Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –  On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, SHAWN BREAUX, age 29, resident of Orleans Parish, pled guilty to a two-count indictment for federal weapons violations, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans .   BREAUX’s sentencing is set for August 16, 2023.

In Count 1 of the indictment, BREAUX is charged with illegally possessing firearms as a felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00,  and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release.  Count 2 of the indictment charges BREAUX with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a period of up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each count, BREAUX faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRENCE COE, age 29, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury in a one-count indictment with arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, on or about December 24, 2022, COE, maliciously damaged and destroyed by means of fire, the building, known as Walmart, located at 2799 W. Thomas Street in Hammond, Louisiana. If convicted, COE faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and 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. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, and the Hammond Fire Department. 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 joins the United States Department of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime,  the Eastern District of Louisiana’s (EDLA) state and local law enforcement as well as communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), a celebration of victims’ rights, protections and services .  This year’s NCVRW observance takes place April 23-27 and features the theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”

According to a  Bureau of Justice Statistics report , in 2021, the latest year for which such information is available, there were more than 4.6 million violent victimizations and 11.7 million property crimes.

“Each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, allows law enforcement, judicial agencies, and direct service providers the opportunity to reassert their commitment to assist and empower crime victims,” said U.S. Attorney Evans.  “Crime  victims may rest assured  that both  law enforcement and direct service partners will continue to diligently investigate , prosecute  and seek justice for those harmed by criminal wrongdoing .”

The federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities nationwide  in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week  both by raising awareness of victims' rights  and by honoring crime victims and their advocates.  This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.”  Partner organizations are committed to engaging with crime victims; learning from their  experiences; amplifying their voices; and fostering an environment  of safety, support and sympathy.

In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Attorney’s Office joins federal and local law enforcement, , judicial agencies and non-profit organizations to commemorate NCVRW,  through a series of activities. 

For events in those parishes comprising the Eastern District of Louisiana, please refer to the local law enforcement agencies websites for details.  Please refer to the EDLA website for a listing of EDLA parishes https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla.  We encourage participation in NCVRW’s victim recognition events.

For more information on creating your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit OVC’s website at ovc.ojp.gov.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KELAN PERRY GENNINGS, age 21, pleaded guilty on April 13, 2023, to a two-count superseding indictment charging him with theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708 and unlawful possession of a postal key, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, GENNINGS stole U.S. Mail from a post office mailbox located at the Covington Post Office.  GENNINGS also used a postal arrow key to access said mailbox. At sentencing, which is set for August 17, 2023, GENNINGS faces a maximum prison term of five years for the theft of mail and ten years for possession of the arrow key.  Each count carries additional penalties of up to three (3) years supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRELL HAYNES. a/k/a "Redman," age 44, was sentenced on April 18, 2023, to 145 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  HAYNES previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram or more of heroin.  He also pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) agents began investigating the drug trafficking activities of the Jungle Life Mafia street gang in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana in 2019.  The investigation spanned two years and included surveillance and six controlled buys of narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, from HAYNES.  The execution of a search warrant at HAYNES’s residence led to the seizure of a Taurus Model Millennium PT111 G2, nine-millimeter pistol and $8,146 in U.S. currency.

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

This case is also 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, Hammond Police Department, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS - ERIKA JAMES (“JAMES”), age 49, from New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to five years’ probation following a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, before Judge Sarah S. Vance, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans

According to court documents, JAMES was a Denial Specialist at Company 1, a Federally Qualified Health Center and AIDS Service Organization.  From March 2020 through April 2021, JAMES created fraudulent invoices with falsified supporting documents, such as explanation of benefits documents from insurance companies.  JAMES endorsed checks that were issued to patients that were in higher amounts than the usual range of the refund amount.  JAMES made claims in the system that made it appear that patients came into Company 1 and paid out of pocket for services.  JAMES would have the Finance Department issue the patient refund check, and would then deposit the refund check into her personal bank account.

JAMES filed additional claims with the Louisiana Health Access Program (“LAHAP”) in December 2020 and told LAHAP to mail the checks to her residence.  The checks that were sent to JAMES’s residence were made out to Company 1.  JAMES then proceeded to deposit those checks into her personal bank account.

JAMES faced a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Ryan McLaren of the Appellate Unit and Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit were in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – HERBERT JAMES, age 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 19, 2023 to a two-count indictment charging him with  possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, JAMES was arrested on April 22, 2022 during the course of a traffic stop, by the Louisiana State Police when, troopers found JAMES in possession of a fully loaded Sig Sauer, nine-millimeter handgun and a quantity of Ecstasy.  Further investigation revealed that JAMES had been convicted in 2018 for aggravated flight from an officer, which prohibited his possession of a firearm.  

The maximum penalties as to the weapon charge, are ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  As to the narcotics charge, JAMES faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release.  Additionally, JAMES will pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2023.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS RUSSELL (“RUSSELL”), age 63 of Gibson, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 20, 2023 after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, a 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, RUSSELL conspired with Tanya Givens (“Givens”), John Diggs (“Diggs”) and James “Curtis” Williams (“Williams”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road.  Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), who have already pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident.  Hickman, while driving RUSSELL’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud.  RUSSELL advised NOPD that she was the driver.  Thereafter, RUSSELL, along with Givens, Williams, and Diggs made claims for personal injuries.  In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced RUSSELL to five (5) years probation and imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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. Attorneys Edward J. Rivera,  Maria Carboni, and Brandon Long of the Financial Crimes Unit, as well as  Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On April 19, 2023, TERRAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Funky,” age 25, ALLEN GRAY, a/k/a “Kyedi,” age 26, and KERRY BROOKS, age 36, all residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a twelve-count indictment charging violations of the Federal Gun Control and the Federal Controlled Substances Acts, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.   

According to court records, WILLIAMS, GRAY, and BROOKS were charged with twelve separate counts related to four different events in which they were caught by police with guns and drugs.  WILLIAMS and GRAY were charged in Counts 1, 2, and 3 with possession of marijuana and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms.  Those three counts related to a August 26, 2020 car chase in which the defendants wrecked a Nissan Maxima during flight from police and then escaped on foot.  They left guns, drugs, and their phones with attached identification documents in the wrecked vehicle.  The FBI obtained warrants for WILLIAMS and GRAY.

When the FBI arrested WILLIAMS on the outstanding warrant on September 12, 2020, he had a rifle, a pistol, and a large amount of marijuana.   WILLIAMS was subsequently charged with Counts 4, 5, and 6, for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of firearms. 

Two days after WILLIAMS’s arrest, the FBI found GRAY and BROOKS in a New Orleans hotel room in possession of a large quantity of marijuana, over 40 grams of fentanyl bagged for distribution, over $4,000 in cash and two handguns with extended magazines.  GRAY and BROOKS were ultimately charged in Counts 7, 8 and 9, with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms.  The FBI later arrested BROOKS at an apartment just outside of New Orleans.  During a search of the premises, agents found approximately $20,000 in cash, a digital scale with powder, a small bag of fentanyl, and another pistol with an extended magazine.  As a result, BROOKS was charged in Counts 10, 11 and 12, with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

WILLIAMS pled guilty to Counts 1-6, GRAY pled guilty to Counts 1-3 and 7-9 and   BROOKS pled guilty to Counts 7-12. 

For Count 1, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

For Count 2, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

For Count 3, being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), WILLIAMS and GRAY face a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release

For Count 4, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(D), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least two years of supervised release.

For Count 5, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

For Count 6, being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), WILLIAMS faces a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. 

For Count 7, GRAY and BROOKS, who are charged with possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), face a penalty of at least 5 years up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release.

For Count 8, GRAY and BROOKS, who are charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), face a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

For Count 9, GRAY and BROOKS, who are charged with being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), face a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

For Count 10, BROOKS, who is charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), faces a penalty of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. 

For Count 11, BROOKS, who is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1)(A)(i), faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

For Count 12, BROOKS, who is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), faces a penalty of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

As to each count with which WILLIAMS, GRAY, and BROOKS are charged, each faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit, and Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS - MELISSA J. WATSON (“WATSON”), resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was indicted on Friday, April 14, 2023, on one count of theft of public money, one count of wire fraud, and two counts of money laundering, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, WATSON  schemed to misappropriate over $1.1 million in funds from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program, administered by the Small Business Association (SBA), for the enrichment of herself and others.  WATSON, who allegedly operated a primary care clinic and a purported spa prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, submitted false and fraudulent loan attestations, and other documentation, on behalf of her clinic, to the HRSA and the SBA.  WATSON then allegedly used the PRF and EIDL Program funds for personal gain, including making numerous cash withdrawals, and purchasing, among other things, two luxury vehicles, hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate, a boat, a trailer, a time share, and multiple luxury vacations.

The government seized over $500,000 in bank accounts held by WATSON, and several assets, including a boat, trailer, and Range Rover Sport.

If convicted, WATSON faces a possible maximum sentence of 50 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.

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

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  The prosecution of the case is being handled by Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force and Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator.

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

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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL GILMER, JR., age 42, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 19, 2023 to 94 months imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. GILMER previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

According to court documents, on October 18, 2021, after conducting surveillance on GILMER, Drug Enforcement Administration agents and New Orleans Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on GILMER, who was driving on North Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans. A search of GILMER’s vehicle revealed 80.3 grams of methamphetamine, 10.69 grams of a mixture and substance containing heroin and fentanyl, and two semi-automatic handguns.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant KEON ESTEEN, age 18, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe to a total term of 130 months.  As to Count 1 the court sentenced ESTEEN to 46 months of imprisonment.  As to Count 2, the court sentenced ESTEEN to 84 months, to run consecutively to the term imposed in Count 1.  Additionally, upon release from imprisonment, Judge Ashe ordered that ESTEEN be on supervised release for 5 years consisting of 3 years for Counts 1 and 5 years for Count 2, all to run concurrently.  Finally, ESTEEN was ordered to pay a mandatory $200 special assessment fee for Counts 1 and 2 of the two-count indictment.

Count One charged ESTEEN with a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1).  Count Two charged ESTEEN with brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, that is, a carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

ESTEEN previously pled guilty to carjacking a victim on April 3, 2021 in New Orleans by threatening the use of force.  ESTEEN perpetrated the carjacking with another who brandished a firearm during the carjacking.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles:

fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On April 18, 2023, United States District Judge Wendy Vitter sentenced ELIJAH POWELL, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, following his guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, POWELL admitted to being observed on the city’s Real Time Crime Cameras with what appeared to be a pistol in his pocket.  When New Orleans Police Officers arrived to investigate, POWELL ran.  He was apprehended after a brief chase but no longer had the pistol.  Officers traced his route of flight and found the pistol in the side yard of a house along POWELL’s path of flight.  POWELL admitted he had previously been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm in St. Charles Parish.

Judge Vitter sentenced POWELL to 27 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.  Judge Vitter also ordered POWELL 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – MARVIN YOUNG, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to forty (40) months incarceration after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment.  Judge Fallon ordered that YOUNG be placed on supervised release for three (3) years following his release from imprisonment.  YOUNG was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

Count 1 charged YOUNG with possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court records, on July 8, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and multiple state agencies conducted a joint operation to utilize proactive police patrol in high crime areas of New Orleans.  During the operation, YOUNG was observed lifting his shirt revealing a firearm tucked into his waistband.  YOUNG was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in this matter.  The case    was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - BURNEAL CARNEY, age 28, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted today in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. Specifically, CARNEY 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).

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, CARNEY faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release.  If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a penalty of at least five years up to life imprisonment which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment , a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to five (5) years of supervised release.  If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  Additionally, he also faces payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee for each charged count.

United States Attorney Evans stated 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.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE CHENO-FIMBRES, age 55, was charged on April 19, 2023 in a one-count bill of information with reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the bill of information, JOSE CHENO-FIMBRES reentered the United States after being previously deported on January 27, 2018.  He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of  twenty (20) years followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL GERALD MARCHESE, age 45, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 18, 2023 by United States District Judge Wendy Vitter to 87 months in prison after previously being indicted for receiving  images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately one (1) year old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2). 

Additionally, Judge Vitter ordered MARCHESE to serve a 10-year period of supervised release after his term of imprisonment, comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Judge Vitter also scheduled a restitution hearing for June 14, 2023.

According to court documents, in about July 2021, law enforcement authorities received information that an unidentified individual, subsequently determined to be MARCHESE, was using an internet-based peer-to-peer network that allows users to anonymously share files, chat on message boards, and access websites within the network, to view, download, and store computer files depicting the sexual victimization of children.  FBI agents executed a search warrant on MARCHESE’S residence on December 9, 2021, and seized several electronic items, including four (4) portable external hard drives.  A review of the items revealed that MARCHESE used the internet and peer-to-peer platforms to download depictions of children being sexually exploited numerous times throughout 2020 and 2021.  The review further confirmed that MARCHESE downloaded at least approximately 4,201 images and 339 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including prepubescent minors as young as less than one (1) year old, and that some of the images and videos portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LANCE STEVENS, age 27, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 20, 2023 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a six-count indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act.  STEVENS was charged with two counts of drug trafficking in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of those drug trafficking offenses in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A), and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

According to court documents, STEVENS was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives on two separate occasions in 2021.  At the time of each arrest, STEVENS, a convicted felon, possessed illegal narcotics that he intended to sell and firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

For Count 1, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tramadol, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least two years of supervised release for trafficking marijuana, and at least one year of supervised release for trafficking tramadol.  For Count 4, possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.  For Counts 2 and 5, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, STEVENS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison on each count, which must run consecutive to each other and to any other count, a maximum $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  For Counts 3 and 6, felon in possession of a firearm, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment on each count, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  STEVENS must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – QUINCY WHITE, age 43, a resident of Alabama, was sentenced on April 18, 2023 to 188 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry.  WHITE had previously pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on October 24, 2021, federal and local agencies conducted a controlled delivery of 970 grams of pure methamphetamine to WHITE.  The delivery occurred in the parking lot of a Home Depot in LaPlace, Louisiana.  After being arrested, WHITE admitted he paid $10,000 for the packages of “methamphetamine” that were located inside the spare tire of the vehicle he was driving.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office, and the St. John Parish Sheriff's Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- ADOLPH KENDRICK, age 27, of Kenner, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 18, 2023 to Unlawful Possession and Use of a United States Postal Service (USPS) “arrow” key used by USPS  employees to access authorized mail receptacles in violation of Tile 18, United States Code, Section 1704 and Theft of United States Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708 announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  

According to the indictment, on November 14 and 15, 2022, KENDRICK stole mail from the Citrus Post Office in New Orleans, Louisiana.  On November 15, 2022, was observed stealing mail and was caught after a brief police chase near Williams Boulevard.  KENDRICK was also found in possession of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key used to access postal collection boxes.

If convicted, KENDRICK faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment on the two counts of stealing mail, and up to ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of unlawful possession of the United States Postal Service mail key, to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, as to each count.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that FERMIN DANIEL PUENTE-MONTOYA, age 31, ALEJANDRO AGUILAR-RAMOS, age 30, and ELIAS SALAS, age 19,  were all indicted on April 14th, 2023 on two (2) counts of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846.  PUENTE-MONTOYA was also indicted on one count of Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, PUENTE-MONTOYA, AGUILAR-RAMOS, and SALAS conspired to traffic large quantities of illegal narcotics from Houston, Texas to Kenner, Louisiana.  If convicted on the drug counts, all three defendants face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment , up to a $10,000,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  Regarding the illegal reentry count, PUENTE-MONTOYA faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.  Each count also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U. S. Attorney Evans also praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kenner Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – JARON MCCREE, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 5, 2023, by U.S. District Court Ivan L.R. Lemelle to seventy (70) months incarceration, three (3) years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to the court records, on February 15, 2022, New Orleans Police Department detectives had an outstanding arrest warrant for MCCREE and saw him near a store in the French Quarter. One of the detectives approached MCCREE who then fled on foot.

The detective chased MCCREE and observed as he discarded a firearm in a bush. MCCREE was then arrested.  Police later recovered a Glock model 17, nine-millimeter firearm, with an extended magazine, capable of holding thirty-one (31) rounds of ammunition, from the bush. Police also recovered twenty-eight (28) live rounds of ammunition.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On April 11, 2023,  BURNEAL ELLIOTT, age 21, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to a four-count indictment for possession of a machinegun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As to Counts 1 and 2, ELLIOTT faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  As to Count 3, ELLIOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine not to exceed $1,000,0000, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to Count 4, ELLIOTT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, all to be run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, 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 , ELLIOTT also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit handled the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA –  MARY B. KATICICH, age 63, of Marrero, Louisiana, was  indicted on April 14, 2023, with four counts of wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and one count of making and subscribing a false tax return in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  If convicted, KATICICH faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment as to each count of wire fraud and a maximum term of three (3) years imprisonment as to the tax charge.  As to each count, KATICICH also faces a maximum fine of $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person resulting from the offense, under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.  In addition, KATICICH faces a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years on the wire fraud counts and up to one (1) year on the tax count. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to today’s indictment, from January 2015 to June 2018, KATICICH was employed as a bookkeeper with Company A based in Belle Chase, Louisiana.  During this timeframe, KATICICH stole funds from Company A’s bank accounts without permission or authorization .  To enact this scheme, KATICICH executed electronic transfers from Company A to her business and personal bank accounts via ACH deposits and payroll check deposits in amounts exceeding her authorized annual salary.  To conceal her embezzlement scheme, KATICICH failed to report to the IRS funds that she received from Company A, resulting in a total tax loss to the IRS of approximately $109,664.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Long of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALTON GRAYSON, age 37, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, was charged on April 14, 2023 in a three-count indictment for violating the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

GRAYSON is charged in Count 1 with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  For Count 2, GRAYSON is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B).  For Count 3, GRAYSON is charged 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). 

If convicted of Count 1, GRAYSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 2, GRAYSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 3, GRAYSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment,  to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine and up to 5 years of supervised release.  As to each count, GRAYSON faces payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –  XAVIER DUHON, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on April 14, 2023 in a one-count indictment for possession of machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  

If convicted, DUHON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CARL BLAKE RILEY, JR., age 47, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 to 190 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after he pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). 

According to court documents, during a search of RILEY’s home, police found approximately 880 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 25 grams of heroin.  RILEY received the narcotics from California and distributed them in the Plaquemines Parish area.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – ALEXANDER JOSUE REYES-RAMIREZ (“REYES-RAMIREZ”), age 37, pled guilty to a one-count indictment on April 13, 2023 for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, REYES-REMIREZ admitted to reentering the United States after being previously deported on July 24, 2019.  REYES-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, 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 U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GEORGE BENNETT, aka “G,” age 40, from the greater New Orleans area, was sentenced on April 13, 2023 by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to one hundred twenty-one (121) months’ imprisonment followed by a term of ten (10) years’ supervised release and a mandatory $300.00 special assessment fee after his conviction at trial for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

After a four-day trial in November 2022, the jury found BENNETT guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one-hundred (100) grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, distribution of a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl, both in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Gang Task Force and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones, Melissa Bücher, and Christopher D. Usher of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARIO MATEO TOMAS JOSE, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on April 13, 2020 for illegally using a social security number to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced JOSE to (1) one year of probation and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations received information that certain individuals had used fraudulent Social Security cards in an initial application to obtain employment.  Prior to finalizing employment with their prospective company, the individuals had to report to the Gulf Coast Safety Council, which provides safety courses to applicants applying to work with companies servicing petrochemical processing plants.  On March 30, 2022, TOMAS JOSE arrived at the Gulf Coast Safety Council office in St. Rose, Louisiana to complete the safety course to finalize his employment with Company “A”. On that day, TOMAS JOSE presented a fraudulent United States Social Security card bearing the name and United States Social Security number of a United States citizen, which he represented to be his own, in order to obtain employment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOANNA MANZANO, age 33, a resident of Colorado, and KABIEN CORTES, age 34, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, pled guilty on April 12, 2023 to superseding bills of information charging them each with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount 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 March 16, 2020 during a DEA investigation, a drug supplier arranged the delivery of methamphetamine to the New Orleans area.  On March 19, 2020, the DEA determined that a driver (MANZANO) was travelling from Phoenix, Arizona to New Orleans with the methamphetamine and would need money for expenses.  The DEA also determined that the methamphetamine was in liquid form and that another individual would arrive in New Orleans at a later date to convert the liquid methamphetamine into solid form. 

The investigation disclosed that MANZANO, accompanied by CORTES, traveled to New Orleans.  After MANZANO and CORTES arrived in Louisiana, law enforcement officers identified their vehicle and maintained surveillance on them until they arrived in Metairie.  On March 20, 2020, at approximately 11:50 p.m., Louisiana State Troopers conducted a traffic stop of MANZANO and CORTES.  After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, troopers noticed that the bed-liner of the truck had been removed and was being held in place by a rubber cord.  A continued search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of approximately 4,576 grams of liquid methamphetamine in the gas tank of the vehicle. 

MANZANO and CORTES each face a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a term of supervised release of at least three (3) years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

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, LA –  Today, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment charging MACEO ROBERTS, age 24, from Memphis, Tennessee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

In Count One of the indictment, ROBERTS was charged with conspiring with Jeremy Talbert and Dominique Peeples to traffic an adult victim and a 14-year-old victim for commercial sex purposes between at least August 2020 and January 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1594(c). 

In Counts Two and Five, ROBERTS was charged with trafficking two different adult victims for commercial sex purposes by means of force, fraud, or coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591.  Count Three of the indictment charged ROBERTS with Coercion and Enticement of an Individual to Travel to Engage in Prostitution from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(a).  Count Four charged ROBERTS with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a).

If convicted, ROBERTS faces up to life imprisonment as to Count One.  Counts Two and Five carry a mandatory minimum of fifteen years up to a maximum of life in prison.  As to Count Three, ROBERTS faces up to twenty years in prison.  Count Four carries a mandatory minimum of ten years up to a maximum of life in prison. 

As to each count, the defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, a requirement that the defendant participate in the sex offender registration and notification program, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Memphis Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit  and Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Duane A. Evans, announced that MARC QUIROZ (“QUIROZ”), resident of Covington, Louisiana, was charged by bill of information on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, with one count of wire fraud.

According to the charging document, QUIROZ co-owned and operated a company called VetAttend of Jackson where he purported to provide services to Veterans for home aid and assistance.   

QUIROZ’s co-conspirators, James Thomas Sinyard, Jr., a/k/a Jay Sinyard, and Mary Gigi Sinyard, a/k/a Gigi Sinyard, were charged by bill of information on February 14, 2023.

According to the bill of information, QUIROZ submitted fraudulent affidavits for home aid services provided when he knew that those services were not actually provided.  As part of the scheme to defraud, beginning in or about April 2013 and continuing until at least July 2018, QUIROZ did knowingly devise and intend to devise a scheme to defraud the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Affairs).  The purpose of the scheme was to obtain money and property by submitting false affidavits and applications to Veterans Affairs on behalf of veterans and their spouses, claiming that VetAttend had provided home services to the veterans, when in fact, it had not.  During the scheme, Veterans Affairs issued funds to over 300 veterans and/or their surviving spouses from whom QUIROZ fraudulently appropriated monies, without the knowledge of the veterans, totaling approximately $4,065,969.18.

If convicted, QUIROZ faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to five years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.

“These charges were brought as a result of the hard work of VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) Special Agents who remain vigilant in investigating all who seek to benefit improperly from programs meant to assist deserving veterans,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Patrick Roche of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South-Central Field Office.  “The VA OIG thanks the US Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this joint investigation.” 

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

The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.  The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh, Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COREY THOMAS, age 49, from New Orleans, was sentenced to home detention for committing wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges made in someone else’s name at local stores.

According to court documents, THOMAS used a victim’s personal identifying information to make fraudulent charges at Best Buy and several Lowe’s Home Improvement locations in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. THOMAS attempted the purchases on behalf of other actual customers, offering to charge the goods on a store credit card in exchange for a cash payment that was less than the purchase price. Under the terms of the plea agreement, THOMAS agreed to repay a total of $77,781.98 to Synchrony Bank, which issued the Lowe’s credit cards that THOMAS used in his scheme.

Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced THOMAS to five years of probation, beginning with an eight-month term of home detention, as well as restitution of $77,781.98, 100 hours of community service, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – LANCE M. VALLO, age 38 and a resident of Gueydan, Louisiana, 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 Court Judge Jane Triche-Milazzo, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As according to court documents, VALLO conspired with RYAN MULLEN,  DUANE DUFRENE, DILLON ARCENEAUX, GRANT MENARD, and ZEB SARTIN to use a number of shell Louisiana companies with no assets to defraud a merchant cash company based in Georgia. MULLEN and DUFRENE helped establish ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN as the owners of existing corporations. MULLEN and DUFRENE then created fake vendor accounts for the corporations, and MULLEN, with the aid of another person, created false bank records for the companies. Thereafter, VALLO  used an alias to present himself as a broker for the companies 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 percentages 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 of approximately $6.4 million. VALLO alone, was responsible for approximately $876,000 in losses to the victim.

VALLO is set for sentencing on July 19, 2023 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 and Andre Lagarde of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA –  MAURICE BUTLER, age 35, of Mandeville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on April 4, 2023 to a single count indictment charging him with  possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, BUTLER was arrested by St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office deputies when, during the course of a traffic stop, they learned that BUTLER was wanted by the New Orleans Police Department for armed robbery. Deputies additionally noticed a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol (later determined to be stolen) in plain view on the front passenger seat of BUTLER’s vehicle.  Further investigation revealed that BUTLER had previous felony convictions which prohibit his possession of a firearm.

BUTLER faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  BUTLER will be sentenced on July 25, 2023.

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

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced JAMES MOHAMAD, 54, of Kenner, to forty-six (46) months imprisonment.  MOHAMAD pleaded guilty to conspiracy to using an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity (Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1952(a)(3)) and filing false tax returns (Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1)).  Additionally, MOHAMAD was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, $314,902 in restitution to the IRS, and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee.  Upon release from imprisonment, he will serve a three (3) year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, MOHAMAD, the former Director of the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement for the City of Kenner, bribed Brian Medus, the Assistant Chief Mechanical Inspector for the City of New Orleans, Safety and Permits Department with money, in return for the issuance of fraudulent permits for MOHAMAD’s HVAC jobs. Throughout the  conspiracy, MOHAMAD paid Medus and others approximately $93,000 to further the bribery scheme.  Additionally, MOHAMAD filed false individual tax returns that omitted substantial amounts of income, thus understating the  income tax due the IRS.

Co-defendant, Brian Medus, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge and is scheduled for sentencing on May 3, 2023.

“James Mohamad intentionally defrauded the government by filing false individual tax returns which omitted substantial amounts of income and paying bribes to public officials” said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “The sentencing shows that no one is above the law and that those who abuse their public positions and trust to commit illegal acts will be held accountable.”

"James Mohamad jeopardized the safety of countless homeowners who trusted him for more than a decade," said Douglas A. Williams, Jr. Special Agent in Charge of FBI New Orleans. "Those homeowners were unaware he was taking dangerous shortcuts in bribing a city official, hiding behind the legitimate permits of other contractors, and further concealing the dangers by inspecting his own work.  We thank our partners, the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District, Internal Revenue Service, Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and the New Orleans Office of Inspector General, who helped construct a strong case to put this con man out of business."

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and the City of New Orleans/Office of Inspector General.  Assistance was also provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAMER SMITH, age 46, of Raceland, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 4, 2023 to Count Three (3) of the indictment, charging him with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  In exchange, the government   dismissed Counts 1 and 2, that charged him with Possession of a Firearm After a Domestic Violence Conviction, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(9) and 924(a)(2), and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), respectively.

In pleading guilty to Count Three, the defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to five (5) years, and a fine of up to $250,000.  A mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 also applies.  United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry set the sentencing hearing in this matter for July 1, 2023. 

According to court documents, on or about November 17, 2018, deputies with the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to SMITH’s residence after he threatened to kill his minor children.  Upon the arrival of deputies, SMITH opened the door of his residence and fired a shot into the yard.  Subsequently, SMITH surrendered, and deputies escorted the children from the residence.  Deputies executed search warrants on the residence and located three firearms, ammunition, and approximately 3,898 grams of prepackaged marijuana. 

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office in this investigation.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LESLIE PARKER, age 42, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 4, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substances Act, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, a DEA investigation revealed that PARKER was involved in a narcotics distribution conspiracy with several other co-conspirators.  As part of the conspiracy, PARKER regularly distributed amounts of methamphetamine.  On October 19, 2021, officers conducted surveillance on PARKER, that ultimately led to the seizure of a bag containing 98.7 grams of crystal methamphetamine from PARKER.

For the drug conspiracy charge, PARKER faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For use of a communication facility in causing or facilitating the commission of felonies under the Controlled Substances Act, PARKER faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, PARKER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, up to life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For each count, PARKER faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS –  DEDRA BRIGHT (“BRIGHT”), age 64, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today to theft of government funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641, announced  United States Attorney Duane A. Evans

According to court documents, from November 2008 to November 2020, BRIGHT knowingly accessed and converted approximately $194,127.80 in Social Security Administration and $1,200 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES ACT”) funds.

U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle set sentencing for July 5, 2023.  At sentencing, BRIGHT faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain to the defendant or loss to any person, a term of supervised release of up to three years following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses, Health Care Fraud Coordinator and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAKARI BROWN, a/k/a “Jakari Lemar,” age 24, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 4, 2023 by U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry to consecutive terms of 120 months and 40 months, respectively.  Also, Judge Guidry imposed 3 years of supervised release and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee after BROWN plead guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, 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 documents, on April 25, 2019, BROWN, a convicted felon, possessed an Iberia Firearm (HiPoint) Model JPC, .40 caliber pistol that he used during a shootout near the corner of Hickory and South Columbia Streets in Bogalusa.  BROWN was again found to be in possession of a gun on December 27, 2021, when police discovered a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter pistol under the driver’s seat in the vehicle BROWN was driving.

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 Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Benjamin Myers and Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENT HUNTER, of New Orleans, LA, age 45, was indicted on March 31, 2023, on  one count of making false statements, one count of theft of government funds, and two counts of money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

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

According to the indictment, on or about April 6, 2020, HUNTER made false statements to an approved lender , for a business in order to obtain a PPP loan for $122,100.  On or about July 22, 2020, HUNTER stole $149,900 from the SBA by using an application in the name of NexLevel ONE Realty.  Finally, HUNTER committed two counts of money laundering when he used the ill-gotten funds to buy two motor vehicles for family members.

HUNTER faces a sentence of up to five years in prison for the false statements count.  He also faces up to ten years in prison for the theft count and each money laundering count.  All of the counts include up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count due after conviction.  

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.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAZMON DYER, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was indicted on March 31, 2023 by a federal grand jury for unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a) and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the two-count indictment, between on or about June 17, 2022 and July 17, 2022, DYER unlawfully secreted, detained, and stole the contents of U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee.  As to each count, DYER faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and 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. 

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, LOUISIANA – TERRANCE STEWART, age 32, of Raceland, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute forty (40) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide (fentanyl), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to filed document, during the investigation, law enforcement seized 226.7 grams of fentanyl pills, 203.96 grams of methamphetamine pills, 72.9 grams of white powdery fentanyl, and approximately $181,000.00, from STEWART’s residence.

At sentencing, STEWART faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  Sentencing before Judge Barbier has been scheduled for July 6, 2023.                                                                                 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Division and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that, on March 29, 2023, U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced TROYLYNN BROWN (“BROWN”), age 35, after she pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Judge Vance sentenced BROWN to 24 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Vance also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

According to court documents, BROWN admitted to conspiring to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged automobile collision. In the scheme, BROWN falsely claimed that her codefendant, Herbert Allen (“Allen”), was the driver of a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on June 28, 2017. In reality, the defendants conspired with Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), and others to intentionally collide Allen’s 2007 Chevrolet Impala with a tractor-trailer in the area of Tchoupitoulas Street and Calliope Street in New Orleans. BROWN subsequently lied in a civil deposition, falsely claiming that Allen was driving the car that collided with the tractor-trailer when, in fact, Hickman was driving the car and intentionally hit the tractor-trailer.  Through her false statements and deception, BROWN secured a $70,000 monetary settlement from the owner and insurer of the tractor-trailer. 

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MARVIN SIMS, age 34, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded on March 30, 2023 before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, SIMS conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute heroin. 

Sentencing is scheduled for July 6, 2023.  SIMS faces a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ORONDE GABRIEL, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on March 30, 2023 to a single count indictment charging him with  possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, GABRIEL was in an automobile accident on September 27, 2021.  A police officer observed the crash, approached the scene and found GABRIEL in possession of a Taurus Model G2C, nine-millimeter caliber handgun.  GABRIEL had been previously convicted of conspiracy to make false and fictitious statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, in United States District Court, (Eastern District of Louisiana).

GABRIEL faces a maximum term of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.    

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

The case was investigated by the Orleans Levee District Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Strauss of the Violent Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – PAULINA AVILA-TALAVERA, age 40, was charged today in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, PAULINA AVILA-TALAVERA, (“AVILA-TALAVERA”) reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 24, 2019.  If convicted, AVILA-TALAVERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – DOMINIC ROMANO, age 22, a resident of Luling, Louisiana, was sentenced, March 30, 2023, by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 60 months in prison after  previously pleading guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2252(a)(4)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.   Additionally, Judge Ashe ordered ROMANO to serve a 10-year period of supervised release and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Judge Ashe scheduled a hearing on July 6, 2023 to determine the amount of restitution ROMANO must pay to the victims of his offense. 

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a tip from another law enforcement agency that an individual, subsequently determined to be ROMANO, accessed an online bulletin board having an explicit focus on the advertisement, distribution, and facilitation of sharing child abuse material.  The bulletin board contained sections and forums cataloged by the age of the victims and the nature of the violence inflicting on them.

The FBI executed a search warrant on ROMANO’s residence on May 7, 2020.  A forensic review of the evidence revealed that ROMANO knowingly used several of the electronic devices seized during the execution of the search warrant to search for, download, and save images and videos of child sexual abuse material.  In total, ROMANO’s seized devices contained at least 2589 image and 62 videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children less than three years old.  Among ROMANO’s collection was a digital presentation that purported to be an instruction manual on how to successfully victimize “very young girls” without being caught. 

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 –FIDADELFO ANTONIO CAMEY-ESPANA, age 36, pled guilty to a one-count indictment on March 30, 2023 for illegally using a social security number to enroll in a safety class to qualify for employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, FIDADELFO ANTONIO CAMEY-ESPANA (“CAMEY-ESPANA”) admitted to illegally using a social security number to enroll in a safety class to gain employment eligibility.  CAMEY-ESPANA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 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 U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.