Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – The Justice Department announced on October 4, 2022 the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.

 “We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“Elder fraud schemes unfairly target elderly, disabled and other vulnerable consumers, ensnaring them into fraudulent ventures with wide reaching consequences and excessive losses, which have a profound effect on our community and nation.  With the continued cooperation from our investigative partners, we will hold the perpetrators of elder fraud schemes accountable for their crimes. Our office reminds seniors and their caregivers to be vigilant for fraudulent schemes and, if victimized, to contact law enforcement,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged.  For example, the  EDLA prosecuted the following Elder Fraud matters:

Claudua Antillon Zahuita, age 38, and Sergio Leon Kuri, age 40, both residents and citizens of Mexico, were sentenced  to prison on September 29, 2021 after they each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  Zahuita received 48 months, while Kuri received 60 months.  As part of the elaborate scheme, the conspirators made unsolicited phone calls to owners of resort timeshare properties to induce them into paying fees associated with the bogus sale of their property. The defendants misrepresented the existence of a buyer for their timeshare and solicited money from the victims to facilitate the sale. They solicited the timeshare owners to enter into agreements to sell their timeshares and pay for alleged “closing costs” with electronic wire transfers from banking institutions within the United States to Mexican banks. There were no interested buyers, the closings did not occur, and the timeshares were not resold. Instead, the conspirators simply pocketed the advanced fees. Of the U.S. victims, 40 were age 60 and older and the total estimated loss is at least $20,000,000; and

Karen Farrell Tigler, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty on May 11, 2022 to Bank Fraud and Making and Subscribing False Tax Returns.  According to court documents, Tigler was employed as banker with a local bank and used her position to embezzle approximately $349, 556 from and elderly client’s account.  Tigler faces a maximum term of thirty (30) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense; and

Acdane Campbell, age 25, a resident of Jamaica, was sentenced on May 26, 2022 to serve 10 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to a one count indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud.  According to court records, from in or around August 2016, Campbell, and others, conspired to obtain money unlawfully by falsely informing elderly victims that they had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or car. The unidentified co-conspirators telephoned   the victims, promising them that they would receive their winnings if they first paid taxes and fees.

As an additional part of the EDLA’s elder fraud initiative, it has conducted  outreach to both the community and  industry to raise awareness of the ever-present threats of exploitative scams and the  victimization they unleash. This year, our office also participated in Elder Justice presentations at local Retirement Communities that focused on the identification  and  prevention of financial, physical, and emotional crimes against senior populations.

The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. 

The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.

In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million because of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult, and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced today that the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and seven private developers have agreed to pay $250,000 to settle claims that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to design and construct eight multifamily residential properties and associated places of public accommodation so that they are accessible to persons with disabilities. As part of the settlement, the defendants also agreed to make extensive retrofits to remove accessibility barriers at the properties.

The settlement, which must be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, requires the defendants to pay all costs related to the retrofits, provide $200,000 fora settlement fund to compensate individuals harmed by the inaccessible housing, and pay a civil penalty of $50,000 to the federal government.

“Under federal law, people with disabilities must have the same access to housing as other people,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These eight properties house thousands of residents, many of whom live with a disability. This settlement will ensure that residents with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to live safely in and enjoy their homes.”

“All citizens deserve safe, affordable, and accessible housing,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The successful resolution of this matter helps meet the needs of our vulnerable, disabled, and elderly residents.”

The properties at issue are Bienville Basin, Columbia Parc, Faubourg Lafitte, Fischer Senior Village, Guste III, Harmony Oaks, Marrero Commons and River Garden. Seven of these properties were developed as part of HANO’s post-Hurricane Katrina redevelopment of its public housing projects.

The accessibility barriers alleged to exist at the properties include, among other violations, steps and excessive slopes leading to unit entry doors or building entrances from sidewalks and other public areas; common areas and amenities that are not usable by persons with disabilities, such as mailboxes mounted too high for persons using wheelchairs to reach; insufficiently wide openings at interior doors that make them inaccessible for many persons with mobility impairments; inadequate interior space to maneuver a wheelchair; and inaccessible parking.

Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have had difficulties by inaccessible features at any of the above properties should contact the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or leave a message at 1-800-896-7743 Ext. 996.

The Justice Department, through the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Civil Rights Division, enforces the FHA, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Among other protections, the FHA requires that all multifamily housing constructed after March 13, 1991, have basic physical accessibility features, including, among other things, accessible routes without steps to all single-story, ground-floor units and to all units in a building served by an elevator. The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in public accommodations, including the rental offices and associated restrooms and parking at issue in this case.  

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, emailing fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submitting a report online.   Individuals also may report discrimination by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint online. 

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 30, from Carriere, Mississippi, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with using a transferring obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470. 

If convicted, DEFIORE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  DEFIORE may also be required to register as a sex offender.

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.

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 in this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DOMINIQUE PEEPLES, age 25, from Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on September 28, 2022 to Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1), 1591(b)(2), 1594(a), and 2. 

According to court documents, PEEPLES brought a seventeen-year-old female (“Minor Victim”) from Memphis to New Orleans for the purpose of her engaging in commercial sex acts beginning at a time not known and continuing until in or about mid-January 2021.  During this time, PEEPLES was aware of Minor Victim’s age.  PEEPLES advertised Minor Victim on websites commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money.  

In pleading guilty, PEEPLES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment up to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.  The defendant also faces supervised release for a term of five years up to life, a up to $250,000 fine, a requirement that the defendant participate in the sex offender registration and notification program, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. The Honorable Sarah S. Vance set sentencing in this matter for January 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.

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 and Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LARRY PICOU (“PICOU”), age 56, of Gibson, La.; has agreed to plead guilty on September 28, 2022 to count one (1) in his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss two counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.  In pleading guilty to count 1, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years’ imprisonment; a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years; and a fine up to $250,000.00, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, PICOU falsely claimed that he was a passenger in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017. In fact, the defendant conspired with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans.  After the intentional collision, PICOU and his co-conspirators made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault.  Through this scheme, PICOU and his co-conspirators caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds.  The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for January 18, 2023.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Charles WADE, a/k/a “Poosie,” age 41, David Hester, a/k/a “Goon,” age 33, Brison Shelton, age 48, William Lang, age 44, Alfred Clay, age 58, and Saul Macedo-Rodriguez, age 36, were indicted Thursday, September 22, 2022, by a federal grand jury , for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. 

During the investigation,  the federal  Drug Enforcement Administration, seized over forty-one (41) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, ten (10) kilograms of fentanyl, and over four hundred thousand dollars  ($400,000.00) in bulk cash.

According to court documents, WADE and LANG, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms more of cocaine hydrochloride, one (1) kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, and four hundred (400) grams or more of  mixture and substance containing  a detectable amount of  fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841 (b)(1)(A), and Section 846. 

HESTER, CLAY, and MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and Section 846. 

SHELTON is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the  intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and Section 846. 

If convicted, WADE, HESTER, LANG, CLAY, and MACEDO-RODRIGUEZ face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least 5 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  SHELTON faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and at least 4 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. As to each count for which they were charged , the defendants also face a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on September 22, 2022, WYVONNE TYSON, age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to a drug offense. 

Specifically, TYSON  pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846. 

According to court records, TYSON and others conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere.  Moreover, TYSON admitted to transporting between 50 and 150 kilograms of cocaine from Texas to New Orleans on behalf of a drug trafficking organization.    

In total, Judge Fallon sentenced TYSON to 70 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ANNICE FALKINS, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to (5) five years of probation, which includes (1) one year of home detention, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for laundering money that was derived from the unlawful distribution of controlled substances, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957.

According to court records, on April 6, 2016, FALKINS purchased a home in New Orleans East with 14 cashier’s checks that she acquired with funds she knew were earned from the illegal sale of heroin. Each of the cashier’s checks was in an amount less than $10,000, totaling approximately $118,226.51.

On December 27, 2017, FBI Special Agents from the New Orleans Gang Task Force received information regarding the pending delivery of approximately three kilograms of heroin that FALKINS’ codefendant and romantic partner, Arthur Johnson, was purchasing from his Chicago-based supplier. Later that day, surveillance agents observed meetings between Johnson and the man delivering the heroin at a Holiday Inn Hotel in New Orleans. During these meetings, Johnson paid approximately $187,000 for the heroin. The next day, FBI agents searched the home in New Orleans East that Johnson shared with FALKINS. During this search, agents seized 1.3 kilograms of heroin, over $11,000 in cash, numerous items of jewelry, six cell phones, a money counter, and a kilogram press used to package heroin.

FALKINS and Johnson pled guilty on August 24, 2021. On May 19, 2022, Judge Morgan sentenced Johnson to 262 months for conspiring to distribute heroin.

Pursuant to her plea agreement, FALKINS agreed to forfeit a Mercedes Benz car and a residential property in Davenport, Florida, both of which were purchased with proceeds from the illicit sale of heroin.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DERRICK ESTES, age 42, of New Orleans, was found guilty as charged on September 21, 2022 after a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey. 

The jury found ESTES guilty as charged as to all four counts in the superseding indictment.  The superseding indictment charged ESTES in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and cocaine.  Count 2 charged ESTES with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and Count 3 charged ESTES with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Finally, Count 4 charged ESTES with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl.

The FBI’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force worked in conjunction with NOPD during the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans due to a significant increase in shootings and homicides. On January 17, 2021, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) responded to the shooting of ESTES in the 1400 block of Teche Street in  Algiers.  ESTES did not notify police or EMS of the shooting and was transported to the hospital by his girlfriend.  The hospital notified police of the incident and the approximate location of the shooting.  During that investigation police located surveillance video footage of the shooting and observed ESTES exit his vehicle after the shooting and remove several items from his vehicle to the residence located at 1412 Teche Street, a residence linked to the ESTES family.  Investigators elected to obtain a search warrant and executed the search warrant on the residence. NOPD located several items linked to ESTES, including a significant amount of narcotics, specifically cocaine and fentanyl, drug selling paraphernalia, and three firearms, which included an AK47 rifle.  Investigators had observed ESTES possessing a very similar AK47 rifle on a Real Time Crime Camera following the shooting of his brother, Joe Estes, at a residence on Nunez Street in  Algiers approximately one month prior.  An arrest warrant was issued for ESTES, and he was subsequently arrested on February 1, 2021, at another residence in Algiers.  Following ESTES’ arrest, NOPD conducted a search of that residence and the vehicle he was seen utilizing. That search resulted in the recovery additional narcotics, specifically cocaine and over 40 grams of fentanyl, drug selling paraphernalia, and approximately $2800.

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 Inga Petrovich and Mike Trummel of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LANCE STEVENS, age 26, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was charged on September 22, 2022 in a six-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act.

STEVENS is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and tramadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 841(b)(1)(E).  In Count 2, STEVENS is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  In Count 3, STEVENS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

STEVENS is charged in Count 4 with possession with intent to distribute tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  In Count 5, STEVENS is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  In Count 6, STEVENS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

As to Count 1, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 5 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, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. As to Count 4, STEVENS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  As to Counts 2 and 5, STEVENS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment on each count, to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  As to Counts 3 and 6, STEVENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years as to each count, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a 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 Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys David Berman and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LUIS RIVAS, age 59, a Colombian citizen  who was living in New Orleans, and ANGEL SANTIAGO HERNANDEZ, age 49, a Colombian citizen  who was living in Houston, were sentenced on September 21, 2022 before the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo on charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, RIVAS, and HERNANDEZ each pleaded guilty to charges of possessing heroin and cocaine with the intent to distribute.  HERNANDEZ admitted that he possessed approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine, a kilogram of heroin, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash during a traffic stop in August 2021.  RIVAS admitted that he possessed with the intent to distribute a kilogram of heroin and several thousand dollars that police found at a residence in New Orleans where he was staying.

Judge Milazzo sentenced each defendant to 70 months in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by four years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department filed a bill of information charging Rodney Vicknair, 55, a former police officer with the New Orleans Police Department, with sexually assaulting a victim in violation of that victim’s constitutional rights.

The bill of information alleges that on Sept. 23, 2020, the defendant while acting under color of law as a police officer, willfully deprived the victim of her right to bodily integrity when he engaged in sexual conduct without her consent and without a legitimate law enforcement purpose.   

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The FBI New Orleans Field Office and the New Orleans Police Department Public Integrity Bureau investigated the case. Criminal Chief Tracey Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold of the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

An information is only an allegation; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LINDA REED HILL (“HILL”), age 75, of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty today to Theft of Government Funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

Beginning in or about May 1, 2004, and continuing until in or about February 28, 2021, HILL did knowingly embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to her use, money belonging to the United States and a department and agency thereof, namely the Social Security Administration, to which she knew she was not entitled, when she withdrew funds from a joint JP Morgan Chase account under her own name and Individual “A’s” name.

Prior to April 28, 2004, Individual “A” received SSA Retirement Survivor Insurance disability benefits  (“RSI”). After Individual “A’s” death, from approximately May 2004 to February 2021, Individual “A” continued to receive monthly SSA disability benefits in an amount ranging from $1,310.00 - $1,518.00 per month, totaling $319,696.00, which was deposited by SSA into a joint JP Morgan Chase Savings account, shared by HILL and Individual “A.” The monthly SSA funds were then taken from the joint account, transferred to two different accounts listed under HILL’s name, and withdrawn by HILL.

HILL faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

“Social Security benefits fraud is a criminal offense, which DOJ and my office takes very seriously,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “For several years, Ms. Hill fraudulently received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) by claiming monies not designated for her.  This plea illustrates that our office will continue to collaborate with SSA Office of the Inspector General and other investigative agencies to identify those who commit SSA fraud for their personal gain.”

”For nearly two decades, Ms. Hill intentionally stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from SSA,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “We will continue to hold those accountable who defraud Social Security programs.”

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for January 10, 2023, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CATHERINE CAMPBELL WILLIAMS, age 69, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to court documents, beginning in December 2010 and continuing through 2020, WILLIAMS collected Social Security Administration benefits paid to a deceased relative.  In total, WILLIAMS fraudulently received approximately $61,324 in Social Security Administration benefits to which she was not entitled.

U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced WILLIAMS to three (3) years of Probation and imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  In addition, WILLIAMS was ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $61,324.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS – RAYMOND BAYONA, age 32, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 15, 2022 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to a one-count indictment charging him with being a convicted 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 March 2, 2022, detectives with the Slidell Police Department observed BAYONA on foot carrying a small red backpack near a gas station located on Robert Boulevard in Slidell. BAYONA had an active felony warrant for theft of a motor vehicle issued by the Slidell Police Department. After BAYONA entered the gas station parking lot, detectives followed him into the parking lot and requested that BAYONA stop. BAYONA then ran inside the gas station, followed by the detectives. The detectives were directed to the back of the store and located BAYONA hiding in a closet. The detectives located BAYONA’s red backpack in a corner near where BAYONA was hiding. Inside the backpack, BAYONA had a loaded Taurus nine-millimeter handgun. Prior to this, BAYONA knew that he had been convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

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

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Irene González are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LEON TINSON, age 48, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on September 15, 2022 for Theft of Mail by a Postal Service Employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.

According to the indictment, on or about April 14, 2022, TINSON stole, abstracted, and removed the contents of a letter entrusted to him and which came into his possession intended to be conveyed by mail, while performing his assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service.

If convicted, TINSON faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Berman is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DILLON TOUPS, age 32, a resident of Larose, Louisiana, was charged on September 15, 2022 in a one-count indictment with possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and  841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on or about December 18, 2021, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the defendant, TOUPS, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers, a Schedule II drug controlled substance, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propanamide, that is, fentanyl, a Schedule II drug controlled substance; all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C).

TOUPS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on September 15, 2022 , DR. CHARLES J. SOUTHALL, III, age 64, was charged in a one-count bill of information with money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1957 and 2. 

According to court documents, the charge relates to the electronic transfer of approximately $100,000 from a bank account to an individual investment account in SOUTHALL’S name.  The funds were the derived from the specified unlawful activity of wire fraud. 

SOUTHALL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, Myles Ranier, and Asset Forfeiture Coordinator Alexandra Giavotella are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVIN CHANEY, age 32, was charged in an eleven-count superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on Friday, September 9, 2022.

According to the superseding indictment, CHANEY is charged with four counts of Hobbs Act Robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a). If convicted of the Hobbs Act Robbery violations, CHANEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of five years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each count. CHANEY is also charged with five counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(a)(ii).  If convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, CHANEY faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 7 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

CHANEY is also charged with armed bank robbery of the Capital One Bank located in New Orleans on December 24, 2021. If convicted of bank robbery, CHANEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. CHANEY is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and §841(b)(1)(C). If convicted, CHANEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and 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.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julia Evans, Brandon Long, and Charles Strauss.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANIELLE DORSETT, age 54, and her brother, BYRON J. LAFOREST, age 50, both residents of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to conspiracy to use false or counterfeit passports. Judge Barbier scheduled their sentencings for January 5, 2023.

According to court records, beginning in November 2021, DORSETT and LAFOREST obtained counterfeit passport cards with the names and other details of victims whose personal identifying information they stole. While these cards had victims’ personal information, they had DORSETT’s or LAFOREST’s photograph. DORSETT and LAFOREST then used these cards to withdraw money from their victims’ bank accounts. Over the course of the conspiracy, DORSETT and LAFOREST used the personal information of at least six individuals to withdraw (or attempted to withdraw) funds from these individuals’ accounts. They withdrew money from bank branches in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

The scheme drew to a close in early 2022. On January 28, 2022, DORSETT was arrested by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies while attempting to obtain a victim’s bank statement at an IberiaBank branch in Harvey, Louisiana. DORSETT was released on bond after her arrest. Approximately two weeks later, on February 14, 2022, she and LAFOREST were arrested together at a hotel in New Orleans East by federal agents. In the hotel room, agents recovered several additional false passport cards that portrayed LAFOREST’s photograph, but provided the victims’ personal identifying information instead.

DORSETT and LAFOREST each face a sentence of up to five years in prison, a up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2).

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Diplomatic Security Service’s New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. U.S. Attorney Evans thanked the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for the 24th Judicial District for their assistance in this prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIAM J. BURNELL (“BURNELL”), age 72, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank (“ Bank “), the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to court documents, from in or around 2006 through April 2017, BURNELL was the Bank’s Chief Credit Officer. He was responsible for the overall quality of the Bank’s lending function; the Bank’s credit policies and administration; the Bank’s loan recovery and collection efforts; and the Bank’s monitoring and managing of past due loans, including the approval of the Bank’s internal list of past-due loans. BURNELL was responsible for compiling month-end reports, including lists of overdrawn borrowers and past-due loans. These reports should have accurately shown the quality of the Bank’s assets, which included loans. Misrepresentations on these reports made a true assessment of the Bank’s overall financial well-being impossible. BURNELL was also responsible for approving credit risk ratings before the Bank decided to lend to its customers.

Other people involved with the Bank, including the Bank’s board of directors, external auditors, and federal and state regulators, relied on BURNELL as the Chief Credit Officer to inform them about problems with the Bank’s asset quality, including problems with loans. Nevertheless, BURNELL conspired with the Bank’s President Ashton J. Ryan, Jr., Executive Vice President Robert B. Calloway, Senior Vice President Fred V. Beebe, and others to conceal material information and defraud the Bank. For example, BURNELL, Ryan, and Calloway knowingly concealed material information about borrower Gary Gibbs from the board, auditors, and examiners. Further, BURNELL served as an additional approving officer for loans to borrower Warren Treme, who was Ryan’s business partner. Beebe was Treme’s loan officer. BURNELL, Ryan, and Beebe made misrepresentations in Treme’s loan documents and to the board, auditors, and examiners, in ways that financially benefited Ryan. Calloway, Gibbs, and Treme have all previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the Bank, as have the Bank’s General Counsel Gregory St. Angelo, borrower Kenneth Charity, borrower Jeffrey Dunlap, and borrower Arvind Vira. The trial for Ryan, Beebe, and borrower Frank Adolph is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2023.

“Today’s guilty plea once again demonstrates that  the FDIC OIG and our law enforcement partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General will continue to investigate those individuals, including bank directors and officers who are entrusted to manage financial institutions, but cause harm to our nation’s banking industry,” said Anand Ramlall, Special Agent in Charge, Dallas Region, Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“Today’s plea agreement illustrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to bringing those who commit white collar crimes to justice, like Mr. William J. Burnell,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans. “We thank our partners from the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General for their strong partnerships in protecting the integrity of the American banking system.”

“Today’s plea sends a clear message that bank executives who commit fraud and deliberately deceive regulators will be brought to justice for their actions. I commend our agent and their federal law enforcement partners for their hard work and persistence, which ultimately led to this outcome,” said Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

BURNELL has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are thirty years in prison; a fine of up to $1,000,000, or the greater of twice the gain to BURNELL or twice the loss to any victim; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee .

Judge Eldon E. Fallon scheduled BURNELL’s sentencing for March 16, 2023, at 2:00pm.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, J. Ryan McLaren, and Rachal Cassagne are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on September 9, 2022 GREGORY MASSEY, age 28, and PATRICIA HART, age 24, were charged in an 11-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act, specifically, conspiracy to entice individuals to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, transportation of an individual in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, and enticement of an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution.

In Count One, MASSEY and HART are charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1594(a) and (c).  If convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

 In Count Two, MASSEY and HART are charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1), 1591(a)(2), and 1591(b)(1).  If convicted they each face a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

In Counts Three through Five, MASSEY and HART are charged with interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with the intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) and 2.  If convicted, per count, they each face a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

In Count Six, MASSEY and HART are charged with transportation to engage in prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421.  If convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

In Count Seven, HART is charged with possession of documents in furtherance of trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1592.  If convicted, she faces up to five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

In Count Eight, MASSEY is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Armed Career Criminal Act, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(e).  If convicted, he faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

The case was investigated by the Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa E. Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced JAMES TASSIN, age 52, of Harvey, was sentenced to 2 years probation on September 8, 2022 for violating the Clean Water Act in connection with an oil spill.

According to court documents, TASSIN was a marsh buggy operator working on the Chenier Ronquille Barrier Island Restoration Project, which was overseen by contractors working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”). TASSIN was a subcontractor working for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC (“Great Lakes”).  The project took place where Louisiana’s coastal wetlands meet the Gulf of Mexico, near several oil and gas pipelines, including Bay Marchand-to-Ostrica-to-Alliance (“BOA”) pipelines, which ran underneath and parallel to the dike on northern side of the island.

Months after the project began, the Great Lakes site manager at the project instructed TASSIN to dig an access channel for crew boats that was different from the access channel in the project plans provided by NOAA. This new access channel ran directly over the BOA pipelines, which were clearly marked at the time. TASSIN worked on that new access channel over multiple days.

On September 5, 2016, TASSIN drove his marsh buggy through the newly deepened access channel and struck one of the BOA pipelines, causing it to leak oil that created a sheen in the surrounding water in Bay Long. When TASSIN reported the spill to his supervisors, the site manager instructed TASSIN to use his marsh buggy to obscure the evidence that he had been deepening the unauthorized access channel, and TASSIN did so.

TASSIN was charged with a Clean Water Act violation on January 25, 2021. He pled guilty on March 18, 2021.

Great Lakes was criminally charged in a separate case before the Honorable Greg G. Guidry. According to court documents in that case, Great Lakes pled guilty, based on its supervision of TASSIN. Great Lakes agreed to pay a criminal fine of $1 million, in additional to civil payments to the victim pipeline company of $3,166,667 in a related civil case. TASSIN’s employer also agreed in the same civil case to pay the victim an additional $1,666,667, for a total payment to the victim of over $4.8 million.

Judge Susie Morgan sentenced TASSIN to 2 years probation, a $2,500 fine, and a special assessment fee of $25.

The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the indictment of SHARNAE EVERY (“EVERY”), age 27, of Houston, Texas, who was charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  

The case against EVERY began as a result of a referral from the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (“PRAC”) regarding possible fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loans (“PPP”). Investigators determined there were at least 110 PPP sole proprietor loan applications in and around the Thibodeaux, Louisiana area and they all had the same invoices and federal tax forms (“Schedule C”) with the same business name and amounts. 

According to today’s indictment, EVERY created a fictitious business called “Natural Hair Afro, LLC, Houma, LA 70360” and used this fictitious business name on nearly all of the fraudulent PPP loan applications. EVERY advertised under various aliases on Facebook to recruit individuals to obtain money from the PPP program.  EVERY prepared and submitted false and fraudulent PPP sole proprietor loan applications via various online portals including, but not limited, to Blueacorn.  EVERY created all of the false and fraudulent invoices, bank statements, and Schedule Cs.  EVERY falsely certified that the applications and the information provided in the supporting documents were true and accurate when she electronically submitted the fraudulent PPP loan applications. 

EVERY charged $45.00 to $120.00 from the individuals she recruited to prepare and submit the fraudulent PPP application.  EVERY primarily used Cash App to receive the initial payments.  EVERY then charged approximately $3,500.00 once the loans were funded.  EVERY received these funds into her Current account, her Cash App account, or into her boyfriend’s Current account.

If convicted, EVERY faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years, followed by a term of supervised release for up to three (3) years, a fine up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain to the defendant, or twice the gross loss to any victim, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, per count.

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.

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

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.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on September 1, 2022, DEREK NOLAN, a/k/a “Pop,” age 26, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty as charged to an eleven-count Superseding Bill of Information.

In Count 1, NOLAN is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of  methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C); all in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

In Counts 2 and 3, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

In Counts 4 and 5, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

In Counts 6, 8, and 9, NOLAN is charged with distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

In Count 7, NOLAN is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, that is, distribution of a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i). 

In Count 10, NOLAN is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). 

In Count 11, NOLAN is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offense, that is, conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of  methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, and a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i). 

As to Counts 1 through 6, 8, and 9 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, and a fine up to $1,000,000.00.

As to Counts 7 and 11 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN faces a mandatory minimum, consecutive, sentence of 5 years imprisonment, and a maximum sentence up to life imprisonment, and a fine up to $250,000.00.

As to Count 10 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, and a fine up to $250,000.00.

NOLAN will be placed on a period of supervised release for each count following his term of imprisonment.   As it relates to Counts 1 through 6, 8, and 9 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN will be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment for a period of at least 3 years. As it relates to Counts 7 and 11 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN will be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment for a period up to 5 years.  And, as it relates to Count 10 of the Superseding Bill of Information, NOLAN will be placed on a term of supervised release after imprisonment for a period up to 3 years.

A mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00, per count, will also be imposed by the Court.

United States District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier will sentence NOLAN on December 8, 2022.

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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOEY J. STEVENSON, age 40, from New Orleans, was charged on September 1, 2022 with failing to pay the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) employment taxes for his business, Community Care Solutions, Inc.

The grand jury returned a one-count indictment that charged STEVENSON with failure to pay over employment taxes, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7202. According to the indictment, STEVENSON owned and operated Community Care Solutions, Inc., and from 2015 through 2019, he withheld payroll taxes from his employees’ paychecks but failed to remit that money to the IRS.  

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.

If convicted, STEVENSON faces up to five years in prison. STEVENSON also faces up to three years of supervised release after release from prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to STEVENSON or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NEWMAN HOOKER, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on September 1, 2022 in a one-count indictment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted, HOOKER faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and 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.

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 New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and David Berman are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDDIE HARRIS, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on September 1, 2022 in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control and Controlled Substances Acts.

HARRIS is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  In Count 2, HARRIS 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).  In Count 3, HARRIS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

If convicted of Count 1, HARRIS faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 2, HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  If convicted of Count 3, HARRIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  For each conviction, HARRIS must pay 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 New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On September 1, 2022, a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a one-count indictment charging a man for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans

According to court documents, TERRANCE STEWART, age 31, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). 

If convicted of Count 1, STEWART faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Division and Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BIAGIO WILLIAM AMBROSINO, age 20, originally from Queens, NY, who was an enlisted sailor stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on September 1, 2022 before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter after previously being charged by a federal grand jury for  producing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) (Count 1) and transmitting interstate threats for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(b) (Count 2).

According to court documents, the charges stem from AMBROSINO’S implementation of an exploitation and extortion scheme to convince individuals to send him sexually explicit content between August 2020 and January 2022.  AMBROSINO utilized several different strategies depending on victims’ ages, cognitive ability, level of compliance, and his  previous knowledge of them.  For individuals he knew, AMBROSINO would, anonymously, either prey on their friendship or use information he already had about the individuals and their families to obtain sexually explicit depictions from them.  For individuals he did not already know, AMBROSINO would utilize other measures.  For example, AMBROSINO would contact some minors via social media direct message, purport to be a social media mogul, and inquire whether the minor wanted “to be Instagram famous.” He would then request a sexually suggestive or sexually explicit photograph to prove that the minor was serious about being famous or receiving a gift.  Alternatively, AMBROSINO would offer items of value to minors, including a camera, a lighting system, sponsorship, or stuffed animals as enticements to take and send him sexually explicit pictures and videos or to engage in sexually explicit conduct while on a video chat with him.  When victims expressed reluctance to provide him sexually explicit depictions or to continue doing so, AMBROSINO would extort them by threatening reputational harm or physical violence.  Once AMBROSINO successfully obtained sexually explicit content from a victim, he continued to demand increasingly explicit, invasive, and humiliating content from his victims.  Thereafter, AMBROSINO transmitted some of the sexually explicit depictions he obtained to other individuals in exchange for the identities of other, future potential victims.

In pleading guilty, AMBROSINO admitted to victimizing at least eleven people, including nine minors ranging in age from ten to seventeen years old, one of whom had a diagnosed developmental cognitive disability and a speech disability.  The identified victims were residents of eight different states and the country of Australia.

AMBROSINO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years as to Count 1, and a maximum term of imprisonment as to Count 3 of twenty (20) years.  AMBROSINO also faces a mandatory minimum of five years, up to a lifetime of supervised release after his prison term, up to a $250,000 fine, and he may be required to register as a sex offender.  Finally, he faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count.

Sentencing before Judge Vitter has been scheduled for December 6, 2022.

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 Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) in investigating this matter, with assistance from the New York Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANTHONY MONREAL-FABELA, age 21, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, and DIOGO HERNANDEZ, age 18, a resident of Bourg, Louisiana, were charged August 4, 2022, in a sealed one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. 

According to court documents, beginning on or about June 14, 2022 and continuing until on or about July 27, 2022, MONREAL-FABELE and HERNANDEZ conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment was unsealed on August 23, 2022.

If convicted, MONREAL-FABELA and HERNANDEZ face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee

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

This case was investigated by the United States Homeland Security Investigations, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KESHAWN KELLY, age 19, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was charged August 26, 2022, in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury with influencing federal officials by threat in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 115(a)(1)(B), and assaulting federal officers in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, KELLY assaulted and threatened several members of the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs Police. The maximum punishment KELLY faces for influencing federal officials by threat is six years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of  supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The maximum punishment for assaulting federal officers is one year imprisonment,  up to a $100,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $25 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

WASHINGTON – Kirill Kompaniets, the Chief Engineer of a foreign flagged vessel, was sentenced to prison for deliberately discharging approximately 10,000 gallons of oil-contaminated bilge water overboard in U.S. waters off the coast of New Orleans last year, and obstructing justice. The illegal conduct was first reported to the Coast Guard by a crew member via social media. The Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced Kompaniets to serve a year and a day in prison, pay a $5,000 fine and $200 special assessment and serve six months of supervised release.

Repair operations to correct a problem with the discharge of clean ballast water resulted in engine room flooding. After the leak was controlled, Chief Engineer Kompanietes and a subordinate engineer dumped the oily bilge water overboard while the ship was at an anchorage near the Southwest Passage off the Louisiana coast. The ship’s required pollution prevention devices – an oily-water separator and oil content monitor – were not used, and the discharge was not recorded in the Oil Record Book, a required ship log.

Kompaniets was also charged with obstruction of justice based on various efforts to conceal the illegal discharge. In a joint factual statement filed in Court with his guilty plea, Kompaniets admitted to the following acts of obstruction of justice: (1) making false statements to the Coast Guard that concealed the cause and nature of a hazardous condition, and concealing that the engine room of the vessel had flooded and that oil-contaminated bilge water had been discharged overboard; (2) destroying the computer alarm printouts for the period of the illegal discharge that were sought by the Coast Guard; (3) holding meetings with subordinate crew members and directing them to make false statements to the Coast Guard; (4) making a false Oil Record Book that failed to disclose the illegal discharge; (5) directing subordinate engine room employees to delete all evidence from their cell phones in anticipation of the Coast Guard inspection; and (6) preparing a retaliatory document accusing the whistleblower of poor performance as part of an effort to discredit him.

“The intentional pollution of U.S. waters and the deliberate cover-up are serious criminal offenses that will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Prosecutions such as this one should send a clear message to those that would violate the law and endanger our precious natural resources.”

“The defendant in this case deliberately disregarded procedures designed to protect the environment from contaminants and then attempted to hide his actions,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Today’s announcement emphasizes that both our office and our federal partners are committed to holding accountable all parties whose criminality jeopardizes our environment and places the public and the ecosystem at risk.”

The criminal prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Senior Litigation Counsel Richard A. Udell of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section, with assistance provided by District 8 of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Criminal Investigative Service. The investigation is continuing.

NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 41, a resident of Jayess, Mississippi,  DUANE A. DUFRENE, age 55, a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, DILLON J. ARCENEAUX, age 31, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, LANCE M. VALLO, age 37, a resident of Gueydan, Louisiana, GRANT C. MENARD, age 35, a resident of Kaplan, Louisiana, and ZEB O. SARTIN, age 35, a resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, were indicted on Friday, August 26, 2022, by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As charged in the indictment, MULLEN and DUFRENE conspired with ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and 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 falsified bank records for the companies. MULLEN then used an alias to hold himself out to be 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 losses of approximately $6.4 million.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, MULLEN, DUFRENE, ARCENEAUX, VALLO, MENARD, and SARTIN face 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. Each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud counts.  For the money laundering counts, each defendant faces up to three years of supervised release and up to a $500,000 fine. Each count also has a  mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  A notice of fraud forfeiture filed by the government seeks to forfeit a number of Rolls Royces and Bentleys bought by MULLEN.

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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that the defendant RICHARD JONES, age 22, resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 23, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to a federal weapons violation of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In Count 1 of the indictment, JONES is charged with possessing a firearm on November 21, 2021, as a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  JONES faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  JONES’s sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2022.

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. The case  is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CYNTHIA BOWLEY, age 67, of Meraux, was indicted  on August 26, 2022  with one count of aiding and assisting in the filing of false tax returns, a violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(2). 

The indictment alleges that in June 2017, BOWLEY assisted in preparing a false tax return for a taxpayer in which BOWLEY included false business losses and false charitable deductions.  The resulting refund  was more than  $18,000.00 in excess of the amount of the legitimate  taxpayer refund.

If convicted, BOWLEY faces a maximum sentence of three years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

The investigation is being handled by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OSCAR NOEL DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ, age 48, a native of Honduras, pled guilty on August 24, 2022 to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegally using a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to a document signed in open court, DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ presented a fraudulent driver’s license and social security card while attempting to take a safety class necessary to obtain employment at a critical infrastructure facility in the Eastern District of Louisiana. He purchased the fraudulent documents in Lumberton, Mississippi.

DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing is set for November 29, 2022.  

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAYDEN D. D. HALL, age 21, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty to federal crimes involving child exploitation.

HALL pled guilty to one count of Production of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e); and three counts of Transportation of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1) and (b)(1). According to court documents, HALL created new child sexual abuse videos and then used several social media accounts to distribute both those videos and other child sexual abuse material through the internet.

For the production count, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years and a maximum sentence of thirty years of imprisonment. For each transportation count, HALL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of twenty years of imprisonment. HALL also faces a term of supervised release of no less than five years and up to life after his release from prison. HALL faces a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person as a result of these offenses, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for November 6, 2022.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the following agencies in this matter: the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Strategic Engagement Team; and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSHUA ADAMS, age 30, from Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 24, 2022 after being charged in a one count bill of information with Mail Theft, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708. 

The bill of information charged ADAMS with stealing an Express Mail Package from the North Kenner Postal Station on December 31, 2020. In papers signed in open court, ADAMS admitted to stealing the package from a secured steel cage in the post office and hiding it under his shirt when he exited the building to the parking lot.

ADAMS faces up to five (5) years incarceration, up to a $250,000 fine, restitution, up to three (3) years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is set for November 30, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Postal Service in investigating the matter. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that AARON THIBODEAUX, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).

According to the indictment, THIBODEAUX and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.  After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants then would resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.   

At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, THIBODEAUX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN BUSH, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022 before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).

According to the indictment, BUSH and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.  After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.   

At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, BUSH faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREGORY BUTLER, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 24, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy).

According to the indictment, BUTLER and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.  After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.   

At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, BUTLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TAWUAN SYLVESTER, age 47, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022 before Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to conspiring to transport and sell stolen cars across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. §  371 (conspiracy).

According to the indictment, SYLVESTER and his co-conspirators stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.  After the cars were stolen, these defendants would retitle the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. After the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants would then resell the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.   

At sentencing, which is set for December 8, 2022, SYLVESTER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Jon Maestri are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant, DARIUS WILLIAMS a/k/a “D-Nice,” of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 10, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to a prison term of eighty (80) months for being a felon in possession of a firearm, a  violation of Title 18, United States Code, 922(g)(1). Judge Africk also ordered that WILLIAMS  be placed on supervised release for a term of three (3) years following his release from imprisonment. WILLIAMS was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to documents filed in federal court, on October 30, 2020, WILLIAMS was  observed openly brandishing a weapon while walking through the Pigeon Town neighborhood of New Orleans by New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) detectives.  In 2019, WILLIAMS was  convicted of  drug possession in Jefferson Parish, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of more than one year.  As such, WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)  assisted  NOPD in the arrest of  WILLIAMS on October 30, 2020.

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, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. The case    was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit  of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERONIMO FLORES, age 30, of Abilene, Texas, was sentenced on August 18, 2022 to serve 54 months imprisonment, to be followed by three-years of supervised release on each count, to run concurrently. He is also obligated to pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee for each count. FLORES was found guilty as charged of two felony offenses after a three-day federal jury trial. The jury found  FLORES guilty of domestic violence by strangulation and suffocation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(8) and 7(8) and interstate domestic violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261(a)(1), 2261(b)(5), and 7(8).

FLORES intentionally assaulted his intimate and dating partner while aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship on December 2, 2021. The Glory was within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States during a voyage that departed from and returned to the Port of New Orleans. During  trial, the victim testified that  FLORES became physically violent with her after an argument in their cabin aboard the Glory. The argument  culminated in  FLORES striking her in the head and strangling her using  a choke hold. Three of the Glory crew’s security members testified regarding her  injuries.  The Glory’s medical officer, that  examined the victim, testified that in her  expert opinion,  the victim’s bruising, swelling, and other symptoms were consistent with the described attack.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. He also gave special thanks for the assistance provided by agents and staff with the Department of Homeland Security during the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles D. Strauss and Christopher D. Usher II prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO , age 47, pleaded guilty on August 18, 2022 after being charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) in 2021.

According to papers signed in open court, RAUL CABRERA-PERDOMO (“CABRERA”), admitted to reentering the United States after he was previously deported on May 15, 2009. CABRERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee as well as being deported again. Sentencing is set for November 10, 2022.   

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. is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JONATHAN ORPILLA SINLAO, age 37, a resident of San Jose, California, pled guilty on August 18, 2022 to Count One of his indictment, charging him with Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2).  In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss seven (7) counts of Access Device Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(5).

In pleading guilty to Count One, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of seven-and-a-half (7.5) years imprisonment, a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

According to court documents, SINLAO conspired with others to conduct approximately $340,164.49 in unauthorized purchases of gift cards and products at The  Home Depot stores using customers’ Citibank credit card numbers.  These transactions occurred between February of 2019 and July of 2019 at Home Depot stores in Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, New York, and Oklahoma. The Honorable Barry W. Ashe set sentencing in this matter for November 10, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCHSHINETIA ANDERSON, age 44, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 11, 2022 to FEMA fraud announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Mary Ann Vial Lemmon on November 10, 2022.  The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on or about August 18, 2016, ANDERSON filed a fraudulent request for financial assistance due to a natural disaster related to the alleged loss of her primary residence. In truth and in fact, as she well knew, the house she had been renting did not sustain any damage and she prepared false records claiming that it had. She also prepared false and inflated rent lease agreements to increase the funds she received from FEMA. ANDERSON received approximately $22,104 as a result of her fraud.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – EDGAR CRUZ-MATUTE (CRUZ-MATUTE), age 29, a citizen of Nicaragua, pled guilty and was sentenced on August 17, 2022, 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). 

United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced CRUZ-MATUTE to time served and one year supervised release.

According to court documents, CRUZ-MATUTE, a citizen of Nicaragua, presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana.  CRUZ-MATUTE falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him when in fact, the social security number had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to an another individual.  

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced OCTAVIUS NARCISSE, age 54, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, on August 11, 2022, to 37 months in the Bureau of Prisons for: 1)possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a quantity of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and cocaine hydrochloride pursuant to 21 U.S.C §841(a)(1), 21 U.S.C. §841(b)(1)(C), and 18 U.S.C. § 2; and 2) knowingly and intentionally using a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the possession with intent to distribute pursuant to 21 U.S.C. §843(b) and 18 U.S.C. §2  announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  

According to court documents, in April 2019, NARCISSE was stopped and arrested by law enforcement shortly after picking up 1.015 kilograms of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] propenamide (fentanyl) and 4.995 kilograms of cocaine hydrocholoride on behalf of co-conspirator, Ellis Batiste, Sr.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 15 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and over 1 kilogram of fentanyl.  The majority of these controlled substanceswere being transported from Houston, Texas into the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

NARCISSE’s sentence will be followed  by three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Lemmon also ordered that NARCISSE pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

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

The case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher prosecuted the matter.

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