Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Luis Ramirez,” a/k/a “Luis Danny Lezame-Ramirez,” a/k/a “Luis Silva-Sanchez,” a/k/a “Luis Silva,” age 45, was charged in a one-count indictment on August 12, 2022 with illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, LUIS ALFREDO LEZAMA-RAMIREZ (“LEZAMA-RAMIREZ”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 8, 2018.  If convicted, LEZAMA-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney 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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on August 12, 2022 MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN, “a/k/a “Jose Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Marin,” a/k/a “Jose G. Hernandez,” a/k/a “Daniel Enrique-Polanco,” a/k/a “David Hernandez-Enrique,” age 49, was charged in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, MARIO HERNANDEZ-MARIN (“HERNANDEZ-MARIN”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on June 23, 2011.  If convicted, HERNANDEZ-MARIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  He faces sentencing enhancement of 20 years because of a prior felony conviction.

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

U.S. Attorney 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, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, BRIYAN LOVE, an Orleans Parish resident, pled guilty as charged to a violation of Accessory After the Fact to Murder. 

LOVE pled guilty to Count One of the indictment, charging her with Accessory After the Fact to Murder, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 3. At sentencing, LOVE faces a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to a $125,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JACOB WIEBELT (“WIEBELT”), age 39, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was sentenced for Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(4)(B) and (B)(2).

According to documents filed in federal court, the case against WIEBELT developed as a result of a lead to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) that a user uploaded child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”) to the Discord messenger service. Specifically, the lead reflected that the user uploaded sexually explicit videos of children who were prepubescent in age. On November 1, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents along with the  LBI executed a federal search warrant at WIEBELT’s home in Ponchatoula. Agents advised WIEBELT of his Miranda rights and, after waiving his rights, he confessed to possessing, sharing, and uploading CSAM. WIEBELT admitted he created a Discord account and stated that other Discord users would share CSAM on the website and he would save the CSAM to his cellular telephone. WIEBELT would then upload the saved CSAM from his phone to other Discord users.

United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced WIEBELT to one hundred twenty-one (121) months imprisonment, followed by ten (10) years of supervised release, continued sex offender registration, and pay a $100.00 special assessment fee.

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 Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations 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 –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICHARD YUAN LI, age 21, a resident of Hercules, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service for his role in a SIM Swap scam that targeted at least forty people, including a New Orleans-area physician (Victim A).  Additionally, Judge Guidry sentenced LI to pay restitution in the amount of $61,117,50 and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, a SIM Swap scam is a cellular phone account takeover fraud that results in the routing of a victim’s incoming calls and text messages to a different phone. Once a perpetrator is able to swap the SIM card, it is likely he is able to obtain access to a victim’s various personal accounts, including email accounts, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency accounts, as well as any other accounts that use two-factor authentication.

LI participated in a scheme that involved multiple parts.  First, in January 2018, they defrauded Apple, Inc. into providing a second Apple iPhone without paying for it by convincing an Apple customer service representative that they had not received an Apple iPhone 8 they ordered (hereinafter “the Apple iPhone 8”).  LI took possession of the Apple iPhone 8.  LI and his co-conspirators then arranged for victims’ telephone numbers to be swapped to SIM cards contained in cellular phones in their possession, including the Apple iPhone 8.  Between July 2018 and December 2018, LI participated in unauthorized SIM Swaps with his co-conspirators that targeted at least forty phone numbers.

On November 10, 2018, Victim A’s telephone number was swapped to the Apple iPhone 8, which LI kept in his dorm room at a university in California.  The SIM swap caused the transmission of a series of writings, signs, signals, and sounds that traveled in interstate commerce, including between the States of Florida, Louisiana, and California.  Thereafter, LI and his co-conspirators gained access to Victim A’s email accounts and cryptocurrency accounts.  Thereafter, one or more members of the conspiracy called Victim A and threatened to release contents of his email account unless Victim A paid a 100 Bitcoin ransom.  Ultimately, they were able to steal approximately $57,117.50 worth of cryptocurrency before Victim A was able to regain control of his accounts.  LI’s participation in a SIM Swap of another individual on December 4, 2018, caused that victim to lose approximately $4,000.  In total, between July 19, 2018, and December 6, 2018, LI participated in unauthorized SIM Swaps with his co-conspirators that targeted at least forty victims.  In about March 2019, LI sold his Apple iPhone 8 to a friend, E.W; law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant on LI’s dorm room in the San Diego, California area on about June 14, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 4, 2022, United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced STEPHONE BRIDGES to 64 months in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

BRIDGES was charged on November 19, 2021 in a one-count indictment with possessing a Glock 49x 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a red transparent magazine with 18 live rounds while being a convicted felon. BRIDGES’s term of imprisonment will be followed by three (3) years of supervised release and the court ordered him to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is 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.

U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THEODORE KURZ, age 72, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 4, 2022 for mortgage fraud by the Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. KURZ was sentenced to time served, 5 years of supervised release, $751,900 in restitution, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, KURZ obtained mortgages for three properties through the State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, Office of Community Development.  He then forged mortgage cancellations that he filed with the Orleans Parish Clerk of Court to falsely make it appear that the loans had been satisfied.  KURZ then obtained mortgages through a different lender, falsely claiming that there were no outstanding mortgages or liens on the properties.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of General Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA, a/k/a “Fernando A. Lopez”, a/k/a “Juan C. Martinez”, a/k/a “Oscar Flores”, a/k/a “Martin Peralta”, a/k/a “Juan Castaneda”, age 54, was charged on August 4, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, JUAN MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA (“MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on February 3, 2003.  If convicted, MARTINEZ-CASTANEDA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that SANTOS RAMOS-CASTILLO, a/k/a “Santos Ramos-Espinoza”, age 36, was charged on August 4, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, SANTOS RAMOS-CASTILLO (“RAMOS-CASTILLO”) reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 16, 2015.  If convicted, RAMOS-CASTILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

U.S. Attorney 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.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEISHAN WILSON, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on August 4, 2022 for embezzling the mail.

According to documents filed in federal court, WILSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler at the processing center in New Orleans when she was apprehended stealing the content of mail items she was entrusted to handle for the Postal Service.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 JOSHUA REED, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a gun after having been convicted of a felony offense before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

According to court records, New Orleans Police Department officers approached REED at a gas station in New Orleans East.  During a search of his vehicle, the officers found a Glock pistol, which REED admitted that he possessed.  REED also acknowledged that he had previously been convicted of burglary, which is a felony offense.

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

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LOUIS BELLS, JR., age 21, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 2, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, BELLS was arrested by law enforcement officers on November 11, 2021, after they witnessed him point a nine-millimeter pistol at a victim and then place the gun against the victim’s head. When BELLS was arrested, the gun had a round in the chamber, was off safe and in the firing position, with the firing hammer locked back.

BELLS was previously convicted of felonies for aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of heroin. BELLS faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARRETT SCURTO, age 35, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, pled guilty on August 3, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on April 28, 2021, SCURTO, a known methamphetamine distributor in Terrebonne Parish, was stopped by law enforcement while traveling on Louisiana Highway 182. A subsequent search of SCURTO’s vehicle revealed that he had 58 grams of pure methamphetamine in a hidden compartment in his trunk.

SCURTO faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to 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.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK EZELL, age 51, of Bogalusa, Louisiana pleaded guilty on August 2, 2022 before the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Louisiana, to stealing items from the mail he was entrusted to deliver as a postal employee. Sentencing is set for November 1, 2022.

According to documents filed in federal court, PATRICK EZELL was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in Bogalusa when he was apprehended stealing items from the mail he was entrusted to deliver for the U.S. Postal Service.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT B. CALLOWAY, age 62, of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017. CALLOWAY served as Executive Vice President of the bank.

According to court documents, CALLOWAY and other bank officers, including Bank President Ashton Ryan Jr. and Chief Credit Officer William Burnell, conspired together to conceal the financial condition of bank borrower Gary R. Gibbs from the First NBC Bank Board of Directors, auditors, and examiners. They falsely stated in loan documents that Gibbs was able to pay his loans with cash generated by his businesses, and they hid from the First NBC Bank Board of Directors, auditors, and examiners that Gibbs was only making his existing loan payments by getting new loans from First NBC Bank.  Ryan, Burnell, and CALLOWAY also concealed the fact that they made loans to Gibbs to keep him and his companies off of month-end reports that went to the Board, auditors, and examiners. These month-end reports listed borrowers who were not paying their loans or whose accounts were overdrawn. By keeping Gibbs and his entities off of those reports, Ryan, Burnell, and CALLOWAY were able to conceal their scheme and thereby allowing them to continue lending to Gibbs despite his inability to pay his loans. CALLOWAY also completed loan review forms that were sent to external auditors in which CALLOWAY omitted material information about Gibbs and his inability to pay his loans.

CALLOWAY pleaded guilty to a superseding bill of information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 371.  The maximum penalty that may be imposed at sentencing for this charge is up to five years in prison; a fine of up to $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gain to CALLOWAY or twice the loss to any victim; and up to three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set CALLOWAY’s sentencing for March 16, 2023.

CALLOWAY had been previously charged in this case with codefendants Ashton Ryan, Jr., William J. Burnell, First NBC Bank Senior Vice President Fred V. Beebe, and bank borrower Frank J. Adolph. Ryan, Burnell, Beebe, and Adolph are scheduled for trial before Judge Fallon on January 3, 2023. Gibbs pleaded guilty in August 2020 to a bill of information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that individuals like Mr. Robert B. Calloway who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact the security of financial institutions will be held accountable,” 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 guilty plea demonstrates that the FDIC OIG and our law enforcement partners continue to investigate and hold accountable criminals who defraud our insured financial institutions and 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 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.

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 –  The  United States  Attorney’s Office  announced that former Louisiana State Senator and Chair of State Political Party “A”, KAREN CARTER PETERSON, age 52, from New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged today before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to a one-count bill of information charging her with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2. 

According to court documents, PETERSON served as a Louisiana State Senator for the 5th District from about 2010 until about April 8, 2022, and as the Chair of State Political Party A between about 2012 and 2020.  As a Louisiana State Senator, PETERSON formed and maintained a campaign organization, the “Karen Carter Peterson Campaign Fund (“KCPCF”),” to solicit and raise campaign funds from individual and corporate donors.  The campaign funds were solicited based upon the representations and premise that the funds would be used to facilitate PETERSON’S reelection for the position of State Senator. In the course of soliciting campaign donations, PETERSON failed to disclose to potential contributors that she had already used prior contributions for her personal benefit.

In furtherance of her scheme,  PETERSON diverted, and caused her friends and associates to divert, campaign funds from the KCPCF to PETERSON’S personal use for the purpose of obtaining and using money and property from contributors to the KCPCF by means of materially false and fraudulent representations and promises for nearly seven (7) years.  She did so by writing checks drawn on the KCPCF account to her friends and associates and directing them to cash the checks at financial institutions in the New Orleans, Louisiana area and then to give PETERSON the proceeds.  Occasionally she allowed the individuals cashing the checks to keep a small portion of the proceeds.  PETERSON used the funds to pay for personal expenses unrelated to her campaign or the holding of public office, including to pay gambling-related expenses.  Further, PETERSON caused the public filing of false and misleading campaign finance reports that mischaracterized expenditures as being for legitimate purposes related to her campaign or the holding of public office, but were, in fact, unrelated to  such purposes and, instead, were diverted to PETERSON’S personal use. In total, between about November 25, 2013, and March 5, 2020, PETERSON fraudulently employed the scheme to divert and convert to her personal use approximately $94,250 that had been donated by contributors to her campaign.

Additionally, in her role as Chair of State Political Party A, PETERSON oversaw the strategic decision-making, operations, outreach, and direction of  Party A and supervised its permanent staff, including individuals who had signatory authority of State Political Party A’s financial accounts.  PETERSON exploited her position to choose entities (“ Companies”) operated by her associates, purportedly to provide campaign-related services to State Political Party A, and to determine the amount that Party A would pay each of the Companies.  PETERSON represented to State Political Party A that the payments were for a campaign purpose.  In reality, the Companies provided either no or minimal services for  State Political Party A.  PETERSON then willfully and wrongfully directed the Companies to remit a portion of the funds paid to them by State Political Party A to PETERSON through either checks drawn on the accounts of the Companies or in cash.  In total, between about October 7, 2019, and April 4, 2020, PETERSON received approximately $53,106.93 of funds from State Political Party A through this fraudulent scheme.

PETERSON faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for December 7, 2022.

The United States Attorney’s Office stated, “Since public trust is essential for a healthy, functioning government, it is likewise essential that any breaches of this trust  be  vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Our office will continue to assure the public of our unwavering commitment to identify and prosecute anyone who engages in public corruption.”

“Candidates for public office must be held to the highest standards of conduct, especially when they seek funds from the public for their campaigns. Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message to elected officials like former Louisiana State Senator Karen Carter Peterson that those who misuse campaign contributions and steal money from a political party organization for personal gain, will be held accountable,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr.  “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Metropolitan Crime Commission for their strong partnerships in helping the FBI disrupt public corruption in Louisiana." 

The United States Attorney’s Office  praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Forensic Accountant Josephine M. Beninati, CPA, CFE in this matter and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRYANT DAIGRE, age 33, of Garyville, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 28, 2022 to 120 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. 

According to court documents, DAIGRE conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Additionally, on August 15, 2020, DAIGRE possessed over 50 grams of methamphetamine in St. John the Baptist Parish. 

United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced DAIGRE to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KATIE LAROCHE, age 54, a resident of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty as charged on July 27, 2022 to a one-count bill of information charging her with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

According to court documents, LAROCHE created, owned, and operated a business, Capital City Consulting Firm, that purported to provide financial management services.  Victim 1 was a client of LAROCHE’s, and LAROCHE was responsible for performing bookkeeping, accounting, and other financial services for Victim 1 and Victim 1’s businesses.  LAROCHE had signatory authority and access to Victim 1’s bank accounts. 

From about February 2015 through March 2021, LAROCHE engaged in a scheme to defraud Victim 1 and Victim 1’s businesses by withdrawing funds from Victim 1’s accounts under false pretenses and using the funds for her own benefit.  Specifically, LAROCHE falsely represented that the funds were being used to pay federal income taxes.  When Victim 1 asked LAROCHE about the status of Victim 1’s tax obligations, LAROCHE lied to Victim 1 as a means of hiding her scheme.  LAROCHE also arranged for monthly payments to pay for an automobile insurance policy benefitting someone other than Victim 1 to be automatically withdrawn from Victim 1’s account without Victim 1’s knowledge or consent.  In total, LAROCHE embezzled $233,363.53 from Victim 1. 

LAROCHE faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Judge Sarah S. Vance scheduled the sentencing hearing for October 19, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and Jordan Ginsberg are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STERLING ROBINSON, also known as “Scooter,” age 31, a resident of New Orleans , was sentenced to  twenty years imprisonment on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Ten years of the sentence was for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), to be run consecutive to another ten years imprisonment for obstruction of justice in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1512(c)(2).  ROBINSON is also required to pay a total of $200 in mandatory special assessment fees.

ROBINSON was convicted after a federal jury trial. Testimony and evidence at trial proved that he possessed a firearm and ammunition on March 13, 2020 when he fired five rounds at a vehicle his girlfriend was driving with her young son in the backseat. He then obstructed justice on recorded phone calls from jail where he tried to influence the victim, his girlfriend,  to change her story and tell authorities someone else shot at her.

According to court records, ROBINSON was previously convicted of a federal felony charge for being in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. At the time of  the current offense, ROBINSON was still on supervised release with U.S. Probation after having served a five-year sentence for that previous conviction.

ROBINSON faced up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. For obstruction of justice, he faced up to twenty years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The Honorable U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon presided over the case.

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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. and Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANITA WILLENE HOBDY, age 68, from LaPlace, pled guilty on July 21, 2022 to wire fraud, stemming from fraudulent charges made from First Baptist Church of LaPlace.

The government previously charged HOBDY in a one-count bill of information with wire fraud involving conduct from 2015 through 2021. According to court documents, HOBDY worked as a bookkeeper for a church’s daycare and embezzled over $175,000 from church accounts during that period.

HOBDY faces up to twenty years in prison. HOBDY 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 HOBDY or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee .

The Honorable Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for October 27, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Secret Service and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAVONTE RICHARD, age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2022 to (1) year of probation for Theft of Mail by a Postal Service employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.

According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”) received complaints from the public concerning missing parcels received by the Johnson Post Office in Metairie, that were later determined to be entrusted to RICHARD. On November 14, 2019, USPS-OIG Special Agents placed a package in the mail to be processed and delivered by RICHARD while on her route. The item was a mail package addressed to a fictitious person and address from another fictitious person and address. While on her route, RICHARD opened the package. Shortly after, USPS-OIG Special Agents stopped RICHARD and observed her retaping the package. RICHARD later admitted to opening the package and removing it from the mail.  

United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced RICHARD to (1) year of probation, 100 hours of community service and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOSEPH REED, age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2022 to one (1) year and a day in the Bureau of Prisons for committing Attempted Bank Robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).

According to court documents, on October 9, 2021, REED attempted to rob the Chase Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana. REED entered the bank on foot and slipped a note underneath the protective glass. The note stated the following: “I only want $3,000 all in hundreds don’t take long or try anything on my way out cause someone will be here for you Tuesday.” The victim teller was unable to dispense the cash requested by the suspect. The suspect then removed his phone from his pocket and appeared to try and take a photograph of the victim teller. The Jefferson Parish Crime Laboratory matched fingerprints recovered from the demand note to that of REED.

United States Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced REED to one (1) year and a day in the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. REED was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force as well as officers with the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Maestri is handling the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JOSH TAPP, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, to 130 months in the Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846, and possessing an AK-47 in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c). TAPP will be on supervised release for three years following his release from prison and must pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee.

TAPP pleaded guilty on October 19, 2021.  In his factual basis, TAPP admitted to regularly supplying heroin to another member of his drug trafficking conspiracy who would then sell the heroin in Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans 

Pursuant to an indictment in this case, law enforcement agents attempted to arrest TAPP at his home in Slidell, Louisiana, on February 26, 2019.  Upon learning of the police presence, TAPP barricaded the front door, forcing agents to enter through the rear of the house.  After detaining TAPP, agents located an AK-47, scales, baggies, multiple pressing devices, blenders, and substances used to cut heroin.

TAPP was already on federal supervised release for a previous drug conviction at the time of his arrest in this case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is 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.

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Gang Task Force.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LARRY WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 49, of New Orleans, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-eight (38).

According to documents filed in federal court, WILLIAMS admitted he conspired with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and Genetta Isreal (“Isreal”) to stage an accident on June 12, 2017, that occurred on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaud and WILLIAMS planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told WILLIAMS that he had an attorney who would handle everything. WILLIAMS recruited Isreal and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme. WILLIAMS then borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Labeaud operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and WILLIAMS got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. WILLIAMS told the New Orleans Police Department that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, Labeaud introduced WILLIAMS and Isreal to Attorney A.     

WILLIAMS and Isreal were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Attorney A. Attorney A told WILLIAMS that he would get more money if he had shoulder surgery. On June 12, 2018, Attorney A’s law partner, Attorney B, filed the Larry Williams lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Attorney B demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for Isreal. After the suit was filed, WILLIAMS and Isreal each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Attorney B.

United States District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced WILLIAMS to 3 months imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release.  Additionally, WILLIAMS was ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and restitution of $28,816.64.  Restitution was imposed jointly and severally with the other co-conspirators.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KAREEM MADISON, age 28, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an 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 December 9, 2021, MADISON and co-defendant Kyle Armstrong were stopped by law enforcement after using a United States Postal Service (“USPS”) “Arrow Key” to make unlawful entry into three blue collection boxes at the Metairie Main Post Office located in Metairie, LA. Armstrong removed the U.S. mail articles from the boxes and placed them into a duffel bag while MADISON stood near the corner of a nearby strip mall. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement observed a black Glock Model 26 handgun with an extended magazine lying on the ground just below the driver's door of the vehicle where MADISON was sitting. Investigators also observed a black Adidas duffel bag containing a significant amount of U.S. mail matter on the floorboard of the vehicle. A search of the black duffel bag led to the discovery of approximately 424 pieces of stolen U.S. mail and approximately 20 checks stolen from the Greater New Orleans area and Metairie. Prior to this, MADISON knew he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

MADISON 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KYLE ARMSTRONG, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 20, 2022 before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with theft or receipt of stolen mail matter in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1708 and 2 and with unlawful possession of a postal key in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1704 and 2, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on December 9, 2021, ARMSTRONG and co-defendant Kareem Madison were stopped by law enforcement after using a United States Postal Service (“USPS”) “Arrow Key” to make unlawful entry into three blue collection boxes at the Metairie Main Post Office located in Metairie, LA. ARMSTRONG removed the U.S. mail articles from the boxes and placed them into a duffel bag while Madison stood near the corner of a nearby strip mall. After stopping the vehicle, law enforcement observed a black Adidas duffel bag containing a significant amount of U.S. mail matter on the floorboard of the vehicle. A search of the black duffel bag led to the discovery of approximately 424 pieces of stolen U.S. mail and approximately 20 checks stolen from the Greater New Orleans area and Metairie.

For count 1, ARMSTRONG faces a maximum term of five (5) 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. For count 2, ARMSTRONG faces a maximum term of 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that STACIE WHEATEN (“S. WHEATEN”), age 51, of Fairburn, Georgia, pled guilty on July 21, 2022 to count one (1) of her indictment, charging Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss four 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. Today’s guilty plea bring the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe to 38.

According to court documents, S. WHEATEN served as an intermediary who recruited and directed passengers to participate in staged automobile collisions with tractor-trailers on May 17, 2017 and June 6, 2017.  The passengers in these collisions filed fraudulent lawsuits that falsely claimed that the tractor-trailers were at fault.  S. WHEATEN coordinated with co-conspirators including “slammer” Damian Labeaud and attorney Patrick Keating to arrange the staged collisions.  

The Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing in this matter for October 26, 2022.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria 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.

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WASHINGTON – A former police chief in Amite City and current Amite City councilmember pleaded guilty yesterday in New Orleans, Louisiana, to criminally violating federal election laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election. 

According to court documents, Jerry Trabona, 72, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 49, a current Amite City councilmember, pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay and offering to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting in the 2016 open primary election and the 2016 open general election. Trabona and Hart admitted that they agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters during contests in which the defendants were candidates, and in which federal candidates appeared on the same ballot.

In addition to the conspiracy with Trabona, Hart pleaded guilty to three counts of paying and offering to pay voters during both the 2016 and 2020 elections. In both elections, Hart was running for the seat he currently holds on the Amite City Council.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that illegal voting, including vote buying, has no place in our nation’s electoral system,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“We must have fair elections, free from the taint of corruption, to ensure a fully functional government,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Safeguarding the voting process is of paramount importance to our office and the Department of Justice.”

“Providing a voter with money or something of value in exchange for voting is a federal crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s guilty pleas sends a clear message that individuals like former Amite Chief of Police Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kris Hart, who engaged in voter fraud, will be held accountable. We thank our partners at the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Louisiana for helping disrupt voter fraud and continuing to protect the right to vote.” 

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 and face up to five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.

Trial Attorneys Michael N. Lang and Rosaleen T. O’Gara of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

A former police chief in Amite City and a current Amite City Councilmember pleaded guilty yesterday in New Orleans, Louisiana, to criminally violating federal election laws as part of a conspiracy to pay, or offer to pay, voters for voting in a federal election. 

According to court documents, Jerry Trabona, 72, the former Chief of Police in Amite City, and Kristian “Kris” Hart, 49, a current Amite City Councilmember, pleaded guilty to conspiring to pay and offering to pay voters residing in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, for voting in the 2016 open primary election and the 2016 open general election. Trabona and Hart admitted that they agreed with each other and others to pay or offer to pay voters during contests in which the defendants were candidates, and in which federal candidates appeared on the same ballot.

In addition to the conspiracy with Trabona, Hart pleaded guilty to three counts of paying and offering to pay voters during both the 2016 and 2020 elections. In both elections, Hart was running for the seat he currently holds on the Amite City Council.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that illegal voting, including vote buying, has no place in our nation’s electoral system,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“We must have fair elections, free from the taint of corruption, to ensure a fully functional government,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Safeguarding the voting process is of paramount importance to our office and the Department of Justice.”

“Providing a voter with money or something of value in exchange for voting is a federal crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “Today’s guilty pleas sends a clear message that individuals like former Amite Chief of Police Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kris Hart, who engaged in voter fraud, will be held accountable. We thank our partners at the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana for helping disrupt voter fraud and continuing to protect the right to vote.” 

Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 1 and face up to five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office.

Trial Attorneys Michael N. Lang and Rosaleen T. O’Gara of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Irene González for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOHN GUILLORY III, a/k/a “Tunie,” age 51,  JOHN PETRIE, age 38, DEVIN JOHNSON, age 36, and SHAWN MAJOR, JR., a/k/a “G-Shawn,” age 22, residents of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, and LARRY MOSES, age 37, a resident of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana were charged on July 14, 2022, in a fourteen-count indictment by a federal grand jury. Charges include conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; distribution of fentanyl and crack; possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana; felon in possession of firearms; and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

GUILLORY III is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of marijuana , in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D).  He’s also charged with distribution of 28 grams or more of crack and fentanyl, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C); possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); and being a felon in possession of a firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). 

If convicted of the conspiracy count, distribution of 28 grams or more of crack count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, GUILLORY III faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count.  For the distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, GUILLORY III faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

PETRIE is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, and marijuana; and being a felon in possession of a firearms. 

If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, PETRIE faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of  forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count.  For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine count, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, PETRIE faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

JOHNSON is charged with conspiring to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, and a quantity of marijuana. He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana.

If convicted of the conspiracy count, and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack count, JOHNSON faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to a maximum of  forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count.  For the possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code, or $250,000 on each count. For each count he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

MAJOR, JR. is charged with conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana.  He’s also charged with possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a quantity of crack, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of marijuana, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm.

If convicted of the conspiracy count, and the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or  more of heroin counts, MAJOR, JR. faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count.  For the possession with intent to distribute crack, and methamphetamine counts, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment for each count.  For the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count, he faces not more than 5 years, a fine not to exceed the greater of that authorized in accordance with the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code or $250,000.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and a person convicted of domestic violence in possession of a firearm, MAJOR, JR. faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release on each count. For each count, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

MOSES is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. If convicted, MOSES faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each count, he faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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.

This case was investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, and U.S. Border Patrol.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIERRA HUDSON, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty to obstruction of mail in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1701 on July 15, 2022. HUDSON was sentenced to five years’ probation, 100 hours of community service, a $1,000.00 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

According to court documents, HUDSON was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and was assigned to work at the Central Carrier Station, New Orleans, LA 70122. From May 2020 through July 2020, HUDSON knowingly and willfully obstructed the passage of mail in that she unlawfully secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 640 First Class postcards and 573 pieces of political mail that were recovered from a residential trash can. HUDSON also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately two First Class letters, 535 advertising flyers, and 20 nonprofit small parcels in the trunk of her personal vehicle.

This case was investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”).  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RAYDELL SCOTT, age 45, of Mount Airy, Louisiana, pled guilty on June 14, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine, obstruction of justice, and felon in possession of a firearm. 

Specifically, on July 13, 2022, SCOTT pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a quantity of heroin, a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, one count of obstruction of justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1512(c)(1), and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). 

According to court documents, SCOTT conspired with others to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  On April 12, 2019, SCOTT attempted to destroy a quantity of heroin, although the heroin was later seized by law enforcement.  Additionally, on May 30, 2019, SCOTT possessed a Ruger P89 9 mm caliber firearm.

On the drug count, SCOTT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  On the obstruction of justice count, SCOTT faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Finally, on the felon in possession count, SCOTT faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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 works 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.

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 in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that LUIS ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO, a/k/a “Armando Luis Gutierrez”, a/k/a “Luis Gutierrez”, a/k/a “Enrique Sausedo”, and a/k/a “Luis E. Sausedo”, age 41, was charged in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, LUIS ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO (“GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on July 25, 2013.  If convicted, GUTIERREZ-SAUSEDO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of up to one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that COI MORRIS, age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana was indicted on July 14, 2022 for embezzling the mail.

According to documents filed in federal court, COI MORRIS was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail handler at the processing center in New Orleans when he was apprehended stealing the content of mail items he was entrusted to handle for the Postal Service.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENALDO RUFFIN, age 29, of New Orleans, pled guilty on July 12, 2022 to violations of the Federal Gun Control Act. 

Specifically, on July 12, 2022, RUFFIN pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). 

Based on court records, RUFFIN possessed a GlockModel 23 .40 caliber S&W semiautomatic handgun on or about August 30, 2020.  Additionally, RUFFIN possessed 5.56 caliber ammunition on January 24, 2022. 

On each count, RUFFIN faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

WASHINGTON – A Louisiana woman was sentenced on July 12, 2022 to 40 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States.

According to court documents, Carlanda Isaac, of New Orleans, worked for Pelican Income Tax and Bookkeeping Services LLC, and later for Taxes by J.A.D.A., another tax preparation business. Isaac, together with others, sought inflated tax refunds for clients by claiming on their return’s false income, withholding and education credits. Isaac charged her clients a fee for preparing false tax returns.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry ordered Isaac to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $283,378 in restitution to the United States.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.

IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Jessica Kraft of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana prosecuted the case.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MORGAN BURL III, age 42, of Houma, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 13, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Specifically, on July 13, 2022, BURL pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  BURL also pled guilty to one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). 

According to court documents, BURL conspired with others to sell over 500 grams of cocaine, over 100 grams of heroin, over 40 grams of fentanyl, and over 5 grams of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  In addition, on May 30, 2019, BURL possessed nine firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, specifically, (1) a Kel Tec semiautomatic pistol; (2) a AR-15 .22 caliber rifle; (3) a Taurus .45 caliber pistol; (4) a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm; (5) a Jimenez 9mm semiautomatic firearm; (6) a Titan .25 caliber firearm; (7) a Norinco assault rifle; (8) a Sears & Roebuck 12 gauge shotgun; and (9) a 410 pump shotgun. 

On the drug conspiracy count, BURL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least 4 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  On the firearms offense, BURL faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

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.

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 in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  The  United States  Attorney’s Office  announced that former Louisiana State Senator and Chair of State Political Party “A”,KAREN CARTER PETERSON, age 52, from New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. 

According to court documents, PETERSON served as a Louisiana State Senator for the 5th District from about 2010 until about April 8, 2022, and as the Chair of State Political Party A between about 2012 and 2020.  As a Louisiana State Senator, PETERSON formed and maintained a campaign organization, the “Karen Carter Peterson Campaign Fund (“KCPCF”),” to solicit and raise campaign funds from individual and corporate donors.  The campaign funds were solicited based upon  the representations and premise that the funds would be used to facilitate PETERSON’S reelection for the position of State Senator.  In furtherance of her scheme,  PETERSON diverted, and caused her friends and associates to divert, campaign funds from the KCPCF to PETERSON’S personal use for the purpose of obtaining and using money and property from contributors to the KCPCF by means of materially false and fraudulent representations and promises for nearly seven (7) years.  She did so by writing checks drawn on the KCPCF account to her friends and associates and directing them to cash the checks and then to give most or all of the proceeds to her.  PETERSON used the funds to pay for personal expenses unrelated to her campaign or the holding of public office, including to pay gambling-related expenses, and, in the course of soliciting additional contributions, failed to disclose to potential contributors that PETERSON had already used funds contributed to the KCPCF for her personal benefit.  Further, PETERSON caused the public filing of false and misleading campaign finance reports that mischaracterized expenditures as being for legitimate purposes related to her campaign or the holding of public office, but were, in fact, unrelated to  such purposes and, instead, were diverted to PETERSON’S personal use.

Additionally, in her role as Chair of State Political Party A, PETERSON oversaw the strategic decision-making, operations, outreach, and direction of  Party A and supervised its permanent staff, including individuals who had signatory authority of State Political Party A’s financial accounts.  PETERSON exploited her position to choose entities (“ Companies”) operated by her associates, purportedly to provide campaign-related services to State Political Party A, and to determine the amount that Party A would pay each of the Companies.  In fact, the Companies provided either no or minimal services for  State Political Party A.  PETERSON then directed the Companies to remit a portion of the funds paid to them by State Political Party A to PETERSON through either checks drawn on the accounts of the Companies or in cash.

If convicted, PETERSON faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office  praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and Forensic Accountant Josephine M. Beninati, CPA, CFE in this matter and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KEVIN HART, age 31, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, was charged on July 12, 2022 in a one-count bill of information with obstruction of mail, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, HART was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Carrier Associate and was assigned to work at the Johnson Street Post Office in  Metairie, Louisiana, 70001. On or about July 1, 2021, HART knowingly and willfully did obstruct and retard the passage of the mail in that he unlawfully secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 236 pieces of mail that were recovered from a dumpster in Metairie.

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

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of up to six (6) months imprisonment, up to a $5,000 fine or the greater of twice the gross grain to defendant or twice to gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHEON COPPRUE, age 52, of New Orleans, was sentenced to sixteen and a half years in prison on charges relating to drug trafficking, firearm possession, and bribery.

COPPRUE previously pled guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. COPPRUE also pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), and bribery of a public official, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 201(b)(1).

According to court documents, COPPRUE conspired with several California-based drug dealers, including codefendants Allen EDGERSON and Rachel CESARIO, to ship large quantities of methamphetamine from California to New Orleans. COPPRUE also bribed codefendant TONYA CALVIN, a postal worker, to deliver the drug-filled packages to him in New Orleans. COPPRUE, who was a felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, was caught with four firearms that he kept at his home and another address where he stored narcotics. All of COPPRUE’s co-defendants have already pled guilty, and all but CALVIN have already been sentenced. EDGERSON was sentenced to over seventeen years in prison, and CESARIO to five years in prison.

Today,  U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced COPPRUE to a 198-month   term of imprisonment  or sixteen and a half years, a mandatory special assessment  fee of $300, and five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CURTIS JOHNSON, JR., 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Lance Africk for his role in the December 2013 armed robbery of a Loomis armored vehicle at Chase Bank, 2331 S. Carrollton, Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, which resulted in the death of Loomis guard Hector Trochez. 

JOHNSON,  was found guilty by a jury at trial in March 2022 of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery, aiding and abetting the commission of a Hobbs Act Robbery, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of Hobbs Act robbery. 

JOHNSON was sentenced to 600 months imprisonment, a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment, a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $277,000.

According to court documents, on the morning of December 18, 2013, JOHNSON, along with co-defendants, Lilbear George, Chukwudi Ofomata, and Jeremy Esteves, robbed a Loomis armored vehicle as it was making a delivery of approximately $265,000 to the Chase Bank at the intersection of S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Avenues.  As the Loomis guard, Hector Trochez, prepared to make the delivery, George and Ofomata, both armed, exited the vehicle (a Chevy Tahoe stolen by George in preparation for the robbery), and ordered Trochez to give up the money.  Trochez pulled his weapon and fired at the robbers.  Ofomata and George fired their weapons in Trochez’s direction.  JOHNSON fired at the Loomis truck to keep the driver inside. Trochez was fatally struck on the left side of his forehead and suffered a graze wound to his elbow. One of the robbers ran towards the rear of the Loomis truck and took possession of the money bag before re-entering the Tahoe.  The robbers then fled the Chase Bank parking lot.  

A witness seated in a vehicle at the corner of S. Claiborne and S. Carrollton Avenues observed the shooting and provided a description of the shooters and the vehicle they occupied.  That witness followed the Chevy Tahoe as it fled the location of the shooting/robbery.  During the vehicle’s flight, one of the shooters fired at the witness’s vehicle in an attempt to deter the witness from following.  The witness observed the Chevy Tahoe arrive in the 1700 block of Adams Street and saw the four robbers exit the Chevy Tahoe and enter the awaiting Honda Accord driven by co-defendant Robert Brumfield, III.  The Honda Accord fled the Adams Street location, leaving the Chevy Tahoe behind.

In November 2019, Esteves and Brumfield were found guilty by a jury at trial, and later sentenced to 600 months imprisonment and 240 months imprisonment, respectively.  In 2021, George and Ofomata pleaded guilty and were both sentenced to a 480-month term of imprisonment.  Co-defendant Jasmine Theophile, the former girlfriend of Lilbear George, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and was sentenced to a five (5) year term of probation, which included six months in the custody of a halfway house. 

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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the New Orleans Police Department and the Louisiana State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany L. Reed, Gregory M. Kennedy, and Inga Petrovich prosecuted the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA –  On July 12, 2022, United States District Court Judge Greg Guidry sentenced WAYNE TRICHE, 72, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to forty-one (41) months imprisonment, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  Triche pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1), respectively.  Triche was ordered to pay $937,658.77 restitution to the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund, $329,895.00 to the Internal Revenue Service, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  Upon release from imprisonment, he will serve a one  (1) year term of supervised release.

According to Court documents, TRICHE was responsible for managing a portion of the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund’s (“NOFPRF”) investments.  Rather than return the profits earned to the NOPRF, TRICHE embezzled approximately $937,658.77 and used those funds for personal expenses such as a civil court judgment, credit card charges, and gambling.  The tax fraud charges stem from TRICHE’s failure to claim the embezzled funds on his personal income tax returns, resulting in tax due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $329,895.00.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals like Mr. Wayne Triche who commit financial crimes to enrich themselves will be held accountable,” said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. “We thank our partners at the United States Attorney's Office Eastern District of Louisiana and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation for helping disrupt fraud and bringing justice to the victims.”

"Today's sentencing exemplifies the patience and long arm of the law in its pursuit of financial fraud and criminal tax violations," said James E. Dorsey, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI’s Atlanta Field Office.  "Mr. Wayne Triche perpetuated an elaborate scheme driven by his insatiable greed and a blatant disregard for the tremendous damage inflicted on the New Orleans Firefighters Pension and Relief Fund  and its members.  Be assured that IRS Criminal Investigation, together with our federal partners, will hold those who engage in similar behavior fully accountable."

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that   RODNEY ROUSSELL (“ROUSSELL”), age 40, of Belle Rose, Louisiana, was sentenced on July 12, 2022 for Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).

The case against ROUSSELL began as a result of a complaint from a New Orleans company (“Company A”) to the FBI. According to documents filed in federal court, in August, 2017, ROUSSELL began working for Company A through a work re-entry program for persons with criminal records. Company A’s operational headquarters was in New Orleans, Louisiana, and they maintained a business account with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”).

As Company A’s employee, ROUSSELL did not have access to Company A’s Chase Bank account, and was not authorized to make payments of any kind using funds in the account. Beginning in or about April 2018, and continuing until in or about June 2018, ROUSSELL utilized Chase Bank’s web portal and mobile banking app to transfer money from Company A’s account to accounts held by ROUSSELL, including MC & Associates Management, Inc.  In total, ROUSSELL  illegally obtained $213,372.05 from Company A’s Chase Bank account.

U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced ROUSSELL to seventy (70) months imprisonment, followed by five (5) years of supervised release, a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee, and ordered ROUSSELL to pay restitution in the amount of $213,372.05 to Company A.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also 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 Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DEVIN WEAVER, age 30, of New Orleans, was found guilty after a two-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk. 

The jury found WEAVER guilty as charged as to all three counts in the Superseding Indictment.  The Superseding Indictment charged WEAVER in Count 1 with carjacking, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1), in Count 2 with brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), and in Count 3 with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  He will be sentenced on October 19, 2022.  As to Count 1, WEAVER faces a maximum sentence of fifteen (15) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As to Count 2, WEAVER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven (7) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  Finally, for Count 3, WEAVER faces a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to witness testimony, on August 21, 2019, WEAVER and a co-defendant, Tommie Mango, carjacked a woman in the 2000 block of Jackson Avenue.  The defendants attempted to obscure their identity by wearing wigs and masks.  The victim was ordered from her vehicle at gunpoint, punched and forced to the ground.  WEAVER and Mango then left the scene in the victim’s Jeep Cherokee, which contained cell phones and other personal belongings.  Through tracking the victims’ cell phones minutes after the incident, both defendants were quickly located and apprehended by law enforcement. 

Mango previously pleaded guilty to carjacking and brandishing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2022.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Inga Petrovich and Gregory M. Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Violent Crime Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARIUS PATIN, age 34, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 7, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, PATIN was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Carrier and was assigned to work at Carrollton Station, New Orleans, LA 70118. On or about April 28, 2021, PATIN secreted, destroyed, detained, and delayed approximately 1,377 pieces of mail that were recovered from a dumpster in an apartment complex. PATIN also unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed approximately nine First Class letters, eight standard letters, four standard flats, and two periodicals in his personal vehicle.

PATIN pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with delay or destruction of mail. He faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 7, 2022, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ALTON COOKS to 115 months in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

COOKS was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with possessing a Taurus Model PT111 Pro, nine-millimeter pistol while being a convicted felon.  COOKS will serve 115 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is 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.

U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL R. MATHERNE (“MATHERNE”), age 62, of Slidell, Louisiana was sentenced on June 7, 2022 to serve six (6) months in federal prison after pleading guilty as charged to an indictment for Theft of Federal Funds on July 22, 2021.  Additionally, the Court ordered MATHERNE to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), an agency of the United States, operated the Retirement Survivor Insurance Benefit program (“RSI Program”). The purpose of the RSI Program is to provide benefits to certain persons, including widows and widowers, in their retirement.

Following the death of his spouse, MATHERENE never advised the SSA of his spouse’s death and continued depositing the spouse’s SSA checks into their joint bank account. From December 2012 through March 2019, MATHERNE received monthly SSA benefits totaling approximately $75,838, which he deposited into their bank account and used for his living expenses.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LUIS ANTONIO CRUZ-SANCHEZ a/k/a “Lebardo Rojas”, age 36, a native of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 7, 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 Jay C. Zainey sentenced CRUZ-SANCHEZ to a probationary term of three (3) months and a $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on or about March 30, 2022, CRUZ-SANCHEZ presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana. CRUZ-SANCHEZ 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 another individual.        

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRANDON SMITH, age 27 of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty, on June 6, 2022, as charged to violating the Federal Gun Control Act. The single count indictment was for possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(8) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, SMITH was issued a domestic violence protective order by a magistrate in Orleans Parish on June 1, 2020. That order restrained him from harassing, stalking, or threating an intimate partner, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury. It also prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Investigators discovered SMITH possessed a 7.62mm “Draco” firearm and ammunition on December 23, 2020, while the domestic violence order was still in place.

The sentencing in this matter is set for October 12, 2022. SMITH faces a maximum of ten  (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, a maximum of three (3) years supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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 works 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on July 7, 2022 JAMES HEIGLE, 40, from St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty to counts four, five, and six of the superseding indictment for false declarations before a grand jury, felon in possession of a firearm, and violent felon in possession of body armor.  HEIGLE was initially indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on July 1, 2021.

Between May 8 – 29, 2019, HEIGLE possessed multiple firearms and a bullet-proof vest.  Before May 2019, he was convicted of a violent felony in Jefferson Parish, which precluded him from possessing firearms and a bullet-proof vest.

At sentencing for count four, false declarations before a grand jury, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1623.

At sentencing for count five, felon in possession of a firearm, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

At sentencing for count six, violent felon in possession of body armor, HEIGLE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 931 and 924(a)(7).

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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