Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 7, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against DEXTER MONTGOMERY (“MONTGOMERY”), age 51, a resident of New Orleans, charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, MONTGOMERY was indicted on two counts of distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A) and one count of distribution of fifty (50) or more grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

If convicted of the distribution of methamphetamine counts, MONTGOMERY faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For the distribution of a mixture of methamphetamine count, MONTGOMERY faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

*       *        *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today that a federal grand jury indicted KENYA PATTERSON, (“PATTERSON”), age 34, of Houma, Louisiana, for:

         Count 1-Possession with intent to distribute forty (40) grams or more of a mixture of a         substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States      Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)(vi);

         Count 2-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); and

         Count 3- Felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code,      Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to the indictment, on or about June 4, 2025, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, PATTERSON, possessed with intent to distribute over forty (40) grams of fentanyl.  PATTERSON possessed the firearm in furtherance of the crime alleged in Count 1. Finally, PATTERSON possessed the firearm knowing that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

PATTERSON faces the following penalties if convicted:

            Count 1:          a minimum of five (5) years imprisonment up to a maximum of forty (40)                                             years imprisonment; a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four (4) years of                                              supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee;

            Count 2:          a minimum of five (5) years imprisonment up to life imprisonment to be                                         served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to                                     $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100                             special assessment fee; and

            Count 3:          up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three                               (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment                                          fee.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle 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 Courcelle praised the work of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                          *  *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –UBALDO YASIR AMAYA-COLINDRES (“AMAYA-COLINDRES”), age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced on August 6, 2026, to 10 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. The Court also sentenced AMAYA-COLINDRES to one (1) year of supervised release and ordered him to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to the bill of information, AMAYA-COLINDRES reentered the United States sometime prior to March 1, 2026, after having been previously removed on or about June 13, 2024. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

                                                                                                               *    *   *  

NEW ORLEANS – SHELDON SMITH SR. (“SMITH”), age 60, of New Orleans, LA, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, by United States District Judge Jay Zainey after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute drugs, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

SMITH was sentenced to 18 months as to Count 1 and 60 months as to Count 2, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, and payment of a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to the indictment, on or about December 17, 2024, SMITH possessed with intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of oxycodone. It is further alleged that SMITH possessed two firearms, a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter handgun and a Taurus Model G2C, .40 caliber handgun, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                          *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DERRICK SERIGNET (“SERIGNET”), age 44, pleaded guilty on August 6, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) was surveilling SERIGNET after receiving information that SERIGNET was selling narcotics in the Central City area of New Orleans. On February 4, 2026, FBI special agents and New Orleans Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on SERIGNET. SERIGNET had a loaded Glock Model 43x, 9mm caliber pistol in one pocket, and over 50 baggies of fentanyl and 50 baggies of cocaine, that he intended to distribute, in his other pocket. SERIGNET is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction for attempted armed robbery. 

As to his drug-trafficking conviction, SERIGNET faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release up to life. As to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, SERIGNET 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 $100 special assessment fee.

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.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                        ***

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On August 4, 2026, WILBERT SMITH, (“SMITH”), age 46, of New Orleans, was found guilty on all seven counts of a superseding indictment pending against him, following a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026. 

SMITH was convicted in Count 1 of conspiring with others to distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, and in Count 2 of possessing with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine and heroin, all in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(C), and 846. At sentencing, for both Counts 1 and 2, he faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release. 

SMITH was convicted in Count 4 of possessing firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy charged in Count 1, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A). At sentencing, he faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. SMITH was convicted in Count 6 of being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). At sentencing, he faces up to fifteen years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

SMITH was convicted in Count 8 of possessing a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. § 922(o) and 924(a)(2). At sentencing, he faces up to ten (10) years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. SMITH was convicted in Count 9 of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 924(c) (l)(B)(ii). He faces a mandatory minimum of thirty (30) years imprisonment, which must be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release.

SMITH was convicted in Count 10 of Maintaining a drug involved premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 856. At sentencing, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to each count of conviction, SMITH also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Evidence presented at trial showed that beginning at a time unknown, but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, SMITH, 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. Federal search warrants executed on these residences on May 8, 2024, led to the seizure of multiple firearms, including a machinegun, over $41,000 is U.S. currency, drug trafficking paraphernalia such as blenders, digital scales, a money counter, and plastic baggies, along with approximately 416 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin and over 100 grams of cocaine. SMITH also possessed multiple firearms, including the machinegun, to protect this drug-trafficking operation and his drug proceeds.

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

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                  ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – YILEI ZHOU, age 36, a Chinese national, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 24 months’ imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing one hundred (100) kilograms or more of a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  

According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, DEA Special Agents observed an individual identified as ZHOU pick up Hanjie Wu, a known marijuana distributor, from an airport in Houston, Texas and drive him to a residence in Katy, Texas, where they picked up Zihang Zeng and drove to Denham Springs, Louisiana. The following day, two other individuals, Wei Bin Chen and Like Chen, left Denham Springs, traveled to a nearby storage facility and retrieved multiple large trash bags from a storage unit. They then drove to another storage facility in Slidell, Louisiana. ZHOU and Wu then drove to same facility in Slidell where they all met with an individual identified as Aaron Steele. Wei Bin and Like Chen then loaded the large trash bags into Steele’s vehicle and all parties left the storage facility.

Forrest County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of Chen’s vehicle on Interstate 59 headed towards Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana.

Additionally, Mississippi Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Steele’s vehicle on Interstate 59 in Picayune, Mississippi. A consensual search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 22.7 kilograms of marijuana. 

Based on the seizures that occurred in Slidell and Mississippi, Livingston Parish officers obtained search warrants for the residence and storage facility in Denham Springs. When the officers arrived at the residence, Zeng ran from the residence and was arrested. Inside the residence, officers located $1,552.00 in currency, hundreds of rubber bands, a vacuum sealer and a money counter. From the storage unit, officers seized 38.5 kilograms of marijuana.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Forrest County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, and the Picayune, Mississippi Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Nolan D. Paige of the Narcotics Unit.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

                                                                                                *        *       *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE JOVANY CRUZ-HERNANDEZ (“CRUZ-HERNANDEZ”), age 41, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier on July 30, 2026, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court records, CRUZ-HERNANDEZ was previously removed from the United States on five occasions: April 14, 2011; August 10, 2011; February 25, 2013; July 8, 2013; and June 1, 2015. CRUZ-HERNANDEZ was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana by an agent of the United States Border Patrol on March 16, 2026, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Department of Homeland Security.

CRUZ-HERNANDEZ was sentenced to time served. He has been in federal custody since March 16, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

                                                                                                      *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced the July 29, 2026, guilty pleas of three defendants who participated in a bribery scheme that enabled over 100 people to fraudulently obtain commercial driver’s licenses. The three defendants— MAHMOUD ALHATTAB, JONATHAN PARSONS, and MARLINE ROBERTS—each pleaded guilty to one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666.

ALHATTAB, a local restaurant owner, admitted to being the ringleader of a scheme in which CDL applicants each paid him on average approximately $5,000 to receive unearned CDLs. The scheme allowed applicants to bypass each of the three main federally-mandated steps of the CDL qualification process—knowledge testing, entry-level driver training, and skills testing.

The knowledge test is a written test that must be passed at the Office of Motor Vehicles office, and includes questions on vehicle safety systems, emergency situations, procedures for various maneuvers, and extreme driving conditions. Passing the knowledge test results in the issuance of a commercial learner’s permit, which is a prerequisite for the training and the skills test. 

According to court documents, ALHATTAB admitted that, to defeat the knowledge test requirement, he bribed two employees of a Donaldsonville, Louisiana OMV office. Typically, ALHATTAB would provide an OMV employee, via cell phone messaging, with a photograph of the applicant’s driver’s license and he would identify any desired endorsements, such as a school bus endorsement. Next, the OMV employee would enter correct knowledge test answers for the applicant. Finally, ALHATTAB would bring the applicant to the Donaldsonville OMV office where the OMV employee would confer a commercial learner’s permit upon the applicant based on the falsified knowledge test scores. ALHATTAB paid the two OMV employees in cash, and he also provided them with meals. As part of his guilty plea, ALHATTAB admitted that the OMV employees allowed him to bring applicants into the OMV office through a non-public side door and allowed him to enter non-public parts of the OMV office. Sometimes ALHATTAB personally operated the OMV camera to take an applicant’s photograph for the commercial learner’s permit.

After passing the knowledge test and obtaining a commercial learner’s permit, most CDL applicants are required to complete entry-level driver training. This training includes demonstrating proficiency while operating a commercial vehicle on a public road.

ALHATTAB admitted that, to defeat the training requirement, he bribed two men who operated truck driver training businesses. One of these men was defendant PARSONS. Typically, ALHATTAB would send PARSONS a photograph of an applicant’s commercial learner’s permit via cell phone messaging. This would provide PARSONS with the information needed to generate false training records. As part of his guilty plea, PARSONS admitted that, in exchange for payments from ALHATTAB, he reported in a federal database that applicants successfully completed training when, in truth, they did not train at all.

After completing training, the final major step in the CDL process is passing the skills test. The skills test is administered by state-authorized examiners, who are agents of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. As required by federal regulations, Louisiana’s skills test is comprised of: pre-trip vehicle inspection skills, which includes identifying each safety-related vehicle part and explaining what needs to be inspected to ensure the part’s safe operating condition; basic vehicle control skills, which includes demonstrating of a variety of driving maneuvers and behaviors; and safety-related on-road driving skills, which also includes demonstrations.

ALHATTAB admitted that, to defeat the skills test requirement, he bribed PARSONS and the other business operator, both of whom, in addition to being trainers, were certified by Louisiana to administer the skills test. As part of his guilty plea, PARSONS admitted that he falsely reported to the State that applicants had passed the skills test when, in truth, the applicants did not take the test. Early in the scheme, ALHATTAB would sometimes pose as the applicant and drive the commercial vehicle used for testing so that it would appear that PARSONS was administering a skills test to a CDL applicant. However, ALHATTAB and PARSONS eventually decided that this precaution was unnecessary and, thereafter, PARSONS routinely entered skills tests without ALHATTAB or the applicant appearing at the test site. On some occasions, PARSONS paid another skills test examiner, defendant ROBERTS, to assist in the scheme. As part of her guilty plea, ROBERTS admitted to creating phony score sheets to corroborate PARSONS’s false test reports.

After a CDL applicant received false skills test scores, ALHATTAB would typically inform an OMV employee that the applicant was returning to the Donaldsonville OMV office to get the CDL. As part of his guilty plea, ALHATTAB acknowledged that many of the applicants were not proficient in the English language and, therefore, he sometimes advised the OMV employees of language barriers. For example, on one occasion, ALHATTAB texted an OMV employee that an applicant “is outside [the OMV office] to get his CDL” and “No English,” meaning that the applicant did not speak English.

As part of their guilty pleas, ALHATTAB and PARSONS admitted that they texted about their shared desire to increase the number of applicants involved in the scheme. For example, in January 2021: ALHATTAB informed PARSONS that ALHATTAB currently had approximately 20 persons seeking CDLs and that “[t]his year it will be a good year,” to which PARSONS replied, “Heck yeah”; ALHATTAB texted PARSONS, “I have to[o] many” applicants to which PARSONS replied, “That's a good thing”; and PARSONS texted “Keep them coming!” to which ALHATTAB replied, “Will do.”

ALHATTAB admitted that from about August 2020 through February 2024 he caused at least 124 people to fraudulently receive CDLs. PARSONS admitted that from about August 2020 through February 2024 he caused at least 118 people to fraudulently receive CDLs by providing each person with a false training entry, or a false skills test entry, or both types of false entries. ROBERTS admitted that on seven occasions in early 2023 she created false scoring sheets to assist PARSONS in making false skills test reports.

The offense to which these three defendants pleaded guilty, Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to three years’ supervised release following imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing for these three defendants is scheduled for October 28, 2026. 

Other defendants charged in the indictment are awaiting trial. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment as to those defendants is merely a charge and that each defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General investigated this case.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle thanked the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and Louisiana Public Safety Services for their valuable assistance in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

*       *       *

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On July 24, 2026, United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that JOCK WALKER (“WALKER”), age 45, of Orleans Parish, was indicted on a three-count indictment. Count One charges WALKER with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C). Count Two charges WALKER 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 Three charges WALKER with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, Unites States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). 

The Indictment contains a sentencing enhancement provision under Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(b)(1)(C) and 851. Prior to committing the offense charged in Count One of the Indictment, WALKER had a conviction, for which he served a term of imprisonment of more than 12 months, and for which his release from any term of imprisonment was within 15 years of the commencement of the offense charged in Count One of the Indictment.  As a result, WALKER is subject to increased punishment for committing the offense charged Count One of the Indictment.

According to the Indictment, on or about July 15, 2026, WALKER, did and intentionally possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely fentanyl, while in possession of a firearm to further his drug trafficking enterprise. Furthermore, WALKER, knowing that he had been convi9-millimeteres punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, in Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans, State of Louisiana, and a felony conviction on May 25, 2011, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, did knowingly possess firearms, specifically, a Glock Model 43X, 9 millimeter caliber pistol; a Rossi Model 85, .38 Special revolver, and ammunition.

If convicted of Count One, WALKER faces up to 30 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000,000, at least Six (6) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. If convicted of Count Two, WALKER faces 5 years to life imprisonment, imposed consecutively, a fine up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. If convicted of Count Three, WALKER faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit. 

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

*        *       *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERIK ROBERTO MACHADO-MENCIA, a/k/a “Roberto Machado-Mencia,” age 37, a native of Honduras, was sentenced by United States District Judge Susie Morgan on July 30, 2026, to three months in federal prison arising out of his conviction for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, MACHADO-MENCIA was found in the United States on May 15, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States after being previously deported on December 16, 2019.

On May 15, 2025, agents with the U.S. Border Patrol were working highway interdiction on Interstate 12 near Lacombe, Louisiana, when a vehicle with a fictitious license plate passed the agents. The agents conducted a traffic stop and determined that one of the occupants of the vehicle, MACHADO-MENCIA, was a citizen of Honduras who had been previously removed from the United States. 

U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS – BOBBIE ELLIS a/k/a “BOBBIE GREEN” (“ELLIS”), age 63, currently a resident of Fairhope, Alabama pleaded guilty on July 28, 2026, to wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and tax evasion in violation of Title 26, United States Code, 7201, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, from 2010 to 2018 ELLIS worked for a small law firm in Mandeville, Louisiana. ELLIS performed duties of an office manager, bookkeeper, and paralegal.  In those roles, ELLIS had access to the law firm’s financial records, bank accounts, notary stamp, and other legal documents. From at least 2012 to 2018, ELLIS, without authorization, accessed bank accounts controlled by the law firm and forged her employer’s signature on numerous checks stealing over $1.8 million. ELLIS used the fraudulently obtained proceeds to purchase a home in Georgia and another home in Florida. ELLIS also fraudulently used a credit card linked to her employer. ELLIS charged over $945,000 in unauthorized purchases, including expenses related to vacations, hotel stays, retail store purchases, restaurants, and purchases for her children and pets. To conceal her fraud, ELLIS used funds from bank accounts controlled by the law firm to pay for her fraudulent credit card charges. In total, ELLIS embezzled $1,861,575.75 from bank accounts controlled by her employer. From 2013 through 2017, ELLIS attempted to evade the income tax due to the IRS based on her legitimate and illegal income. ELLIS willfully failed to report to the IRS the money she stole and the money she earned while working at the law firm. ELLIS owes the IRS a total of $657,707 for evading her taxes from 2013 through 2017. 

For wire fraud, ELLIS faces a maximum penalty of twenty years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee. For tax evasion, ELLIS faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee. ELLIS also will be ordered to pay restitution. 

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. 

                                                                                                          *   *   * 

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on July 30, 2026, ALEXA MARIE BRAUD, (“BRAUD”), age 34, of Gretna, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to bank theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b). Sentencing is set for October 22, 2026.

According to the factual basis, on February 4, 2026, BRAUD, entered a credit union located in Gretna, Louisiana where she was a bank manager, and took $185,000 in United States currency.  The deposits of the credit union are insured by the National Credit Union Administration. 

BRAUD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment cost.  

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Gretna Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Anne Flippo of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

*     *    *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today that Chinese national, JIAXIN TIAN(“TIAN”), age 29, of New Orleans, pled guilty on July 30, 2026, for Receipt of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). TIAN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. 

The case against TIAN began with an undercover online investigation initiated by the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office (“PRCSO”) when they were searching for individuals sharing Child Sex Abuse Material (“CSAM”) on the internet. The PRCSO investigation led them to a subject in New Orleans resulting in the PRCSO notifying the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) of their findings. 

According to court documents, on December 12, 2025, agents with the LBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”) executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in New Orleans. During the search, agents recovered an MSI laptop computer, Apple I-Phone, Huawei cell phone, and various other electronic storage devices, in TIAN’s bedroom. TIAN admitted to the agents that he had downloaded images and videos of prepubescent CSAM. Thereafter, LBI and HSI located images and videos depicting the victimization of children on TIAN’s computer. Although TIAN was initially arrested on state child pornography charges, through a partnership between state and federal authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is now prosecuting TIAN federally. TIAN will remain in federal custody until he is sentenced on November 19, 2026 before United States District Judge Anna St. John.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

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.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement:  

“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste, and abuse,” stated David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana, Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana, Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana.

“The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys - David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller - to fight fraud. Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution, stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system. By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business,” stated Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry.

“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in,” stated Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer Angele Davis.

“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts,” Louisiana Legislative Auditor Michael “Mike” Waguespack.

What follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.       

EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98.  Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni. 

On June 17, 2026,Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses. 

On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture. 

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.  Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.

Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.  The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000.  He is awaiting sentencing.  The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S.  Attorney John B. Casey.

Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws.  Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.

WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi‑year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. She allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four‑count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.

Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes in order to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.

On May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants, were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses in order to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford. 

###

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement:  

“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste and abuse.”

-David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana
-Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana
-Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana

“The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys – David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller – to fight fraud. Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution. Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation.”

-Liz Murrill
Louisiana Attorney General

“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system. By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business.”

-Nancy Landry
Louisiana Secretary of State

“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in.”

-Angele Davis 
Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer

“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts.”

-Michael “Mike” Waguespack
Louisiana Legislative Auditor

What follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.      

EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration (SBA) loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98.  Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni.

On June 17, 2026, Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.

On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture.

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.  Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.

Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.  The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000.  He is awaiting sentencing.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Casey.

Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws.  Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.

WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

On May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants - Ashley Belion, Destiny Church, Diedra Church, Corey Graham, Ciera Lashan Harris, Jimessia Robinson, Rosie Shoals, Desiman Veail, and Greginald Williams -  were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses in order to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.  

Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. Pierce allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.

Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes in order to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.

 ###

CONTACT: Public Affairs
USALAW-News@usdoj.gov
United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Western District of Louisiana
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
 

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. DOJ efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a comprehensive effort led by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorneys in Louisiana are proud to stand unified in this critical effort on behalf of Louisiana citizens and made this joint statement: 

“The cases highlighted include some of the most expansive and complex fraud cases that DOJ has investigated and prosecuted, and which emphasize the combined missions of the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of Louisiana to safeguard the nation’s coffers from fraudulent schemes. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators of fraud, hold them accountable, and seek justice for those directly impacted by fraud. It is the hardworking American taxpayer who ultimately bears the financial burden of fraud, waste and abuse,” stated David I. Courcelle, United States Attorney, Eastern District of Louisiana; Kurt L. Wall, United States Attorney, Middle District of Louisiana; and Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney, Western District of Louisiana.

 “The Louisiana Department of Justice is proud to partner with our three U.S. Attorneys – David Courcelle, Kurt Wall, and Zachary Keller – to fight fraud,” stated Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. “Since I assumed office, the LDOJ has secured more than 100 convictions and $73 million in court-ordered restitution. Those kinds of results only happen when all levels of government work together toward the same mission. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Governor Landry, the Louisiana Legislature, and our many other state and federal partners, we are holding criminals accountable and delivering real results for the taxpayers of Louisiana and the nation.”

“Louisiana’s business records should never become a tool for criminals. This partnership reflects our commitment to protecting businesses, consumers, and the integrity of our state’s business registration system,” stated Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry. “By working more closely with our law enforcement partners at both the state and federal levels, we can better identify fraudulent activity, disrupt criminal schemes, and protect businesses from those who seek to exploit them. Collaboration like this strengthens public confidence and helps ensure Louisiana remains a safe place to live, work, and do business.”

“Louisiana is all in with President Trump and Vice President Vance. To anyone stealing from a Louisiana program: the State of Louisiana and the United States Department of Justice are working from the same file, and there is no seam left to hide in,” stated Angele Davis, Louisiana Inspector General and Chief Integrity Officer.

“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice for its partnership in combating fraud and for bringing together investigative partners from across the Southeast to strengthen our shared efforts,” stated Michael “Mike” Waguespack, Louisiana Legislative Auditor. 

What follows are cases that particularly exemplify the effort to investigate and prosecute fraud in Louisiana and restore confidence to citizens.       

EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

On June 3, 2026, Amanda Clayborne-Williams was charged with wire fraud and tax evasion. According to the bill of information, in 2020 and 2021, Clayborne-Williams submitted twelve fraudulent Small Business Administration loan and loan forgiveness applications for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”). Clayborne-Williams applied for approximately $1.3 million in loans. It is alleged she received approximately $447,305.98.  Clayborne-Williams also attempted to evade paying income tax by filing a false form with the IRS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni. 

On June 17, 2026, Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a nurse practitioner, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,508,868 in restitution for her role in a health care fraud scheme resulting in over $12 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cancer genetic tests. Baker received tens of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks. Trial evidence showed that Baker ordered ovarian and cervical cancer tests for male patients. The case was prosecuted by DOJ Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force Trial Attorneys Samantha E. Usher, Gary A. Crosby II, and Kelly Z. Walters; and by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses. 

On June 22, 2026, Dr. Christopher Whipple, a New Orleans physician, was charged by indictment with two counts of health care fraud. Whipple owned and operated two health care companies that are alleged to have submitted $5.9 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and Humana. Whipple allegedly submitted claims on behalf of patients for which he did not provide care and billed for in-person care for Louisianians despite their being outside the state. Whipple is also alleged to have submitted claims using the identities of other providers without their permission.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Zakeria Haidary, Acting Assistant Chief Sara Porter of the Gulf Coast Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Knight.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Giavotella is handling asset forfeiture. 

MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Chakesha Scott, Eric Scott, Courtney Scott, and Sam Green, all of Zachary, were indicted on July 15, 2026, for conspiracy to commit theft concerning programs receiving federal funds.  Beginning around June 2018 and continuing until at least December 2024, the defendants allegedly conspired to embezzle or steal funds from Impact Charter School for personal use.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis, who also serves as the office’s District Fraud Counsel.

Oscar Hills, IV, of Baton Rouge, was convicted following a three-day jury trial in September 2025 of two counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.  The jury found that, between March 2020 and May 2020, Hills submitted fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which were created or expanded by Congress under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Based on these applications, Hills fraudulently obtained over $835,000. He is awaiting sentencing.  The case is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Casey.

Damian Raby, of Gonzales, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in October of 2025 following his conviction for conspiracy to launder money and obstruct the due administration of internal revenue laws.  Raby was also ordered to pay over $2.6 million in restitution based on his filing of over three dozen fraudulent applications for pandemic-era tax credits under the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program, which was implemented by the CARES Act to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payrolls.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan A. Stevens, who also serves as the office’s Senior Litigation Counsel, and John B. Casey.

WESTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA

Jane Francis Pierce, of Boyce, is charged with running a multi-year fraud scheme in which she filed false tax returns on behalf of a trust she controlled, seeking almost $10 million in refunds, and successfully obtaining more than $1 million from the IRS. She allegedly used the money for personal expenses, including a home and vehicle, and then obstructed the IRS’s efforts to reclaim the fraudulent refunds. On April 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging her with mail fraud, money laundering, filing false tax returns, and interfering with an IRS investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson, and Trial Attorney with the Criminal Division Tax Section, Isaiah Boyd.

Chandrakant Patel, of Oakdale, a business owner, and four co-defendants, Chad Doyle, Michael Slaney, Glynn Dixon, and Tebo Onishea, were paid thousands of dollars by foreign nationals to be named as false “victims” of crimes to obtain U-visas in and around Oakdale. Patel conspired with his co-defendants, prominent members of local law enforcement, who used their official positions to certify the fraudulent reports. Patel also attempted to bribe a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office employee with $5,000 for an additional fraudulent report and the group used the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers to submit falsified documents. They were indicted on July 2, 2025, and all have now pled guilty. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Nickel and Danny Siefker.

On May 7, 2026, Mya Carter, of Shreveport, and nine co-defendants, were indicted after a multi-year investigation of individuals applying for fraudulent loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of the Federal Government. The 10 individuals indicted in this case applied for, or had others apply in their place, for multiple loans using fraudulent documents and false information to claim ownership of mostly non-existent businesses to enrich themselves. A total of 12 loans were funded for a loss of approximately $260,000 with an additional 46 loans that attempted to obtain over one million dollars in federal funds. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Aaron Crawford.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ELDER CAMACHO (“CAMACHO”), age 36, a resident of Texas, was sentenced on July 29, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to one count in a Superseding Bill of Information charging him with misprision of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. CAMACHO was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, CAMACHO, drove a codefendant from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana in order to launder bulk cash drug proceeds from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas. CAMACHO also assisted in purchasing packaging materials to conceal the bulk cash.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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

*        *        *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on July 24, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted TINO PIERRE, (“PIERRE”), age 25, of New Orleans, for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). 

According to the indictment, on or about April 8, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, PIERRE, knowing that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, was found in possession of a firearm. 

PIERRE faces a maximum fifteen (15) year term of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment cost.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle 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 Courcelle praised the work of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                       *  *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL BROOKS (“BROOKS”), age 30, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with intent to distribute those same substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D);  conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(o); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on August 13, 2025, BROOKS and his co-defendant were pulled over by the Louisiana State Police. Inside the car, troopers recovered over 2.5 pounds of marijuana, tapentadol pills, a digital scale, a Glock handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device and an extended magazine, and a Romarm/CugirMini Draco, 7.62x39mm semi-automatic pistol equipped with a loaded extended magazine. BROOKS is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions for first-degree robbery and aggravated battery.

As to his drug-trafficking convictions, BROOKS faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release up to life. As to his conviction for conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, BROOKS faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, BROOKS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to each other and any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, BROOKS faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                          ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LANCE ROTOLO, JR. (ROTOLO, JR.), 20, from Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 23, 2026, to 124 months imprisonment, 10 years supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after pleading guilty to a one count superseding bill of information which charged him with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown, but not later than in or around January 2025, and continuing at least until on or about February 1, 2025, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, ROTOLO, JR., did use a facility and means of interstate and foreign commerce and knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce any individual who had not attained the age of 18 years, to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged  with a criminal offense, such as pornography involving juveniles.

U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.  Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.govlegitimacy 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.

*  *   *

NEW ORLEANS – DESHAWN JONES (“JONES”), age 44, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced JONES to 200 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to December 27, 2021, and continuing to on or about November 25, 2024, JONES conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, crack, and cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. On November 25, 2024, JONES possessed with the intent to distribute 40grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, 28 grams or more of a mixture containing crack, cocaine, and 2 guns, including a Smith and Wesson, Model 67, .38 special caliber revolver, and a DPMS Panther Arms, Model A-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

*      *      *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 21, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced JENTONIA WILLIAMS, (“WILLIAMS”), age 40, of New Orleans, to thirty (30) months imprisonment.  WILLIAMS previously pled guilty to bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, on September 2, 2025, WILLIAMS robbed a Capital One Bank located on Canal Street, in New Orleans, of United States currency.  The deposits of the Capital One Bank branch are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC”).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crime Task Force in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

                                                                                                          *  *   *

NEW ORLEANS – STEVE BANKS (“BANKS”), age 50, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 22, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced BANKS to 181 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, law enforcement searched BANKS’s apartment on October 21, 2024, and seized over 1,200 grams of crack cocaine, items used to manufacture and weigh crack cocaine, over $12,000 in cash, 3 loaded guns, ammunition, and identifying information for BANKS. The guns included: (1) Zastava Model ZPAP85, 5.56 millimeter semi-automatic rifle, fully loaded with live ammunition in a 30 round magazine, (2) Glock Model 22, 40 millimeter, semi-automatic pistol, with a loaded extended magazine, which had been reported stolen, and (3) Glock Model 17Gen5, 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol, loaded with a standard magazine.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

*      *      *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHERWIN WHITE, JR. (“WHITE”), age 30, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on July 21, 2026, before Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to nine federal drug and gun offenses, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Pursuant to his plea agreement with the government, WHITE has agreed to a sentence of 25 years in prison. 

WHITE pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846; distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B); carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and a quantity of burenorphine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(E); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). WHITE also admitted that he was subject to a sentencing enhancement because he has a prior conviction for distribution of heroin.

According to court documents, over the course of five transactions between November 2024 and January 2025, WHITE, and his co-conspirators, sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms to individuals he believed to be legitimate purchasers. In total, WHITE and his co-conspirators sold over 110 grams of fentanyl, over 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine, and 13 firearms to individuals he believed to be legitimate purchasers. During one of the transactions, WHITE asked the individual he believed to be legitimate purchaser if they could press WHITE’s fentanyl into pills. During another, WHITE told an individual he believed to be legitimate purchaser that he was trafficking large quantities of liquid methamphetamine into New Orleans.

WHITE was arrested at his apartment on January 30, 2025. Law enforcement officers searched WHITE’s apartment and recovered an additional 536 grams of fentanyl and 65 grams of methamphetamine that WHITE intended to sell, five digital scales, and three loaded firearms, including a Romarm/Cugir Model Micro Draco 7.62 caliber pistol loaded with 54 rounds of ammunition. 

As to each of his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine, WHITE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life in prison, up to a $20,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release up to life. As to his convictions for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, WHITE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to life, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release up to life. As to his convictions for distributing a quantity of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, WHITE faces up to 30 years in prison, up to a $2,000,000 fine, and mandatory minimum of six years of supervised release up to life. As to his each of convictions for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime, WHITE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to each other and any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each of the nine convictions also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Pursuant to his plea agreement with the government, WHITE will serve 25 years in prison. The Court took WHITE’s plea but deferred its decision on whether to accept or reject the negotiated plea until sentencing.

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.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                      ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ADONTE TURNER (“A. TURNER”), age 28, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“T. TURNER”), age 55, also of New Orleans, were sentenced on July 17, 2026 for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, A. TURNER, and T. TURNER were passengers in a vehicle that intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. A. TURNER, and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced both A. TURNER and T. TURNER to eighteen (18) months of probation. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 will also be imposed. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, of the Public Integrity Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Deputy Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Acting Criminal Chief and Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

                                                                                                          *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 16, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted NICKY PARFAIT (“PARFAIT”),age 37, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, PARFAIT was indicted for possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 841(b)(1)(B); being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8) and 924(e)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).    

If convicted of the possession with intent to distribute count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the felon in possession count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 

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

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

*       *        *

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced the conviction of DALE SANDERS, age 56, of Kenner, Louisiana after a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long. On Friday, July 17, 2026, a jury convicted the defendant on 25 counts of the superseding indictment pending against him for wire fraud, access device fraud, and obstruction of a federal investigation related to a years-long investigation. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, SANDERS defrauded Church A and Church B in order to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. SANDERS would withdraw funds and transfer money held in Church A’s bank accounts to accounts controlled by SANDERS. The money was used to fund his personal expenditures, to include gambling, dining, and living expenses. SANDERS utilized Church A’s debit card for unauthorized personal transactions and received cash, goods and services totaling over $340,000 that he was not entitled to. SANDERS was also found guilty of obstruction of a federal investigation for providing a falsified record in response to a grand jury subpoena.

Judge Long scheduled SANDERS’ sentencing for October 13, 2026. SANDERS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn McHugh and Tracey Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit handled the prosecution.

Updated 7/22/2026 for clarity.

*          *          *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL O’NELL CARPENTER, age 42, a resident of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 15, 2026, to mail theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1708, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. His sentencing is set for October 28, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

According to the Superseding Bill of Information, at the time of the offense, MICHAEL O’NELL CARPENTER was employed as a contract delivery driver transporting U.S. mail from the New Orleans Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) to the Ponchatoula Post Office. On or about July 10, 2024, he stole a package from the container of mail matter he was entrusted to transport from the P&DC and deliver to the Ponchatoula Post Office. 

MICHAEL O’NELL CARPENTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

*  *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRELL KELLEY (“KELLEY”), age 34, was sentenced to a ninety-seven (97) month term of imprisonment on July 14, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan. KELLEY was ordered to pay a $600 mandatory special assessment fee and serve a six (6) year term of supervised release upon release from imprisonment, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, KELLEY previously pleaded guilty to three (3) counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two (2) counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The aforementioned narcotics and firearms charges relate to three separate incidents, as follows. On August 20, 2020, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers attempted to arrest KELLEY on an outstanding warrant. After a standoff, KELLEY surrendered, and a search warrant was obtained for the residence where he was located. The search revealed $10,000 in cash, a Glock pistol, an extended magazine, assorted ammunition, 21 grams of crack, 8.51 grams of heroin, and 25 Tramadol pills. Due to previous felony convictions, KELLEY is prohibited from possessing a firearm. On December 16, 2021, NOPD officers observed KELLEY conducting multiple hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. KELLEY was apprehended and evidence of the narcotics transactions, including 1.1 grams of crack, plastic baggies, and cash were recovered. These items are consistent with street-level narcotics distribution. Finally, on February 3, 2023, NOPD officers again encountered KELLEY and found him to be in possession of a Glock nine-millimeter handgun, a total of 25 Tapentadol tablets, and $280 cash, all consistent with street-level narcotics distribution.

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

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                    ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRENCE ROBINSON a/k/a Brian Jacobs (“ROBINSON”), age 41, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi was sentenced on July 16, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit the interstate transportation of stolen vehicles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ROBINSON to six months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, ROBINSON, and others, devised a scheme to create fake credit profiles to secure funding for auto loans. The credit profiles used both stolen and fake social security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, and dates of birth. Once they secured the loans, they would purchase vehicles at local car dealerships with no intention of paying back the loans, only to sell the vehicles for their personal enrichment, or use the vehicles for their personal enjoyment.       

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Pearl River County Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EARL SCHMIT (“SCHMIT), age 75, of Metairie, Louisiana was charged on July 13, 2026, by bill of information with making false statements to IRS Special Agents, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

If convicted, SCHMIT faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years, a fine of up to $100,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following his release from prison, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.

                                                                                                              ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OSCAR FIGUEROA-VEGA (“FIGUEROA-VEGA”), age 19, a Honduran national, was indicted on July 16, 2026, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to the charging documents, on July 4, 2026, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office officers responded to a complaint concerning a suspicious person. At the scene, the officer encountered the defendant, FIGUEROA-VEGA, who matched the description provided. After FIGUEROA-VEGA reached into his pocket, the officer conducted a pat down search and found a .380 caliber handgun and a loaded magazine. After arresting him, immigration checks showed he was unlawfully present in the United States and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

FIGUEROA-VEGA faces up to fifteen years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle 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 Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

                                                                                                        *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MILTON EDILBERTO ESCOTO-GALINDO (“ESCOTO-GALINDO”), age 44, a native of Honduras, was indicted on July 16, 2026, for illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, ESCOTO-GALINDO, an illegal alien, was found in the United States on June 26, 2026. He had previously been removed from the United States back to Honduras on January 27, 2012. 

If convicted, ESCOTO-GALINDO faces a maximum penalty of two (2) years, followed by up to one (1) year of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle 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 Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TYRONE WHITTINGTON (“WHITTINGTON”), age 41, was sentenced on July 16, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, WHITTINGTON was arrested by New Orleans Police Department officers on August 19, 2023, and by Louisiana State Police troopers on December 30, 2024. For each of those arrests, WHITTINGTON was in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine that he intended to distribute, as well as two handguns that furthered those drug-trafficking crimes. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

                                                                                                            ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On June 25, 2026, JAEQUAN BAILEY (“BAILEY”), age 31, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

BAILEY faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing in this case is set for October 15, 2026.

According to court documents, on September 26, 2024, BAILEY drove a black Acura to the intersection of Tullis Drive and Woodland Drive in New Orleans, accompanied by another individual in the passenger seat. Upon arrival, BAILEY fired multiple shots from a Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol, while the other individual fired a semiautomatic rifle, at two individuals in the area. After the shooting, BAILEY and his accomplice fled the scene in the Acura.

Shortly after the shooting, New Orleans Police Department officers (NOPD) received a 911 call reporting a shooting at the intersection of Tullis Drive and Woodland Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that a victim was located on Tullis Drive not far from the shooting. When officers arrived at that location, they found a male victim laying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh. A search of the scene revealed five 9-millimeter cartridge casings and seventeen 7.62- millimeter casings. 

In November of 2024, an arrest warrant for an unrelated matter was issued for BAILEY. On November 26, 2024, NOPD officers confirmed that BAILEY lived in Elmwood, Louisiana (Jefferson Parish) with his girlfriend. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies assisted NOPD in executing the arrest warrant and a search warrant. Upon arriving at BAILEY’s residence, deputies discovered the black Acura that BAILEY drove during the shooting on September 26, 2024.

Deputies also searched BAILEY’s apartment. During the search, deputies recovered BAILEY’s cellphone that he attempted to hide in the toilet tank inside the bathroom. Deputies also recovered the Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol that BAILEY possessed in the September 26, 2024, shooting, hidden in a dresser drawer. During the investigation, officers confirmed that the 9-millimeter cartridge casings found at the scene of the September 26, 2024, shooting ballistically matched the same Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol, found in BAILEY’s apartment. 

The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

                                                                                                                 *  *  *

NEW ORLEANS – On July 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced BARBARA AUGUSTIN (“AUGUSTIN”),age 59, of Franklinton, Louisiana, to three (3) years probation, ordered her to pay restitution of $43,477 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I Courcelle.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

AUGUSTIN had previously pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. According to the bill of information, beginning in or about November 2018, and continuing until in or about May 2023, AUGUSTIN knowingly converted to her use, Social Security Administration (“SSA”) money belonging to the United States, to which AUGUSTIN knew she was not entitled. AUGUSTIN fraudulently obtained $43,477 in SSA benefits by failing to report her son’s incarceration to Social Security, which allowed her to continue receiving benefits on his behalf as his representative payee. 

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General.  The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, Financial Crimes Unit.

                                                                                                            ***

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LIONEL WINDING, JR. (“WINDING”), age 21, was sentenced on July 14, 2026 by Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $700 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to seven federal drug and gun offenses, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

WINDING was sentenced for his convictions that included, one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846; two counts of distributing various quantities of fentanyl, two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D); and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

According to court documents, over the course of five transactions between November 2024 and January 2025, WINDING, and his co-conspirators, sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms to individuals he believed to be legitimate purchasers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. WINDING was personally armed with a handgun during two of those transactions. WINDING was arrested on January 30, 2025. Law enforcement officers searched the motel room where he was staying and recovered cocaine and marijuana that WINDING intended to sell, and a Glock Model 22 firearm equipped with a drum magazine that was loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. `

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 – EZEQUIEL LARA-REYES (“LARA-REYES”), age 28, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 15, 2026 to time served by U.S District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to illegal entry into the United States, and avoidance of examination and inspection by U.S. immigration officials, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1325(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, in 2018, LARA-REYES, an illegal alien, failed to appear for his required immigration check-ins with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On September 12, 2018, ICE determined that LARA-REYES had absconded from the Alternative-To-Detention program and, as such, was subject to Expedited Removal from the United States. On April 15, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers located LARA-REYES in a vehicle in Tangipahoa Parish. Officers attempted to arrest LARA-REYES, but the vehicle drove off, after which he eventually barricaded himself inside a trailer for over 13 hours. Immigration enforcement officers then acquired a criminal Complaint and Search Warrant and entered the trailer and arrested LARA-REYES.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters, of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DUSTIN LEE SEITZ (“SEITZ”), age 40, of Gulfport, Mississippi, plead guilty today to travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the bill of information, beginning on or about March 2, 2026, and culminating on or about March 4, 2026, SEITZ travelled by car from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Mandeville, Louisiana, for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with an individual that SEITZ believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. 

SEITZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years, at least five (5) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. SEITZ may also be required to register as a sex offender. 

U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion set SEITZ‘s sentencing for October 20, 2026.

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 Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

                                                                                                      *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CANDIO TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA (“TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA”), age 43, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was sentenced to the imprisonment time he already served, a one-year term of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. He has been detained in federal prison since January 2, 2026.

According to court records, TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was previously removed from the United States on three occasions: March 30, 2007; January 5, 2012; and October 28, 2012. TIERRA BLANCA-QUESADA was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana by an agent of the United States Border Patrol on December 29, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Kippers is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today that MICHAEL CUSIMANO (“CUSIMANO”), age 59, of Harvey, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on July 9, 2026, with Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (b)(2). If convicted, CUSIMANO faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, beginning at an unknown time and until on or about May 27, 2026, CUSIMANO possessed, and attempted to possess, images and videos of pre-pubescent child pornography. CUSIMANO’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on May 27, 2026. CUSIMANO was arrested by federal agents during the execution of the search warrant after finding him in possession of electronic devices and media containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. 

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight of the Financial Crimes Unit.

*  *  *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSEAS AGUILAR-GUZMAN (“AGUILAR-GUZMAN”), age 38, a native of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. His sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on October 13, 2026.

According to the charging document, AGUILAR-GUZMAN was found in the United States on March 20, 2024, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, after previously being deported on December 4, 2013.

AGUILAR-GUZMAN faces up to two years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ORLANDO JOSE JARQUIN OROZCO (“JARQUIN”), age 36, a native of Nicaragua, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, by United States District Judge William J. Crain after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

JARQUIN was sentenced to forty-two months imprisonment, a fine of $100,000, a three-year term of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, JARQUIN reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 16, 2016. Prior to his deportation, he was convicted of second-degree battery in Jefferson Parish. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration in investigating this matter. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman. 

                                                                                                     *   *   * 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RALPH PRICE (“PRICE”), age 28, pleaded guilty on July 9, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Suboxone, and marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 841(b)(1)(E); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, since at least 2024, PRICE had been selling drugs in the New Orleans area. On March 13, 2025, law enforcement officers executed search warrants on PRICE’s vehicle, and an apartment where PRICE was staying. Officers found Suboxone strips inside PRICE’s vehicle, and marijuana and methamphetamine inside the apartment. Near the drugs in the apartment, officers also recovered a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter caliber pistol equipped with a loaded extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device. The machinegun conversion device transformed PRICE’s semi-automatic handgun into a fully-automatic machinegun. 

Casings from PRICE’s machinegun were a ballistic match to casings recovered from a shooting at a gas station on Crowder Boulevard one week earlier. Surveillance footage of the shooting shows PRICE walk towards a man standing near a vehicle, confront him, and then fire at the man several times while retreating across the parking lot.

Pursuant to the plea agreement, PRICE will serve 15 years in prison. The Court took PRICE’s guilty plea but deferred its decision on whether to accept or reject the negotiated plea until sentencing. PRICE also faces a term of supervised release of at least three years up to life. Each count also carries a maximum $250,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

                                                                                                         *** 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TREMAINE MYLES (“MYLES”), age 34, a resident of Marrero, pled guilty on July 8, 2026, to a four-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, and theft of mail, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Specifically, MYLES pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A; making a false statement to a firearms dealer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6) and § 924(a)(1)(A); being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and theft of mail, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1708. Together, these charges expose him to a mandatory consecutive sentence of up to 2 years for aggravated identity theft; up to 15 years for the felon‑in‑possession charge; up to 5 years for the mail‑theft offense; and up to 5 years for the false‑statement offense. Each count also carries potential supervised‑release terms of up to three years, fines of up to $250,000, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count. Sentencing is scheduled for October 28, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

                                                                                                             *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OBLAN ANTONIO CANALES-MARTINEZ (“CANALES-MARTINEZ”), age 51, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 9, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to the charging document, the defendant was found in the United States on December 13, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 18, 2005.

According to court documents, federal agents arrived at an apartment complex in Metairie, Louisiana, and saw a white Toyota Tundra leaving the area. A search of the truck’s license plate revealed its owner to be CANALES-MARTINEZ, a Honduran national previously deported on July 18, 2005. The truck was followed to a Shell station located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana. CANALES-MARTINEZ exited the truck and began filling it with gasoline. When the truck was stopped at a gas station, the uniformed federal agents approached CANALES-MARTINEZ. CANALES MARTINEZ then threw coffee in one of the agents’ faces and fled. After chasing and apprehending CANALES–MARTINEZ, the agents arrested him.

CANALES-MARTINEZ was sentenced to time served. He has been in federal custody since December 29, 2025.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

WASHINGTON — A former Deputy U.S. Marshal was sentenced today to 45 months in prison for assaulting a federal inmate and writing a false report about the incident.

In April 2026, after a three-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana convicted Joshua Firmin, 49, of one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Falsification of Records.

“The great majority of law enforcement officers do essential work honorably and lawfully under difficult and high-risk conditions,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But Joshua Firmin knowingly overstepped his authority when he assaulted a shackled prisoner and failed to uphold the trust placed in him when he lied about it in official documents. Today’s sentence represents appropriate accountability, and we are grateful to the law enforcement personnel who reported the misconduct and cooperated with the investigation.”

“The civil rights protections afforded to all U.S. citizens are a fundamental part of the Constitution,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The unlawful civil rights violation committed by Mr. Firmin against a shackled inmate, not only tarnishes the reputation, it also engenders public distrust of the innumerable law enforcement officers who so honorably protect and serve all of us. Today’s sentencing ensures that Mr. Firmin is being held accountable for his actions.”

“Firmin violated his oath as a law enforcement officer by abusing his authority,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the  Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) South Central Region Houston Office. “The DOJ OIG will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone participating in this type of behavior will be brought to justice.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 29, 2024, Firmin, who was then assigned to operations duties at the federal courthouse in Lafayette, Louisiana, learned that a prisoner awaiting a court appearance in the courthouse cell block had made insulting remarks about Firmin to another courthouse employee. Shortly thereafter, Firmin entered the courthouse cellblock and unlocked the cell where the prisoner was being held, yanked the prisoner, who was restrained in handcuffs, waist shackles, and leg irons, out of the cell by his hair and slammed his head into the cellblock wall. As a result of the assault, the prisoner suffered a laceration to his scalp that required staples to close. Following the assault, Firmin wrote an official use of force report in which he falsely stated that the prisoner had attempted to spit on him and then inadvertently struck his head on a door while resisting efforts to escort him to another cell. However, another Deputy U.S. Marshal, who had witnessed the assault, promptly reported the misconduct to his chain of command, leading to an investigation by the DOJ OIG.

The case was investigated by the DOJ OIG South Central Region Houston Office.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

Re-Issued 7/13/2026

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced today that LIKE CHEN, age 36, was sentenced on July 8, 2026 by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to 24 months’ imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing one hundred (100) kilograms or more of a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  

According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agents observed an individual identified as Yilei Zhou pick up Hanjie Wu, a known marijuana distributor, from an airport in Houston, Texas and drive him to a residence in Katy, Texas. While at that residence they picked up Zihang Zeng, and then drove to Denham Springs, Louisiana. The following day, two other individuals, Wei Bin Chen and LIKE CHEN, left Denham Springs, traveled to a nearby storage facility and retrieved multiple large trash bags from a storage unit. They then drove to another storage facility in Slidell, Louisiana. Zhou and Wu then drove to same facility in Slidell where they all met with an individual identified as Aaron Steele. Wei Bin and LIKE CHEN then loaded the large trash bags into Steele’s vehicle and all parties left the storage facility.

Forrest County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of CHEN’S vehicle on Interstate 59 headed towards Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana.

Mississippi Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Steele’s vehicle on Interstate 59 in Picayune, Mississippi. A consensual search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 22.7 kilograms of marijuana. 

Based on the seizures that occurred in Slidell and Mississippi, Livingston Parish officers obtained search warrants for the residence and storage facility in Denham Springs. When the officers arrived at the residence, Zeng ran from the residence and was arrested. Inside the residence, officers located $1,552.00 in currency, hundreds of rubber bands, a vacuum sealer and a money counter. From the storage unit, officers seized 38.5 kilograms of marijuana.

On the drug conspiracy count, LIKE CHEN faced a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Forrest County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, and the Picayune, Mississippi Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Nolan D. Paige of the Narcotics Unit.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Re-issued 7/13/2026

*       *        *

A former Deputy U.S. Marshal was sentenced today to 45 months in prison for assaulting a federal inmate and writing a false report about the incident.

In April 2026, after a three-day trial, a federal jury in the Western District of Louisiana convicted Joshua Firmin, 49, of one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and one count of Falsification of Records.

“The great majority of law enforcement officers do essential work honorably and lawfully under difficult and high-risk conditions,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But Joshua Firmin knowingly overstepped his authority when he assaulted a shackled prisoner and failed to uphold the trust placed in him when he lied about it in official documents. Today’s sentence represents appropriate accountability, and we are grateful to the law enforcement personnel who reported the misconduct and cooperated with the investigation.”

“The civil rights protections afforded to all U.S. citizens are a fundamental part of the Constitution,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The unlawful civil rights violation committed by Mr. Firmin against a shackled inmate, not only tarnishes the reputation, it also engenders public distrust of the innumerable law enforcement officers who so honorably protect and serve all of us. Today’s sentencing ensures that Mr. Firmin is being held accountable for his actions.”

“Firmin violated his oath as a law enforcement officer by abusing his authority,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the  Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) South Central Region Houston Office. “The DOJ OIG will continue working with its law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone participating in this type of behavior will be brought to justice.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 29, 2024, Firmin, who was then assigned to operations duties at the federal courthouse in Lafayette, Louisiana, learned that a prisoner awaiting a court appearance in the courthouse cell block had made insulting remarks about Firmin to another courthouse employee. Shortly thereafter, Firmin entered the courthouse cellblock and unlocked the cell where the prisoner was being held, yanked the prisoner, who was restrained in handcuffs, waist shackles, and leg irons, out of the cell by his hair and slammed his head into the cellblock wall. As a result of the assault, the prisoner suffered a laceration to his scalp that required staples to close. Following the assault, Firmin wrote an official use of force report in which he falsely stated that the prisoner had attempted to spit on him and then inadvertently struck his head on a door while resisting efforts to escort him to another cell. However, another Deputy U.S. Marshal, who had witnessed the assault, promptly reported the misconduct to his chain of command, leading to an investigation by the DOJ OIG.

The case was investigated by the DOJ OIG South Central Region Houston Office.

The case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alec Ward of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon for the Eastern District of Louisiana.