Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TONI JONES, age 33, and TIMREK ANDREWS, age 43, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged on February 25, 2022 in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, TONI JONES is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) in Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment. TONI JONES and TIMREK ANDREWS are each charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) in Counts 3 and 4 of the indictment.

According to court documents, JONES was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin and fentanyl in St. Bernard Parish and ANDREWS was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Due to their criminal history, they are prohibited from having a firearm and are now charged with possessing a Glock 43, 9mm handgun. JONES is additionally accused of possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 10, 2022 along with possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, cocaine base (“crack”), and methamphetamine, all Schedule II controlled substances, with the intent to distribute.

If convicted of Count 1, JONES faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 2, she faces a minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. JONES, if convicted of Count 3, and ANDREWS, if convicted of Count 4, each face a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that WILSON AMILCAR VASQUEZ-CABALLERO, age 29, was charged on February 25, 2022 in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, WILSON AMILCAR VASQUEZ-CABALLERO (“VASQUEZ”), reentered the United States after she was previously deported on June 24, 2010.  If convicted, VASQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BIAGIO WILLIAM AMBROSINO, age 19, originally from Queens, NY, who is now an enlisted sailor stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was charged by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a five-count indictment with producing images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of a female born in August 2004 (Count 1), and a male born in August 2005 (Count 2), in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2251(a), transmitting interstate threats to a sixteen-year-old female for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(b) (Count 3), transmitting interstate threats to an adult female for the purpose of extorting a thing of value, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(d) (Count 4), and possessing sexually explicit depictions of children under the age of twelve  years old, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) (Count 5).  Specifically, AMBROSINO is alleged to have extorted his victims into sending him additional sexually explicit depictions by threatening to injure any person and “expose” victims by sending prior depictions to family members.  AMBROSINO is alleged to have committed the offenses between August 2020 and January 19, 2022.  AMBROSINO was charged on February 25, 2022; the indictment was unsealed after he was taken into custody on February 28, 2022.

AMBROSINO faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years as to each of Counts 1 and 2, a maximum term of imprisonment as to each of Counts 3 and 5 of twenty (20) years, and a maximum term of imprisonment as to Count 4 of two (2) years.  AMBROSINO also faces up to a lifetime of supervised release for counts 1,2, and 5.  For counts 3-4, he faces up to three (3) years and one (1) year, respectively.  For each count AMBROSINO may be fined up to $250,000 and be required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

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

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER HARRIS, age 28,  a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was sentenced to sixty (60)  months’ imprisonment, four (4) years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. Chief District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown after pleading guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine; both 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, on July 26, 2019, agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives used a confidential source to make a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from HARRIS.  The confidential source, under the direction of agents, went to meet HARRIS to purchase the drugs.   The source was greeted at the door by Derrick Mark who made a telephone call to HARRIS to inform him that the source was at the residence to purchase the drugs from him.  When HARRIS arrived at the residence, he sold the source approximately one hundred six (106) grams of drugs that tested positive for methamphetamine. 

This prosecution was part of an extensive investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bogalusa Police Department of individuals suspected of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and/or firearms in Washington Parish.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JAKARI BROWN, a/k/a “Jakari Lemar,” age 23, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was charged on February 25, 2022, in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the indictment, on December 27, 2021, BROWN, a convicted felon, illegally possessed a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter pistol.  If convicted, BROWN faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years supervised release, 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 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 Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the guilty pleas of two former U.S. Coast Guard employees in a test score-fixing scheme. U.S. Attorney Evans also announced additional guilty pleas and sentencings of several other defendants in this matter.

On February 24, 2022, DOROTHY SMITH and BEVERLY MCCRARY pleaded guilty before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe to conspiracy to defraud the United States.  The maximum penalties for each defendant are five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Sentencing for each defendant is scheduled for April 14, 2022.

SMITH and MCCRARY were employed as credentialing specialists at a Coast Guard exam center in Mandeville, Louisiana. SMITH’s position authorized her to enter scores for examinations that merchant mariners were legally required to pass in order to obtain licenses to serve in various positions on vessels. The examinations tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of the licenses.

In pleading guilty, SMITH admitted that she accepted bribes to fix exam scores. While SMITH would at times directly interact with credential applicants (for example, by soliciting bribes from them when they came to the exam center), she primarily relied on intermediaries. By using intermediaries, SMITH typically avoided having any contact with the mariners to whom she sold scores. Mariners participating in the scheme would usually not even appear for the examinations. SMITH would create Coast Guard records and data entries to make it appear to the Coast Guard that the mariners had appeared and tested. SMITH would make up passing scores for each of the examination’s various modules and enter these false scores in a Coast Guard computer system. SMITH would then send emails to a Coast Guard office falsely stating that the mariners had passed the examinations and should receive the desired endorsements.

MCCRARY pleaded guilty to being one of SMITH’s intermediaries in the scheme. MCCRARY admitted that she acted as an intermediary while employed at the exam center and that she continued participating in the scheme following her 2015 retirement. MCCRARY would gather money and information about the desired endorsements and then provide the information and a portion of the money to SMITH. MCCRARY almost always required upfront cash payments, but on occasion would accept non-monetary things of value. For example, from one mariner, MCCRARY accepted coolers of fresh caught shrimp in exchange for arranging false test scores. To make it less likely that the scheme would be discovered, MCCRARY instructed mariners: to not contact the exam center regarding their credential applications; to not work on vessels during the days they were supposed to be testing; and to use code words when discussing the scheme on the telephone. MCCRARY recruited some of the mariners while she was on duty at the exam center. For example, when mariners came to the exam center to address matters related to their credential applications, MCCRARY would strike up conversations with them and proceed to solicit them to engage in the scheme. MCCRARY also developed her own network of intermediaries beneath her in the scheme. These intermediaries included ALEXIS BELL, MICHEAL WOOTEN, and SHARRON ROBINSON, who have all pleaded guilty and collectively admitted to having MCCRARY arrange false scores for a total of 31 mariners, including themselves.

SMITH and MCCRARY admitted that they engaged in the scheme from before April 2012 until May 2019 and that they caused more than 50 mariners to receive false scores, with some mariners obtaining false scores on multiple occasions. Each falsely-reported examination resulted in the issuance of an unearned license, with almost all of the licenses being officer-level. Officer-level licenses include the most important positions on vessels, such as master, chief mate, and chief engineer.

Earlier this year, Judge Ashe sentenced two mariners who had pleaded guilty to acting as MCCRARY’s intermediaries: on January 7, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced MICHEAL WOOTEN to 54 months imprisonment; on February 3, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced ALEXIS BELL to 42 months imprisonment. WOOTEN and BELL were each also sentenced to one year of supervised release to follow their prison terms.

On January 20, 2022, Judge Ashe sentenced two of the mariners who received fraudulent licenses through scores entered by SMITH. FREDRICK NETTLES was sentenced to six months imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release and 100 hours of community service. STINSON PAYNE was sentenced to one year probation and 100 hours of community service.

Seven of the eight defendants charged in a separate indictment pleaded guilty before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon to obtaining unearned endorsements through false scores entered by SMITH: RANSFORD ACKAH, ODELL GRIGGS, and DEVIN HEBERT pleaded guilty on January 13, 2022; NATHANIEL DOMINICK, RAYNEL LEWIS, and MAURICE PALMER pleaded guilty on February 3, 2022; and ADRIAN MACK pleaded guilty on February 10, 2022. The maximum penalties for each defendant are five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case is being investigated by the Coast Guard Investigative Service.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that QUENTRELL BERTHOLOTTE, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged on February 24, 2022 to a four count indictment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of  Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), and 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).

According to court documents, on January 14, 2020 BERTHOLOTTE was seen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) on video surveillance wielding a 5.56 caliber “ghost gun,” a weapon which does not have a serial number. During a search of his girlfriend’s apartment on April 22, 2021, FBI agents found over forty (40) grams of fentanyl, the “ghost gun,” a Glock Model 27 firearm, and over $30,000.00 in U.S. currency. BERTHOLOTTE had been previously convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Orleans Parish.

BERTHOLOTTE’s sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2022 before the Honorable Barry W. Ashe in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

For possession with intent to distribute narcotics, BERTHOLOTTE faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. For possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces up to a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, 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.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DESEAN CHRISTY, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on February 25, 2022 in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, in Count One CHRISTY is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  In Count Two, he is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).  Finally, in Count Three, he is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, CHRISTY was previously convicted of illegally possessing heroin, cocaine, and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on February 10, 2022. He is further alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine base (“crack”).

If convicted of Count 1, CHRISTY faces a maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 2, he faces a minimum of five (5) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of Count 3, he faces a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 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 New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CHRIS HABISREITINGER, 51, from Jefferson Parish, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C). 

HABISREITINGER took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas for over a year. 

At sentencing, HABISREITINGER faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a maximum fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment., and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C).  

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Kenner Police Department, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan Paige, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher.

 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BETTY ARRINGTON a/k/a “Betty Callie Arrington,” a/k/a “Betty Francis C Miller,” a/k/a “Betty Miller” (“ARRINGTON”), age 72, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 in federal court before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to court records, ARRINGTON engaged in a 35-year multifaceted scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). From 1984 through 2019, ARRINGTON intentionally used a Social Security number (“SSN”) not assigned to her by the Commissioner of the SSA to conceal her earnings from employment in the New Orleans area. ARRINGTON’s fraudulent use of a SSN, in addition to the concealment of program eligibility factors and the intentional submission of false statements to SSA, aided ARRINGTON in fraudulently gaining and maintaining Supplemental Security Income Disability benefits totaling approximately $164,270.90.

The Court set sentencing in this matter for June 1, 2022. ARRINGTON faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General for its work in investigating this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DENZEL SHINE, age 24, of New Orleans, and RAHKEEN ROBERTS, age 24, of New Orleans, pled guilty on February 23, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846.    

According to court documents, SHINE and ROBERTS conspired with each other and others to distribute fentanyl from sometime prior to January 9, 2021 until August 19, 2021.  SHINE and ROBERTS face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years of imprisonment, up to $5,000,000 in fines, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMILE JONES, age 44, of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 23, 2022 by the Honorable Jane Triche Milazzo after previously pleading guilty to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act. 

Specifically, JONES previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, fentanyl and methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; one count of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) and one count of distribution of heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). 

According to court records, JONES conspired with others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride, heroin and fentanyl, and JONES possessed over 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride on September 23, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 

Judge Milazzo sentenced JONES to a term of imprisonment of 60 months, 4 years of supervised release, and a $300 special assessment fee. 

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENYA BUTLER-SMALL pleaded guilty on February 23, 2022 to two counts of wire fraud for conduct that occurred while she was employed by Amtrak as an On-board Services Train Attendant.

One wire fraud count relates to a scheme in which BUTLER-SMALL recruited more than 40 victims to spots on a purported June 2019 trip from New Orleans to New York City. BUTLER-SMALL told the victims that she had booked roundtrip Amtrak train travel for the trip, as well as activities, such as shows and museum visits. In truth, BUTLER-SMALL had not booked the Amtrak travel or the activities. When the date of the trip approached, BUTLER-SMALL told the victims, from whom she had taken a total of approximately $23,000 to $26,000, that Amtrak had canceled the trip because an incident occurred in which one of the trip’s passengers assaulted an Amtrak employee and made a bomb threat. In truth, no such incident had occurred.

The other wire fraud count is related to a scheme in which BUTLER-SMALL submitted fraudulent sick benefit claims to the Railroad Retirement Board, a federal agency that provides benefits to Amtrak employees. BUTLER-SMALL claimed that she was too sick to work when, in truth, she was working another job. This caused the government to pay BUTLER-SMALL approximately $4,679 in sick benefits for days she falsely claimed to have been unable to work.

BUTLER-SMALL is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. The maximum penalties for each count are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special  assessment fee.

This case was investigated by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General and the Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENDALL PARKER, Jr., age 28, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 16, 2022 to thirty (30) months of imprisonment for possessing a machinegun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).

Court documents show the machinegun PARKER possessed was found during a search of his residence by state law enforcement officers investigating the distribution of controlled substances on April 16, 2020. The firearm PARKER possessed is a modified Glock model 17, nine-millimeter handgun. The manufacturer’s back-slide plate had been removed and replaced with an “A.F.S.” brand aftermarket back slide plate, also known as a “Glock switch.” This modification converted the firearm from a semi-automatic pistol to a fully automatic machinegun.

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 the Homeland Security Investigations and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MIKAL BLACK, age 24, a resident of Ironton, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 22, 2022 to fifty-seven (57) months of imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  Upon release from imprisonment, BLACK will serve three (3) years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Court documents show that BLACK had brandished a firearm on multiple occasions throughout July and August of 2020. The firearm was seized on August 11, 2020 and found to be a Glock .40 caliber handgun, loaded with a fifty (50) round drum magazine containing forty-nine (49) rounds of ammunition. BLACK was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a conviction for manufacturing a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance in the 25th Judicial District Court of Louisiana.

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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Charles D. Strauss prosecuted the case.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 28, a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced for his participation in the June 17, 2019, robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street in New Orleans.

United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry imposed a sentence for each count of the three-count indictment to which SANSBURY plead guilty. As to count one, SANSBURY was charged with conspiracy to commit a robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2118.  For count one, the court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 121 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons.  As to count two, SANSBURY was charged with armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2118(a) and (c)(1).  For count two, the court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 121 months in the federal Bureau of Prisons. Counts 1 and 2 were ordered to run concurrent to each other.  In count three, SANSBURY was charged with discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii).  The court sentenced SANSBURY to a term of imprisonment of 120 months for this count. The sentence imposed in count three will run consecutive to the sentences imposed in counts 1 and 2.  Following his term of imprisonment, SANSBURY will be placed on supervised release for a period of 4 years. The court imposed a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.00.

According to documents filed in court, at approximately 6:06 a.m., Richard SANSBURY and his co-defendant, Alan Parson entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons. Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves.  Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and zip-tied a cashier.  SANSBURY led the cashier to a restroom inside of the store.  Parson went to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing a second employee’s feet with zip-ties.  Parson then filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy’s safe.  SANSBURY entered the pharmacy area as well and zip-tied the second employee’s hands. 

SANSBURY and Parson attempted to escape through the store’s entrance but upon exiting the store, encountered responding New Orleans Police Officers.  SANSBURY and Parson engaged in a shootout with the officers that resulted in one officer being shot in the shoulder.  Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred inside of the CVS pharmacy, as well as the subsequent shootout with police.

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.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES ALEXANDER, age 51, of New Orleans, pled guilty on Wednesday February 16, 2022 to participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of federal law.

According to court documents, on or about May 20, 2021, JAMES ALEXANDER and another known individual participated in a conspiracy to sell three kilograms of heroin.  DEA agents learned of this potential sale that was to take place on Carrollton Avenue in Mid-City around noon.  Agents set up surveillance and watched as this drug transaction was taking place.  During this time, agents followed a car that they observed ALEXANDER get into, which was driven by a known female.  ALEXANDER was wearing a neon yellow construction vest and carrying a grey collapsible food container.  Agents followed that vehicle down Carrollton Avenue until it came a stop.  ALEXANDER got out of the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.  While doing so he discarded the food container that he was carrying.  Agents arrested ALEXANDER and recovered the food container, which contained three kilograms of suspected heroin, that had a net worth of approximately $150,000.00. 

ALEXANDER was arrested at the scene and transported to the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Field Division for processing. A review of Alexander’s criminal record revealed that he has a prior federal drug trafficking conviction from 2000 in the Eastern District of Louisiana where he served approximately 140 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons.  He also has several arrest and convictions for drug trafficking offenses in state court.

ALEXANDER now faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years  up to a maximum of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.  He will be sentenced on May 17, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRENDA PROVOST, age 69, of Slidell, pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022 before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon with concealment of material facts in connection with the receipt of social security benefits, a violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 1383a(a)(3). She had been charged in a bill of information filed on December 17, 2021. Judge Fallon scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2022.

According to court documents, PROVOST received monthly supplemental security income (“SSI”) benefits from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) from May 2005 through February 2020. The amount of SSI benefits depends on a recipient’s financial condition and family composition. During this period, PROVOST was married but failed to accurately report her marital status to SSA officers. As a result, she received $123,234.00 in SSI benefits that she otherwise would not have received had she accurately represented her marital status.

The maximum penalties PROVOST could face are up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain or gross loss, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to the plea agreement, PROVOST and the government agreed that a term of probation would be an appropriate sentence. PROVOST also agreed to pay $123,234.00 in restitution. Judge Fallon will make a determination on whether to accept the plea agreement after the U.S. Probation Office completed its presentence investigation report.

U.S. Attorney Evans extended his thanks to the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, which investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA-- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIANNA HART, age 32, of LaPlace was charged with making a false statement via a bill of information filed on February 15, 2022, in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to the bill of information, HART, formerly a deputy with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, knowingly and willfully made a false statement to the United States Small Business Administration in an application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) benefits she submitted in May 2021.

If convicted, HART faces a maximum sentence of up to five years, up to three years of supervised release, a restitution order, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAYDEE ARMAS SANTANA (“SANTANA”), age 58, of Covington, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 17, 2022 to 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 SSA SSI disability benefits.

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

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for May 12, 2022, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe.

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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the filing of a two-count bill of information charging MICHAEL J. GOLL, age 46, of Kentwood, with wire fraud and filing false federal tax returns. The charges were filed on Friday, February 11, 2022. U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will preside over the case.

According to court documents, GOLL was the New Orleans branch manager of Company A, which provides material handling equipment to businesses. From January 2013 through September 2017, GOLL defrauded Company A of approximately $549,667.39. GOLL is alleged to have executed the scheme by sending Company A false invoices from shell companies that he had created, when in fact the work was either done by Company A’s own employees or the work was not done at all. As part of the scheme, GOLL had a contractor who did personal work for GOLL inflate his bills to Company A to cover the work done for GOLL. GOLL justified the overbilling by telling the contractor that he planned on buying Company A in the future, although GOLL never did purchase Company A, and GOLL never told his employer about the overbilling. Moreover, the bill of information alleges that GOLL filed false federal tax returns, alleging for tax year 2017, GOLL claimed that he had negative income of $22,102.00, when in fact his income for 2017 was $325,232.00.

Count 1 of the bill of information charges GOLL with wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. The maximum penalties he faces as to that count are 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. Count 2 charges GOLL with filing false federal tax returns in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206(1). The maximum penalties for this count are 3 years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000.00. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN, age 25, of Terrebonne Parish, La., was charged February 11, 2022, in a three (3) count indictment by a federal grand jury with narcotics and firearms charges for possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms.  Specifically, the federal grand jury charged VERDIN with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A)(vi), as well as Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), 922(g)(1), and 924(e)(2), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

If convicted of the narcotics trafficking charges, VERDIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. VERDIN also faces an additional, consecutive sixty (60) month term of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release, if convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Finally, if VERDIN is found to be an Armed Career Criminal due to his criminal history, for his felon in possession of firearms charge, he faces a minimum of fifteen (15) years and up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release.  For each offense, VERDIN faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

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

This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DONMONICK MARTIN, age 30, of Chalmette, Louisiana, pled guilty on February 9, 2022 to 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.  Court documents also allege that, on four occasions, JONES submitted false claims for lost baggage to airlines under false identities and MARTIN agreed to accept the reimbursement funds from the airlines on JONES’s 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 in February 2022.

MARTIN faces up to a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for May 4, 2022.

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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on February 16, 2022, TRAVIS WHITE, age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to firearms offenses and mail fraud.

Specifically, WHITE previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 1349; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully deal in firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A), 923(a), 924(a)(1)(D) and 371; and one count of sale of a firearm to a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(d) and 924(a)(2). 

According to court records, WHITE operated a Louisiana corporation, Always On Point LLC, based out of New Orleans.  Through the business, WHITE sold fraudulent certificates attesting that his customers had completed a training course required to obtain concealed carry firearms licenses, although in most cases, those individuals had completed little to no training.  WHITE was not an approved concealed-carry-training instructor with the Louisiana State Police. Additionally, WHITE sold firearms to his customers, although he was not a federally licensed firearms dealer.  In some instances, WHITE sold firearms to individuals who were not permitted to possess or purchase firearms due to felony convictions. 

Judge Africk sentenced WHITE to a term of imprisonment of 51 months, 3 years of supervised release and a $300 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – Today, in a demonstration of unity, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joined federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to announce their joint efforts to address the violent crime spike occurring in the City of New Orleans.  The collaborative effort features a team comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), City of New Orleans Office of Criminal Justice Coordination, Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, Louisiana State Police (LSP), and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD).

The components of the collaborative deterrence plan include:

• Investigative resources focused on the most violent offenders/gangs and the use of federal prosecution for long-term criminal deterrence.
• Daily investigative coordination and interagency de-confliction reviews to include the following:
  • Interagency sharing of analytical and investigative resources targeting violent crime;
  • USMS violent offender warrant list for violent criminals; and
  • ATF NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) and eTrace leads.
• Proactive community engagement to guide law enforcement in the apprehension of violent criminals, identification of cooperators, and the development of leads for short-term and long-term racketeering, and VCAIT (Violent Crime Abatement Investigation Team) investigations.

U.S. Attorney Evans stated, "As a law enforcement collective, we recognize the imminency of the violent crime surge sweeping across our community.  We want the public to know that federal, state, and local law enforcement stands ready to collaborate, combine resources and continue to target those who prey on our citizens. Victims of crime also should know that law enforcement is committed to preventing, investigating, and solving the crimes that have plagued our community. Just as importantly, the perpetrators of these offenses are on notice that they will be apprehended and held accountable for their actions.”

“The safety and well-being of our citizens is paramount.   ATF is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to target gun violence in our communities and has pledged manpower and resources as part of this effort,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “This initiative demonstrates our collective commitment to combatting violent crime in our communities.” Contact ATF TipLine at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477).

 “DEA is proud to be a partner in this joint effort to curb the rising violent crime in our city and beyond.  The combined strength that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies bring to bear in the battle against these violent offenders will strike a significant blow to their criminal and drug trafficking organizations.  By working together, we will leverage our respective resources and expertise to achieve results that we could not accomplish on our own. Our combined, concentrated efforts will make our communities a safer place to live by disrupting the flow of guns and dangerous drugs to our neighborhoods,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

“Violence undermines one of the most basic freedoms of all Americans – the right to feel safe and secure in our own homes and in our communities. Today, let this message be clear to gang members and violent criminals: we will deploy our collective strength to ensure the safety and security of our neighborhoods and communities," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams, Jr.  Please call (504) 816-3000 or submit an anonymous tip at fbi.gov/tips

“Our number one priority is to keep the American public safe. With HSI’s unique transnational authorities, our special agents stand ready to collaborate with and support our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to target the violent criminal activity plaguing our community,” said HSI New Orleans Deputy Special Agent in Charge Jeb Bison. “By coming together in a common mission with our law enforcement partners, we will be able to pool our resources and more efficiently and effectively make our neighborhoods safer.”

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is committed to this initiative with our local, state, and federal partners and feel that partnerships are the key to reducing the uptick of violent crime across the New Orleans metro area.  Our USMS New Orleans Task Force has a history of being actively engaged in working with our partners to locate violent felony offenders, sex offenders, and the recovery of missing endangered children. 

“The impact of violent crime in our communities is far reaching and affects every aspect of our daily lives,” stated Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent.  “Louisiana State Police is committed to maintaining successful and productive relationships with our public safety partners to combine resources and combat violent crime in the Greater New Orleans area and across the state.”

“From the very beginning of my administration, we have understood the importance of collaborating with our local, state and national partners in the fight against crime in this city. I am grateful to stand with US Attorney Duane Evans, NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson and all of our law enforcement partners in this fight to announce the Violent Crime Deterrent Plan. This unified, strategic plan across agencies will allow us all to combine and coordinate efforts to fight the rise of crime in New Orleans. There is a crime surge happening in this country, but here in New Orleans, we are surging back together,” stated Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams.

"We thank each of our partners for the work that they do day-in and day-out to keep our city safe," said Criminal Justice Commissioner Tenisha Stevens. "The Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Coordination and this administration is dedicated to collaborating with all of our justice system partners, at the local, state, and federal level, to work together to ensure accountability at all points of the system and do the work that we have been called to do."

“The citizens of this city should know that the plan we’re carrying out is a force-multiplier for NOPD will make New Orleans a safer place to live and visit,” NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said. “And to individuals who continue to commit violent acts and steal from your neighbors, you need to know we’re coming for you, and we’ll see you soon.” 

If you suspect or are aware of any criminal activity, please contact your local federal investigative agency or NOPD.

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARRION YOUNG, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, was charged on February 11, 2022 in a six-count indictment by a federal grand jury for carjacking, brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

If convicted of carjacking, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.     

If convicted of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, YOUNG faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  

If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  

If convicted of brandishing, using, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, YOUNG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of seven (7) years up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to be served consecutively to all other charges, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

As to each of the six (6) counts of the indictment, YOUNG also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Trummel.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ROBERT JOHN, age 46, from St. Bernard, Louisiana, was indicted on February 11, 2022 for conspiring to commit student aid fraud.

The indictment charged JOHN with one count of conspiring with others to submit fraudulent applications for student loans and grants to two local community colleges, using the names of seven different applicants. According to the indictment, in total, the Department of Education paid over $74,000 in loan and grant funds in connection with the fraudulent applications. The applications contained false information for all applicants, and a few of the applicants did not even qualify for community college because they had not graduated high school or obtained GEDs.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that WAYNE C. WALKER, age 24, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on February 11, 2022 for Unlawful Possession and Use of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key used by Postal Service employees to access authorized mail receptacles in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704 and Unlawful Possession of approximately 80 pieces of stolen United States Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.

According to the indictment, on January 26, 2022, WALKER was arrested while in possession of the United States Postal Service “arrow” key and the stolen mail. If convicted, WALKER faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment on the count of unlawful possession of the United States Postal Service mail key and a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment on the count of possession of stolen mail, both counts to be followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri and G. Dall Kammer are in charge of the prosecution.

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced RAYMOND ZEPEDA, age 49, and ROLANDO CLARK, age 39, both of Houston, Texas, to 120 months imprisonment for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The sentencing occurred on February 8, 2022.

According to the court records, ZEPEDA and CLARK conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin and five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.  They were both Houston-based sources of supply for drug dealers in New Orleans.

Judge Zainey sentenced both ZEPEDA and CLARK to served ten (10) years in prison to be followed by five (5) years of supervised release and ordered that they each pay a $100 special assessment fee.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – Two defendants who admitted to conspiring to import tons of cocaine into the United States were recently sentenced in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced GILBERTO CONTRERAS, age 45, to 108 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.  United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced CARLOS RIVADENEIRA, age 50, to 121 months in prison for conspiring to import thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.   

According to court records, RIVADENEIRA was a “broker” who connected individuals in Ecuador/Colombia who wanted to move ton quantities of cocaine with transporters who could move the drugs from South America to Central America/Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States.  CONTRERAS operated a transportation service moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine from off the coast of Ecuador/Colombia to Central America and Mexico, with an ultimate destination of the United States.  CONTRERAS owned/operated several large container vessels on which a specialized welder had constructed hidden compartments.  After RIVADENEIRA brokered the deals, load owners in Ecuador and Colombia, who owned/produced the cocaine being shipped, would pay CONTRERAS a per kilogram price to move the drugs by sea to buyers in Mexico.  The load owners would stockpile thousands of kilograms of cocaine in hidden locations primarily along the coast of Ecuador.  CONTRERAS would send his vessels from Panama, where they were kept, to meet go-fast boats bringing the cocaine from shore out to international waters.  CONTRERAS’s vessels were outfitted with cranes capable of lifting tons of merchandise from the go-fast boats onto the larger vessels, where crew members then secreted the cocaine in hidden compartments.  CONTRERAS admitted to using four different vessels to transport large amounts of cocaine on at least six different occasions.  Each of the six trips involved at least 3,000 and up to 8,500 kilograms of cocaine, which has a street value in the hundreds of millions.  RIVADENEIRA admitted being caught in a recorded undercover meeting discussing the logistics of a recurring 3,000 kilogram shipment of cocaine to buyers in Mexico from producers in Ecuador.

The case arose from a multi-year investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, in conjunction with several HSI offices in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.  As the investigation developed, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Panama office also became heavily involved, with assistance from DEA’s offices in Ecuador and Colombia.  This truly collaborative investigation across agencies and offices led to three massive maritime interdictions, coordinated by the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and involving the United States Coast Guard and the Guatemalan Navy, in which over 13,000 kilograms of cocaine were seized. 

The interdictions led to the prosecution both in the United States and abroad of scores of crew members.  Later prosecutions in the United States focused on dismantling the organization and included charges against the expert welder who built the hidden compartments, associates who helped prepare the vessels for the drug runs, the shore to ship service provider, and a money launderer who help hide the proceeds.  These prosecutions were assisted by numerous parts of the Department of Justice and, with substantial assistance from the Department’s Office of International Affairs, involved coordinating arrests in multiple countries and subsequent extraditions. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana has secured convictions of 15 participants and forfeited luxury apartments here and abroad, as well as high end vehicles and cash.

“Our office remains highly focused on disrupting any international drug trafficking that benefits from the illegal sale and consumption of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “Despite the immense scope and duration of this investigation, its outcome was due to effective local and international law enforcement collaborations.  Their tireless efforts resulted in the successful prosecutions of those engaged in this criminal conspiracy.”   

“The scope and length of this investigation is a testament to our resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade, aggressively pursue narcotics traffickers, and keep our communities free from dangerous narcotics,” said Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Special Agent in Charge David Denton. “HSI, and our law enforcement partners, know that our work isn’t over, but our commitment to the American public is as strong as ever.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Coast Guard.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans recently unsealed the indictment of FLORENCE RANDLE (“RANDLE”), age 70, of Gibson; STACIE WHEATEN (“WHEATEN”), age 50, of Atlanta; JOSEPH BREWTON (“BREWTON”), age 56, of Houma; DAVID BROWN (“BROWN”), age 50, of Morgan City; GILDA HENDERSON (“HENDERSON”), age 69, of Morgan City; LATRELL JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 30, of New Orleans; and LARRY PICOU (“PICOU”), age 56, of Gibson.  The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury on February 3, 2022 and unsealed after the arrests of BROWN and PICOU.  This indictment brings the total number of defendants charged in the federal probe into the staging of accidents with tractor-trailers to 47. 

All seven defendants were charged in a 10-count federal indictment.  All of the defendants were charged in Count 1 with Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  BREWTON was charged in Counts 2-7 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.  BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU were charged in Counts 5 and 6 with Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.  RANDLE and WHEATEN were charged in Counts 7 through 10, which charge Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341 and 2.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to each of the Mail Fraud counts.  Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count.  A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count is also applicable.

According to court documents, BREWTON, RANDLE, and WHEATEN served as intermediaries who directed passengers to participate in staged automobile accidents.  BREWTON helped to arrange collisions that took place on March 27, 2017 and May 11, 2017.  RANDLE and WHEATEN helped to coordinate collisions on May 17, 2017 and June 5, 2017.

 The indictment alleges that BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU falsely claimed that they were passengers in a car that was struck by a tractor-trailer on May 11, 2017.  In fact, the defendants conspired with BREWTON, Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and others to intentionally collide with a tractor-trailer in the area of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road in New Orleans.  After the intentional collision, BROWN, HENDERSON, JOHNSON, and PICOU made a false police report, lied in depositions, and filed fraudulent lawsuits claiming that the tractor-trailer was at fault.  This scheme caused the insurance company for the tractor-trailer to pay over $140,000.00 in settlement funds. 

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

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KHANH BUI, age 45, a resident of Westwego, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 8, 2022 for mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. The Honorable Susie Morgan sentenced BUI to 15 months incarceration, 3 years supervised release, $10, 853 in restitution, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment fee.

According to court documents, BUI fraudulently used credit cards and false California driver’s licenses to obtain money and property from home improvement stores.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S.  Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that EVERETT J. DILLON (“DILLON”), age 34, of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 8, 2022 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 DILLON developed as a result of a lead to the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (“LBI”) that a KIK user had sent explicit videos of children, aged approximately ten (10) years of age. On December 1, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) special agents along with the LBI executed a search warrant at DILLON’s home in Golden Meadow.  Agents advised DILLON of his Miranda rights and, after waiving his rights, DILLON admitted that the KIK account and email address were his and that he stored child pornography on his electronic equipment. HSI computer forensic examiners located over 4,000 images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children on the defendant’s AT&T cellular phone.  The images and videos depicted pre-pubescent girls, including toddlers, engaged in sexual acts with adults.

U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced DILLON to 135 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, $27,000 in restitution, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL ALEXANDER, SR., a/k/a “Monsta,” age 39, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was charged on December 16, 2021, in a sealed three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession with intent to distribute heroin in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), and being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on December 2, 2021, Drug Enforcement Administration Agents executed a federal search warrant on ALEXANDER’s home in Ponchatoula. During the search, Agents discovered approximately eleven ounces of heroin and five illegal guns.  Additionally, Agents seized $289,224.70 in U.S. currency.

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute heroin, ALEXANDER faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  For possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, ALEXANDER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, ALEXANDER faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each of the three counts of the indictment, ALEXANDER also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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 federal Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney J. Benjamin Myers.

 

 

NEW ORLEANS -- U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope.  It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“Human traffickers prey on society’s most vulnerable members and their crimes equate to modern-day slavery.” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  “These crimes often are not detected because victims live in fear of physical abuse, threats, extortion, and other forms of intimidation. In the Eastern District of Louisiana, our office along with a group of federal, state, local law enforcement, and community partners work diligently to identify, investigate, and prosecute traffickers.  Human trafficking survivors are also referred to victim-centric direct services.”

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally funded, locally led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance, and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at   1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

 

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced KEVIN GRAY, age 48, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, to 63 months of imprisonment, 4 years of supervised release, and $100 in a mandatory special assessment fee for conspiring to distribute cocaine and heroin in New Orleans, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846. GRAY plead guilty on October 27, 2021.

According to court records, GRAY and four others, Joseph Brown, Lionel Cooley, Kendrick Demourelle, and Blake Monroe, conspired to sell illegal narcotics in New Orleans, including using a broken-down yellow school bus in the ‘Goose’ neighborhood in New Orleans East as a stash house. All five were indicted in February 2020. A seized GMC Sierra pickup truck used by Lionel Cooley contained nearly two kilograms of cocaine and 430 grams of crack.

The evidence against GRAY includes numerous intercepted communications and seized drugs. All five defendants in this case have plead guilty. 

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 federal 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 Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution. 

 

*     *     *

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RANDI LEWIS, age 34, from Houston, Texas, was charged on January 28, 2022 by a federal grand jury in a five-count indictment with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1594(c) and 1591(a) (Count 1), sex trafficking of a child under the age of 14, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(a) and 1591(b)(1) (Count 2), interstate transportation of a minor for purposes of unlawful sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(a) (Count 3), coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count 4), and production of child sexual abuse material, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a) (Count 5), for his role in bringing a thirteen-year-old female from Houston to New Orleans for the purpose of her engaging in commercial sex acts in June 2021. 

According to the indictment, LEWIS met his co-conspirator, a female born in 2003, in about 2019.  LEWIS recruited the female to engage in commercial sex acts under his direction, and she complied.  Together, LEWIS and his co-conspirator met the victim, who was thirteen years old, in the Houston, Texas area not later than June 21, 2021.  At LEWIS’s direction, the co-conspirator recruited the victim to perform commercial sex acts under LEWIS’s direction.  Soon thereafter, she introduced the victim to LEWIS.  After the victim agreed, LEWIS arranged for he, his co-conspirator, and the victim to travel to New Orleans on a Greyhound bus for the purpose of his co-conspirator and the victim to engage in commercial sex acts.  Between June 22, 2021, and June 24, 2021, his co-conspirator and the victim performed multiple commercial sex acts in the New Orleans area.  LEWIS created and caused to be created advertisements on an online classified ad service commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which LEWIS received telephone calls, text messages, and messages via social media applications inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution calls with his co-conspirator and the victim.  LEWIS arranged for sexually explicit pictures of the victim to be used in the advertisements.  LEWIS and his co-conspirator also gave the victim illicit and mood-altering drugs, including marijuana, to numb her senses, control her behavior, and/or to encourage her to engage in commercial sex acts.  Law enforcement authorities recovered the victim at a hotel in Terrytown, Louisiana, on June 24, 2021.      

If convicted on all counts, LEWIS faces the following maximum sentence for each count: a a maximum term of life in prison as to Count 1, mandatory minimum term of fifteen (15) years and up to a maximum term of life as to Count 2, mandatory minimum term of ten (10) years and up to a maximum term of life as to each of Counts 3 and 4, and a mandatory minimum term of fifteen (15) years and up to a maximum term of thirty (30) years as to Count 5, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.  LEWIS may also be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

 

                                                                       

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ORONDE GABRIEL, age 37 of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on January 28, 2022 in a single count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, GABRIEL was previously convicted in federal court for conspiracy to make false statements in the acquisition of a firearm. Being a felon, GABRIEL is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He is charged with having a Taurus model G2C, nine-millimeter handgun on September 27, 2021. If convicted of this offense, GABRIEL faces a maximum term of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.     

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 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 New Orleans Police Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DANTE FRAZIER, age 42, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on January 28, 2022 in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act. Specifically, he is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2); discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii); and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C).

According to court documents, FRAZIER was previously convicted of drug trafficking in St. Bernard Parish and armed robbery in Orleans Parish. Due to his criminal history, he is prohibited from having a firearm. He is now charged with possessing a Mossberg International model 715P, .22 caliber handgun and discharging it in furtherance of narcotics violations on November 6, 2021. He is further alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl and cocaine base or “crack.”

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute the methamphetamine, FRAZIER faces a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of up to forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000.00 fine, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base or fentanyl, he faces a maximum of up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of discharging a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum of ten (10) years and up to a maximum of up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces a maximum of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 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 New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVIN CHANEY, age 32, was charged today in a two-count indictment with one count for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a) and (d) and one count for use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence pursuant to Title 18 United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

According to the indictment, CHANEY robbed the Capital One Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 24, 2021. CHANEY used a firearm when committing the bank robbery.  

If convicted of armed bank robbery, CHANEY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 25 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  If convicted of brandishing a firearm during the bank robbery, CHANEY faces a mandatory consecutive minimum sentence of seven years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to 5 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force and New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DAJANAE DRAKE, age 28, from Missouri City, Texas, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with obstruction, attempted obstruction, and interference with the enforcement of the federal criminal sex trafficking statute, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(d).  According to court documents, the criminal acts occurred between about June 25, 2021, and November 28, 2021. 

If convicted, DRAKE faces a maximum term of up to twenty-five (25) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to five (5) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALONSO BONILLA, age 45, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged today in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, BONILLA reentered the United States after he was previously removed on April 12, 2018.

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

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

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.

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        NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KEINAN CHAPMAN, age 39, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia; GREGORY BUTLER, age 37, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana; TAWUAN SYLVESTER, age 46, a resident of Marrero; JONATHAN BUSH, age 35, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana; and AARON THIBODEAUX, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a multi-count indictment with conspiring to sell stolen cars after they were transported across state lines in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy), 18 U.S.C. §  2313 (sale and transportation of stolen cars), and 18 U.S.C. § 511 (altering vehicle identification numbers).  The indictment was returned on December 10, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on January 18, 2022, following the arrest of the defendants.

         The indictment also alleges that the defendants stole cars from car dealerships and rental car facilities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia.  After stealing the cars, the defendants retitled the cars under fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINS) with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Once the cars were retitled and cloned with fraudulent VINS, the defendants then resold the cars to buyers in the New Orleans metro area at discounted prices.

         The indictment charges CHAPMAN in counts 1, 5, and 9.  BUTLER is charged in counts 1,7-10.  SYLVESTER is charged in counts 1-3.  BUSH is charged in counts 1-4, and 6.  THIBODEAUX is charged in counts 1-3, and 6.  18 U.S.C. § 371 carries a term of imprisonment of up to five years.  18 U.S.C. § 2313 carries a term of imprisonment of up to ten years.  18 U.S.C. § 511 carries a term of imprisonment of up to five years.  Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000, a term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

         “We are grateful to our federal and state law enforcement partners for their continued efforts to reduce interstate car theft related crimes in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Evans.   

         “Organized retail crime can have a devastating, far-reaching financial impact on our community.  This alleged vehicle theft ring is estimated to have cost retailers and private citizens millions in losses,” said HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge David Denton. “These indictments are the result of the hard work and collaboration between HSI agents and our trusted law enforcement partners. Together, we will work to ensure those involved in this scheme are investigated and brought to justice.”

         “Over the last two years, LSP Investigators have worked diligently alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to identify and recover several millions worth of stolen vehicles across the Gulf South”, said Colonel Lamar Davis, Louisiana State Police Superintendent. “The success of this operation exemplifies the dedication of our personnel and the strength of our collaborative efforts to ensure public safety.”

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RENALDO RUFFIN, age 29, of New Orleans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act on November 12, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on January 24, 2022.  Specifically, RUFFIN was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). 

According to the indictment, RUFFIN possessed a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semiautomatic handgun on or about August 30, 2020.  If convicted of this charge, RUFFIN faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  RUFFIN must also pay a $100 mandatory 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 prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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

 

 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SEAN MARTIN, age 55, of New Orleans, SEAN ESPRIT, age 26, of New Orleans, and GENE JACKSON, age 51, of New Orleans, were indicted by a federal grand jury for violations of the federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts on December 10, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on January 19, 2022.  Among other charges, MARTIN, ESPRIT and JACKSON were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  MARTIN and ESPRIT 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). 

 According to the indictment, MARTIN, ESPRIT and JACKSON conspired with each other and others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine hydrochloride in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere.  MARTIN and ESPRIT possessed over 1 kilogram of heroin and over 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride on November 19, 2019.  MARTIN and ESPRIT also possessed a Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter semiautomatic pistol on that date. 

If convicted of the drug offenses, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000, and at least 10 years of supervised release; ESPRIT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release; and JACKSON faces up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000 and at least 3 years of supervised release.  On the firearms charge, MARTIN and ESPRIT 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 each count of the indictment, MARTIN, ESPRIT and JACKSON also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case is being investigated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL YUSKO, III, age 47, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1960. The charge stems from YUSKO’s sale of bitcoin to customers, and customers’ subsequent complaints that YUSKO had defrauded them by not providing them with the agreed-upon bitcoin after taking their money. YUSKO had previously pleaded guilty in this case pursuant to a plea agreement.

According to court documents, federal agents received complaints beginning in May 2018 that YUSKO was selling customers bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies but failing to follow through on transactions. YUSKO would promise customers any amount of bitcoin in exchange for U.S. dollars at five percent above market price for a five percent fee. He then directed these customers to deposit U.S. dollars into one of several business bank accounts, among them Nervous Light Capital LLC, Ready Demolition LLC, Patriot Concrete Pumping, LLC, Praetorian Energy, LLC, and Hudson Oak Partners LLC. YUSKO did not register these companies as money transmitting businesses with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) of the Department of Treasury, and he otherwise did not comply with the regulations of Title 31, United States Code, Section 5330. YUSKO also instructed his clients not to tell any bank employees that the purpose of their wire transfer was to purchase cryptocurrency. Agents have learned that banks frequently shut down accounts used to sell cryptocurrency, and banks had previously shut down YUSKO’s accounts for such activity.

The court documents detail how customers communicated with YUSKO and paid him tens of thousands of dollars for bitcoin. While YUSKO did carry out transactions with many customers, he failed to fulfill other transactions, and then he failed to return the U.S. dollars deposited in his accounts. YUSKO admitted to being responsible for $201,399.00 in losses to victims.

Judge Ashe sentenced YUSKO to one year and one day of prison, as well as three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As part of his sentence, YUSKO was ordered to make full restitution to victims in the amount of $411,009.00.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Field Office and the U.S. Secret Service New Orleans Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MERVIN BAILEY, age 19, of New Orleans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for carjacking and violations of the Federal Gun Control Act on November 4, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on January 11, 2022.  Specifically, BAILEY was charged with one count of carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119; one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(k). 

 According to the indictment, BAILEY carjacked a 2019 BMW X7 from a victim in New Orleans on June 3, 2021.  During that carjacking, BAILEY brandished a CZ-PF10F nine-millimeter Luger handgun with an obliterated serial number.  If convicted of these charges, BAILEY faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment followed by up to 3 years of supervised release on the carjacking count.  BAILEY faces a mandatory consecutive minimum sentence of 7 years up to life imprisonment, followed by up to 5 years of supervised release on the brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence count.  Finally, BAILEY faces up to a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release on the possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number count.  BAILEY also faces payment of $300 in mandatory special assessment fees.

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

This case is being investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TORIN JENKINS, age 27, of New Orleans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act on December 17, 2021.  Specifically, JENKINS was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). 

According to the indictment, JENKINS possessed a Glock Model 36, .45 caliber firearm on or about December 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  If convicted of this charge, JENKINS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WARREN PICARD, age 26, of New Orleans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act on August 12, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on January 12, 2022.  Specifically, PICARD was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). 

 According to the indictment, PICARD possessed a Glock Model 19, nine-millimeter caliber pistol on or about July 21, 2020.  If convicted of these charges, PICARD faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment followed by up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and 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 prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

This case is being investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DONTRELL MATHEWS, age 42,  a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to a one-count superseding bill of information charging him with distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, on July 31, 2018, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential source to make a controlled purchase of approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine from MATHEWS.  As a result of his plea, MATHEWS faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  MATHEWS must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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