pistol, and a plastic bag containing  cocaine.

After HAGANS’s arrest, officers began monitoring his jail phone calls.  Based on these calls and the belief that additional firearms might be found at HAGANS’s residence, officers obtained a search warrant for HAGANS’s residence.  Pursuant to the warrant, they recovered a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco, 7.62-millimeter pistol and an Anderson Arms Model AM-15, .223 caliber /5.56-millimeter pistol.

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.  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.