Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WHITLEY DEMOLLE (“DEMOLLE”), age 40, of Terrytown, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 20, 2024, to Misprision of a Felony, to wit, a Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. 

According to court records, beginning on a date unknown, but prior to June 3, 2021, and continuing to on or about February 4, 2022, having knowledge of the commission of a felony, specifically conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, did conceal the same by allowing a co-conspirator to store controlled substances in their shared apartment and failing to report the co-conspirator’s identity and involvement in a crime to law enforcement.

DEMOLLE faces up to 3 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. DEMOLLE’s sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2024.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit.

WASHINGTON - A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

According to court documents, from December 2021 through March 2022, Charles Cunigan, 31, and his girlfriend, Latesha Gardner, transported the victim, who was a minor throughout the timeframe of the conspiracy, across state lines from Tennessee to Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas for the purpose of causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. Cunigan advertised the victim for commercial sex on websites, kept the money the victim made from commercial sex transactions, required the victim to earn a daily quota from commercial sex, and restricted the victim’s access to food.  Cunigan also tracked the victim’s location using a cell phone application and told her that he would find and kill the victim if she ever tried to leave.

Cunigan used violence to accomplish the scheme. For example, if the victim did not comply with Cunigan’s demands, he would beat the victim, which Cunigan did when he punched and kicked the victim during an altercation in February 2022. On occasion, Cunigan also directed Gardner to use physical force against the victim.

Cunigan is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24. If the court accepts the guilty plea, the government and Cunigan have agreed that Cunigan will be sentenced to 22 years and six months’ imprisonment. Cunigan has also agreed to pay $48,750 in restitution to the victim. As a result of his conviction, Cunigan must participate in the sex offender registration and notification program upon his release from custody.

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

HSI New Orleans investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

A Tennessee man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

According to court documents, from December 2021 through March 2022, Charles Cunigan, 31, and his girlfriend, Latesha Gardner, transported the victim, who was a minor throughout the timeframe of the conspiracy, across state lines from Tennessee to Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas for the purpose of causing her to engage in commercial sex acts. Cunigan advertised the victim for commercial sex on websites, kept the money the victim made from commercial sex transactions, required the victim to earn a daily quotas from commercial sex, and restricted the victim’s access to food.  Cunigan also tracked the victim’s location using a cell phone application and told her that he would find and kill the victim if she ever tried to leave.

Cunigan used violence to accomplish the scheme. For example, if the victim did not comply with Cunigan’s demands, he would beat the victim, which Cunigan did when he punched and kicked the victim during an altercation in February 2022. On occasion, Cunigan also directed Gardner to use physical force against the victim. 

Cunigan is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24. If the court accepts the guilty plea, the government and Cunigan have agreed that Cunigan will be sentenced to 22 years and six months’ imprisonment. Cunigan has also agreed to pay $48,750 in restitution to the victim. As a result of his conviction, Cunigan must participate in the sex offender registration and notification program upon his release from custody.

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

HSI New Orleans investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

WASHINGTON – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week to one year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release in the District of Eastern Louisiana for committing a federal hate crime.

According to court documents, Brian Adams, 24, of Paintsville, Kentucky, transmitted a threat to a fifth-grade class at the Laureate Academy Charter School on or about Oct. 14, 2020. At the time, the school was conducting class virtually over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Adams used racial epithets against the students and teachers and threatened to “hang them by a tree.” Adams pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threatening communications. The court found that Adams’ actions were motivated by hate.

“This prosecution should make clear that perpetrators of hate crimes hiding behind computer screens, hacking into teleconferences and disrupting virtual meetings will be held accountable. The defendant used racial epithets and threats against innocent children who were simply trying to get an education,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No child should ever have to endure racially motivated hatred like this in a classroom, a school or anywhere else. The Justice Department is committed to protecting children from such hate-filled assaults and to safeguarding their right to a safe and secure education.”

“Citizens should not fear threats based on their race at any time and especially for students while pursuing their education,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure hate crimes are investigated, prosecuted and to ultimately hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.”

“Hate has no place in our country, especially in a fifth-grade classroom,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Protecting the rights of all Americans under the Constitution is the heart of the FBI's mission.”

The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Mary Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRANDON TURNER (“TURNER”), age 39, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted on June 14, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  Count One of the indictment charged him with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  Count Two charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Count Three charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

If convicted, TURNER faces a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment, up to 40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release for Count One; a minimum 5-year term of imprisonment up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release for Count Two; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for Count Three.  TURNER also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee as to all three counts.

According to court documents, on January 30, 2024, TURNER was arrested for suspected narcotics trafficking.  Law enforcement officers searched TURNER’s apartment and found a detectable amount of fentanyl and cocaine.  Law enforcement officers also found ammunition and a Glock Model 43, 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol.

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

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.

A Kentucky man pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week to one year and one day in prison and one year of supervised release in the District of Eastern Louisiana for committing a federal hate crime.

According to court documents, Brian Adams, 24, of Paintsville, Kentucky, transmitted a threat to a fifth-grade class at the Laureate Academy Charter School on or about Oct. 14, 2020. At the time, the school was conducting class virtually over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Adams used racial epithets against the students and teachers and threatened to “hang them by a tree.” Adams pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threatening communications. The court found that Adams’ actions were motivated by hate.

“This prosecution should make clear that perpetrators of hate crimes hiding behind computer screens, hacking into teleconferences and disrupting virtual meetings will be held accountable. The defendant used racial epithets and threats against innocent children who were simply trying to get an education,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No child should ever have to endure racially motivated hatred like this in a classroom, a school or anywhere else. The Justice Department is committed to protecting children from such hate-filled assaults and to safeguarding their right to a safe and secure education.”

“Citizens should not fear threats based on their race at any time and especially for students while pursuing their education,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working closely with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure hate crimes are investigated, prosecuted and to ultimately hold perpetrators responsible for their actions.”

“Hate has no place in our country, especially in a fifth-grade classroom,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Protecting the rights of all Americans under the Constitution is the heart of the FBI's mission.”

The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case, with assistance from Trial Attorney Mary Hahn of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN LILLIS, age 50, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was indicted today for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) (Count 1), receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) (Count 2), and receiving obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1466A (Count 3). 

According to the indictment, LILLIS distributed visual depictions of minors, including children as young as approximately four (4) years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, such as one depiction of a prepubescent female bound and unclothed.  LILLIS also received visual depictions of minors, as young as less than one (1) week old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including a newborn female with severe discoloration and bruising being victimized by an adult male.  LILLIS also received visual depictions of minors engaging in obscene conduct.

LILLIS faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years in prison, and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years as to each of Counts 1, 2, and 3.  LILLIS also faces at least five years, and up to a lifetime, of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine for each count.  He may also be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY BESSIE (“BESSIE”), age 31, a resident of  Orleans Parish, was sentenced on June 11, 2024 to 90 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee.  BESSIE had previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and (D).

According to court documents, on December 24,2021, BESSIE, and two passengers, were driving in a Silver Honda Accord on the Westbank Expressway when another car pulled along-side them and opened fire.  One of the passengers and BESSIE were hit several times.  All three individuals wound up at the hospital and the two were treated for their injuries.  Law enforcement from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office located and impounded the bullet-riddled Honda Accord from the hospital parking lot.  They obtained a search warrant for the Honda Accord and located and seized 5.81 grams of marijuana from the center console, a Arex Delta 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun from the glove box (loaded with 14 rounds), one spare Arex magazine loaded with 14 rounds from the front passenger door, one Glock Model l9X 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun (loaded with 31 rounds ), one Glock 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun (loaded with 23 rounds ), one plastic baggy containing 21.92 grams of  Fentanyl, one baggy with 13 aluminum foils of Fentanyl, one digital scale that was located in the trunk, and documents showing that one of the passengers was the owner of the Honda and that BESSIE was a frequent user of that vehicle.  Deputies also recovered approximately $1,300 in cash.  At the time of this incident, BESSIE was a convicted felon, and thus, prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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

This case was investigated by the  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HECTOR OMAR SEGURA-LARA  (“SEGURA-LARA”) age 35, and JOSE ANTONIO ORTEGA-SILVA (“ORTEGA-SILVA”), age 32, both residents of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty on June 13, 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on August 25, 2021, near milepost 56 on Interstate 12, Louisiana State Troopers conducted a traffic stop of a Chrysler 200 occupied by SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA.  When the vehicle occupants provided contradictory answers to the troopers regarding their itinerary, the troopers conducted a consensual search of the vehicle.  During the search, the troopers noticed that a twelve-volt battery was attached to the car battery and that the twelve-bolt battery was powering the car.  Inside the actual car battery, were four kilograms of cocaine discovered by the troopers.

Both SEGURA-LARA and ORTEGA-SILVA  acknowledged they were driving to Virginia to deliver drugs.  ORTEGA-SILVA admitted that at the request of another individual, he obtained the vehicle in Dallas and drove it to Houston where another individual loaded the vehicle with drugs.  The plan was for ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA to then drive to Virginia where individuals would unload the drugs and place the proceeds ($152,000.00) in the car battery.  ORTEGA-SILVA and SEGURA-LARA were instructed to then return to Texas with the proceeds. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEROME WILSON (“WILSON”), age 29, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 11, 2024 to 144 months in prison for drug and firearm violations, followed by five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $400 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty before U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion, to a four-count superseding indictment. 

Count 1 charged WILSON with conspiring to distribute Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(b)(1)(C) and 846.  Count 2 charged WILSON with conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).  Count 3 charged WILSON with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Finally, Count 4 charged WILSON with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, on December 6, 2022, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) agents surveilling the 1900 block of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans saw WILSON driving a white Dodge Challenger with one passenger.  Agents then saw   WILSON, his  passenger, and a third co-defendant apparently engaged in  illegal narcotics transactions, all while possessing  firearms.  Soon after, WILSON took a firearm from the car and put it atop the right rear tire to allow easy access while selling drugs.  WILSON was later arrested after a brief pursuit.  Subsequently, officers obtained a state search warrant for the white Dodge Challenger and recovered a Sarsilmaz, Model Sar9, 9-millimeter pistol, from the center console.  A criminal history check revealed that WILSON had two prior felony convictions and was not legally allowed to possess a firearm.

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

This case was investigated by the  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ROBERT HALL (“HALL”), age 24, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 12, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, HALL had previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  On March 7, 2023, an officer with the New Orleans Police Department, aided by the Real Time Crime Center cameras, saw individuals with whom HALL was associating who were armed with concealed weapons.  When stopped by police, HALL had a Smith & Wesson, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun in his pocket.  Records checks confirmed that HALL had several prior felony convictions, including convictions for robbery and being a convicted felon with a firearm. 

Judge Africk sentenced HALL to 57 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the unsealing of a seven-count indictment charging the following individuals:

• LIONEL DUNCAN, (“DUNCAN”), age 34, of Thibodaux, Louisiana
• JOHN PAUL GAGE JR., (“GAGE JR.”), age 42, of Des Allemands, Louisiana
• LINEZ GREEN, (“GREEN”), age 30, of Thibodaux, Louisiana
• YOLANDA TILLMAN, (“TILLMAN”), age 42, Des Allemands, Louisiana
• JAMES WILLIAMS, (“WILLIAMS”), age 64, of Schriever, Louisiana
• MICHAEL LEWIS, (“LEWIS”), age 47, of Thibodaux, Louisiana
• RYDELLE ROUNDS, (“ROUNDS”), age 40, of Thibodaux, Louisiana
• ANJHAELYN HAYNES, (“HAYNES”), age 28, of Humble, Texas

The indictment was unsealed on June 10, 2024 after all eight individuals were arrested by local law enforcement working with federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents.  All eight individuals were indicted in Count 1 for Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  If convicted of Count 1, they face a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment.

GREEN and GAGE JR. were indicted in Count 3, while GAGE JR. and ROUNDS were indicted in Count 6, for illegal use of a communications facility, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.  If convicted of Counts 3 or 6, they face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years supervised release following imprisonment.

GREEN was indicted in Counts 2, 4, and 5 for distribution of a quantity of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  If convicted of either of these three counts, GREEN faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years supervised release following imprisonment.

HAYNES was indicted in Count 7 for possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).  If convicted of Count 7, she faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment.  All seven counts of the indictment also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 4, 2024, these eight individuals conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting those  narcotics to Thibodaux, Louisiana.  The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications.

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

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

*        *        *

Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz, 37, pleaded guilty today to a two-count information charging him with violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and for obstructing proceedings. Korkmaz, a Turkish national, was the captain of the PS Dream, a Panama-flagged motor tanker. The two related companies that operated the PS Dream pleaded guilty last month to environmental crimes.

The PS Dream arrived in New Orleans on Jan. 26, 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an inspection which included a review of the vessel’s oil record books. In his plea, Korkmaz acknowledges presenting the books to the Coast Guard knowing that they omitted information about discharging oily waste to the ocean before arriving in the United States. The falsified logs were intended to conceal the fact that beginning on Jan. 11, the crew had dumped oil-contaminated waste overboard on the voyage to New Orleans and was not complying with international treaties regulating oil pollution from ships.

According to documents and statements filed in court, Korkmaz ordered his crew to pump overboard from the residual oil tank which contained oily waste. A portable pump placed inside the tank and connected to a long flexible hose was used to discharge directly into the ocean without any required pollution prevention equipment or monitoring. The waste oil, including sludge, originated in the engine room and had been improperly transferred into the residual oil tank on the deck of the ship by a prior crew.

Senior managers at Prive Shipping LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret – two related companies that operated the ship – were aware that the oil-contaminated waste remained in the tank and were informed by Korkmaz that it had been dumped overboard. Both companies pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 26.

Korkmaz is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 10. He faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison, with a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, for the APPS charge. He also faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, with a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain or loss from the offense, for the obstruction charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana; Special Agent in Charge Damon J. Youmans of the Coast Guard Investigative Service’s Gulf Field Office and Captain Greg Callaghan, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans made the announcement.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans.

Senior Litigation Counsel Richard A. Udell and Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer and Christine M. Calogero for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MISTER MACKEY, JR., age 22, and JONATHAN FRANK, age 40, residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on May 28, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to charges arising out of a 20-count indictment.  MACKEY and FRANK are the final of the 10 defendants to be sentenced in the case.

MACKEY was sentenced to 58 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee for possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659; being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).

FRANK was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee after also being convicted of possessing two cars stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659 and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, between March 29 and April 3, 2023, MACKEY was observed on surveillance video occupying both a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4x4 and a 2023 Lincoln Aviator that had been stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard.  MACKEY exited the Aviator on April 3rd with a loaded Zastava Model PAP M92 PV, 7.62x39 millimeter caliber AK-47-style pistol.  On August 19, 2023, MACKEY was the sole passenger in a vehicle pulled over for a traffic violation.  Inside the vehicle, MACKEY had a backpack containing marijuana and digital scales, and also possessed a Glock Model 17 handgun with a loaded 30-round magazine partially inserted in the gun, and an additional loaded drum magazine in the passenger glove box.

Between March 30 and April 3, 2023, FRANK was captured on surveillance video driving two Ford Explorer STs stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard.  FRANK possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SD40VE, .40 caliber handgun while driving the stolen cars.

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

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AMARYD DOWNING (“DOWNING”), age 38, of Hahnville, Louisiana, was sentenced on June 5, 2024 by United States District Judge Susie E. Morgan to one hundred twenty months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and $300.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to distribution of a quantitymixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on May 8, May 11, and May 22, 2023, St. Charles Parish detectives conducted an investigation during which they made controlled purchases of gram quantities of drugs from DOWNING in the Hahnville area.  The drugs from each purchase tested positive for both fentanyl and heroin.  After making the last of the controlled purchases, detectives arrested DOWNING.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DATAYNA HOWARD (“HOWARD”), age 22, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 5, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to 122 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).

According to court documents, on January 19, 2022, HOWARD was arrested at the Oakwood Shopping Center in Gretna, Louisiana, in possession of fentanyl, marijuana, drug trafficking supplies, and two loaded handguns.  On June 8, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at HOWARD’s residence in New Orleans.  HOWARD possessed over 700 tapentadol pills, marijuana, drug trafficking supplies, three handguns, and additional ammunition.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY ESQUERRE (“ESQUERRE”), age 50, a resident of Jefferson Parish, pled guilty on June 6, 2024 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

Specifically, ESQUERRE pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). 

According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Gretna Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a search of ESQUERRE’s apartment.  Agents discovered ESQUERRE had 3.5 lbs. of methamphetamine in bags in a toolbox in his bedroom. The DEA Laboratory confirmed that the contents of the bags found in ESQUERRE’s bedroom contained 1880.1 grams of pure methamphetamine.     

ESQUERRE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. ESQUERRE’s sentencing is set for September 19, 2024.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gretna Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAN FAI HO (“FAI HO”), age 61, of San Lorenzo, California, was sentenced on June 5, 2024 by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to thirty-three months imprisonment, a $10,000.00 fine, three 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 quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, in July 2019, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Agents learned that Vinh Nguyen and others, participated in a drug and money trafficking network that spanned from California to Louisiana.  Text messages confirmed that Nguyen worked with a supplier in California, who negotiated the cost and strains of marijuana with growers in San Francisco for Nguyen.  Nguyen paid for the marijuana by having other co-conspirators fly the cash to the supplier in San Francisco.  Another co-conspirator owned a shipping company that shipped the marijuana from San Francisco to a warehouse in Kenner.  FAI HO would then pick up the marijuana shipments from the Kenner warehouse and deliver them to various unknown locations in the New Orleans area and other cities throughout the country. 

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. 

This case was investigated by the Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALSKIIN MILLICAN (“MILLICAN”), age 21, of Madisonville, La., was sentenced on June 4, 2024 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  MILLICAN was sentenced to thirty-three (33) months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $200.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, MILLICAN conspired with others to sell fentanyl in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  As a part of the investigation, on September 15, 2023, MILLICAN sold 1000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in Mandeville, Louisiana.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 5, 2024 ANGELA SHELTON (“SHELTON”), age 57, of New Orleans, pled guilty to  making false statements on an individual tax return, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).

According to court documents, SHELTON owned and operated “Big Easy Accommodations, LLC,” a vacation rental and property management company in New Orleans.  Between 2017 and 2019, SHELTON under-reported her income on her individual tax returns from Big Easy Accommodations, by approximately $879,020.  This underreporting caused a loss of approximately $294,690.00 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Consequently,  SHELTON faces a maximum sentence of three (3) years of imprisonment, up to one (1) year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  SHELTON also agreed to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $294,690.00.  Chief United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing in this matter for September 26, 2024.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations on this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRIS ROBERTSON, Jr. (“ROBERTSON”), age 25, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 4, 2024 by Chief U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to 41 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at ROBERTSON’s residence in November of 2023.  FBI found a box of 9-millimeter ammunition hidden underneath his mattress and a Glock Model 19, 9-millimeter handgun hidden underneath a rug outside of his bedroom.  ROBERTSON has previous convictions for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number and attempted illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled substance.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEAN COBB (“COBB”), age 53, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on June 4, 2024, before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to a violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, the New Orleans Police Department responded to COBB’s residence after officers were flagged down by a man who said COBB had shot him.  When the police approached, COBB shut the door and refused to come out.  He ultimately surrendered a few hours later.  The police found a gun and spent casing.  COBB admitted that he possessed the gun in furtherance of his maintenance of a drug involved premises.   

Judge Vitter set sentencing for August 27, 2024.  COBB faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years and a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel.

*        *        *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DERRICK BRUMFIELD (“BRUMFIELD”), age 23, of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 28, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to 45 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.

According to court documents, BRUMFIELD conspired with three of his co-defendants to sell cocaine and tapentadol.  On May 19, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed a search warrant at his co-conspirators’ residence in the Lower Ninth Ward area of New Orleans. Inside the residence, the FBI found several baggies of cocaine, seven boxes of tapentadol pills, a digital scale and other drug trafficking supplies, large amounts of cash, and five firearms.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BART GREEN (“GREEN”), age 62, of Nashville, Tennessee, pled guilty on May 30, 2024 to Bank Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).  GREEN faces a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release following his release from prison, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 

GREEN admitted that on March 1, 2024, he entered the Regions Bank in New Orleans, and presented a note to a teller demanding $2,000.  GREEN admitted that he received $2000 in $100 bills before leaving the bank. 

Sentencing is scheduled in this matter for September 19, 2024, before United States District Judge Eldon Fallon.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SCOTT P. RICHARD (“RICHARD”), age 48, of Raceland, La. was sentenced on May 23, 2024 to a year and a day in prison by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.  RICHARD had previously pleaded guilty to  access device fraud in relation to his theft from his former employer, a Houma-based company identified in court records as “Company A.”  

According to those records, RICHARD was a systems engineer for Company A, entrusted with the specification, purchase, installation, and support of equipment and systems used by the company’s technology infrastructure.  RICHARD admitted to fraudulently using the corporate credit card issued to him by Company A for his own personal benefit.  RICHARD embezzled money from his employer by creating false invoices for a shell company he controlled and using his corporate card to make fraudulent purchases from the shell company.  RICHARD also made unauthorized purchases of equipment, for his own personal use, with his corporate card.  From January 1, 2012 through September 27, 2021, RICHARD fraudulently diverted $526,569.42 from Company A to himself.

In addition to his incarceration sentence, RICHARD was ordered to pay restitution of $526,569.42 to Company A.  Judge Fallon also sentenced RICHARD to three years of supervised release as well as payment of  a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRISON SHELTON (“SHELTON”), age 50, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 29, 2024 after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, and possession with intent to distribute five hundred grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, violations of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. Specifically, SHELTON was sentenced to twelve months and one day of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, SHELTON, and other co-conspirators, are responsible for the distribution of multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

During the investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty (71) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, twelve (12) kilograms of fentanyl, four and a half (4.5) kilograms of heroin, and nearly $1,200,000.00 in U.S. Currency and other seized property.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WARDELL FLETCHER (“FLETCHER”), age 48, a resident of New Orleans, was indicted on May 30, 2024, on three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As to each count, if convicted, FLETCHER faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on December 27, 2023, FLETCHER, knowing he was a convicted felon, possessed a Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum caliber revolver, and ammunition. On January 25, 2024, FLETCHER possessed a Intratec Model TEC-9, 9-millimeter pistol, bearing a partially obliterated serial number as well as the above-referenced Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum caliber revolver and ammunition.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEAN MEILLEUR (“MEILLEUR”), age 57, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long on May 28, 2024, to making or using false writings or documents to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(3).

According to  court documents, MEILLEUR, submitted false writings and documents to the SBA to obtain Economic Impact Disaster Loans (“EIDL”).   In his EIDL applications, among other things, MEILLEUR falsely represented that he was the owner of a trucking business that was formed in 2017 and that he was eligible for EIDL funds.  As a result of these false submissions, MEILLEUR obtained $147,400 from SBA to which he was not entitled. 

MEILLEUR is to be sentenced on September 17, 2024, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  After imprisonment, he faces up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  MEILLEUR has also agreed to pay restitution to the SBA, which amount shall be determined and ordered by the court. 

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

For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that IGNACIO SORIANO-RUIZ, age 29, was charged on May 24, 2024, in a bill of information, with reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the bill of information, IGNACIO SORIANO-RUIZ reentered the United States after being  previously deported on January 14, 2018.

He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BALTAZAR GARCIA-MENDOZA, age 33, was charged on May 24, 2024, in a bill of information, with reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the bill of information, BALTAZAR GARCIA-MENDOZA reentered the United States after being previously deported on February 3, 2014.  

He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years followed by up to one (1) year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILFREDO GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, age 31, was charged on May 24, 2024 in a  bill of information with transporting illegal aliens within the United States, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii).

According to the bill of information, WILFREDO GARCIA-HERNANDEZ was encountered during a traffic stop, knowing that the passengers he was transporting were in the United States illegally.  He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of  five (5) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENDRICK WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 19, of New Orleans, was charged on May 23, 2024 in a four-count indictment with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

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

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

According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown but prior to March 7, 2024 and continuing to on or about April 3, 2024, WILLIAMS allegedly conspired with others to knowingly possess, with the intent to distribute, a mixture of tapentadol and marijuana within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  On March 7, 2024, WILLIAMS allegedly conspired with others to knowingly possess, with the intent to distribute, a mixture of tapentadol and marijuana.  Further, on or about March 7, 2024, WILLIAMS allegedly illegally possessed firearms, including a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock Model 19x, 9-millimeter  semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DONDRE MORGAN, (“MORGAN”), age 32, of Houma, LA, pled guilty on May 28, 2024 to Making False Statements to Federal Agents, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).  MORGAN faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years, followed by a term of supervised release for up to three (3) years, a fine up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain to the defendant, or twice the gross loss to any victim, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on April 7, 2022, MORGAN made materially false statements to special agents with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division.  Specifically, MORGAN lied about his involvement and participation in a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud scheme.

Sentencing for MORGAN is scheduled for September 10, 2024 before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, is an active member of the PRAC Fraud Task Force.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General; United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General; United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; and the United States Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Force, consisting of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Thibodeaux Police Department, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant United States Attorney Edward Rivera, COVID-19 Fraud Coordinator of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman, of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JARRETT HALL (“HALL”), age 33, of Baker, LA, was indicted on March 23, 2024, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

According to court documents, on December 8, 2023, allegedly, HALL knowingly possessed a Colt Model Commander, .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun after having previously been convicted of a felony. 

If convicted, HALL, faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JONATHAN GONZALEZ (“GONZALEZ”), ANTHONY ROMAN (“ROMAN”), and KEVIN TYLER (“TYLER”), age 25 and residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on May 14, 2024 by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

GONZALEZ was sentenced to 104 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $500 in mandatory special assessment fees for his convictions for 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 marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a car stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(o); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

ROMAN was sentenced to 90 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and $500 in mandatory special assessment fees for his convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(o); possession of a car stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 659; possession with intent to distribute tapentadol in violation, of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

TYLER was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and $200 in mandatory special assessment fees for his convictions for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § (c)(1)(A)(i)

According to court documents, on January 29, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers observed ROMAN driving an Infinity QX80 that was stolen from the Norfolk Southern Railyard.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) subsequently executed search warrants at two of ROMAN’s residences and recovered tapentadol, marijuana, and 10 firearms.

GONZALEZ was a passenger in the stolen Infinity ROMAN was driving on January 29th. When NOPD officers attempted to perform an investigative stop on the vehicle, GONZALEZ fled on foot but was apprehended after a short chase.  He had a Glock Model 19 pistol, an extended magazine containing 29 rounds of ammunition, a large bag of marijuana, a digital scale, and plastic baggies.  On May 17, 2023, the FBI executed a search at GONZALEZ’s mother’s residence.  GONZALEZ lived at the residence and had a loaded firearm, tapentadol, and marijuana that he intended to sell.

TYLER was intercepted on a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) court authorized wire discussing selling kilogram quantities of cocaine and explaining that he mixed fentanyl with other drugs.  FBI agents subsequently executed a search warrant at TYLER’s residence and recovered fentanyl, a fentanyl precursor, cocaine, and loaded firearms.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAMIKA CHAPPELL (“CHAPPELL”), age 40, of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on May 23, 2024 before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier to three-counts, including making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), making false statements to the IRS, and theft of government funds.  

The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance in connection with economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of 1%. PPP loan proceeds must be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal on the PPP loan to be forgiven if the business spends the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time after receiving the proceeds and uses at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.

In Count 1, CHAPPELL was charged with making false statements to the SBA for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, which she received in the amount of approximately $105,625.00.  In Count 2,  CHAPPELL was charged with stealing at least $1,000.00 from the Social Security Administration by receiving disability benefits to which when was not entitled from 2019 to 2022. In Count 3, CHAPPELL was charged with making false statements to the IRS by failing to report the correct amount of taxable income for the year 2020.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2024.  CHAPPELL faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count.  For the theft of government funds, she faces up to 10 years imprisonment, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years supervised release.  For the false statement and theft from the IRS, she faces up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release.  There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of PRAC member U.A. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHANE BOLDEN, age 35, of New Orleans, was charged on May 23, 2024 in a four-count indictment with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

BOLDEN is charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846.  He is charged in Count 2 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).  He is charged in Count 3 with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  He is charged in Count 4 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United Staes Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture requiring BOLDEN to forfeit over $100,000 in cash and nine firearms.

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

According to court documents, on or about April 8, 2024, BOLDEN allegedly conspired with others to knowingly possess with the intent to distribute marijuana.  Also, BOLDEN allegedly illegally possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, all while being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction in the state of Louisiana.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHARVAN MORRIS (“MORRIS”), age 27, of New Orleans, was indicted on May 23, 2024 on two counts of distributing fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

MORRIS faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count.

According to court documents, on or about February 16 and February 20, 2024, MORRIS allegedly distributed fentanyl in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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

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

The case was investigated by the 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 –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MUNIRA SCHOFIELD (“SCHOFIELD”), age 28, a resident of LaPlace, La., pleaded guilty on May 23, 2024 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to  conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343.  The charges stem from SCHOFIELD’s role in a conspiracy to prepare and file fraudulent applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  SCHOFIELD’s mother, Lynn Schofield (“Lynn”), and brother, Bashir Schofield (“Bashir”), previously pled guilty for their respective roles in the offense. 

According to court documents, SCHOFIELD, Lynn and Bashir submitted applications to obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans fraudulently.  Each defendant submitted at least one loan.  All applications falsely represented that the applicant had a sole proprietorship and generated substantial income from the business by overinflating gross receipts.  The entities either did not exist or earned far less money than they reported.  They also represented that the loan proceeds would be used for business related purposes, when, in fact, the defendants intended to use the money for personal reasons.  SCHOFIELD submitted a fraudulent application for an EIDL loan for a business she claimed to own, “Just Jocin.”  In conjunction with her mother, Lynn, SCHOFIELD also gave false material information to the SBA that grossly inflated the monthly gross receipts to support other loans, including for an entity named “Afromerica Touch 360, LLC,” and used some of the resulting funds for her personal benefit.  In total, MUNIRA SCHOFIELD admitted that her conduct resulted in a loss of approximately $219,033 to the SBA.

MUNIRA SCHOFIELD faces up to five (5) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Sentencing before Judge Fallon has been scheduled for August 22, 2024.

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

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

                                                                                                                                       *   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEON SHORT (“SHORT”), age 27, a resident of Jefferson Parish, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2024, before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, in June 2022, representatives from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) initiated a joint investigation into SHORT as a member of a co-conspirator’s cocaine distribution organization.  As part of the investigation, agents utilized a DEA Confidential Source to make a controlled purchase of 125 grams of cocaine from SHORT.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY JAMES (“JAMES”), age 23, of Madisonville, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 21, 2024, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, before United States District Judge Susie Morgan.

Specifically, JAMES pled guilty to Counts 1 through 5 of the indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846.  JAMES also pled guilty to three counts of distribution of fentanyl and, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.

According to court documents, JAMES sold fentanyl pills to an undercover agent on August 25, 2023, September 8, 2023, and September 15, 2023.  On September 28, 2023, law enforcement searched JAMES’s residence pursuant to a state search warrant and found additional fentanyl pills, packaging materials, and two digital scales.

For Counts 1 and 4, JAMES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release.  For Counts 2, 3, and 5, JAMES faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release.  For each count, JAMES, also faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  JAMES’s sentencing is set for August 20, 2024.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANYTHONY DOYLE (“DOYLE”), age 40, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 21, 2024 by Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown  on three (3) counts of distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).

According to court documents, on three (3) separate occasions in August of 2023, DOYLE sold Fentanyl to undercover special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  DOYLE arranged these transactions through recorded phone calls and text messages.  These transactions were video recorded.  For one of the three drug deals, DOYLE sent his co-defendant, CARLOS GUILLEN, on his behalf. 

Specifically, Chief Judge Brown sentenced DOYLE to serve 92 months in prison, to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.  Previously, DOYLE’s co-defendant GUILLEN pled guilty to distribution of Fentanyl and received a sentence of thirty months in prison.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives on this investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WALTER ALVAREZ TIRADO (“TIRADO”), age 34, a resident of Chula Vista, California, was sentenced on May 21, 2024, to 144 months imprisonment, 5 years supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  TIRADO previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).

According to court documents, on October 6, 2021, TIRADO traveled from Kentucky and bound for New Orleans to deliver fifty pounds of methamphetamine.  Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of TIRADO’s vehicle in Pearl River, La.  Following the stop, officers searched TIRADO’s luggage and discovered fifty pounds of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Financial Crimes Unit.

WASHINGTON – A Texas man was sentenced today to 22 years and six months in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

According to court documents, in 2021 and 2022, Gregory Massey, 30, and his girlfriend and co-defendant Patricia Hart, 25, forced two adult victims to engage in commercial sex in different locations. Massey and Hart advertised the victims for commercial sex on websites, kept the money the victims made from commercial sex transactions, required the victims to earn a minimum dollar amount from commercial sex every day, and restricted the victims’ access to food. Massey also tracked the geolocation data on the victims’ phones so that they could not leave his control and used physical violence, including punching and strangling one victim while another watched, and threats of physical violence to force the victims to comply with his demands.

Massey pleaded guilty in January. He agreed to pay $128,800 in restitution to the victims. As a result of his plea, Massey must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program. 

Hart also pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Louisiana Field Division made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

A Texas man was sentenced today to 22 years and six months in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

According to court documents, in 2021 and 2022, Gregory Massey, 30, and his girlfriend and co-defendant Patricia Hart, 25, forced two adult victims to engage in commercial sex in different locations. Massey and Hart advertised the victims for commercial sex on websites, kept the money the victims made from commercial sex transactions, required the victims to earn a minimum dollar amount from commercial sex every day, and restricted the victims’ access to food. Massey also tracked the geolocation data on the victims’ phones so that they could not leave his control and used physical violence, including punching and strangling one victim while another watched, and threats of physical violence to force the victims to comply with his demands.

Massey pleaded guilty in January. He agreed to pay $128,800 in restitution to the victims. As a result of his plea, Massey must also participate in the sex offender registration and notification program. 

Hart also pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25.

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

HSI, ATF, and the Louisiana State Police investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRY REED, age 54, and CHASSIDY MENARD, age 38, a couple from Lafayette Parish, were charged on May 9, 2024, in a four-count indictment by a federal grand Jury.  REED was charged with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A); felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).  MENARD was charged with simple possession of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 844(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

If convicted of the drug count, REED faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  If convicted of felon in possession of a firearm, REED faces a term of imprisonment up to 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, REED also faces a consecutive mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  MENARD faces imprisonment up to 1 year, and a minimum fine of $1,000.  If convicted, REED shall pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.  If convicted, MENARD must pay mandatory special assessment fee of $25.     

According to the filed indictment, on or about February 3, 2024, REED intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute (50) grams or more of methamphetamines, possessed a firearm, a Ruger Model LC9, nine-millimetre pistol despite being previously convicted of a felony which prohibits possession of firearm.  REED allegedly used the illegally possessed firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Finally, on February 3, 2024, MENARD allegedly intentionally possessed heroin.

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

This case was investigated by the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit.

Two related companies that operated the motor tanker PS Dream – Prive Overseas Marine LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret – pleaded guilty today to conspiracy, knowingly violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS) and obstruction of justice related to the falsification of the tanker’s Oil Record Book, which is a required log.

Exhibit 1 in U.S. v. Prive Overseas Marine, LLC and Prive Shipping Denizcilik Ticaret, A.S., case number 24-cr-00074. Credit: USCG.

The guilty pleas were entered in federal court in New Orleans before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. If the court approves the plea agreement, the companies will be fined a total of $2 million and serve four years of probation. Separate charges have been filed against Captain Abdurrahman Korkmaz, a Turkish national who was the ship’s master.

The criminal case stems from the report of a crew member who, on Jan. 11, 2023, contacted the Coast Guard in New Orleans, which was the next port-of-call, and shared a video showing oil being pumped overboard and trailing behind the tanker. When the ship arrived in New Orleans two weeks later, this individual and another crew member blew the whistle and provided evidence to the Coast Guard. Video and photographic images were filed in court today by the prosecutors.

“Deliberate pollution from ships, intentional falsification of records and obstruction of justice are serious environmental crimes that will be vigorously prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Maritime laws regulating pollution from ships are intended to ensure that ocean waters are not used as a dumping ground.”

“This case involved deceit and willful pollution, and this prosecution is intended to hold both the corporations and individuals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Criminal prosecutions are needed to deter deliberate efforts to circumvent our Nation’s anti-pollution laws. Importantly, $500,000 of the criminal penalty will go toward environmental protection of the marine environment in our area.”

“Today's outcome sends a powerful message: those who falsify logs and take deliberate actions to conceal pollution will face significant consequences,” said Captain Greg Callaghan, Deputy Commander of U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector New Orleans. “The Coast Guard and our partners remain steadfast in our shared commitment to safeguarding our waters and holding accountable those who threaten our marine ecosystems. We encourage individuals to continue reporting any suspicious activities, as each report plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment."

“It is long past time for the maritime industry to meet its obligations under international law and stop illegal pollution from ships,” said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Illegal ocean dumping and falsifying records to conceal those violations will not be tolerated by EPA and our federal law enforcement partners.” 

The falsified logs, presented to the Coast Guard during its inspection, were intended to conceal the fact that the crew had dumped oil-contaminated waste overboard on the voyage to New Orleans and was not complying with MARPOL Annex I, an international treaty regulating oil pollution from ships. According to court documents, the ship’s master ordered crew members to pump overboard from the residual oil tank, which contained oily waste. A portable pump placed inside the tank and connected to a long flexible hose was used to discharge directly into the ocean without any required pollution prevention equipment or monitoring. The waste oil, including sludge, originated in the engine room and had been improperly transferred into the residual oil tank on the deck of the ship by a prior crew. Senior managers at Prive Shipping were aware that the oil-contaminated waste remained in the tank and were informed by the ship’s master that it had been dumped overboard.

The proposed $2 million criminal penalty includes $500,000 in organizational community service payments that will fund various maritime environmental projects in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Those projects will be managed by the congressionally established National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. The court also has authority to award up to $500,000, half of the APPS portion of the fine, to the whistleblowers that provided evidence leading to conviction.

Prive Overseas Marine is based in Dubai and Prive Shipping is based in Turkey. The corporations were charged with four felonies: conspiracy, an APPS violation and two counts of obstruction of justice. Captain Korkmaz was charged with two counts: a violation of APPS and obstructing the Coast Guard’s inspection of the ship.

The Coast Guard Investigative Service and the EPA Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case with assistance from USCG Sector New Orleans.

Senior Litigation Counsel Richard A. Udell and Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer and Christine M. Calogero for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

Exhibits in U.S. v. Prive Overseas et al. 24-cr-00074.pdf

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that XAVIER DUHON, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 14, 2024, by U.S. District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry, to 87 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  Judge Guidry also ordered that DUHON be placed on supervised release for 3 years following release from imprisonment and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court records, on March 23, 2023, following a traffic collision, DUHON fired upon another vehicle while crossing the Crescent City Connection bridge, east bank bound.  Law enforcement officers attempted to stop DUHON’s vehicle, but DUHON led officers on both a vehicle and foot, pursuit.  DUHON was arrested shortly thereafter in the 900 block of Magazine Street.  As officers reviewed surveillance video and retraced DUHON’s flight path, they recovered two pistols, a Glock Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol and a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, each equipped with a machinegun conversion device.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC SCOTT ALFORD, age 38, a resident of Clinton, Mississippi, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 46 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b).  Judge Ashe further required ALFORD to comply with sex offender registration requirements and to pay $5,100 in assessments.

According to court documents, on about July 26, 2023, ALFORD, an adult male, contacted an undercover law enforcement officer purporting to be an adult female with a fourteen-year-old daughter (FA1) on a social network and messaging application designed for individuals  interested in various “kink,” “fetish,” and alternative sexual practices. ALFORD asked what “kinks” FA1 had.  On multiple occasions, over the next several days, in his correspondence with FA1, ALFORD expressed a desire and intent to engage in various forms of sexual contact with FA1 and her fourteen-year-old daughter, both individually and collectively, including by providing graphic descriptions of the sexual acts.  ALFORD also frequently discussed and planned face-to-face meetings with FA1 and her daughter to engage in sexual acts with each of them, including suggesting that they travel to ALFORD’s residence.  Separately, ALFORD communicated via an instant messaging application directly with who he believed to be FA1’s minor daughter.  During that conversation, ALFORD again described sexual acts he intended to perform on and with FA1 and the child, individually and collectively. 

On August 2, 2023, ALFORD told FA1’s minor daughter that he was traveling to Hammond, Louisiana that evening to engage first in sex acts with FA1 and then to engage in sex acts with both FA1 and her daughter.  That evening, ALFORD  drove from Flowood, Mississippi to Hammond, Louisiana, in furtherance of his intent to engage in sexual acts with FA1 and her minor daughter.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHAVONDA CHAMBERS, age 43, of New Orleans, Louisiana pleaded guilty on May 14, 2024, before the Honorable Susie Morgan, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana, to defrauding her prior employer.  Sentencing is set for September 10, 2024.

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

The maximum penalty for the offense is twenty years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars. 

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