Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEITH JENKINS, age 35, of Gonzales, pled guilty as charged on May 31, 2022 to a two count indictment, that  charged him with participating in a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846 and the possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B). 

JENKINS will be sentenced on August 30, 2022 and will face a sentence of ten (10) years up  to life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on the conspiracy charge and from five (5) up to forty (40) years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for the possession with the intent to distribute charge.  

This case was investigated by members of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BROCK TAYLOR GUILLOT, age 24, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged on Thursday, May 26, 2022, by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a one-count indictment with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(4)(B). 

GUILLOT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years.  GUILLOT also faces up to a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, a mandatory $100 special assessment fee,  and he can be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that defendant JAMAL BAZLEY, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 26, 2022 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 80 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee after previously pleading guilty to Count Two of a three-count indictment. 

Count Two charged BAZLEY with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(a)(2). According to court documents, on June 2, 2020, investigators arrested BAZLEY and his co-defendant for being felons in possession of firearms.  Law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by BAZLEY; however, he refused to stop and fled into the parking lot of a Home Depot located near the intersection of S. Claiborne Ave. and Earhart Blvd in New Orleans, LA.  The vehicle proceeded into the gated parking lot, and attempted to evade law enforcement.  BAZLEY and the two other vehicle occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  Once the scene was secure, investigators observed a rifle and two handguns within the immediate area of the vehicle, as well as ski masks and a pair of gloves on the front passenger floorboard of the vehicle. 

This case was 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 Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RONNIE DAVIS, age 27, a resident of Orleans Parish, was charged on May 26, 2022 in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, DAVIS, knowing that he had been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year in the State of Louisiana, did knowingly possess two firearms, a Taurus 9 mm handgun and a Century Arms "Draco" style 7.62 rifle.

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

This case is 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 reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Mike Trummel.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ODAI WIRELESS, LLC d/b/a ELITE WIRELESS, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on May 26, 2022 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna Phillips Currault to one-count of copyright infringement.

According to court records, ODAI WIRELESS, LLC, d/b/a “ELITE WIRELESS” infringed the copyright of three fashion designers, Gucci, Supreme and Burberry, when it attempted to import for resale and distribution approximately 1,200 counterfeit cloth masks without the authorization of the three fashion designer copyright holders.

ODAI WIRELESS, LLC, d/b/a “ELITE WIRELESS” faces a fine of up to $200,000.00 or up to twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss to any victim. There is also a $125.00 mandatory special assessment fee due after conviction. Sentencing is scheduled for September 7, 2022 before Judge Currault.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CESAR LOPEZ-MATA (LOPEZ-MATA), age 27, a citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty on May 26, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe to a one count bill of information charging him with misuse of a Social Security Number, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). 

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

LOPEZ-MATA faces a possible sentence of up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing is set for August 18, 2022.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Thursday, May 26, 2022, that DEAMONTE BROWN, age 21, resident of New Orleans, LA, pled guilty as charged on May 26, 2022 to a one-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm.   

Specifically, BROWN is charged with possessing two firearms on June 10, 2021, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(2), and 2.  BROWN 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 special assessment fee of $100.00.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 18, 2022.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ACDANE CAMPBELL, age 25, a resident of Jamaica, was sentenced on May 26, 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan to serve 10 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to a one count indictment for Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud.

According to the indictment, from in or around August 2016, CAMPBELL and others, conspired to obtain money unlawfully by falsely informing elderly victims that they had won a lottery, sweepstakes, or car. The unidentified co-conspirators telephoned   the victims, promising them that they would receive their winnings if they first paid taxes and fees.

After being instructed by the unidentified co-conspirators that they needed to send payments to CAMPBELL, the victims would send their payments electronically through either a money services business, FedEx or the United States Postal Service. Working as a “money mule,” CAMPBELL either kept the money that he received from the victims or sent it to unknown persons in Jamaica.

In addition to incarceration, CAMPBELL was sentenced to 1 year of supervised release, ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100, to perform 100 hours of community service, and to pay restitution in the amount of $107,747.97. He is also subject to deportation to Jamaica after incarceration.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step.  Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. eastern time. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAMSID-DEEN HABEEBULLAH, age 45, a resident of California, was sentenced on May 26, 2022 to 46 months of incarceration for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On February 14, 2021, HABEEBULLAH entered a gun range in St. Bernard Parish and rented two firearms before firing them at the range. Prior to renting the firearms, HABEEBULLAH filled out a waiver stating that he had not been convicted of a felony and was not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. However, HABEEBUALLAH has been convicted six times in the past, including once for bank robbery and twice for drug distribution.

HABEEBULLAH will be under supervised release for two (2) years following his term of incarceration and was also assessed 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

The case was investigated by the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case was by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on May 25, 2022 DONIESHA GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 31, of New Orleans, Louisiana and ERICA LEE THOMPSON (“ERICA LEE”), age 47, of Harvey, Louisiana, were sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile collisions with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to documents filed in federal court, GIBSON and ERICA LEE, along with their co-conspirators and others, beginning in approximately as early as 2015 and continuing through the present, conspired to commit wire fraud in connection with staged accidents, including two that occurred on October 15, 2015,  and September 6, 2017.  Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” is thirty-seven (37).

GIBSON admitted to being a passenger in a staged accident on October 15, 2015.   On that day, her former co-defendant intentionally drove a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned by GIBSON into a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510.   GIBSON retained an attorney and thereafter made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.00.

ERICA LEE admitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, she was a passenger in a 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashed into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express.  ERICA LEE retained counsel and made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.

 In total, the victim trucking, bus, and insurance companies paid out approximately $707,500.00 for these two fraudulent claims orchestrated by the defendants and others.

United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced GIBSON to seventeen (17) months incarceration, followed by a three(3) year term of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $677,500.00, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.  THOMPSON was sentenced to three (3) years probation, restitution in the amount of $121,076.75, 100 hours of community service, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LAKISHA WILLIAMS, age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced today to nine years in prison by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe for charges stemming from her participation in a credit card fraud ring that operated in the New Orleans area. WILLIAMS had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of the third superseding indictment: conspiracy to commit access device fraud, possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, possession of device-making equipment, and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, WILLIAMS and her co-defendants engaged in a scheme to obtain merchandise and cash from stores through fraud. The defendants obtained stolen credit and debit card information, encoded it onto cards, and then used that information to purchase merchandise at stores. The defendants would then return the items at a different store of the same chain, but they would deceive store workers to have the chargeback credited to their own bank accounts.

Court documents also detail how WILLIAMS took flights with other co-conspirators to perform fraudulent transactions in various cities in the United States, including Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, Virginia; and Charlotte, North Carolina. WILLIAMS had pleaded guilty and admitted to causing losses between $150,000.00 and $250,000.00 through her own conduct and that of her co-conspirators.

For conspiracy to commit access device fraud, Judge Ashe sentenced WILLIAMS to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, Judge Ashe sentenced WILLIAMS to 84 months in prison and three years of supervised release. For the charge of possession of device making equipment, Judge Ashe sentenced WILLIAMS to 84 months in prison and three years of supervised release. All these sentences were ordered to run concurrently. For aggravated identity theft, Judge Ashe sentenced WILLIAMS to a mandatory two-year term in prison to be served consecutively to her other sentences, as well as a term of supervised release of one year to run concurrently with the other terms of supervised release. WILLIAMS was also required to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count. A restitution hearing to receive any evidence of additional restitution was set by Judge Ashe for August 4, 2022.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that those, like Ms. Williams, who engage in fraudulent schemes that prey on the finances of innocent victims and businesses within our community will be held accountable.” said Leslie Pichon, U.S. Secret Service New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the agencies that contributed to this conviction, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force. The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John The Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked the Franklin (TN) Police Department, the Mobile Police Department, the Gulfport Police Department, the Minnetonka (MN) Police Department, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and K. Paige O’Hale are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that TYREE JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 23, a resident of Orleans Parish, was sentenced on May 25, 2022 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.  The Honorable Ivan Lemelle sentenced JOHNSON to five years probation, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, and payment of $178,409.00 in restitution.

According to the court documents, JIMMIE JAMES (“JAMES”) conspired with JOHNSON, an employee of  United Parcel Service (UPS), to steal shipments of Apple iPhones from the UPS Customer Service Center where JOHNSON worked.  JOHNSON would over-label boxes of iPhones destined for AT&T Mobility stores with a shipping label provided to him by JAMES.  These shipping labels would cause the boxes of iPhones to be redirected to JAMES’s home or that of  an unidentified co-conspirator living in Chalmette. As a reward for over-labeling the packages, JAMES paid JOHNSON at least $3,500 through the Zelle payment application.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JIMMIE JAMES (“JAMES”), age 33, a resident of Houston, was sentenced on May 25, 2022 for conspiracy to commit mail fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.  The Honorable Ivan Lemelle sentenced JAMES to thirty (30) months in prison, three (3) years of supervised release, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, and payment of $178,409.00 in restitution.

According to court documents, JAMES conspired with TYREE JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), an employee with United Parcel Service (UPS), to steal shipments of Apple iPhones from the UPS Customer Service Center where JOHNSON worked.  JOHNSON would over-label boxes of iPhones destined for AT&T Mobility stores with a shipping label provided to him by JAMES.  These shipping labels would cause the boxes of iPhones to be redirected to JAMES’s home or an unidentified co-conspirator living in Chalmette. As a reward for over-labeling the packages, JAMES paid JOHNSON at least $3,500 through the Zelle payment application.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAYDEE ARMAS SANTANA (“SANTANA”), age 58, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to documents filed in federal court, beginning in 2015, SANTANA filed for, and became eligible for, Social Security Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) disability payments. SANTANA’s SSI application concealed an Iberia Bank account and her ownership in at least two additional pieces of real property, including one located in Miramar Beach, FL. In total, SANTANA fraudulently obtained over $31,000.00 in Social Security Administration SSI disability benefits.

U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced SANTANA to 5 years probation, Home Detention for 6 months, $31,060.61 in Restitution, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – STEPHEN LUONG, age 62, a resident of Oakland, California, was sentenced on May 25, 2022 by U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to one-hundred twenty (120) months imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, and $200.00 in mandatory special assessment fees after pleading guilty to two (2) counts of a twenty-four count superseding indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute One Thousand Kilograms or More of Marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846, and Possession with Intent to Distribute One Hundred Kilograms or More of Marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, in July 2019, a Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division Agent received information regarding a large-scale marijuana distribution ring in the metro area.  Additional investigation by agents revealed that on July 26, 2019, LUONG rented a storage facility in Metairie, Louisiana which he used to store marijuana and proceeds from the sale of marijuana.  In September of 2019, agents conducting surveillance at the facility observed LUONG deposit a bag in one of the storage units.  A subsequent traffic stop of LUONG after he exited the facility resulted in the seizure of $395,101.00 in cash.  In a post-arrest statement, LUONG admitted that he traveled by air to various states to transport money.  As agents continued their investigation, they learned that between June 2019 and August 2019, LUONG routinely shipped hundreds of pounds of marijuana from Oakland, California to the Eastern District of Louisiana, then traveled to New Orleans to obtain the proceeds of the sold marijuana and return to Oakland. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SLOANE SIGNAL-DEBOSE, age 51, a resident of Slidell, was charged on May 23, 2022 with misappropriating funds from a veteran while SIGNAL was the veteran’s fiduciary.

The government filed a one-count bill of information that charged SIGNAL with misappropriation by a veteran’s fiduciary, in violation of Title 38, United States Code, Section 6101. According to the bill of information, from 2016 until 2018 SIGNAL was a fiduciary for a veteran who needed assistance with the management of his affairs, and she had control over the veteran’s finances and bank accounts. During that time, SIGNAL took over $100,000 from the veteran’s accounts and used it as the down payment on a home for SIGNAL that was only in SIGNAL’s name. SIGNAL also used additional funds from the veteran to pay contractors working on SIGNAL’s home. SIGNAL then submitted false records to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to hide her misuse of the veteran’s funds.

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

If convicted, SIGNAL faces up to five years in prison. SIGNAL 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 SIGNAL or the gross loss to any victims, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

WASHINGTON – Empire Bulkers Limited and Joanna Maritime Limited, related companies based in Greece, pleaded guilty today to knowing violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and the Ports and Waterways Safety Act related to the Motor Vessel Joanna.  

The guilty pleas took place today in federal court in New Orleans, Louisiana, before U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon. If the proposed plea agreement is approved by the Court, the companies will be fined $2 million ($1 million each), and serve four years of probation subject to the terms of an environmental compliance plan that includes independent ship audits and supervision by a Court Appointed Monitor.

“Deliberate violation of environmental and safety laws pose a serious threat to U.S. ports and waters, as well as to those working on ships,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “These corporations knowingly engaged in dangerous and deceitful misconduct that warrants robust enforcement of the law.”

“This prosecution sends a clear and deterrent message that those who cut corners and break the law will be vigorously prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Duane Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “These companies will be under close supervision going forward.”

In pleading guilty, Empire Bulkers and Joanna Maritime admitted to knowingly falsifying the ship’s Oil Record Book, a required log, that concealed overboard discharges of oil contaminated waste made in violation of MARPOL, an international treaty to which the United States is a party. The criminal violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships was discovered by a U.S. Coast Guard inspector who noticed that a valve handle used to sample the oil content of overboard discharges was out of position during a March 2021 inspection in New Orleans, according to a joint factual statement filed in court. A metal piece found welded inside enabled overboard discharges to occur while the sample being evaluated by the Oil Content Monitor was being diluted with fresh water. A Coast Guard advisory issued in 2008 as well as a notice from the manufacturer of the monitor warned about this exact method of tricking the Oil Content Monitor. Overboard discharges are only permissible if they are processed through an Oily Water Separator and measured by the Oil Content Monitor to contain a concentration of oil less than 15 parts per million without dilution. The entries made in the Oil Record Book relating to overboard discharges and presented to the Coast Guard falsely indicated that discharges had occurred through 15 ppm equipment. The ship owner and operator also admitted that discharge entries in the Oil Record Book had been co-signed by an engineer that did not have anything to do with the operations or have knowledge of their accuracy.

The Coast Guard discovered an unreported safety hazard during the same inspection. After Coast Guard was on the vessel, ship representatives sought permission to maneuver from the Bonnet Carre Anchorage to the CCI Buoys further upriver where cargo operations were scheduled to take place. Coast Guard inspectors travelling with the ship during the voyage noticed drops of oil in the engine room. They followed the trail of oil which led near the purifier room. When they looked inside, ,the purifier room, the Coast Guard discovered that the discharge line from the pressure relief valves had been disconnected and crimped closed thus disabling both pressure relief valves. The safety relief valves on the fuel oil heaters serve a critical safety function because they allow pressure to be released and oil diverted to a waste oil tank. In papers filed in court, the defendants admitted that the plugging of the relief valves and the large volume of oil leaking from the pressure relief valve presented hazardous conditions that had not been immediately reported to the Coast Guard in violation of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act. Had there been a fire or explosion in the purifier room, it could have been catastrophic and resulted in a loss of propulsion, loss of life, and pollution, according to the factual statement.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LEROI G. JACKSON, age 50, of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to three (3) years in prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of false federal tax returns, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 7206(2). JACKSON previously pleaded guilty to this charge, which stems from his operation of The Taxman Financial Services LLC (“Taxman”), a business that prepared federal and state tax returns for customers and had offices in New Orleans and LaPlace, among other locations.

According to court records, federal agents determined that JACKSON filed false income tax returns for numerous Taxman customers. For example, JACKSON would create false business losses or false education credits, all without his clients’ knowledge. JACKSON had several employees obtain an IRS Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), which allowed the employees to file customer taxes. However, many of these employees never used their EFINs. Instead, JACKSON would use his employees’ EFINs to file false tax returns for customers. JACKSON profited by charging customers at least $500 per return, which would be deducted from the customer’s refund. From tax years 2014 through 2016, JACKSON admitted that he caused a tax loss to the United States of $241,214.00.

“Today, Mr. Jackson admitted to owning a tax preparation business that blatantly ignored the tax laws by preparing false tax returns and misusing his electronic filing privileges,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dorsey, Atlanta Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation.  “Dishonest return preparers use a variety of methods to cheat the government, including falsifying information on the tax returns to generate larger refunds for their clients.  Criminal Investigation will continue to ensure that all tax practitioners, tax preparers and others who practice in the tax law profession adhere to professional standards and follow the law.”

In addition to the three-year term of imprisonment, Judge Morgan sentenced JACKSON to one year of supervised release. He is also required to pay restitution to the United States totaling $241,214.00 as well as a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. As part of his plea, JACKSON agreed to a permanent injunction that prohibits him from ever preparing tax returns for any other taxpayer.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, which handled this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and K. Paige O’Hale handled the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WAYNE ONEAL, age 20, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to an eight-count (8) bill of information for four carjackings, and four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

For each count of carjacking, ONEAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

For each count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, ONEAL faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven (7) years, up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be run consecutive to each other, and all other counts, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment 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.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the New Orleans Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on May 19, 2022 Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ARTHUR JOHNSON, age 45, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to 262 months of imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for conspiring to distribute more than one kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.

According to court records, on December 27, 2017, FBI Special Agents from the New Orleans Gang Task Force received information regarding the pending delivery of approximately three kilograms of heroin that JOHNSON was purchasing from his Chicago-based supplier. Later that day, surveillance agents observed meetings between JOHNSON and the man delivering the heroin at a Holiday Inn Hotel in New Orleans. During these meetings, JOHNSON paid approximately $187,000 for the heroin.

The next day, FBI agents searched the home in New Orleans East that JOHNSON shared with co-defendant Annice Falkins. During this search, the agents seized 1.3 kilograms of heroin, over $11,000 in cash, numerous items of jewelry, six cell phones, a money counter, and a kilogram press used to package heroin.

JOHNSON and Annice Falkins pled guilty on August 24, 2021. Pursuant to his plea agreement, JOHNSON agreed to forfeit a Mercedes Benz car, $11,543.00 in United States currency, a Rolex watch with about 17.45 carats of diamonds, and five pieces of diamond encrusted jewelry. Falkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Brandon Long are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRIUS NEVILLE, age 26, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged May 5, 2022, in a one-count sealed indictment by a federal grand jury with distribution of heroin in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The indictment was unsealed on May 12, 2022.

If convicted, NEVILLE faces a statutory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 19, 2022, ANTHONY PITTMAN, age 33 of Metairie, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged to a three-count indictment. Count 1 charged the defendant with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C); Count 2 charged him with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and Count 3 charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, PITTMAN was previously convicted drug trafficking, among other felony firearm and drug offenses in Jefferson Parish. Due to these convictions, it is unlawful for him to possess a firearm. He is now convicted of possessing multiple firearms and possessing with the intent to distribute a cocaine, cocaine base (“crack”), and heroin. He was apprehended after a high-speed chase during an attempted traffic stop on October 4, 2020 in Westwego, Louisiana. The drugs were found in two camouflage bags which were originally seen by officers inside the car but thrown on the side of the road as the defendant tried to escape. Additional evidence consistent with drug trafficking was found in the center console of the vehicle. 

For Count 1 of the indictment, PITTMAN faces a maximum term of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a minimum of three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For Count 2, he faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment to run consecutive to all other sentences, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For Count 3, he faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 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.

The case was investigated by the Westwego Police department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, – BRIAN GERALD, age 50, a resident of Franklinton, Louisiana, was charged today in a one count indictment for embezzling assets of a local labor union in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Section 501(c), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court records, GERALD held the position of Financial Secretary of United Steelworkers Local 13-189. According to the indictment, from on or about May 25, 2018 and continuing through on or about September 8, 2020, GERALD embezzled $112,594.18 from the union account.

If convicted, GERALD faces a up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Labor in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PERNELL ANTHONY JONES, JR., age 32, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341 and one count of Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections1341 and 2.

According to court documents, beginning in or around 2015, JONES took flights with commercial airlines under false or fictitious identities using fraudulent identification cards.  When he arrived at the destination airport, JONES falsely claimed that his baggage was lost and requested reimbursement to compensate him for his lost luggage.  Through this scheme, JONES and his co-conspirators submitted over 180 false claims to commercial airlines, including American, Alaska, Southwest, United, and JetBlue, requesting over $550,000 in reimbursement.  In total, the airlines paid over $300,000 in fraudulent claims.

JONES’s plea documents state that, on April 7, 2018, JONES was arrested at Dallas Love Airport while attempting to go through screening by the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) with 36 fraudulent driver’s licenses and 47 credit cards under fictitious names.  On March 5, 2020, JONES was arrested again while attempting to pick up a reimbursement check for a fraudulent baggage claim at Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana.  Law enforcement searched JONES’s residence on March 5, 2020 and found 34 fraudulent driver’s licenses; 21 fake work identification cards; and a number of fraudulent airline employee badges containing JONES’s photograph.

U. S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced JONES to serve 46 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. JONES was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim airlines in the amount of $327,451.61. Judge Morgan also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count for a total of $200.

"This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast work of the FBI and our partners in bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Pernell Anthony Jones, Jr., who engaged in fraudulent criminal activity and compromised national security for his own financial gain," said FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr. "We would like to thank our state and federal partners including the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Homeland Security, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Dallas Police Department for their strong partnerships in disrupting this criminal enterprise. 

U.S. Attorney Evans would like to acknowledge the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Dallas Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ELTON JOHN MEJIA EUCEDA, age 22, a citizen of Honduras, was indicted today for illegally using a social security number belonging to another individual, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

The maximum penalty for the offense is five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 

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 Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans and Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, announced that JOHNNY C. GUILLORY, SR., age 72, of Opelousas, Louisiana, was found guilty as charged on May 18, 2022 following a three-day jury trial before the Honorable Mary Ann Vial Lemmon.

The jury found GUILLORY guilty as charged in the indictment with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to violate the Procurement Integrity Act as well as making false statements to federal agents, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 1001, respectively.

“The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is one of our nation’s vital programs, and collusion that destroys the integrity of the procurement process for government contracts will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division.  “Today’s guilty verdict demonstrates that people who corrupt that process, defraud the United States, and lie about it will be held accountable.  The Antitrust Division will continue to vigorously prosecute offenses that undermine competition and work with our law enforcement partners to protect taxpayer dollars.” 

“This guilty verdict sends a clear message that our office, along with our federal partners will vigorously investigate and prosecute all violations of our Nation’s laws, said U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Duane A. Evans.”

According to the indictment, GUILLORY conspired with Cajan Welding & Rentals, Ltd. to defraud the United States by corrupting and impairing the government procurement process, and by obtaining non-public pricing and cost information in order to obtain subcontract awards and payments from the U.S. Department of Energy in connection with its operation of the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve.  From 2002 until 2016, Cajan was awarded over 50 subcontracts and received payments in excess of $15,000,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Energy, during which time GUILLORY received financial benefits from Cajan.

GUILLORY will be sentenced on September 8, 2022 and faces a maximum term of five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to a three year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $200.00, as to each count.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorneys Megan S. Lewis and Julia Maloney of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section.  The investigation was conducted by the Department of Energy’s Office of the Inspector General.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RAYMOND BAYONA, age 32, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count indictment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

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

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

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

The case was investigated by the Slidell Police Department, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne is in charge of the prosecution.

The Chief Engineer of a foreign flagged vessel pleaded guilty today to two felony counts for deliberately discharging approximately 10,000 gallons of oil-contaminated bilge water overboard in U.S. waters off the coast of New Orleans last year and then trying to obstruct the Coast Guard’s investigation of the spill. The illegal conduct was first reported to the Coast Guard by a crew member via social media.

Kirill Kompaniets, a Russian national and the Chief Engineer of the ship, a commercial bulk carrier registered in the Marshall Islands, was charged with the illegal discharge in violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. According to papers filed in Court, repair operations were underway to correct a problem with the discharge of clean ballast water when a valve burst and the engine room flooded.  Late on the night of March 13-14, 2021 after the leak had been controlled, Kompaniets and a subordinate engineer deliberately dumped the oil contaminated water in the bilges overboard. The discharge into U.S. waters occurred while the ship was at an anchorage near the South West Passage off the Louisiana coast. The ship’s required pollution prevention equipment – an oily-water separator and oil content monitor – were not used, and the discharge was not recorded in the Oil Record Book, a required ship log.

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

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

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

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

The investigation is continuing.

The case was assigned to U.S. District Court Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 1.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERONIMO FLORES, age 30, from Abilene, Texas, was found guilty today after a three-day jury trial before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. He was found guilty of one count of interstate domestic violence assault by strangulation and one count of interstate domestic violence.

On December 17, 2021, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging GERONIMO FLORES with domestic violence by strangulation and suffocation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(8) and 7(8) and interstate domestic violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261(a)(1), 2261(b)(5), and 7(8).

GERONIMO FLORES intentionally assaulted his intimate and dating partner while aboard the Carnival Glory cruise ship on December 2, 2021. The Glory was within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States during a voyage that departed from and returned to the Port of New Orleans in the Eastern District of Louisiana. FLORES specifically assaulted the victim by strangulation, as well as striking her in the head with his hand.

For domestic violence by strangulation, GERONIMO FLORES faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For domestic violence by striking the victim, he faces a maximum term of five years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on August 18. 2022. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Charles D. Strauss and Christopher D. Usher II are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICHARD YUAN LI, age 21, a resident of Hercules, California, pleaded guilty on May 17, 2022 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1343, for his role in a SIM Swap scam that targeted at least forty people, including a New Orleans-area physician (Victim A).

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.

Specifically, 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.

LI 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 per count.  He may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims for their losses.  Sentencing before Judge Guidry has been scheduled for August 9, 2022.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 12, 2022, DEMARCO FORD, age 65, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced after pleading guilty to a two-count superseding bill of information.  In Count 1, FORD was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846.  In Count 2, FORD was charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).

According to court documents, FORD conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Additionally, FORD used a communication facility, the telephone, during the commission of a drug trafficking crime.

For Count 1, FORD received a term of imprisonment of 18 months, a period of supervised release of 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For Count 2, FORD was sentenced to term of imprisonment of 18 months, a period of supervised release of 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  All terms of imprisonment and supervised release are to run concurrently.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Brittany Reed, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARTIN CORTEZ-BALDERAS (“CORTEZ”), age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to Identity Theft and Violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

According to court documents, in November 2020, law enforcement agents received information that CORTEZ may be in the country illegally and using identification information belonging to another person. As agents were preparing to execute a search warrant on November 9, 2020, they observed CORTEZ exit his residence and enter his vehicle. A traffic stop was performed and a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle. This search yielded a Ruger Model P97DC, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and four rounds of .45 caliber Winchester ammunition. Records also determined that CORTEZ was a convicted felon, prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. In 2004, CORTEZ was convicted in United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, of Importing 24.30 Kilograms of Marijuana into the United States.

During a search of his residence, a Louisiana Identification card was found in the name of another person, which CORTEZ represented to be his own. The renewal of the card required CORTEZ to attest via electronic signature that he was in fact the person that he claimed to be by using that person’s name and date of birth. The electronic renewal was transmitted in interstate commerce to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, and violated Louisiana’s Forgery statute.

U.S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced CORTEZ to 72 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment fee. Following the completion of his sentence, CORTEZ will be surrendered to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement for removal proceedings.

This case was 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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVONTE SMITH, age 22, of New Orleans, was charged on May 12, 2022 in an eight-count indictment with numerous federal firearms and drug trafficking violations stemming from a March 30, 2022 shootout, on the corner of Orleans and Rocheblave Streets and the subsequent search of a residence located in the 1800 block of Touro Street.  No one was killed or injured in the shootout, but several houses and automobiles were damaged. The indictment charges him as follows:

Count 1:           Charge:  Possession, brandishing, and discharging of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 USC § 924(c)(1)(A).

Statutory Sentence: 10 years to life.  Any sentence imposed must be served consecutive to any other sentence; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 2:           Charge:  Possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 USC § 924(c)(1)(B)(ii).

Statutory Sentence: 30 years up to life.  Any sentence imposed must be served consecutive to any other sentence; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than

5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 3:           Charge:  Illegal Possession of a machinegun in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(o).

Statutory Sentence: 0-10 years; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 3 years

                                    supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 4:           Charge:  Possession of a firearm by a felon in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g).

Statutory Sentence: 0-10 years; a fine of up to $250,000; not more than 3 years

supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 5:           Charge:  Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of marijuana, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1),  841(b)(1)(C), 841(b)(1)(D).

Statutory Sentence: cocaine hyddrochloride/fentanyl: 0-20 years; not more than $1,000,000.00 in fines; at least 3 years of supervised release;

Marijuana: 0-5 years; a fine of up to $250,000; at least 2 years of supervised release, and  a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 6:           Charge:  Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D).

Statutory Sentence: 0-5 years; a fine of up to $250,000; at least 2 years supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 7:           Charge:  Maintaining a drug involved premises, in violation of Title 21 USC § 856.

Statutory Sentence: 0-20 years; a fine of up to $500,000; up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

Count 8:           Charge:  Possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of mixture or substance containing a detectible amount of cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 USC §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

Statutory Sentence: 0-20 years; a fine of up to $1,000,000; at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.

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

This case 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 matter is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.) and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GRAHAM LOVELACE, age 33, of Greenville, South Carolina, pleaded guilty as charged today before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to a one-count bill of information charging him with interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court documents, in October 2021, LOVELACE met the minor, a fifteen-year-old who resided in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, on an Xbox game.  Throughout 2020 and 2021, LOVELACE and the minor engaged in sexually explicit correspondence, and they made plans to engage in sexual acts in the future, on numerous occasions.  During the correspondence, LOVELACE requested and received sexually explicit images and videos of the minor via a video messaging application.  In early January 2021, LOVELACE purchased the minor victim a bus ticket to travel from New Orleans to Greenville, South Carolina.  However, the minor victim’s mother discovered the correspondence with LOVELACE, informed LOVELACE of the minor victim’s age, and prevented the minor from leaving Louisiana.  In fall of 2021, LOVELACE and the minor made plans for LOVELACE to travel to Louisiana to pick up the minor and return to South Carolina together for the purpose of engaging in sex and spending the rest of their lives together. On about October 6, 2021, LOVELACE traveled by automobile from South Carolina to the minor’s Belle Chasse, Louisiana school bus stop.  LOVELACE and the minor then travelled to New Orleans, where they stayed in a hotel room together and engaged in sexual intercourse.  On about October 7, 2021, LOVELACE and the minor were found by law enforcement, walking hand-in-hand down Bourbon Street in New Orleans.   

LOVELACE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years, followed by a minimum of five (5) years and maximum of a lifetime of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  LOVELACE will also be required to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee at sentencing.   LOVELACE may also be required to register as a sex offender.  Sentencing before Judge Milazzo has been scheduled for Thursday, August 18, 2022.

The case was investigated by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Melissa Bücher.                                       

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The Honorable Sarah S. Vance sentenced ALONZO SMALL, age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, to 49 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, SMALL conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin. 

United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced SMALL to 49 months in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release.  SMALL was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EDWARD BELL, age 26 of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding bill of information for being a felon in possession of ammunition in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, BELL was arrested by law enforcement officers after being discovered in a stolen vehicle in Kenner, Louisiana on April 20, 2020. At the time, he had a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine tucked in his waistband. The firearm was loaded with Lapua, Barnes, and Hornady ammunition, which is unlawful to possess by a convicted felon. BELL was previously convicted of numerous drug and firearm felonies in Orleans Parish.

BELL faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The Honorable United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance has set sentencing for August 3, 2022.

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.

United States Attorney Evans praised the work of the Kenner Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DONMONICK MARTIN, age 30, of Chalmette, Louisiana, was sentenced on May 11, 2022 for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

According to court documents, MARTIN conspired to defraud commercial airlines through the submission of false claims for reimbursement for lost baggage.  In January 2021, MARTIN’s co-conspirator Pernell Jones, Jr. (“JONES”) took a flight to New Orleans under a fictitious identity.  Shortly thereafter, MARTIN went into Louis Armstrong International Airport, assumed the same fictitious identity, and falsely told American Airlines that his bag had been lost on the flight.  According to MARTIN’s plea documents, on four occasions, MARTIN agreed to accept fraudulent baggage reimbursement funds from airlines on JONES’ behalf to help JONES evade detection.  In November 2021, JONES pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349 and Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  JONES is set to be sentenced on May 19, 2022.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced MARTIN to three years of probation with two months of home detention.  MARTIN was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $13,466.89.  Judge Milazzo also imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

U.S. Attorney Evans would like to acknowledge the investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Dallas Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS— In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Duane A. Evans will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state and  local law enforcement. This year, National Police  Week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

U.S. Attorney Evans said, “Every year during Police Week, our nation celebrates the selfless contributions from our brave men and women in law enforcement from around the country, and especially in the Eastern District of Louisiana, by recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe. We owe it to these officers and their families to never forget that sacrifice and we want them and their families to know they have our unwavering support and appreciation.  Our brave men and women in law enforcement, on the federal, state, and local levels, made the selfless choice to protect and serve with full knowledge that they could one day find themselves in harm’s way while doing their jobs.   This week we should all take some time to reflect and honor the fallen and also those in law enforcement who continue to dutifully serve the public.”

To commemorate Police Week, U.S. Attorney Evans participated in the FBI New Orleans Field Office Fallen Officers Recognition Ceremony and in the upcoming days U.S. Attorney Evans will address attendees at the St. Tammany Parish Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021.  Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19.  According to Officers Down Memorial Page, 4 officers have died in the line of duty in the Eastern District of Louisiana in 2021.   

Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents.  Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year.  In 2021, unprovoked attackswere the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting.  Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. 

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.

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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.

An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.  Source:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced LIONEL COOLEY, age 45, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, on May, 10, 2022, to 78 months of imprisonment , four years of supervised release and a mandatory $200 special assessment fee for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of crack, and for providing an AK-47 firearm to codefendant Blake Monroe that was used to facilitate Monroe’s crack sales, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o). COOLEY plead guilty on October 27, 2021.

According to court documents, the United States forfeited approximately $18,978.00, assorted jewelry, and a Smith & Wesson revolver that were seized in connection with the investigation. COOLEY and four others, Joseph Brown, Kendrick Demourelle, Kevin Gray, and Blake Monroe, conspired to sell illegal narcotics in Orleans Parish  including using a broken-down yellow school bus  as a stash house. A seized GMC Sierra pickup truck used by a member of this drug conspiracy contained nearly two kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of crack. All five defendants were indicted in February 2020.

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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Alexandra Giavotella, Asset Forfeiture, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that, CHRISTOPHER ARANA, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced in the United States District Court in connection with his plea of guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). 

United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo imposed a sentence  of 57 months in the Bureau of Prisons. Following his term of imprisonment, ARANA will be placed on supervised release for  3 years. The court did not impose a fine but imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

On August 20, 2020, New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officers responded to  an aggravated battery by shooting in the 1700 block of Eagle Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.   The  NOPD officer on the scene was informed that ARANA sustained a gunshot wound to his abdominal area and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. 

The  officer then requested that Real Time Crime Cameras located in the immediate vicinity of the corner store be reviewed to learn what happened during the shooting.  While reviewing the camera footage, the officer observed ARANA arrive at the intersection of Eagle Street and Hickory Street on a bike and stand near the entrance of the store.  While standing near the door, ARANA was utilizing his cellular telephone. ARANA observed a vehicle approaching him.  The occupants of the vehicle, armed with firearms, began to discharge their firearms at ARANA.  ARANA retrieved a fully concealed black semiautomatic handgun from his waistband area during the shooting but did not discharge his firearm.  After the shooting, ARANA relocated inside the corner store and discarded the firearm to hide it  from law enforcement.

After the shooting, a store employee recovered the firearm possessed by ARANA, a black Smith and Wesson Model SD40 VE, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  The firearm contained ten live rounds, one in the chamber, and nine in the magazine. 

ARANA is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

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 New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDY JONAL SCHENCK (a/k/a RuRu, a/k/a “Shaq”), age 41, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana and Downey, California, pleaded guilty on May10, 2022 before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to Counts 1 and 7 of a pending indictment, charging him with interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) (Count 1), and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 2 (Count 7). 

According to court documents, SCHENCK met Dominique Berry in New Orleans in about early 2013 and soon developed a romantic relationship.  Shortly thereafter, SCHENCK encouraged Berry to engage in commercial sex activities (i.e., prostitution) with individuals in the New Orleans, Louisiana area and became involved in the scheduling, coordination, and facilitation of Berry’s commercial sex acts.  SCHENCK typically kept all, or most, of the proceeds of the commercial sex acts.

Beginning in about March 2014, and continuing through September 2017, SCHENCK and Berry travelled nationally engaging in their prostitution enterprise, including through California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, and Georgia.  In furtherance of the enterprise, Berry regularly engaged in commercial sex acts on multiple days of nearly every week between about March 2014 and September 2017.  SCHENCK and Berry posted numerous advertisements containing photographs of Berry on multiple location-specific online classified ad service websites and social media applications in that invited interested individuals to contact Berry to schedule sexual interactions, many of which were explicitly commercial. 

Beginning in about 2015, the prostitution enterprise evolved to include a scheme to defraud, whereby SCHENCK caused Berry to arrange “out call” interactions at the residences of men who met her through online postings.  While at the residences, Berry placed substances in the beverages of the men for the purpose of “spiking” their drinks and rendering them unconscious.  Berry then took items of value from the incapacitated men, including jewelry, firearms, electronics, cash, and debit and credit cards.  SCHENCK and Berry used the items, without the knowledge or authorization of the people to whom the items belonged, for their benefit and the benefit of individuals associated with them.  SCHENCK and Berry implemented the scheme numerous times throughout the United States.

In furtherance of the scheme, on or about February 24, 2017, Berry met the victim, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, through a social media application.  After exchanging text messages and phone calls, Berry and the victim agreed to meet at the victim’s apartment.  SCHENCK dropped Berry off at the victim’s apartment.   Acting at SCHENCK’s direction, while at the victim’s apartment, Berry provided the victim with various substances, including alcohol, to loosen the victim’s inhibitions and to render them more susceptible to theft.  After the victim became incapacitated, Berry stole the victim’s personal property, including a debit card.  SCHENCK picked Berry up at approximately 1:00 am and then used the victim’s debit card, without the victim’s authorization, to make a purchase at a Walmart Supercenter in New Orleans later that day.

SCHENCK faces up to five years in prison as to Count 1 and up to twenty years in prison as to Count 7, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment per count.  SCHENCK may also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims.  Sentencing before Judge Ashe has been scheduled for August 18, 2021, at 1:30 p.m.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by numerous law enforcement agencies and private entities involved in the investigation, including the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Tucson (Arizona) Police Department, the Salt River (Arizona) Police Department, the Cobb County (Georgia) Police Department, the Sandy Springs (Georgia) Police Department, the Sacramento (California) Police Department, and Talking Stick Casino (Arizona).  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, Unit Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, and Melissa Bücher are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KAREN FARRELL TIGLER, age 35, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty today to Bank Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, and Making and Subscribing False Tax Returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1).

According to documents filed in federal court, from January 1, 2013, to November 14, 2016, TIGLER was employed as a multi-service banker with the Hancock Whitney Bank.  TIGLER worked at a Whitney branch in New Orleans, LA.  Client A was in her mid-80s in 2015 and 2016 and was a banking customer of Whitney.

From February 9, 2015, to October 28, 2016, TIGLER used her position with the bank to embezzle approximately $349,556 from Client A’s account by using 100 counter checks to debit funds from Client A’s account.  TIGLER used her position with the bank to access personal information from other legitimate banking transactions to create the fraudulent counter checks.  TIGLER forged the signatures of Client A and various others on the counter checks  to conceal her embezzlement scheme.  TIGLER accessed or utilized legitimate checks drawn on Client A’s account to prepare fraudulent counter checks.  TIGLER cashed 21 counter checks totaling $73,924 that were supposedly for “roofing,” “market/garden work,” “light fixtures/cleaning,” “extras plumbing,” “misc. work,” “renovations,” and “maintenance.”  TIGLER cashed the other 79 counter checks totaling approximately $275,632 payable to another individual that were supposedly for “house,” “maintenance,” and for “happy birthday.” 

In addition, TIGLER failed to report $134,429 on her 2015 tax return and $215,127 on her 2016 return.  TIGLER reported W-2 income from the bank of $21,290 for the tax year 2015 and $19,256 for 2016. TIGLER spread the deposits of cash of embezzled funds into her various accounts.  TIGLER also failed to report gambling winnings of $32,180 on her 2015 tax return.  When confronted by a relative of Client A, TIGLER falsely implicated another individual in an effort to conceal her embezzlement of funds from Client A’s account. 

For her plea of guilty to Bank Fraud, TIGLER faces a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. She also faces up to _ years of supervised release. As to her plea of guilty to Making and Subscribing False Tax Returns, TIGLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years and/or a fine of $100,000.00 plus cost of prosecution as well as up to _years of supervised release. For each charge to which she has pled guilty, she must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee   

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

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for August 3, 2022, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Hancock Whitney Bank 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, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALLEN EDGERSON, age 44, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to over 17 years today for methamphetamine trafficking.

EDGERSON pled guilty on July 7, 2021, 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 Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. According to court documents, EDGERSON sold methamphetamine in large quantities, quoting customers prices for up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine at a time. Law enforcement agents caught EDGERSON and his codefendant, Rachel Cesario, sending packages with multiple pounds of methamphetamine at a time to codefendant Sheon Copprue in New Orleans.

The Honorable Sarah S. Vance sentenced EDGERSON to a term of imprisonment of 210 months, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100. EDGERSON’s codefendants, Sheon Copprue, Rachel Cesario, and Tonya Calvin, have already pled guilty in this case and are awaiting sentencing.

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.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREGORY JOHNSON, JR., age 43, of Baton Rouge, and KEITH BOURGEOIS, age 51, of New Orleans, were indicted on May 5, 2022 by a federal grand jury for violations of the Controlled Substances Act and the Gun Control Act.  JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(C), 846.  JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS were also charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to the indictment, JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS conspired with each other and others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere.  On or about April 19, 2022, JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS possessed a Smith and Wesson Model SD .40 caliber pistol, a Taurus PT 24/7 .40 caliber pistol, a Heritage Rough Rider .45 LC caliber revolver, and a Thompson Center Arms Super 14 .35 Rem caliber pistol.  JOHNSON also possessed a Springfield XD-S Mod.2 .45 caliber pistol.

If convicted of the drug offense, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least 8 years of supervised release; BOURGEOIS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release.  For possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release.  For being felons in possession of a firearm, JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. For each charge that JOHNSON and BOURGEOIS face, they must also pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LINDA REED HILL (“HILL”), age 75, of Slidell, Louisiana, was charged on May 6, 2022 by a bill of information today with Theft of Government Funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

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

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JACOB WIEBELT (“WIEBELT”), age 39, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a one-count bill of information 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 prepubescent children . 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 during which time  WIEBELT  confessed to possessing, sharing, and uploading CSAM. WIEBELT further admitted he created a Discord account and stated that other Discord users would share CSAM on the website and that he would save the CSAM to his cellular telephone. WIEBELT would then upload the saved CSAM from his phone to other Discord users.

WIEBELT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571. In addition, WIEBELT faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. WIEBELT was previously convicted in 2011 for Receipt of Child Pornography and sentenced to five (5) years in federal prison. WIEBELT was on supervised release when he committed this new offense.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for August 9, 2022 before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey.

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.

WASHINGTON – Eight individuals were charged in an indictment, unsealed today in the Eastern District of Louisiana, for their involvement in an international scheme to smuggle 24 undocumented individuals from Honduras into Louisiana aboard the Motor Vessel (M/V) “Pop,” which is owned by one of the defendants. One of the defendants was also arrested for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 24 kilograms of cocaine seized on this boat which the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, in February 2022.  

Carl Allison, aka Car, 46, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, and Lindomar De La Rosa, aka Omar, aka Dr. Diablo, 37, of Atlanta, were arrested earlier today. Co-defendants Josue Alexander Flores-Villeda, 35, Darrel Martinez, 40, and Lenard Cooper, 39, are in custody on separate warrants. Co-defendants Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 35, and Hennessey Devon Cooper, 26, remain on bond. The final defendant, Lance Vroon, 39, remains at large. The eight individuals were charged with conspiring to bring aliens to the United States and to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain; and attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Josue Alexander Flores-Villeda, aka Alex, 35, of Honduras, is additionally charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

According to the indictment, from on or about December 2021 until on or about Feb. 14, 2022, Allison, De La Rosa, and the other defendants attempted to bring 24 undocumented persons from Honduras to the United States aboard the M/V “Pop,” owned by Allison. The Coast Guard interdicted the M/V Pop off the coast of Grand Isle on Feb. 15. Twenty-four kilograms of cocaine were seized from the captain’s cabin aboard the ship.

If convicted of the human smuggling offenses, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted of the drug conspiracy offense, Villeda faces between 10 years and life in prison.

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 David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

This case is being investigated by HSI Houma, with assistance from HSI Pittsburgh, HSI Atlanta, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Officers, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the North Huntingdon Township Police and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Carter Guice for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.

Coordination and support for the investigation is being provided by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors from border U.S. Attorney’s Offices, from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from HSI and CBP. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the task force, along with other interagency partners.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Eight individuals were charged in an indictment, unsealed today in the Eastern District of Louisiana, for their involvement in an international scheme to smuggle 24 undocumented individuals from Honduras into Louisiana aboard the Motor Vessel (M/V) “Pop,” which is owned by one of the defendants. One of the defendants was also arrested for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 24 kilograms of cocaine seized on this boat which the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, in February 2022.

Carl Allison, aka Car, 46, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, and Lindomar De La Rosa, aka Omar, aka Dr. Diablo, 37, of Atlanta, were arrested earlier today. Co-defendants Josue Alexander Flores-Villeda, 35, Darrel Martinez, 40, and Lenard Cooper, 39, are in custody on separate warrants. Co-defendants Rudy Jackson Hernandez, 35, and Hennessey Devon Cooper, 26, remain on bond. The final defendant, Lance Vroon, 39, remains at large. The eight individuals were charged with conspiring to bring aliens to the United States and to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain; and attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Josue Alexander Flores-Villeda, aka Alex, 35, of Honduras, is additionally charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride.

According to the indictment, from on or about December 2021 until on or about Feb. 14, 2022, Allison, De La Rosa, and the other defendants attempted to bring 24 undocumented persons from Honduras to the United States aboard the M/V “Pop,” owned by Allison. The Coast Guard interdicted the M/V Pop off the coast of Grand Isle on Feb. 15. Twenty-four kilograms of cocaine were seized from the captain’s cabin aboard the ship.

If convicted of the human smuggling offenses, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted of the drug conspiracy offense, Villeda faces between 10 years and life in prison.

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 David Denton of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.

This case is being investigated by HSI Houma, with assistance from HSI Pittsburgh, HSI Atlanta, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Officers, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, the North Huntingdon Township Police and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Howard Sinkman and Carter Guice for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and Trial Attorney Rami S. Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.

Coordination and support for the investigation is being provided by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors from border U.S. Attorney’s Offices, from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from HSI and CBP. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration are also part of the task force, along with other interagency partners.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALONSO BONILLA, age 45, a citizen of El Salvador, pleaded guilty on May 3, 2022 to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

BONILLA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Rachal Cassagne and Spiro Latsis are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARON MCCREE, age 27, a resident of Orleans Parish, was charged on April 29, 2022 in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury for possessing a firearm while being a convicted felon, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

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

U. S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant 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.  

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Mike Trummel.