Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TYRONE DILLING, age 27, of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged with embezzling the mail in a Bill of Information filed today in the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to documents filed in federal court, DILLING was employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier in New Orleans when he was apprehended after opening and tampering with the content of mail items he was entrusted to handle for the Postal Service. 

The maximum penalty for the offense is five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BONNIE JEAN LAWLESS DIAZ (“DIAZ”) has been sentenced on January 18, 2022 to 36 months of probation after pleading guilty in federal court relating to her role in a health care fraud conspiracy.

DIAZ, age 46, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 23, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to Count One of a Superseding Bill of Information charging her with misprision (or knowing concealment) of the commission of a felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 4.

According to the Indictment, in or around March 2014, continuing through in or around October 2016, co-defendants conspired to knowingly and willfully execute a scheme and artifice to defraud TRICARE, a federal health care benefit program affecting commerce, and other health care benefit programs.

According to the Superseding Bill of Information, DIAZ had knowledge of the commission of the health care fraud. DIAZ concealed the fraud by knowingly submitting or caused to be submitted compounded medications for which there was no medical necessity and did not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States.

The owner, on behalf of Prime Pharmacy, contracted with various entities, including Pharmacy Benefit Managers (“PBMs”), obligating Prime Pharmacy to collect copayments from beneficiaries in order to be reimbursed by various health care benefit programs, including TRICARE. Additionally, the owner of Prime worked with codefendant Donald Auzine to market the compounded medications produced by Prime Pharmacy. Auzine found other marketers outside of the state to find beneficiaries that were willing to receive medically unnecessary compounds and doctors willing to prescribe compounds without medical necessity.

Beginning in or around March 2014, and continuing through in or around April 2016, Prime Pharmacy dispensed prescriptions for High-Yield Compounded Medications to beneficiaries of TRICARE and other health care benefit programs that were not medically necessary, induced by kickback payments, or where copayments were either waived or credited by Prime Pharmacy, and accordingly, submitted or caused to be submitted false and fraudulent claims for reimbursement to TRICARE, other health care benefit programs, and PBMs.

DIAZ was also ordered to repay TRICARE $180,000 in restitution.

“Individuals involved in this scheme illegally billed TRICARE out of close to $15 million and I am pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is requiring justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Cynthia Bruce, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office.  “There are no victimless crimes and DCIS agents will continue to pursue unscrupulous greedy individuals who steal from our military health care system and all taxpayers.”

“Those entrusted with providing health care services to veterans and their family members will be held accountable should they violate that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Breen of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts to achieve justice in this case.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. 

The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEANDRE ROSE, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on January 18, 2022 in the United States District Court.  ROSE plead guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

ROSE was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department on January 28, 2021 after he tossed a firearm while fleeing from officers who were attempting to arrest him pursuant to an arrest warrant.  After arresting ROSE, officers monitoring ROSE’s jail calls learned that ROSE possessed a second firearm inside of the vehicle he was operating on the day that he was arrested.  Officers were conducting surveillance of ROSE when they observed him driving his vehicle, minutes before his arrest.  After obtaining a search warrant to search ROSE’s vehicle, officers located an assault rifle inside of ROSE’s vehicle.

United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter imposed a sentence of 84 months of imprisonment. Following his term of imprisonment, ROSE will be placed on supervised release for a period of 3 years.  ROSE must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. A fine was not imposed.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The Honorable Jay C. Zainey sentenced RONALD JACOBS, age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana, today to serve 101 months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, JACOBS was arrested after concerned citizens reported his vehicle stopped in a travel lane on Williams Boulevard in Kenner.  Kenner Police responded and found JACOBS asleep in the vehicle with what appeared to be drugs in his lap.  When the officers made contact with JACOBS, he attempted to flee by ramming his vehicle into the officers’ vehicles and was reaching for an area in his truck where the officers later found a pistol.  In addition to the loaded gun, officers also located 14 grams of crack, a digital scale, a razor blade, and about $1,100.  JACOBS admitted that he possessed the crack for distribution. 

In addition to the 101-month term of imprisonment, JACOBS was also sentenced to five (5) years of supervised release after he is released from the Bureau of Prisons and ordered to pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

This case was investigated by the Kenner Police Department and Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller. 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane Evans announced today that OLGA MARINA ESTRADA-BARAHONA, age 44, was charged on January 14, 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, OLGA MARINA ESTRADA-BARAHONA (“ESTRADA”), reentered the United States after she was previously deported on January 25, 2006.  If convicted, ESTRADA faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of up two years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to a one-year term of supervised release, 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 Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JIMMELLE PINES, age 41, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty on January 13, 2022 to Count 1 of the Indictment, charging him with possessing with intent to distribute one (1) kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). The defendant faces a minimum sentence of ten (10) years in prison up to a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000.00 fine, a period of supervised release of no less than five (5) years, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to court records, PINES, when arrested on November 5, 2020 at his grandmother’s property in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, possessed approximately 1.575 kilograms of heroin that he intended to sell.  In October 2020, officers working with the Ponchatoula Police Department (“PPD”) and federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the investigative branch of the United States Department of Homeland Security, received credible information that PINES stored large quantities of heroin in immobile cars parked on his grandmother’s property in Ponchatoula.

U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence PINES on March 24, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Ponchatoula Police Department, and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that KEVIN RICHARDSON, 59, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 13, 2022 by United States District Judge Susie Morgan to thirty (30) months in the Bureau of Prisons for violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) and 2, use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the court documents, RICHARDSON was employed as a building inspector for the City of New Orleans and utilized the internet-based City of New Orleans’ LAMA system to alter and/or delete city documents and submit material information.  He solicited and accepted approximately $65,000 in bribe payments from individuals seeking favorable inspection reports and certificates of completion for properties that did not comply with the city and state building codes and for properties that had not been inspected.  He also paid bribe money to a City of New Orleans permit analyst for the issuance of permits without proper documentation and plan review. 

RICHARDSON’s sentence will be followed by one (1) year of supervised release.  He was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

This matter was investigated by the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General, Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RYAN WHEATEN (“WHEATEN”), age 54, of Lafayette, Louisiana, was sentenced on January 12, 2022 for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to court documents, on May 17, 2017, WHEATEN, along with participants Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), Henry Randle (“Randle”), and Dakota Diggs (“D. Diggs”), staged an automobile collision with a tractor-trailer in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans.  Labeaud purposely drove the vehicle into a tractor-trailer and then fled the scene with Solomon.  Randle falsely reported to the New Orleans Police Department that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer was at fault.  Shortly thereafter, Labeaud and Solomon went on to stage a second accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street with Bernell Gale (“Gale”), Troy Smith (“Smith”), Marvel Francois (“Francois”), and another passenger. In addition to WHEATEN, Labeaud, Solomon, Gale, Smith, and Francois were also charged and pled guilty. 

After the staged collision, WHEATEN, Randle, and D. Diggs made claims for personal injuries. The victim insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000.00 for these fraudulent claims.

U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced WHEATEN to serve 10 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. WHEATEN was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,000. Judge Africk also imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On January 11, 2022, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced COREY DUNN, age 49, to eighty-seven (87) months in the Bureau of Prisons for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, a schedule II drug-controlled substance, during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

DUNN was charged on August 29, 2019 and pled guilty on June 15, 2021.  He pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, a schedule II drug-controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B). DUNN’s sentence will be followed by four (4) years of supervised release. He was also sentenced to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany Reed, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that   RODNEY ROUSSELL (“ROUSSELL”), age 40, of Belle Rose, Louisiana, was charged on January 7, 2022 by a Bill of Information for Bank Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344(2).

The case against ROUSSELL began as a result of a complaint from a local company (“Company A”) to the FBI. According to the Bill of Information, in August, 2017, ROUSSELL began working for Company A. Company A maintained its operational headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Company A maintained a business account with JPMorgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”). Company A’s salary payments to ROUSSELL were made electronically and drawn on Company A’s account.

If convicted, ROUSSELL faces a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, a term of supervised release of not more than five years, and a special assessment fee of $100.

As Company A’s employee, ROUSSELL did not have access to Company A’s Chase Bank Account, and was not authorized to make payments of any kind using funds in the account. Beginning in or about April 2018, and continuing until in or about June 2018, ROUSSELL utilized Chase Bank’s web portal and mobile banking app to transfer money from Company A’s account to pay the balance of ROUSSELL’s personal bank card.  In total, ROUSSELL obtained $213,372.05 from Company A’s Chase Bank account.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On January 11, 2022, United States District Judge Greg Guidry sentenced JOHNNY WOODEN, age 21, to forty-eight (48) months in the Bureau of Prisons for possession of a firearm while under indictment, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

WOODEN was charged on August 7, 2020 and pled guilty on September 28, 2021.  He pled guilty to possession of a firearm while under indictment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(n) and 924(a)(1)(D). WOODEN’s sentence is to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release. He must also pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that GREG TRAHAN, 46, from Jefferson Parish, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C). 

TRAHAN took part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout Jefferson Parish and surrounding areas for over a year.  He also possessed heroin with the intent to distribute.

At sentencing, TRAHAN faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 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.

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 the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan Paige, André Jones, and Melissa Bücher.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DONISESHA LEE (“DONISHA LEE”), age 30, of Harvey, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans.

According to today’s guilty plea, DONISHA LEE, along with her co-defendants, Dewayne Coleman (“Coleman”), Erica Lee Thompson (“Erica Lee”), Aisha Thompson (“Thompson”), Passenger A, and Donreion Lee, conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident with their former co-defendant, occurring on September 6, 2017.  Today’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to thirty (30).

DONISHA LEE admitted that on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit, she was a passenger in Erica Lee’s 2015 RAV4 being driven by their former co-defendant, when he intentionally crashed into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express.  After the staged accident, the driver exited the RAV4 and told Erica Lee to get behind the wheel of the RAV4 to make it appear that Erica Lee was driving the vehicle at the time of the staged accident.  The defendants contacted the NOPD and falsely claimed that Erica Lee was the driver at the time of the collision.  Passenger A falsely claimed to the NOPD that she was Thompson.

Approximately one or two days after the staged accident, Coleman, DONISHA LEE, Donreion Lee, Erica Lee, and Thompson went to an attorney’s office for the purpose of collecting money from the insurance and trucking company.  Coleman, DONISHA LEE, Donreion Lee, Erica Lee, and Thompson sought medical treatment from doctors and healthcare providers.  Thompson was treated despite not being in the RAV4 at the time of the staged accident. DONISHA LEE retained counsel and made a claim for damages.  The total settlement for the Averitt accident was approximately $30,000.

On March 26, 2019, DONISHA LEE, Coleman, and Donreion Lee each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit.  On April 9, 2019, Thompson provided false testimony in a deposition taken in conjunction with the Thompson Lawsuit.  In these depositions, DONISHA LEE, Coleman, Donreion Lee, and Thompson lied about the September 6, 2017 accident including, but not limited to, who was driving the RAV4 and the extent of their injuries.

DONISHA LEE face a maximum sentence of five (5) years of incarceration.  Upon release from prison, DONISHA LEE also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  Also, DONISHA LEE must pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee at sentencing.  United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance scheduled the sentencing hearing for April 27, 2022.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BLAKE BATISTE, age 19, from New Orleans, pled guilty on January 5, 2022, to various firearm and drug charges.  His guilty plea stems from his participation in a December 28, 2020, shootout on the 15th floor of the Jung Hotel on Canal Street. 

Earlier this year the federal Grand Jury handed down related indictments, charging a total of nine individuals with various violations of the Federal Gun Control and Federal Controlled Substances Acts. BATISTE pled guilty to Counts 1, 2, and 4 of the Superseding Indictment pending against him.

Count 1 charges BATISTE with attempting to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of  Title 18, United Stated Code, Sections 1951 and 2.  Count 2 charges BATISTE with participating in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute quantities of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(D), and 846. Count 4 charges BATISTE with participating in a conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).

Counts 1 carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and up to 3 years supervised release. Count 2 carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and at least 2 years supervised release. Counts 4 carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release.  The defendant must pay a total of $300 in mandatory special assessment fees.

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 the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorneys Maurice Landrieu and Elizabeth Privitera are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JARRETT SCURTO, age 34, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged on January 7, 2022, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

If convicted, SCURTO faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in New Orleans returned an indictment today charging a city court judge with filing false tax returns.

According to the indictment, from 2013 to 2016 Ernestine Anderson-Trahan, a judge of the Second City Court in the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana, allegedly officiated hundreds of marriage ceremonies each year but did not report on her federal tax returns the entire income earned from presiding over those ceremonies. Trahan allegedly earned between $80 and $100, paid to her in cash, for each marriage she officiated at the courthouse. She allegedly charged higher officiant fees for marriages conducted outside normal business hours, outside the courthouse, or on Valentine’s Day. Trahan allegedly did not report all of these officiant fees on her 2013 through 2016 federal tax returns. On her 2013 and 2014 tax returns, Trahan also allegedly did not report the income she received in those tax years for providing outside legal work before becoming a judge.

Trahan is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Jan. 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the four counts of filing a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Brian Flanagan and William Montague of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

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

NEW ORLEANS – A man was arrested today in connection with the Christmas Eve armed bank robbery of a Capital One Bank.

Devin Chaney was arrested today and charged by complaint with Bank Robbery 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a).  It is alleged that on Dec. 24, Chaney robbed the Capital One Bank branch, located at 313 Carondelet Street in New Orleans.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans and FBI New Orleans Field Division Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force.

A complaint is merely an allegation.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RITCHEL MOREHEAD, age 40, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was convicted of wire fraud in connection with a fake investment scheme.

The government filed a superseding bill of information that charged MOREHEAD with committing wire fraud from December 2018 through February 2019. According to court documents, MOREHEAD used a corporation, Chel Corporation, to defraud six victims by embezzling a total of $460,000 that was supposed to cover fees, costs, and down payments for multi-million-dollar loans, when in fact MOREHEAD spent the funds on personal expenses, such as jewelry and a vehicle, and transferred cash to accounts overseas. Under the terms of the plea agreement, MOREHEAD pled guilty as charged to the superseding bill of information and agreed to pay $460,000 in restitution to the victims of her scheme. The government has already seized $190,784.90 in cash and assets from MOREHEAD.

MOREHEAD faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to MOREHEAD or the gross loss to any victims, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  

The Honorable Martin L. C. Feldman set MOREHEAD’s sentencing for April 6, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JOSELYN BARRA, 54, from St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty on December 16, 2021 to counts two and three of the superseding indictment for misprision of a felony and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 4, 922(g)(1), and 924(a)(2), respectively.  BARRA was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on July 1, 2021.

According to court documents, in May 2019, while investigating a shooting in the Seventh Ward of New Orleans, detectives located four firearms and a bullet-proof vest in BARRA’s home.  Before May 2019, both BARRA and her son, Matthew Barra, were convicted of various felonies, which precluded them from possessing firearms.  BARRA lied to police and attempted to subvert the investigation, for which she was charged with misprision of a felony. 

At sentencing, for count two, misprision of a felony, BARRA faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, up to one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 4.  For count three, felon in possession of a firearm, she faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, pursuant to Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(a)(2).

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone.  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans, announced that HAROLD SAINTES, JR. age 53, of Broussard, Louisiana was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one count Bill of Information with Theft of Mail.

In papers filed with the court and signed by defendant SAINTES, he admitted to taking mis-sent parcels in the amount of $380.00 from the Loranger Post Office from September 1, 2019 through October 19, 2019.

United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced SAINTES to one year probation plus community service and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. The defendant agreed to pay restitution of $380.00 in full at the time of sentencing.  

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the U.S Postal Inspection Service, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on December 22, 2021, TERRENCE ROLLINS, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced in the United States District Court after pleading guilty to a two count Superseding Indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, members of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department executed a search warrant at ROLLINS’s Washington Avenue residence after receiving information from concerned citizens that ROLLINS sold illegal narcotics at the residence.  During the search, law enforcement located prescribed medication, heroin, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.  Additionally, seven firearms including hand-guns and high-powered rifles and various types of ammunitions were confiscated.

United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced ROLLINS to 12 months imprisonment for Count One.  The judge sentenced ROLLINS to 60 months imprisonment for Count Two.  The 60 month term of imprisonment will run consecutive to the sentence imposed in Count One.  Following his term of imprisonment, ROLLINS will be placed on supervised release for a period of 3 years. ROLLINS must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $200.

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, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENYA BUTLER-SMALL was charged on December 21, 2021 with two counts of wire fraud for conduct alleged to have occurred while she was employed by Amtrak as an On-board Services Train Attendant.

According to the bill of information, BUTLER-SMALL recruited more than 40 victims to purchase 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 bill of information also alleges that 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.

The maximum penalties for each count of wire fraud are up to 20 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory assessment fee. 

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

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.

NEW ORLEANS – CLARENCE “BILLY” BURKETTE, age 53, and a resident of Slaughter, Louisiana, was indicted on December 16, 2021, by a federal grand jury for multiple counts of wire fraud (Title 18, United States Code 1343), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

As charged in the indictment, BURKETTE defrauded the Town of Pearl River in connection with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program (FEMA), which provides grant programs for state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, and certain types of non-profits and which is administered in Louisiana by the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).  BURKETTE, who contracted to provide the Town of Pearl River disaster assistance services, misrepresented, among other things, the amount of public assistance grant funds for which the Town of Pearl River was eligible.  BURKETTE further misrepresented to the Town of Pearl River that his own fees would be reimbursed by FEMA. BURKETTE invoiced the Town of Pearl River approximately $629,761.25 for services he claimed to have provided related to the Disaster Assistance Agreement for which BURKETTE received a total of approximately $598,196.25 from the Town of Pearl River.

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

If convicted, BURKETTE faces a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years in prison, up to five (5) years of supervised release, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee, for each count.

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and District Attorney’s Office, 22nd Judicial District for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andre Lagarde.

Taylor Energy Company LLC (Taylor Energy), a Louisiana oil and gas company, has agreed to turn over all its remaining assets to the United States upon liquidation to resolve its liability for the oil spill at its former Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production facility — the source of the longest-running oil spill in U.S. history, ongoing since 2004.

Under the proposed consent decree, Taylor Energy will transfer to the Department of the Interior (DOI) a $432 million trust fund dedicated to plugging the subsea oil wells, permanently decommissioning the facility, and remediating contaminated soil. The consent decree further requires Taylor Energy to pay over $43 million for civil penalties, removal costs and natural resource damages (NRD). The State of Louisiana is a co-trustee for natural resources impacted by the spill and the NRD money is a joint recovery by the federal and state trustees.

The United States filed a civil complaint against Taylor Energy in the U.S. District Court in New Orleans on Oct. 23, 2020 — United States v. Taylor Energy Company LLC — seeking removal costs, civil penalties and NRD under the Oil Pollution and Clean Water Acts arising from the discharge of oil from the company’s former oil production facility. Between 2016 and 2020, Taylor Energy filed several lawsuits against the United States, including challenging the Coast Guard’s decision to install a spill containment system and appealing the Coast Guard’s denial of Taylor Energy’s $353 million spill-cost reimbursement claim submitted to the U.S. Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund. The settlement resolves the United States’ environmental enforcement claims against Taylor Energy and requires the company to drop its remaining lawsuits against the United States.

“Offshore operators cannot allow oil to spill into our nation’s waters,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “If an oil spill occurs, the responsible party must cooperate with the government to timely address the problem and pay for the cleanup. Holding offshore operators to account is vital to protecting our environment and ensuring a level industry playing field.”

“Despite being a catalyst for beneficial environmental technological innovation, the damage to our ecosystem caused by this 17-year-old oil spill is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “The federal government will hold accountable businesses that violate our Nation’s environmental laws and ensure that any oil and gas company operating within our District meets their professional and legal responsibilities.”

“We are proud of and grateful to the outstanding interagency team of technical and legal experts from the Departments of the Interior and Justice, the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies who have worked tirelessly for more than a decade to mitigate environmental impacts to the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, hold the company accountable, and protect the American taxpayer,” said Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau.

“For the last three years, the Coast Guard, along with our federal partners, have committed to the challenging mission of containing and removing more than 800,000 gallons of oil discharging into the Gulf of Mexico,” said Captain Will Watson, Sector Commander of the Coast Guard New Orleans. “Containment and removal operations continue to this day. This settlement will provide significant financial resources for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Coast Guard to permanently secure the wells, protect the marine environment, preserve marine resources and ensure compliance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.”

“This settlement represents an important down payment to address impacts from the longest-running oil spill in U.S. history,” said Nicole LeBoeuf, Director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service. “Millions of Americans along the Gulf Coast depend on healthy coastal ecosystems. NOAA and our co-trustees look forward to working in partnership with the National Pollution Funds Center to ensure the region and the ecosystem can recover from this ongoing tragedy.”

Under the settlement, Taylor Energy will pay over $43 million — all of the company’s available remaining assets — allocated as follows: $15 million as a civil penalty, $16.5 million for NRD, and over $12 million for Coast Guard removal costs. Taylor Energy also will transfer to DOI’s Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) $432 million currently held in a trust for decommissioning the Mississippi Canyon (MC)-20 site, and the company will be barred from interfering in any way with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (BSEE’s) decommissioning work. Likewise, Taylor Energy may not interfere in any way with the Coast Guard’s oil containment and removal actions. Taylor Energy will turn over to DOI and the Coast Guard all documents (including data, studies, reports, etc.) relating to the site to assist in the decommissioning and response efforts. When Taylor Energy liquidates after court approval of the settlement, it will make a final payment to the United States of the value of its remaining assets.

The settlement also requires the company to dismiss three lawsuits it filed against the United States, including two cases in the Eastern District of Louisiana—Taylor Energy Co. LLC v. Captain Kristi M. Luttrell, in her Official Capacity as Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the MC20 Unified Command and Taylor Energy Co. LLC v. U.S. Department of the Interior — a case pending in the District Court for the District of Columbia, Taylor Energy Co. LLC v. United States.

The spill began in 2004, when a Taylor Energy production platform located in the Gulf of Mexico about 10 miles off the coast of Louisiana collapsed during Hurricane Ivan, resulting in an ongoing oil discharge that continues to this day. Since April 2019, the vast majority of the leaking oil has been successfully captured by a containment system installed and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard through a contractor. Today’s settlement was filed by the Justice Department on behalf of the Coast Guard, DOI and the federal and state trustees for natural resources. The designated federal trustees for the natural resources impacted by Taylor Energy’s oil spill are the U.S. Department of Commerce through the NOAA and DOI through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The designated state trustees are the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, Department of Public Safety & Corrections; Louisiana Department of Natural Resources; Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; and the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

The settlement was filed as a proposed consent decree and is subject to a 40-day public comment period and court review and approval. A copy of the consent decree is available on the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KYLE ARMSTONG, age 19, and KAREEM MADISON, age 27, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged on December 16, 2021 for theft or receipt of stolen mail matter and unlawful possession of postal key. MADISON was also charged for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

In Count 1 of the indictment, ARMSTRONG and MADISON are charged with stealing U.S. Mail matter from a post office letter box located at the Metairie Main Post Office, Metairie, LA 70002. If convicted, ARMSTRONG and MADISON face up to five (5) years imprisonment. In Count 2, ARMSTRONG and MADISON are charged with unlawfully possessing a key adopted by the Postal Service and in use on authorized receptacle for the deposit of mail matter with the intent unlawfully and improperly to use the same. If convicted, ARMSTRONG and MADISON face up to ten (10) years imprisonment. In Count 3 of the indictment, MADISON is charged for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, MADISON faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment. Each count carries additional penalties of a period of up to (3) years supervised release, a fine up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that YADA CLARK (“CLARK”), age 62, of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged by Bill of Information filed on December 16, 2021, for Theft of Federal Funds.

According to the Bill of Information, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”), an agency or department of the United States of America, operated the Retirement Survivor Insurance Benefit program (“RSI Program”). The purpose of the RSI Program is to provide benefits to retired workers in their post working years.

In or around February 1997, E.C. applied for and began receiving RSI Program benefits. The SSA sent the benefits to E.C. by direct deposit into his bank account. CLARK was a co-owner of E.C.’s bank account.  

On February 5, 2006, E.C. died. CLARK never advised the SSA of E.C.’s death.  From February 2006 through August 2020, SSA continued to electronically deposit funds to E.C.’s, bank account. From February 2006 through August 2020, CLARK received monthly SSA benefits totaling approximately $216,236 that she was not entitled to receive, which were deposited into E.C.’s account. CLARK was not entitled to receive these funds, however, she used such funds for her living expenses.

CLARK faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, restitution, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On December 16, 2021, United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced ROMALIS HARRIS, to eighty (80) months in the Bureau of Prisons for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, and use of a communication facility, a telephone, during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

HARRIS was charged on December 19, 2019 and pled guilty on June 14, 2021.  In one count, he pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(B). Judge Morgan sentenced HARRIS to eighty (80) months on that count, to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release.  Additionally, HARRIS was sentenced to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

HARRIS also pled guilty and was sentenced to use of a communication facility, a telephone, during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). Judge Morgan sentenced HARRIS to forty-eight (48) months imprisonment, to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release, to be served concurrently to all other sentences.  HARRIS was also sentenced to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Police Department.  The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany Reed, Andre Jones, and Melissa Bücher.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OSCAR NOEL DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ, age 47, a native of Honduras, was charged on December 16, 2021 in a one-count Bill of Information with illegally using a social security number to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

DUENAS-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.    

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CESAR LOPEZ-MATA (LOPEZ-MATA), age 27, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged on December 20, 2021 in federal court in a one-count Bill of Information with misuse of a Social Security Number. 

LOPEZ-MATA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  Additionally, LOPEZ-MATA is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three (3) years.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about December 1, 2021, LOPEZ-MATA, for employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information 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, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GERONIMO FLORES, age 29, of Henderson, Texas, was charged on December 17, 2021 with domestic violence by strangulation and suffocation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(8) and 7(8) and interstate domestic violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261(a)(1), 2261(b)(5), and 7(8).

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

If convicted of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, FLORES faces a maximum term of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. If convicted of domestic violence by striking the victim, he faces a maximum term of up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LAIRD JOHNSON, age 23, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on December 17, 2021 with theft of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(u) and 924(i)(1), possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), and possession of a stolen firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(j) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, JOHNSON stole a Glock Model 19X, nine-millimeter handgun from a federal firearms licensee on June 19, 2021. JOHNSON is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions in Orleans Parish for aggravated assault with a firearm, simple burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He is charged with possessing a .45 caliber handgun and .45 caliber ammunition on July 23, 2021. JOHNSON is further accused of possessing the stolen Glock Model 19X, the Glock Model 19, and a Zastava Arms, 7.62 rifle on August 10, 2021.

For each of the five counts, JOHNSON faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

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 New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JAVONTE RICHARD, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on December 16, 2021 for Theft of Mail by a Postal Service employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709.

According to the indictment, on November 14, 2019, RICHARD removed a package entrusted to her and which came into her possession to be conveyed by mail, while performing her assigned duties as an employee of the United States Postal Service.

If convicted, RICHARD faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, 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, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SANTOS MENDOZA-OSORIO, age 25, a native of Nicaragua, was charged on December 16, 2021 in a one-count indictment with illegal use of a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

MENDOZA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that 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 Homeland Security Investigations and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ANTHONY SMALLS, age 33, of New York, New York, was sentenced on December 16, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana to 37 months of incarceration for conspiracy to pass altered U.S. Postal money orders, passing altered U.S. Postal money orders and possessing stolen U.S. government property.

According to court records, SMALLS and a co-defendant, Antoine Merchant, travelled from New York to Louisiana in October of 2019 to cash stolen U.S. Postal money orders that had been altered to show amounts worth hundreds of dollars. SMALLS and Merchant cashed two such postal money orders in Kenner and Metairie, LA. When arrested, the defendants also possessed 58 U.S. Postal money orders that they had stolen from an Ascension Parish U.S. Post Office the day before.

In addition to incarceration, SMALLS was sentenced to three years of supervised release following incarceration, ordered to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service in the amount of $5,675.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $400.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, along with assistance from the Louisiana State Police - Criminal Investigations Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced JON YOUNG, age 36, of New Orleans, Louisiana, on December 15, 2021 for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.   

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

District Judge Vance sentenced YOUNG to sixty (60) months imprisonment to be followed by four (4) years of supervised release.  District Judge Vance also ordered that YOUNG pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that TRACY MORGAN, age 51, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021 to a Two Count Superseding Bill of Information. In Count One, MORGAN pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Two, MORGAN pled guilty to interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering.

According to court documents, in August 2019, on behalf of co-conspirator Ellis Batiste, Sr., MORGAN transported money from Louisiana to Texas to pay for 10 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride, which she then transported to Louisiana where she was subsequently stopped and arrested by law enforcement.

The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence MORGAN on March 17, 2022. In Count One, MORGAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least four years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For Count Two, MORGAN faces a maximum sentence of up to four years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to five years, and a mandatory special  assessment fee of $100.00.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that OCTAVIUS NARCISSE, age 54, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2021 to a Superseding Bill of Information. In Count One, NARCISSE pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a quantity of N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] (fentanyl) and cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Two, NARCISSE pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally using a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the violation in Count One.

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

The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence NARCISSE on March 17, 2022. In Count One, NARCISSE faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty (20) years of imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than three years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. In Count Two, NARCISSE faces a maximum sentence of up to four (4) years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to one year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that TREYVON TOBIAS (“TOBIAS”), age 22, of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana was sentenced on December 16, 2021 to 125 months imprisonment today by United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii); Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Section 1951(a), and Conspiracy to Use a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(o).  Following imprisonment, TOBIAS was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, in December 2017, TOBIAS and others forcibly entered the residence of Victim-1 after pistol-whipping the victim.  TOBIAS and others then robbed the victim of marijuana, money, and a cell phone at gunpoint.  Analysis of cell phone location information after the robbery helped uncover the whereabouts of TOBIAS and his co-conspirators during the robbery.

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 U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.  The prosecution of the case was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Friday, December 10, 2021, SHAWN BREAUX, age 29, resident of New Orleans, LA, was charged in a sealed two-count indictment for weapons violations that occurred on October 8, 2021.  The indictment was unsealed on December 15, 2021. 

In Count 1 of the indictment, BREAUX is charged with possessing two firearms on October 8, 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  Count 2 of the Indictment charges BREAUX with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, BREAUX faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case  is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced GENETTA ISREAL (“ISREAL”), age 53, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans. Thus far, twenty-nine (29) of the thirty-three (33) indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court. 

According to documents filed in federal court, Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), Larry Williams (“Williams”), and ISREAL were charged with staging an accident on June 12, 2017, occurring on Chef Menteur Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. Labeaud and Williams planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, Labeaud told Williams that he had an attorney, Daniel Patrick Keating (“Keating”), who has been identified in other documents filed in federal court, who would handle everything. Williams recruited ISREAL and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme.  Williams borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Labeaud operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer.  After the staged accident, Labeaud fled the scene and Williams got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. Solomon picked up Labeaud after the staged accident. Williams told the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, Labeaud introduced Williams and ISREAL to Keating.      

Williams and ISREAL were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Keating. On June 12, 2018, Keating’s firm filed the Larry Williams Lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Keating’s firm demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for ISREAL. After the suit was filed, Williams and ISREAL each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Keating’s firm.

U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon sentenced ISREAL to three (3) years probation with the first six (6) months to be served under home incarceration.  In addition, ISREAL was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,816.64 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that B XPRESS-ELYSIAN FIELDS, LLC, was sentenced today for making false statements in connection with a worksite employment investigation, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).

United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman ordered B-XPRESS to pay $50,000 in restitution as well as the forfeiture of $29,068.

In November 2015, Homeland Security Investigations received information that an undocumented worker was possibly being employed at B-XPRESS. A worksite enforcement investigation was then initiated by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

In response to a Form I-9 audit requesting worker documentation from Homeland Security Investigations agents, B-XPRESS submitted inaccurate records that failed to mention illegal workers employed at the business. On August 11, 2016, federal agents arrived at B-XPRESS and identified themselves to the corporate representative.  On behalf of B-XPRESS, the representative provided false statements to the agents of the United States Department of Labor. B-XPRESS falsely indicated that it did not utilize a timekeeping system to record the hours that employees actually worked, that some workers were classified as independent contractors, and that workers did not work more than 30 hours per week. The investigation determined that these statements were false.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NAVORIOUS HILLS, age 41, of Hammond, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 14, 2021 to 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, HILLS was selling prescription pain pills within the Eastern District of Louisiana. On May 15, 2020, he was in possession of a Glock handgun during a drug transaction at the Manchac Public Boat Launch. HILLS and his customer began arguing after their transaction concluded. The conflict escalated and HILLS retrieved his Glock Model 43 semi-automatic handgun and shot the man in the chest. HILLS admitted to selling the prescription narcotics and that the purpose of carrying the firearm was in furtherance of drug trafficking.

HILLS faces a statutory minimum term of imprisonment 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 following any term of imprisonment and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

The Honorable United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo has set sentencing for March 7, 2022.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles D. Strauss is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILES J. DUPERON, age 29, of Slidell, pled guilty on December 14, 2021 to one count of delay of U.S. Mail matter by postal employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1703(a).

According to the bill of information, on or about July 2019 through January 21, 2020, MILES J. DUPERON unlawfully delayed U.S. mail, which was intended to be conveyed by mail.

MILES J. DUPERON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00 or the greater of twice the gross gain to defendant or loss to victim, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry has set sentencing for March 22, 2022.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Friday, December 10, 2021, that PERCY SMITH, age 43, resident of New Orleans, LA, was charged in a two-count indictment for his alleged participation in a weapons violation on June 19, 2021 and on June 30, 2021. 

According to court documents, SMITH is charged in Counts 1 and 2 of the indictment with possessing a firearm on two separate occasions, on June 19, 2021 and June 30, 2021, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, SMITH faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, a period of up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on September 9, 2021, RANDY FIELDS, age 30, resident of Orleans Parish, was charged in a four-count sealed indictment for alleged drug and gun violations.  These violations occurred on March 31, 2021.  In Count 1 of the indictment, FIELDS is charged with possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of fentanyl.  Count 2 charges FIELDS with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  Count 3 charges FIELDS with being a felon in possession of a firearm and Count 4 charges him with possessing a machine gun.  The indictment was unsealed on December 10, 2021

In Count 1 of the indictment, FIELDS is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(vi).  If convicted, FIELDS faces a maximum sentence of up to 40 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  In Count 2, FIELDS is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1).  If convicted, FIELDS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 5 years to life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  In Count 3, FIELDS 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).  If convicted, FIELDS 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 special assessment fee of $100.00.  Finally, in Count 4, FIELDS is charged with being in possession of a machine gun in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  If convicted, FIELDS 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 special assessment fee of $100.00. 

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

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case     is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office.

WASHINGTON – An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.

According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates. 

Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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

An indictment issued by a federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, was unsealed charging former Amite City Police Chief Jerry Trabona and current Amite City Councilmember Kristian Hart with criminally violating federal election laws as part of a scheme to pay for votes in a federal election.

According to the indictment, Trabona, 73, of Amite City, and Hart, 49, of Amite City, conspired to and did unlawfully pay voters to cast their ballots for certain candidates during the 2016 Open Primary Election and the 2016 Open General Election in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana. The indictment alleges that, in furtherance of the scheme, the conspirators solicited and hired individuals to identify potential voters, transported those voters to the polls where they were provided with the names and candidate numbers of candidates, and paid the voters to cast their ballots for candidates. 

Trabona and Hart are each charged with conspiracy to buy votes and multiple counts of buying votes. The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on Dec. 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. The Department of Justice also announced the guilty pleas of two additional Tangipahoa Parish residents for their involvement in vote buying in Tangipahoa Parish during the 2016 election period: Sidney Smith, 68, of Amite City, and Calvin Batiste, 64, of Independence. Smith and Batiste each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes during the 2016 election. Smith pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Nov. 29, and Batiste pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on Dec. 8. Smith and Batiste both face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Rosaleen O’Gara and Michael N. Lang of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene M. González of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana returned a three-count indictment on December 10, 2021 charging a New Orleans man for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act.

According to court documents, KENDALE ADAMS, a/k/a, “Kendral Adams,” a/k/a “Kendall Adams,” age 39, is charged in Count 1 with possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).  In Count 2, ADAMS is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  In Count 3, ADAMS is charged with carrying a firearm during the commission of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A). 

If convicted of Count 1, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  If convicted of Count 2, ADAMS faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  If convicted of Count 3, ADAMS faces a mandatory consecutive 5 years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.   

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Usher.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that a grand jury returned an indictment on December 10, 2021 against GLENN E. DIAZ, age 70, of Arabi; PETER J. “PETE” JENEVEIN, age 56, of Panama City, Florida; and MARK S. GRELLE, age 67, of Chalmette, for bank fraud and money laundering charges related to defrauding First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to the 19-count indictment, from at least April 2016 through December 20, 2016, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE conspired to defraud First NBC Bank through a series of false invoices for work purportedly done at a Florida warehouse owned by DIAZ. As set forth in the indictment, DIAZ was a customer of First NBC Bank from 2006 through the bank’s closure in 2017. By late 2015, DIAZ had been overdrawing his checking account for purported business expenses, although DIAZ was depositing these overdrafts into his personal account at another bank. In April 2016, First NBC Bank officers were asking DIAZ for additional information about the use of the overdrafts. In June 2016, bank officers began requiring invoices as proof that DIAZ was spending bank funds on improving the Florida warehouse.

Thereafter, DIAZ had his associate JENEVEIN provide invoices for improvements on the Florida warehouse performed by GRELLE’s company, Grelle Underground Services LLC. Bank officers then approved the overdrafts based on these invoices. However, after DIAZ wrote the check to GRELLE’s company, GRELLE would then write a check back to DIAZ, which DIAZ would deposit into his personal account at JPMorgan Chase bank. DIAZ then used the money for expenditures unrelated to the Florida warehouse project. In total, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE executed a total of 17 round-trip transactions that defrauded First NBC Bank of $345,841.41.

DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are all charged in each of the 19 counts of the indictment. Count 1 charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344 and 1349. The maximum penalties that may be imposed upon conviction are up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss; up to five years of supervised release; and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

In Count 2, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h). If convicted, they face a maximum of up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $500,000.00 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

In Counts 3 through 19, DIAZ, JENEVEIN, and GRELLE are charged with bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344. As to each count, the defendants may receive a maximum of up to 30 years in prison, a maximum fine of the greater of $1,000,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendants or twice the gross loss, up to five years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

“The FBI is determined to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who are committing financial crimes to enrich themselves at the expense of others,” said Douglas A. Williams, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who engage in white collar crimes that impact our financial institutions.”

“We will vigorously pursue any wrongdoers whose fraudulent actions impact the safety and soundness of financial institutions regulated by the Federal Reserve Board,” said Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencings of four defendants for their roles in a test score-fixing scheme at a Coast Guard exam center.

On December 8, 2021, ALONZO WILLIAMS, who plead guilty to being an intermediary in the scheme, was sentenced by the Honorable Barry W. Ashe to 40 months incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.

QUANG TRAN, HARRY JOHNSON, and JAMES CARR, who each plead guilty to unlawfully receiving an officer-level mariner license, were sentenced by Judge Ashe to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service on October 28, December 8, and December 9, 2021 respectively

All 28 maritime industry workers charged in the November 2020 indictment have been convicted—24 plead guilty to unlawfully receiving licenses and 4 plead guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by acting as intermediaries in the scheme. The other three defendants in this indictment—DOROTHY SMITH, ELDRIDGE JOHNSON, and BEVERLY MCCRARY—are former Coast Guard employees charged with conspiring to defraud the United States and are awaiting trial. Also awaiting trial are eight mariners charged with unlawfully receiving licenses in a separate, recently filed, indictment.

The indictments allege that the licenses at issue were unlawfully obtained though false exam scores entered by SMITH. The exams tested mariners’ knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of the licenses, which were legally required to work various positions on vessels. SMITH is accused using a network of intermediaries to obtain payments from the mariners.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictments’ allegations against SMITH and any other defendants who are awaiting trial are merely charges and their guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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