Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins The Department of Justice, survivors, victim service providers, advocates, and communities nationwide in recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This is a time to center the experiences of survivors, honor those who lost their lives to domestic violence; express gratitude to the countless individuals in the movement to end violence; and raise awareness on the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As part of its monthlong observance of DVAM, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana (EDLA) is proud to announce that the Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $949,920 to EDLA to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The announced grants will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

Specifically, the Eastern District of Louisiana received the following funding awards for the 2023 fiscal year:

• OVW awarded $450,000.00 to Vietnamese Initiatives In Economic Training under the Grants to Enhance Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Program (Culturally Specific Program) to help community-based organizations develop culturally relevant programs specific to American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Tribal communities to support survivors.   Through this new Culturally Specific Services Program project, Vietnamese Initiatives in Economic Training (VIET) will implement a project addressing increased community capacity to provide culturally specific resources and support for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking crimes and their families; strengthen criminal justice interventions, by providing training for law enforcement, prosecution, courts, probation, and correctional facilities on culturally specific responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; enhance traditional services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; work in cooperation with the community to develop education and prevention strategies highlighting culturally specific issues and resources regarding victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and provide culturally specific resources and services that address the safety, economic, housing, and workplace needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including emergency assistance for the Asian and Vietnamese communities in Southeast Louisiana.

• OVW awarded $499,920.00 to Dillard University under the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) to support colleges and universities to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies for such crimes and to develop prevention education and awareness programs.  The OVW award falls under the new Strengthening Culturally Specific Campus’ Approaches to Address Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Initiative to support new programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).  With this new award, Dillard University, in collaboration with its campus partners, will create culturally specific strategies tailored to LGBTQ and immigrant communities and work with the designated Campus technical assistance provider to build the capacity of the institution to develop a culturally specific, coordinated community response to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by securing relevant partnerships, conducting trainings, and developing resources tailored to the campus community; develop an action plan to outline key strategies necessary to establish a coordinated community response; and establish a coordinated community response team that will oversee and implement project activities.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans commented: “I am pleased to announce that the Eastern District of Louisiana has been awarded funding from the Office on Violence Against Women.” “These awards highlight DOJ’s commitment to give our community partners the tools needed to enhance public safety through programs that specifically addresses domestic violence and sexual assault public safety initiatives.”

“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.]

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 27, 2023, COREY LEWIS, a/k/a “Co,” pled guilty to robbery in Counts 1, 2, and 3 of the superseding bill of information pending against him before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

Count 1 charged LEWIS with  conspiring to interfere with commerce through robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.  Count 2 charged LEWIS with  Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.  Count 3 charged LEWIS with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2.

As to Counts 1 and 2, LEWIS faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of  up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 3, LEWIS faces a mandatory minimum term of five years imprisonment up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release. Count 3 must be served consecutively to any other sentence. LEWIS also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.  His sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2024.

According to public documents, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group for committing various violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward section of New Orleans.  Thereafter, LEWIS, along with nine others, were indicted, for conspiring to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of drug dealers.  LEWIS’s charges specifically stemmed from his participation in the robbery of a drug dealer’s home on September 25, 2019, in St. Bernard Parish. 

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, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Nevada resident, MICHAEL JON SCHOFIELD, age 76, has been charged on October 30, 2023 with misprision of a felony.

The bill of information alleges that SCHOFIELD concealed wire fraud, by emailing an art appraisal that misrepresented SCHOFIELD’s honest assessment of the appraised art’s value.

Misprision is punishable by up to three years imprisonment followed by up to one year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  

The United States Attorney’s Office reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the defendant’s guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTOPHER L. KEEL, age 53, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced on October 25, 2023 to 125 months in prison by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.  KEEL was sentenced for his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme in which KEEL, and his co-conspirators, falsely represented themselves to be U.S. Department of Treasury agents, in order to defraud victims of their savings.

According to court documents, KEEL was arrested on April 4, 2022, by Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies in Hammond, Louisiana, while attempting to defraud a 77-year-old woman identified as “Victim A.”  Deputies had received an earlier report from the victim’s son, that his mother had been contacted by people posing as U.S. Department of Treasury agents.  These “agents” told Victim A that she should withdraw money from her bank accounts and send it to them for safekeeping because her accounts had been allegedly implicated in fraud or money laundering.  Beginning in early March 2022, Victim A transferred approximately $60,000 via Green Dot cards to the “agents.”  The “agents” also instructed Victim A to give an additional $60,000 to another “agent” on April 3rd.  Victim A complied and handed over this sum to the “agent”, later identified as KEEL, at a mall in Hammond.  The next day, the perpetrators called Victim A and instructed her to withdraw the remaining funds from her accounts and hand them over as well.  Victim A’s bank contacted her son, who then called the police.

While deputies met with Victim A on April 4th, the “agents” called her again and gave her instructions to hand over the rest of her money.  Deputies arranged a sting operation and arrested KEEL after he approached Victim A in the mall parking lot.  Victim A identified KEEL as the same man she met with the prior day.  Deputies seized a cell phone and hotel receipts from KEEL.  

Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) continued the investigation and learned that KEEL and a co-conspirator, had  traveled to New Orleans from Seattle within the past 48 hours using plane tickets  purchased with the same credit card.  HSI Agents  identified another victim (“Victim B”), a 76-year-old woman, who had been defrauded out of $300,000.  A search of KEEL’S phone showed that he sent a photograph of a box with Victim B’s name and address on it.  Victim B said she used this box to deliver her money to the “agent” she met with in Tukwila, Washington.

HSI Agents also identified another victim (“Victim C”), an 80-year-old woman living in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.  HSI  Agents learned that Victim C had withdrawn $36,000 from her account because purported federal “agents” called and told her that her accounts had been compromised.  However, prior to delivering the money, local police were contacted and waited at her home.  Police observed a vehicle circle near Victim C’s house then depart.  An officer recorded the vehicle’s license plate.  Later, HSI Agents obtained rental records showing that the vehicle had been leased by a co-conspirator at the time of the attempted fraud.

The search of KEEL’S cell phone revealed his contacts with other co-conspirators, dating back to 2021, and his travel to other states, including Texas and Oklahoma, to further the conspiracy.  HSI and Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents determined that, since October 2021, KEEL and his co-conspirators caused approximately $4,498,327 in losses, actual and attempted,  to 31 victims located throughout the United States.

KEEL previously had pleaded guilty to both counts of the superseding indictment pending in this case.  As to Count 1, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Judge Lemelle sentenced KEEL to 125 months in prison and three years of supervised release.  As to Count 2, false impersonation of an officer or employee of the United States, KEEL was sentenced to 36 months in prison and one year of supervised release, both terms to be served concurrently.  KEEL was also ordered to pay $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.  Judge Lemelle ordered that a restitution hearing  be set on December 6, 2023.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov.

If you need assistance or to report elder abuse, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by call the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm EST.  To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Field Office, in investigating this matter.  U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Detroit Field Office,) the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan,  Homeland Security Investigations (Seattle Field Office,) the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office, for their assistance in this successful prosecution.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, Senior Litigation Counsel, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAMYREN RICHARD, age 23, of Raceland, Louisiana, pled guilty on October 26, 2023, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to two counts of possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, on March 26, 2021, RICHARD was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Harahan Police Department.  During the stop, officers located two loaded firearms inside the vehicle and RICHARD admitted to possessing both firearms.  On June 15, 2021, RICHARD fled from a car that was being pursued by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.  RICHARD carried a semiautomatic rifle while fleeing. He then entered a female’s home, and hid the rifle under the master bed mattress. RICHARD later admitted possessing all three firearms knowing he had a prior felony conviction that prohibited him from possessing any firearm.

RICHARD is scheduled to be sentenced on February 29, 2024.  As to each count, RICHARD faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Harahan Police Department, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BURNEAL CARNEY, age 28, of New Orleans, plead guilty to three counts of violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts. Specifically, he is charged with 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); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, in response to complaints of gun violence and drug trafficking, NOPD officers were monitoring the 1500 block of South Liberty Street when they observed CARNEY engaging in drug trafficking while possessing a firearm.  The officers stopped CARNEY and, after obtaining a search warrant for his vehicle, found a loaded Glock Model 17, 9milli-meter handgun, and additional ammunition.  Officers also recovered 102.92 grams of marijuana in a jar and in plastic baggies, 3.08 grams of cocaine, 0.09 grams of methamphetamine, and 2 digital scales. 

Sentencing in this case is scheduled for February 15, 2024. CARNEY faces a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine and at least three (3) years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; a maximum of five (5) years to life to run consecutively, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;  and a maximum statutory sentence of fifteen (15) years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Each charge also carries a $100.00 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RANDY HARROD, age 45, a resident of Trinity, Texas, was sentenced on October 26, 2023 by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 108 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, 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, between May 25, 2020, and July 2, 2020, Ryan Fremin traveled from the Eastern District of Louisiana to the Houston, Texas area on five occasions to purchase kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Leonel Gonzalez, a Houston-based narcotics trafficker.  On three of those occasions, Fremin arranged the transactions with HARROD, who negotiated the price with Fremin or accepted payment from Fremin for the drugs at a hotel in Houston reserved by HARROD before Gonzalez arrived later with the drugs.  On July 12, 2020, a confidential source contacted HARROD to purchase of a kilogram of methamphetamine from HARROD.  HARROD met the confidential source in Houston and drove him to a hotel where Gonzalez met them and sold the methamphetamine to the confidential source. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a bill of information today charging SCOTT P. RICHARD, age 47, of Raceland, with access device fraud. This charge stems from RICHARD’S   theft from his former employer, a Houma-based company identified as “Company A” in the bill of information.  

According to the bill of information, RICHARD was a systems engineer for Company A, whose  responsibilities included the specification, purchase, installation, and support of equipment and systems used by the company’s technology infrastructure. RICHARD is alleged to have used the corporate credit card issued to him by Company A for his own personal benefit. From January 1, 2012 through September 27, 2021, RICHARD fraudulently diverted $526,569.42 from Company A to himself.

If convicted, RICHARD could receive up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, and up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment. He would also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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, Senior Litigation Counsel, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – ROSE B. DEMERS, of Marrero, LA, age 68, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to misprision of a felony related to funds received from a fraud victim, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

According to the charging documents, DEMERS received $8,600 from an out of state fraud victim on or about July 9, 2021.  Rather than contact the authorities, DEMERS converted some of the funds to her own use and attempted to wire the funds to a person posing as an Internal Revenue Agent. DEMERS was acting as a middleman for a fraudster who directed financial fraud victims to send her money, which she would then convert to MoneyGrams, etc., and forward to the fraudster.

Sentencing is set for February 22, 2024. DEMERS faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release.  There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. 

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov.

If you need assistance or to report elder abuse, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by call the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm EST. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, Economic Crimes Section, 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 – CODY SHAUGHNESSY, age 38, was sentenced on October 18, 2023, after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with  violating of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), respectively.  As to the three charges for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and the one charge of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  SHAUGHNESSY was sentenced on each count to 84 months imprisonment, four years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee. All sentences were  run concurrently with each other. 

According to court documents, between August 2022 and September 2022, SHAUGHNESSY sold 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to an undercover federal agent on three separate occasions .  Additionally, at the time of his arrest, SHAUGHNESSY possessed, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On October 18, 2023, DAMION WILSON, age 23, was sentenced to serve a total of 87 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons. 

On June 27, 2023, DAMION WILSON,  was found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, maintaining a drug involved premises, and lying to a federal agent.  He was acquitted of two other related counts. 

As to his conviction for possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, a violation of United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), he was sentenced to 27 months in prison, and  two years of supervised release.

As to his conviction for  possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c), he was sentenced to sixty months in prison.  This sentence must be served consecutively to the sentences imposed in the other counts of conviction.  He was also sentenced to five years of  supervised release. 

As to his conviction for maintaining a drug involved premises, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 856, he was sentenced to twenty-seven months in prison, and three years  of supervised release.

Lastly, as to his conviction for  lying to a federal agent, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, he was sentenced to twenty-seven months in prison, and a one year term of supervised release.  For each count of conviction, WILSON also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshal’s Service, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the General Crimes Unit and Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALVIE ROLLINS, a/k/a ALVIN ROLLINS, age 26, was sentenced on October 18, 2023 by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

ROLLINS received a total sentence of 24 months imprisonment, three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court records, on August 4, 2022, two Task Force Officers (“TFO”) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) New Orleans Gang Task Force, received information that that there was an FBI agent requesting assistance near the intersection of Dixon Street and South Carrollton Avenue, in New Orleans.  Upon arrival, the TFOs’ saw two vehicles stopped side by side.  The driver of one of the vehicle’s, later identified as ROLLINS, a Nissan Altima, held a black and silver pistol out of his open driver’s side window.

ROLLINS began to drive away, then pulled his vehicle over after hearing the FBI’s sirens.  The FBI agents ordered ROLLINS out of the Nissan Altima and handcuffed him.  ROLLINS admitted he was driving a red Nissan Altima at the intersection of Tulane Avenue & South Carrollton Avenue and was in possession of a firearm.  ROLLINS also admitted knowing that he was convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment before he possessed this firearm.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Trummel and Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIEDAH ELEY, age 31, a resident of Columbia, Maryland, was sentenced on October 25, 2023 to five (5) years of probation by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343.  The charge stems from ELEY’S role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  ELEY was also ordered to pay $166,656 in restitution and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee .

According to court documents, ELEY used both word-of-mouth and text messages to solicit individuals interested in fraudulently obtaining money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program with her assistance.  When a prospective applicant expressed interest, ELEY requested the applicant’s name, address, social security, and phone number, a copy of the front and back of the applicant’s driver’s license, a bank statement from 2020, and the routing and account number for the applicant’s bank account.  ELEY then created a false and fraudulent loan application.  ELEY falsely represented in the pertinent forms that the applicant had a sole proprietorship in the beauty industry that generated substantial income.  ELEY also submitted false financial numbers overstating the gross receipts, expenses, and net income for the business. This resulted in the creation of a false federal tax Form 1040, Schedule C, that was accepted and processed by the online portal handling the application.  In instances where the applicant actually received a small income from beauty industry work, ELEY knowingly and falsely inflated that  income.  Each of the above-described false representations constituted a misstatement that was material to the determination of the eligibility of the applicant and the loan amount the applicant would receive. 

Once the loan was paid to the applicant, ELEY charged some applicants up to $5,000.00 for preparing and submitting the fraudulent PPP application.  ELEY used this same scheme to file her own fraudulent application as well as the applications for at least seven (7) co-conspirators.  This resulted in a loss to the Small Business Association of approximately $166,656.

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 United States Secret Service 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 SHANIQUA PAGE WILSON, age 32, a resident of Odenton, Maryland, pleaded guilty  today before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343.  The charges stem from WILSON’S role in preparing and filing false applications for loans related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

According to court documents, between about April 19, 2021, and May 20, 2021, WILSON and (Co-Conspirator 1) recruited friends and family members, primarily via word of mouth and text message, to participate in a scheme whereby they would fraudulently obtain money from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans with her assistance.  WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 then created and electronically submitted, loan applications.  These loan applications falsely stated that the recruited applicant had a sole proprietorship in the beauty industry and generated substantial income from those businesses.  Co-Conspirator 1 charged some applicants up to approximately $5,000.00 once the PPP loan was funded. 

Between about May 4, 2021, and May 5, 2021, WILSON and Co-Conspirator 1 prepared and submitted approximately five (5) fraudulent PPP loan applications, including for themselves and their relatives, that resulted in a loss to the United States Small Business Administration and other designated financial institutions of approximately $104,160.

WILSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 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 Milazzo is scheduled for January 24, 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 United States Secret Service 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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced  that HENRY EDGARDO ORTIZ, age 44, plead guilty today to illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to court documents, ORTIZ applied to the Jefferson Parish Office of Motor Vehicles , for a Louisiana Identification Card.  However, the Social Security Administration later confirmed  that the identification card and its associated number, had been previously issued on May 4, 2018 in the name of another person in Puerto Rico, “ Individual A”.

Later, when ORTIZ, appeared at  the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s office to handle another matter, he presented a Honduran passport in his real name.  The District Attorney’s office became suspicious and contacted the Department of Homeland Security.  As a result, the Department of Homeland Security located the Louisiana driver’s license paperwork, that showed the ORTIZ’s fraudulent use of a social security number. 

ORTIZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a two-count indictment was unsealed today charging SIMON PAUL ADAMS, age 27, a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, with receiving and attempting to receive child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(2) (Count 1) and receiving obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1466A (Count 2).  The unsealed indictment revealed that a federal  grand jury  returned the indictment under seal on September 29, 2023.

As to  Count 1,  beginning at a time unknown, but not later than on or about March 26, 2023, and continuing until on or about July 3, 2023, ADAMS, received images, including some as young as approximately three (3) years old, engaging in sexually explicit conduct as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 2256(2), and such visual depictions were of such conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1).

As to Count 2, beginning at a time unknown, but not later than on or about March 26, 2023, and continuing until on or about July 3, 2023, ADAMS, did knowingly produce, distribute, receive, and possess with the intent to distribute, images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1466A(a)(1) and 2252A(b)(1).

ADAMS 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 and 2.  ADAMS also faces a lifetime of supervised release and up to a $250,000 fine, as to each of Counts 1 and 2.  ADAMS 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.

- Press release has been updated for accuracy.

NEW ORLEANS – BRIA PETERS, age 38, formerly of New Orleans, LA and now residing in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on October 18, 2023 to a one-count bill of information for making false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) before U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On March 27, 2020, The CARES Act established several new temporary programs and provided for the expansion of others to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  Among these programs, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.  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.

According to the court documents, PETERS made false statements to an approved lender on or about May 27, 2021, for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining a PPP loan.  As a consequence,  PETERS later received a PPP loan totaling approximately $29,166.00.  PETERS stated in her PPP application that in 2020, she owned a clothing business impacted by the pandemic when, in truth, she had no such business .

PETERS is to be sentenced on January 17, 2024 and faces a sentence of 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.  There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction.

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 Amtrak Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigations, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAYSHAWN BROWN, age 39, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on October 13, 2023 in a previously sealed ten-count indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  The case was unsealed on October 16, 2023.

According to the indictment, Counts 1 and 8 charge BROWN with distribution of quantities of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  For these offenses, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Count 2 charges BROWN with distribution of controlled substances – a quantity of a mixture and substance containing detectable amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  For this offense, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Counts 3 and 5 charge BROWN with distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).  For these offenses, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Counts 4, 6, and 10 charge BROWN 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).  For these offenses, he faces up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Count 7 charges BROWN 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).  For this offense, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

Count 9 charges BROWN with distribution of quantities of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  For this offense, he faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  As to each of the ten charged counts, BROWN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on September 29, 2023, JOSHUA HOGAN, was indicted in a previously sealed indictment on four counts of distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  The indictment was unsealed on October 18, 2023.

In Counts 1 and 2, HOGAN was charged with distribution of fentanyl in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1)and 841(b)(1)(C).  If convicted of these counts, HOGAN faces, per count, up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  In Counts 3 and 4, HOGAN was charged with distribution of 40 grams of more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl.  If convicted of these counts, HOGAN faces, per count, from  five  up to  forty-years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KING SANCHEZ, was sentenced today by the United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for  violations of the Federal Gun Control, the Federal Controlled Substances, and Hobbs Acts. 

SANCHEZ previously pled guilty to Count 1 of a superseding indictment, charging him with conspiracy to possess and brandish firearms in furtherance of and during crimes of violence and drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).  SANCHEZ also pled guilty to Counts 7 and 8, charging him with conspiracy to interfere and interference with commerce through robbery (Hobbs Act Conspiracy and Hobbs Act Robbery), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.  SANCHEZ additionally pled guilty to Count 9, charging him with possessing and brandishing firearms in furtherance of and during a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).  For Counts 1, 7, and 8, SANCHEZ was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  As to Count 9, SANCHEZ was sentenced to an 84-months imprisonment, which must run consecutively to the sentences in Counts 1, 7, and 8, as well as five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  Thus, SANCHEZ received a total sentence of 204 months.  SANCHEZ must also pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee for each count.      

According to public documents, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group responsible for committing various violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward.  SANCHEZ, along with nine others, were indicted in December 2021, for conspiring to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of drug dealers.  SANCHEZ also participated in a Hobbs Act robbery, during which he and his co-conspirators victimized a mother and her two-young children.  SANCHEZ and his co-conspirators by breaking n into and ransacking their home, brandishing firearms, and tying up the mother.          

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, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILTON CARTER, age 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury on October 6, 2023, in a three-count indictment for carjacking and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

CARTER is charged in Count 1 with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1).  He is charged in Count 2 with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).  He is charged in  Count 3 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).

If convicted of Count 1, CARTER faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 2, he faces a minimum of seven years up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 3, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to each charged count, CARTER also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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 – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KENNETH CHARITY (“CHARITY”), age 58, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on October 18, 2023, by U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to 20 months in prison for conspiring to defraud First NBC Bank (FNBC), the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to court documents, from February 2007 through April 2017, CHARITY had a banking relationship with FNBC.  During that time, FNBC President, Ashton Ryan, acted as the loan officer for CHARITY and certain of CHARITY’s entities.  By the time FNBC failed, the balances on the loans issued to CHARITY and the entities, totaled more than $16 million.  CHARITY, Ryan, and others, knowingly conspired to defraud FNBC by disguising and misrepresenting the true financial status of CHARITY and his entities, as well as the purpose of the loans issued to them.

CHARITY admitted that he, Ryan, and others carried out the conspiracy by repeatedly lying in bank loan documents about the purpose of loans that Ryan approved for CHARITY. Specifically, Ryan approved loans for CHARITY and his entities that appeared to be for legitimate business purposes.  In reality, CHARITY spent loan proceeds on personal expenses, and Ryan was aware that CHARITY did not spend the loan proceeds consistent with the loans’stated purposes.  For example, from in or around August 2014 through in or around December 2016, Ryan caused three loans to be disbursed to one of CHARITY’s entities for the purpose of, in part, enclosing a patio at a beignet shop.  CHARITY never built the patio.  Instead, the loan proceeds were used to pay CHARITY’s overdrafts, including personal expenses, and to make loan payments.  Ryan was convicted at trial in February 2023, for bank fraud and other offenses related to the CHARITY loans.

In addition to prison, Judge Africk sentenced CHARITY to three years of supervised release. Judge Africk also ordered CHARITY to pay $16,502,831.55 in restitution to the FDIC, along with a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the agencies that conducted this years-long investigation: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Field Office; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Regional Office; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, Miami Field Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit , Nicholas D. Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator, J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit , and Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 42 and a resident of Jayess, Mississippi, pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, MULLEN conspired with DUANE DUFRENE, DILLON ARCENEAUX, LANCE VALLO, GRANT MENARD, and ZEB SARTIN to use several shell Louisiana corporations, devoid of assets, to defraud a Georgia based merchant cash company. MULLEN and DUFRENE helped establish ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN as the owners of the existing shell corporations, MULLEN and DUFRENE then created fake vendor accounts for the corporations, and MULLEN, along with another person, created falsified bank records for the companies. MULLEN then used an alias and represented himself to be a broker for the shell corporations he helped create.

Through the aid of another broker, MULLEN supplied the victim merchant cash advance company with the fake vendor accounts and false bank records in order to obtain funding. The victim cash advance company approved the advances and began to electronically wire ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN millions of dollars in advances. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD,  and SARTIN laundered a portion of the funds by paying MULLEN and DUFRENE a portion of the funds. ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN then closed their non-existent businesses before fully repaying the victim merchant cash advance company, resulting in overall losses to the victim of approximately $6.4 million.  

DUFRENE is to be sentenced on January 17, 2024, and faces a maximum sentence of five years on the wire fraud conspiracy, and a maximum sentence of up to twenty years on the money laundering conspiracy. After imprisonment, the defendant faces up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $500,000 fine on the money laundering count. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit and Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ALEJANDRO AGUILAR-RAMOS, a Mexican national, age 30, pleaded guilty as charged on October 17, 2023 to Count 1 of the indictment, charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.  AGUILAR-RAMOS faces a minimum sentence of ten years up to  a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, in March of 2023, AGUILAR-RAMOS knowingly conspired and agreed with others to pick up a bag containing over 9 kilograms of methamphetamine in Dallas, Texas, then work with others to transport the bag and the narcotics within, from Texas to Kenner, Louisiana .

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 and the Kenner Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DR. ALEX L. GLOTSER, age 36, a resident of Metairie, pled guilty on October 18, 2023, to defrauding Medicare out of approximately $5.6 million in connection with ordering medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (“DME”) and Cancer Genetic Testing (“CGx”). 

GLOTSER pled guilty to a bill of information charging him with health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347.  According to court documents, GLOTSER was  an independent contractor for several purported telemedicine companies.  From approximately September 2017 to August 2019, GLOTSER, through the telemedicine companies, signed thousands of doctors’ orders for DME and CGx tests for Medicare beneficiaries he never saw, spoke to, or otherwise treated.  As a result, GLOTSER’s orders resulted in over $5.6 million in false and fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare, of which Medicare reimbursed over $2.4 million.  To conceal and perpetuate the fraud, GLOTSER  made several false and fraudulent statements to support these orders, including falsely certifying, in medical records and requisition forms, that he was the beneficiaries’ “treating physician,” that he had “personally” examined patients, including performing certain in-person procedures for knee braces, and that he used the DME and CGx tests ordered for the “management” of the patients’ conditions.  In exchange for electronically reviewing patient charts and ordering DME and CGx tests, GLOTSER was paid a set fee per doctor’s order, typically $30, totaling $270,570.

GLOTSER faces up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to GLOTSER or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  GLOTSER is also required to pay $2,420,100 in restitution to Medicare.  Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle set the sentencing hearing for January 24, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  Trial Attorneys Kelly Walters and Samantha Stagias of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator for the Eastern District of Louisiana, are prosecuting the case.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 19, 2023, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced GLENN E. DIAZ, age 72, to 87  months in prison, for his role in leading a scheme to defraud First NBC Bank (FNBC), the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.  DIAZ, along with codefendants PETER J. “PETE” JENEVEIN, age 58, of Panama City, Florida; and MARK S. GRELLE, age 68, of Chalmette, were convicted in April 2023, of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and substantive bank fraud charges.  DIAZ previously worked as an assistant district attorney for St. Bernard Parish for over thirty years.  Between June and December 2016, the defendants defrauded FNBC of over $550,000.

In addition to his sentence of incarceration, DIAZ was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, and  restitution in an amount to be determined at a later hearing.  Further, Judge Milazzo sentenced DIAZ to two years  of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $1000 special assessment fee.

Citing JENEVEIN’S substantial health issues, Judge Milazzo sentenced JENEVEIN to 6 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, 18 months of which must be spent in  home confinement.  JENEVEIN is also required to pay restitution and a mandatory special assessment fee of $3,100.

Judge Milazzo sentenced GRELLE to 24 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release, 6 months of which must be spent in home confinement.  GRELLE also is required to pay restitution and a mandatory special assessment fee of $1,900.

According to the evidence at trial, from at least April 2016 through December 20, 2016, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE conspired to defraud FNBC through a series of false invoices and other fake documents for work purportedly done at a Florida warehouse owned by DIAZ.

DIAZ was a customer of FNBC from 2006 through the bank’s closure in 2017.  By late 2015, DIAZ had been overdrawing his checking account for purported business expenses.  In actuality, DIAZ was depositing these overdrafts into his personal account at another bank.  In June 2016, FNBC officers began requiring invoices from DIAZ to prove that he was spending bank funds to improve the Florida warehouse, that had served as collateral for DIAZ’s loans at FNBC Bank.

In response to the FNBC’s requirement, DIAZ had JENEVEIN and GRELLE provide fake invoices for improvements on the Florida warehouse that were purportedly performed by GRELLE’s company, Grelle Underground Services LLC.  FNBC officers approved the overdrafts based on these invoices.  However, after DIAZ wrote the check to GRELLE’s company, GRELLE would then write a check back to DIAZ, that DIAZ deposited into his personal account at JPMorgan Chase bank, to hide it from FNBC.  DIAZ then used the money for expenditures unrelated to the Florida warehouse project including, vintage automobiles, plastic surgery, precious metals, and online shopping.  In total, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE executed 17 round-trip transactions through GRELLE’s accounts.  Evidence at trial also showed that DIAZ and JENEVEIN created other false invoices and credit card itemizations  claiming false business expenses, and fabricating business names to make DIAZ’s personal expenses look like legitimate construction expenses.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the agencies that conducted this years-long investigation: the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, Miami Field Office; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Field Office; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Regional Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit, Nicholas D. Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator, J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit, and Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RODERICK HICKMAN (“HICKMAN”), age 52, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to court documents, on March 27, 2017, HICKMAN along with four other defendants, intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road and then fled the scene.

HICKMAN was referred to attorneys who paid him and another co-defendant to stage the accident.  In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits.  In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $277,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.     

HICKMAN was sentenced to 42 months in the Bureau of Prisons by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk and ordered to pay restitution of approximately $5.7 million.  He also will be on supervised release for three years following incarceration and must pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

WASHINGTON – AECOM, an architecture and engineering firm based in Dallas has agreed to pay $11.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the replacement of certain educational facilities located in Louisiana that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and corresponding rules, FEMA provided institutional applicants, such as schools and universities, with public assistance (PA) funds for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Funding was limited to the cost of repairing a damaged facility, unless that cost exceeded 50% of the facility’s replacement cost, in which case full-replacement funding was available.

Between 2006 and 2010, AECOM served as a technical assistance contractor in support of FEMA disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. In this role, AECOM prepared requests for PA funds on behalf of applicants that included, among other things, damage descriptions, estimates of the cost to repair damage and estimates of the cost to replace structures.

The settlement resolves allegations that an AECOM project officer deployed to Louisiana for the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort submitted to FEMA fraudulent requests for disaster assistance funds for several educational facilities in New Orleans, which resulted in certain applicants receiving PA funds in excess of what FEMA rules permitted, including in some cases because the facility was entitled only to repair rather than replacement costs. These facilities included the gymnasium, student center and electrical grid at Xavier University of Louisiana and a cafeteria building at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans’ St. Raphael the Archangel School. According to the allegations in the government’s complaint, AECOM supervisors reviewed and did not correct disaster assistance applications that included materially false design, damage and replacement eligibility descriptions.

“FEMA plays an essential role in helping communities recover from natural disasters,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement sends a strong message that FEMA contractors, as well as funding recipients, must provide truthful and accurate information so that FEMA’s resources are used to help those truly in need.”

“Federal disaster funds are instrumental in the effort to aid disaster victims with their recovery,” said the U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of this False Claims Act matter illustrates the collaborative efforts and firm commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”

“With our law enforcement partners - the Department of Justice Civil Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana - DHS-OIG worked tirelessly to ensure that these defendants were brought to justice and that nearly $12 million in disaster relief funds will be returned to the U.S. taxpayer,” said Inspector General Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari of DHS. 

The settlement with AECOM resolves claims brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The United States may intervene in the action, as it did in part in this case. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Robert Romero v. AECOM, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-15092 (E.D. La.). As part of the settlement with AECOM, the whistleblower, Robert Romero, will receive more than $2.4 million.

The United States has now recovered nearly $25 million in connection with the disaster assistance applications prepared by AECOM. The United States previously settled with Xavier University of Louisiana and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans with respect to their alleged role in the submission of the false certifications for FEMA funding prepared by AECOM.  

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with substantial assistance from FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Investigative support was provided by the DHS-OIG's Major Fraud and Corruption Unit and New Orleans Resident Office. 

This matter was handled by Trial Attorneys Laura Hill, Richard Hagner, Gavin Thole, and Robin Overby of the Civil Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mimi Nguyen for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Charles Schexnaildre of FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

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

AECOM, an architecture and engineering firm based in Dallas has agreed to pay $11.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the replacement of certain educational facilities located in Louisiana that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and corresponding rules, FEMA provided institutional applicants, such as schools and universities, with public assistance (PA) funds for the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Funding was limited to the cost of repairing a damaged facility, unless that cost exceeded 50% of the facility’s replacement cost, in which case full-replacement funding was available.

Between 2006 and 2010, AECOM served as a technical assistance contractor in support of FEMA disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina. In this role, AECOM prepared requests for PA funds on behalf of applicants that included, among other things, damage descriptions, estimates of the cost to repair damage and estimates of the cost to replace structures.

The settlement resolves allegations that an AECOM project officer deployed to Louisiana for the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort submitted to FEMA fraudulent requests for disaster assistance funds for several educational facilities in New Orleans, which resulted in certain applicants receiving PA funds in excess of what FEMA rules permitted, including in some cases because the facility was entitled only to repair rather than replacement costs. These facilities included the gymnasium, student center and electrical grid at Xavier University of Louisiana and a cafeteria building at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans’ St. Raphael the Archangel School. According to the allegations in the government’s complaint, AECOM supervisors reviewed and did not correct disaster assistance applications that included materially false design, damage and replacement eligibility descriptions.

“FEMA plays an essential role in helping communities recover from natural disasters,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement sends a strong message that FEMA contractors, as well as funding recipients, must provide truthful and accurate information so that FEMA’s resources are used to help those truly in need.”

“Federal disaster funds are instrumental in the effort to aid disaster victims with their recovery,” said the U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The favorable resolution of this False Claims Act matter illustrates the collaborative efforts and firm commitment by our federal partners to use all available remedies to address signs of fraud, waste and abuse.”

“With our law enforcement partners - the Department of Justice Civil Division and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana - DHS-OIG worked tirelessly to ensure that these defendants were brought to justice and that nearly $12 million in disaster relief funds will be returned to the U.S. taxpayer,” said Inspector General Dr. Joseph V. Cuffari of DHS. 

The settlement with AECOM resolves claims brought in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The United States may intervene in the action, as it did in part in this case. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Robert Romero v. AECOM, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-15092 (E.D. La.). As part of the settlement with AECOM, the whistleblower, Robert Romero, will receive more than $2.4 million.

The United States has now recovered nearly $25 million in connection with the disaster assistance applications prepared by AECOM. The United States previously settled with Xavier University of Louisiana and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans with respect to their alleged role in the submission of the false certifications for FEMA funding prepared by AECOM.  

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, with substantial assistance from FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel. Investigative support was provided by the DHS-OIG's Major Fraud and Corruption Unit and New Orleans Resident Office. 

This matter was handled by Trial Attorneys Laura Hill, Richard Hagner, Gavin Thole, and Robin Overby of the Civil Division, along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Mimi Nguyen for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Charles Schexnaildre of FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to announce that 41 individuals were charged with firearms-trafficking, narcotics, conspiracy, or other firearms offenses after a three-month, summertime violent-crime-reduction initiative in New Orleans. Operation Big Easy was a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) enforcement initiative of collected firearm casings for the time period of August 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023 that produced data points of high-density shootings and homicides in seven areas of New Orleans related to individuals engaged in criminal activity.  The vast majority of these individuals were charged in United States District Court, while the rest were charged in state court.  They were apprehended in a series of coordinated arrests made during the last two weeks.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Special Agent in Charge Bradley L. Byerly and Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams provided additional details relating to the initiative, as well as other narcotics and violence-prevention efforts.

Indictments and complaints were recently unsealed in federal court. They detail a lengthy ATF- led investigation, that focused on reducing firearms-related crime in several areas of New Orleans. These areas were selected after studying gun-crime violence data and then identifying illegal firearms sellers in an effort to disrupt their trafficking. Overall, this operation resulted in the seizure and permanent removal of approximately 71 firearms and from New Orleans’ streets. The firearms seized or purchased firearms included stolen firearms, firearms with obliterated serial numbers, “switches,” already-loaded firearms, assault rifles, and firearms previously used to commit violent crimes.  NIBIN data showed that a number of those firearms were connected to violent criminal activity, including homicides and felonious assaults, that occurred in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas in 2022 and 2023. Of the purchased firearms, six contained machinegun conversion devices or “switches”—a device that enables a firearm to fire in fully automatic mode.

Some of these individuals also sold controlled substances to law enforcement. Many of these sales took place in public parking lots of business establishments during business hours or in recreational areas in close proximity to law-abiding citizens engaged in their daily errands or recreational activities. During this investigation, law enforcement purchased or seized over 2 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin mix, over one-half kilogram of cocaine and cocaine base, and over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine.  Some defendants were charged together, but several others were charged individually.  In all cases, however, these charges stemmed from the extensive, targeted, and sustained effort over the summer. This effort was led by ATF and assisted by other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and designed to reduce both illegal firearms trafficking, use, and possession, and the distribution of drugs in New Orleans.

“The dozens of charges and arrests announced today represent what federal, state, and local law enforcement can accomplish when we work hand-in-hand to take violent criminals and trigger-pullers off our streets,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “When we harness the Justice Department’s resources and technology — especially crime-gun intelligence from ATF’s NIBIN network — we are able to identify and arrest the culprits of gun violence and safeguard our communities. Across the country, our towns and cities are safer because of the dedication and bravery of federal agents and their state and local partners, and the 21st century crime-solving tools DOJ is able to provide.”

“For months, incredibly brave ATF agents and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners have been investigating violent criminals who have terrorized New Orleans,” said ATF Director Steve Dettelbach. “The results are now clear: dozens of arrests; scores of seized firearms, including guns previously used in crimes; recoveries of stolen guns and guns with obliterated serial numbers; and the seizure of deadly machine gun conversion devices.  All done better than ever using crime gun intelligence to catch the worst of the worst.  ATF commits to continue using and sharing its intelligence with our courageous partners around the country to further drive down violent crime."

”Many thanks to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their invaluable efforts, unrelenting vigilance, and selfless contributions to the Operation Big Easy Initiative,” said United States Attorney Duane A. Evans. “When we work together and share information, good results occur. “To our community, rest assured that we will continue to combat violent crime throughout the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Every resource and every force multiplier we possess, will be used to accomplish that goal.”

“This investigative initiative is an excellent example of the ATF-led Crime Gun Unit, working together with federal, state and local partners through the US Attorney’s Office, making impact in reducing, preventing, and solving violent gun in our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson.  “Holding those accountable who further violent gun crime makes our communities safer.”

The following is a breakdown of the charges in United States District Court, according to court documents:

• MICHAEL LOTT, age 49, DIANTA TROPEZ, age 29, VERNELL WOODARD, age 40, QUINDELE ADDISON, age 47, SHEENA RUDOLPH, age 40, and CORIS ADDISON, age 23, were charged on September 22, 2023, in a superseding indictment.

QUINDELE ADDISON, WOODARD, RUDOLPH, and TROPEZ were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

TROPEZ, WOODARD, and QUINDELE ADDISON were further charged with distribution of methamphetamine. 

LOTT, TROPEZ, and WOODARD were charged with conspiracy and robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States. 

LOTT, TROPEZ, and WOODARD were charged with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon.

LOTT, TROPEZ, and QUINDELE ADDISON were charged, individually, with being felons in possession of firearms.  

QUINDELE ADDISON was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

QUINDELE ADDISON and WOODARD were charged, jointly, with maintaining a drug involved premises.

• RASHAD MONTAGUE, age 32, was charged October 10, 2023, via complaint, with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

• DAWUD BARNES, age 22, was indicted October 6, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun.

• KEVIN DAVIS, age 43, and WILLIAM GRACE, age 45, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.

• ANTHONY DOYLE, age 40, and CARLOS GUILLEN, age 43, were indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.

• DEVIN HILLIARD, age 47, and STERING PIPKINS, age 39, were indicted October 12, 2023, for violating the federal controlled substances act and the federal gun control acts. HILLIARD was also charged with distribution of cocaine and felon in possession of a firearm. PIPKINS was also charged with distribution of cocaine.

• JOSHUA HOGAN, age 35, was indicted September 29, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl.

• DAYSHAWN BROWN, age 39, was indicted October 12, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

• MICHAEL LEWIS, age 36, was indicted October 6, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl/heroin/cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm.

• TROY LOCKE, age 34, was indicted September 8, 2023, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

• JUNIOR ALEXANDER MONCADA-VARGAS, age 34, was indicted September 29, 2023, for possession and transfer of a machine gun and for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

• LUIS MORALES, age 33, TYRONE WHITTINGTON, age 38, and DANIEL BECK, age 43, were indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of methamphetamine. MORALES was also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. WHITTINGTON was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

• TOMMY NASH, age 50 and LOREALL GORDEN, age 38, were indicted September 22, 2023, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and distribution of fentanyl.

• RODNEY OFFRAY, age 49, was indicted September 22, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and heroin.

• JAMAR HOLMES, age 34, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and cocaine and sale of a stolen firearm.

• KENNAN ALEXIS, age 47, was indicted October 5, 2023, for distribution of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

• DAMERON CARMON, age 45, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

• DANIEL SMITH, age 55, were charged October 20, 2023, via complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

The following is a breakdown of the charges in Orleans Criminal District Court, according to court documents: 

• JOHNNY MILTON, age 42, Drug Trafficking. 
• BRANDON ADIAR, age 49, Drug Trafficking. 
• KENNETH TYLER, age 46, Drug Trafficking. 
• BRANDON JACKSON, age 33, Drug Trafficking. 
• CALVIN SMITH, age 44, Drug Trafficking. 
• CORDERO JOHNSON, age 35, Drug Trafficking. 
• ERNEST CLOUD, age 29, Drug Trafficking. 
• LC NIXON, age 33, Drug Trafficking.
• CIERRA CRAIG, age 34, Drug Trafficking.
• ORMOND KING, age 31, Drug Trafficking.
• ZED JONES, age 32, Illegal Possession of a Firearm

An indictment or complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictments was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD), the Louisiana State Police (“LSP”), the United States Marshals Service (“USMS”), the City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. Also, many thanks to the New Orleans Emergency Management Service and Crimestoppers, GNO. This Operation was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. The cases stemming from this investigation are being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 13, 2023, QUINCY JONES, a/k/a “Luck,” pled guilty to robbery in Counts 10 and 11 of the superseding indictment pending against him before the U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

Count 10 charges JONES with conspiring to interfere with commerce through robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.  Count 11 charges JONES with Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951.

As to Counts 10 and 11, JONES faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three years of supervised release.  JONES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  His sentencing is scheduled for January 10, 2024.

According to public documents, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group  for committing various violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward.  Thereafter, JONES, along with nine others, were indicted, for conspiring  to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of drug dealers.      

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, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JASMINE GRIFFIN pled guilty to Counts 1 and 2 of a superseding bill of information before the U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

Count 1 charged GRIFFIN with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 371. Count 2 charged GRIFFIN with Misprision of a Felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4.

As to Count 1, GRIFFIN faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  As to Count 2, GRIFFIN faces a sentence of up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Her sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2024.

According to public documents, in 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated a group responsible for committing violent crimes and illegal drug trafficking, primarily in New Orleans East and the Ninth Ward.  GRIFFIN, along with nine others, were indicted in December 2021, for their involvement in conspiracies to possess firearms, traffic drugs and commit armed robberies of drug dealers.  Along with his co-conspirators, GRIFFIN committed wire fraud and misprision of a felony.        

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, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu of the Narcotics Unit and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIELLE REED, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023 to a two-count superseding bill of information charging her with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that REED was a drug dealer who primarily sold crystal methamphetamine. DEA agents used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from REED.  On April 19, 2022, DEA agents seized a quantity of methamphetamine and two firearms from REED.

For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, REED faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following  imprisonment.  For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, REED faces a statutory minimum sentence of five years of imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For both counts, REED faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced SHAMAR HOLMES, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, to 57 months imprisonment for illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, HOLMES admitted that in September 2022 he was traveling down Interstate 10 near the Claiborne Avenue exit when another car opened fire on his car.  HOLMES was shot several times and taken to the hospital.  When New Orleans Police Officers arrived to investigate, they seized the car as part of the shooting investigation.  They conducted a search of the car and found a .40 caliber handgun under the seat.  In January 2022, HOLMES had pleaded guilty to a felony, in Orleans Parish and was thus prohibited from possessing guns at the time of the September shooting.

Judge Barbier sentenced HOLMES to fifty-seven months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  HOLMES was also ordered to pay 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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 12, 2023, KEATON JOHNSON, age 22 of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to Counts 1 through 3 of the indictment against him. Count 1 charged JOHNSON 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).  Count 2 charged JOHNSON with possession with the 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).  Count 3 charged JOHNSON 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).

For Count 1, JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

For Count 2, JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

For Count 3, JOHNSON faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, to run consecutively with Counts 1 and 2, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count, JOHNSON also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to public records, on July 19, 2022, New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officers received a call for a gunshot fired in the French Quarter.  When NOPD officers arrived at the scene, there was no victim present.  During their investigation, officers learned that a man (later identified as JOHNSON) got into a verbal argument with another man and a shooting occurred. 

Within minutes of the shooting, an NOPD Detective observed JOHNSON in the French Quarter riding a bike.  At the sight of police officers, JOHNSON attempted to flee on foot but was caught and arrested.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS –  JAVAN BAILEY, age 22, a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 204 months in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to  a two-count indictment charging him with producing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of an eleven-year-old female, Victim 1, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2251(a), and transmitting interstate threats for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  BAILEY will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.  Additionally, Judge Barbier scheduled a restitution hearing for January 4, 2024.

According to court documents, in about February 2021, BAILEY met Victim 1, a New Orleans resident born in about October 2009, in a social media service specializing in the presentation of short-form videos hosted by its users.  BAILEY used username “dabratt88” and pretended to be a minor female.  After communicating with Victim 1 about twerking videos, BAILEY sent Victim 1 a video of a juvenile female twerking and engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  BAILEY then instructed Victim 1 to either send him a video of Victim 1 herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct or else BAILEY would post the video he sent Victim 1 on social media platforms, claiming the video was of Victim 1.  Victim 1 complied.  For the next three months, BAILEY  directed Victim 1 to record and send him increasingly explicit content, while threatening to release the prior content if Victim 1 refused. 

On or about May 27, 2021, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on BAILEY’s residence in Cleveland, Ohio, during which they seized BAILEY’s cellular telephone.  A forensic review of the phone revealed that between about November 2019 and May 2021, BAILEY sought and obtained depictions of dozens of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct using the same extortionate scheme he used to obtain sexually explicit material from Victim 1.  Additionally, BAILEY sold these sexually explicit depictions of minors by charging approximately $30 in exchange for sharing a link to the content.  BAILEY sold the link dozens of times.

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, LA – United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced JOSHUA PICOU, age 30, of Houma, Louisiana, to 78 months imprisonment for violating the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, PICOU distributed a substance containing fentanyl and cocaine on May 27, June 2, and June 22, 2021.  Later, on June 24, 2021, he  possessed  forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl, twenty-eight (28) grams or more of cocaine base, and a quantity of cocaine, with the intent to distribute those  substances.  On that same date, he was in possession of two firearms, a Glock Model 17 handgun and a Springfield Armory Model XDM-9, which he was prohibited from possessing due to his criminal history.

Judge Ashe sentenced PICOU to 78 months on each of the five counts to which he pleaded guilty, with the time to run concurrently, to be followed by four years of supervised release.  PICOU was also ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count for a total of $500.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Securities Investigations and the Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SLOANE SIGNAL-DEBOSE, Ph.D., age 52, a resident of Slidell, was sentenced on October 11, 2023 to 18 months in prison for misappropriating funds from a veteran.

SIGNAL previously pled guilty to misappropriation by a veteran’s fiduciary, in violation of Title 38, United States Code, Section 6101.  According to court documents, from 2016 until 2018 SIGNAL was a fiduciary for a veteran who needed assistance with the management of his affairs, and she had control over the veteran’s finances and bank accounts.  During that time, SIGNAL took over $100,000 from the veteran’s accounts, and routed it through bank accounts in her own name.  SIGNAL ultimately used the money as the down payment on a home for which she was the sole legal owner.  SIGNAL also used additional funds from the veteran to pay contractors working on SIGNAL’s home.  SIGNAL then submitted false records to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to hide her misuse of the veteran’s funds.

The United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced SIGNAL to eighteen months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Judge Vance ordered a restitution hearing to be set at a future date.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Coordinator, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RODERICK WILLIAMS, age 27, of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023, to two counts of an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

According to court documents, on April 9, 2023, members of the New Orleans Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by WILLIAMS.  After stopping WILLIAMS, officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located a Glock Model 19, 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun in the trunk of the vehicle.  This handgun was loaded, with one bullet in the chamber and carried an extended, twenty-five (25) round magazine.

On April 28, 2023, investigators conducted video surveillance of the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Werner Drive.  Officers noted an unknown black male hold a firearm as he entered a convenience store.  New Orleans Police Officers were notified, entered the store and encountered WILLIAMS.  As the officers approached, WILLIAMS moved his body away to conceal the firearm that he possessed.  As WILLIAMS did so, the officers observed the outline of a firearm in WILLIAMS’s waistband, officers detained and searched him.  Officers then located and seized a Glock Model 26, 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun from WILLIAMS.

WILLIAMS was previously convicted of felonies, which prohibited him from possessing firearms.

As to each count, WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment as well as payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Sentencing is scheduled for February 1, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Rayburn of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on October 12, 2023, KADEEM ROMAIN, age 23, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to Count 1 of a superseding indictment for attempted Hobbs Act robbery, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C § 1951(a).

The maximum penalty is up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to public records, ROMAIN, who was inside a vehicle with at least one other individual,  struck an armored car carrier as he exited a Popeyes restaurant after delivering/picking up money.  The carrier dropped a bag of money when he was struck, however before anyone in ROMAIN’s vehicle could exit to retrieve the bag, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, who witnessed the attack, responded to the scene. The two assailants fled in their vehicle, but it became disabled only a short distance away.  ROMAIN was finally apprehended by an NOPD detective approximately a mile from the Popeyes.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARVIND “MIKE” VIRA (“VIRA”), age 77, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on October 12, 2023 by Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a year and a day in prison for conspiring with First NBC Bank president Ashton J. Ryan to defraud the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to court documents, in 2006, Ryan lobbied VIRA to move his business accounts to First NBC Bank.  VIRA agreed and became a customer of First NBC Bank.  Thereafter, Ryan provided VIRA with preferential treatment.  Although VIRA was assigned another loan officer, Ryan acted as his de facto loan officer at the bank.  Ryan provided VIRA with low interest rates for VIRA’s loans.  He also ensured that VIRA received high interest rates on his savings and checking accounts.  Ryan personally approved 3% interest rates for savings and checking accounts held by VIRA, his businesses, and his family members.  Ryan instructed VIRA to inflate his assets on bank loan documents, and VIRA complied by claiming to have substantial real estate and outside bank accounts that did not exist.

VIRA, in turn, provided personal loans to Ryan at Ryan’s request.  Ryan, knowing that such a loan relationship was prohibited by banking regulations, instructed VIRA to conceal this personal loan relationship from First NBC Bank employees.  During an FDIC regulatory exam in December 2012, FDIC examiners discovered that Ryan had borrowed money from First NBC Bank using VIRA’s loan proceeds.  When examiners questioned him, Ryan admitted to their relationship, but claimed that he had not been aware that the source of the funds were First NBC Bank loan proceeds.  In order to further conceal the loans that he made to Ryan, VIRA misrepresented or omitted the interest payments he received from Ryan on his personal tax returns from 2011 through 2015.  From 2011 through 2017, VIRA received approximately $1,220,271.07 in profits from Ryan’s interest payments and from Ryan’s preferential treatment of him at First NBC Bank.  In addition to prison, Judge Brown sentenced VIRA to three years of supervised release, the payment of  $800,000 in restitution to the FDIC and the forfeiture of $420,271.07 to the United States.  Further, VIRA was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the agencies that conducted this years-long investigation: the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Field Office; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Regional Office; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General, Miami Field Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit, Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Coordinator J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit, and Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DAZMON DYER, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on October 12, 2023 to a two-count indictment charging him with delay of U.S. mail and theft of U.S. mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1703 and 1709.

DYER faces a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee as to both counts.

According to court records, DYER stole U.S. currency and gift cards from First-Class mail which had come into his possession and intended to be delivered by him as a U.S. Postal Service employee.

United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon will sentence DYER on January 18, 2024.

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that former United States Army reservist CHRISTOPHER O’CONNOR  pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. O’CONNOR stole $18,825.83 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors  ceremonies that never occurred.  Through his former position as an Army pay technician, O’CONNOR submitted a total of $101,858.19 in fraudulent military funeral honors payment requests for himself and others. 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors (MFH) for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans.  At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”

According to court documents, starting in or about January 2013, and continuing until in or about August 2016, O’CONNOR, and co-conspirators conspired to obtain money from the United States under false pretenses by submitting false applications for MFH payment requests  for services that had not been performed, to the Department of the Army.  O’CONNOR proposed submitting false MFH pay requests in the co-conspirators’  names in exchange for each sharing their proceeds with O’CONNOR.  In addition to receiving a split of the fraudulent MFH payments from the co-conspirators, O’CONNOR also submitted and received approximately $18,825.83 in fraudulent MFH payment requests for himself.  As a result of this conspiracy, the United States government was defrauded out of approximately $101,858.19.

O’CONNOR faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.           

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BENJAMIN HOLMES, age 33, of Bogalusa, was indicted on October 12, 2023, on one (1) count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), two (2) counts of Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C), one (1) count of Possession of Firearms during a Drug Trafficking Offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), one (1) count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), and one (1) count of Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a).

According to the indictment, HOLMES had been using his residence in Bogalusa, to facilitate the sale and distribution of fentanyl as well as to store firearms and ammunition.  HOLMES is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.

If found guilty of any one of  Counts 1 through 4, HOLMES faces a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 5, he faces a minimum of five years up to life imprisonment, to be served consecutively to any other counts.  As to Count 6, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  As to Count 7, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $500,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. All seven counts also carry a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and Bogalusa Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EMILY HUCKABEE, age 23, a resident of Yuma, Arizona, was sentenced on October 12, 2023 by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to  thirty (30) months imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $100.00  mandatory special assessment fee after pleading guilty to a superseding bill of information charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine, 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, on June 28, 2022, a Louisiana State Police Trooper executed a traffic stop of a 2015 Ford F-150 traveling on I-59 in Pearl River, Louisiana.  The driver of the vehicle was HUCKABEE.  A narcotics detection canine sniffed the vehicle and detected a narcotics odor.  As a result, Troopers searched the vehicle and discovered a large amount of controlled substances in a bag on the rear seat.  The controlled substances were determined to be 10.58 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, wrapped in twenty-seven vacuum sealed packages.

In a post-arrest statement, HUCKABEE told Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents that in June of 2022, an individual offered her $8,000.00 to drive from Arizona to New Orleans to deliver methamphetamine to a customer in New Orleans.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that former United States Army reservist LEROY DANIELS, JR.  pled guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. DANIELS stole $11,693.87 from the United States Department of the Army by claiming reimbursement for the performance of military funeral honors ceremonies that never occurred. 

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2000 authorizes military funeral honors (MFH) for active-duty soldiers, retirees, and veterans.  At a family’s request, eligible persons can receive military funeral honors, including the folding and presenting of the United States flag and the playing of “Taps.”

According to court documents, in or about May 2013 and continuing until in or about June 2016, DANIELS and a co-defendant conspired to obtain money from the United States under false pretenses by submitting false applications for MFH payment requests for services that had not been performed to the Department of the Army.   

As a result of this conspiracy, DANIELS received approximately $l1,693.87 from the United States government to which he knew he was not entitled.  DANIELS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, including Special Agents Dustin Stevens, John Hiniker, Jeffrey Riedeman, and Denny Richter.  Assistant United States Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.                  

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUNIETH BETANCO-HERNANDEZ, age 19, plead guilty on October 10, 2023 to illegally using a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to court documents, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was first encountered, and subsequently arrested, by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) near Hidalgo, TX, on or about September 30, 2022.  BETANCO­ HERNANDEZ was later interviewed and determined to be unlawfully present and inadmissible into the United States.  She was released from custody by U.S. Border Patrol and instructed to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New Orleans, LA.  In conjunction with her release, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was enrolled in the “Alternative to Detention” program and provided a GPS device to monitor her location in the United States. 

On or about March 28, 2023, BETANCO-HERNANDEZ reported to the BI Incorporated office in St. Rose, LA as requested.  During her interview by a case specialist, she was asked to present her immigration related documents.  BETANCO-HERNANDEZ handed over a Louisiana state ID with her name and photo and a Social Security Card.  Through further investigation, it was determined that BETANCO-HERNANDEZ was not the individual who was issued that social security number.  Additionally, Homeland Security Investigations agents confirmed that the number BETANCO-HERNANDEZ presented was issued by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to another individual, and not BETANCO-HERNANDEZ.

BETANCO-HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RODNEY OFFRAY, age 49, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on September 22, 2023 in a recently unsealed three-count indictment by a federal grand jury, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

The indictment alleges that OFFRAY distributed fentanyl and heroin on three occasions.  Count 1 alleges that OFFRAY distributed quantities of heroin and fentanyl on July 24, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  For this offense, he 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.

Counts 2 and 3 of the indictment allege that OFFRAY distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of heroin on July 28, 2023 and July 31, 2023, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).  For these offenses, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KESHAWN KELLY, age 20, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced on October 3, 2023 by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry to twenty (20) months imprisonment, three (3) years of supervised release, and a $125 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  KELLY previously pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with influencing federal officials by threat, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 115(a)(1)(B), and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1).

According to court documents, on February 15, 2022, KELLY was involved in a 21-minute standoff with police in the emergency department parking lot at the New Orleans VA Medical Center.  During the standoff, KELLY possessed a fully loaded AR-15 rifle with a round in the chamber and the selector switch set to the semi-automatic firing position.  KELLY, who continuously refused to get out of the car with his hands up, made various threats to shoot and otherwise assault the officers for the duration of the standoff.

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 United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs Police. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on July 28, 2023, the grand jury returned a sealed 20-count indictment against NICKIE WHITLEY, age 35, ERIN MURTHIL, age 21, DARIAL MAYE, age 24, MATHEW MAYE, age 26, MISTER MACKEY, JR., age 21, DESMOND TAYLOR, age 26, NORMAN ANDREWS, age 23, DERRIN RILEY, age 28, JONATHAN FRANK, age 39, and QUINTRELL BROWN, age 19, all residents of New Orleans.

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants possessed, and conspired to possess, eight, new 2023 Ford vehicles stolen from the Norfolk Southern Automotive Distribution Facility in March, 2023. The vehicles were bound for sale at  dealerships in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama  when  stolen from the Facility.

All 10 defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to possess goods stolen from an interstate shipment—the eight Ford vehicles—in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  This count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

All 10 defendants are also charged variously in Counts 2 through 9 with possession of goods stolen from an interstate shipment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 659.  Each of these counts charges the possession of a specific vehicle stolen from the Facility: a 2023 Ford Explorer ST (Count 2); a 2023 Ford Explorer King Ranch (Count 3); a second 2023 Ford Explorer ST (Count 4); a 2023 Ford Explorer Timberline (Count 5); a 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor Crew Cab 4x4 (Count 6); a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks 4x4 (Count 7); a 2023 Lincoln Aviator (Count 8); and a 2023 Ford F-150 (Count 9).  Each of these counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

MURTHIL is additionally charged in Count 10 with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  This count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

WHITLEY, MACKEY, JR., FRANK, and TAYLOR are also charged in Counts 11 through 14, respectively, with one count each, of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  Each of these counts carries a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

RILEY is charged in Count 15 and ANDREWS is charged in Count 17 with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D).  BROWN is charged in Count 19 with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  The penalties for tapentadol are up to twenty years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and a minimum of three years of supervised release.  The penalties for marijuana are up to five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and a minimum of two years of supervised release.

RILEY, ANDREWS, and BROWN are also charged in Counts 16, 18, and 20, respectively, with one count each, of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Each of these counts carries 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.

If convicted, each count also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of each 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 United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.