Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAMES “CURTIS” WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 66 of Gibson, Louisiana, and RYAN WHEATEN (“WHEATEN”), age 53, of Lafayette, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on June 23, 2021 to 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 before United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk.

According to today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, WILLIAMS conspired with co-defendants-passengers Tanya Givens (“Givens”), John Diggs (“J. Diggs”), and Lois Russell (“Russell”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road.  Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), who have pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident.  Hickman, while driving Russell’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud. Russell advised NOPD that she was the driver and she, along with WILLIAMS, Givens and J. Diggs, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims. Today, WILLIAMS joins Hickman, Russell, Givens and J. Diggs in pleading guilty to this staged accident.

Also according to today’s guilty plea, on May 17, 2017, WHEATEN, along with participants Labeaud, Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), Henry Randle (“Randle”), and Dakota Diggs (“D. Diggs”), participated in a staged automobile accident in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans.  Labeaud and Solomon fled the scene.  Randle falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck his vehicle.  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. Labeaud, Solomon, Wheaten, Gale, Smith, and Francois were also charged.  Labeaud, Solomon, Gale, Smith, and Francois already pled guilty. After the staged accident, Wheaten, Randle, and D. Diggs made claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000.00 for these fraudulent claims.

WILLIAMS and WHEATEN face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, WILLIAMS and WHEATEN also face 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. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for October 27, 2021.

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 Edward J. Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL YUSKO, III, age 46, a resident of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a bill of information with operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1960.

Under federal law, any business that engages in “the acceptance of currency, funds, or other value that substitutes for currency from one person and the transmission of currency, funds, or other value that substitutes for currency to another location or person by any means” is deemed to be a money transmitting business. Such businesses include those that trade fiat currency, such as U.S. dollars, for cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. These companies must register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) as money transmitting businesses.

According to court documents, YUSKO was the owner and manager of Nervous Light Capital LLC. He used Nervous Light Capital, along with the bank accounts of four other companies, to sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to customers. YUSKO did not register any of these companies with FinCEN as money transmitting businesses, however. If convicted, YUSKO may receive a maximum of five years in prison, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JARON BIAS, age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced on June 16, 2021 after pleading guilty to Count 1 of a Superseding Bill of Information charging him in a heroin conspiracy.  Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating BIAS in August 2017, when they learned from a confidential source that BIAS was distributing heroin in the Black Pearl neighborhood in Orleans Parish as well as in Jefferson Parish.

Following BIAS’s August 23, 2017 arrest for distribution of heroin, FBI agents recovered multiple cellular telephones belonging to BIAS.  Agents applied for search warrants on the cellular devices and located numerous text communications dating back to November 2015 proving that BIAS was selling heroin in the Greater New Orleans area.

The FBI conducted interviews with many of BIAS’s customers who were listed in his cellular telephones.  During the interview process, agents learned that on June 29, 2015, BIAS distributed heroin to an individual who overdosed as a result of the heroin he purchased from BIAS.  According to witnesses who were with the deceased prior to his death, the deceased contacted BIAS and negotiated the sale of $100.00 worth of heroin.  After meeting and purchasing heroin from  BIAS at Carver Park in New Orleans, the deceased and the witness injected the heroin.  The deceased became unresponsive and died at the scene.  The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office declared that the deceased died as a result of a heroin overdose.

United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced BIAS to a term of imprisonment of 78 months in the Bureau of Prisons, a period of supervised release of 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office 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 on June 22, 2021, the Honorable Greg A. Guidry sentenced DAMIEN JUSTIN, age 43, to 97 months imprisonment for being a prohibited person in possession of two (2) firearms.  Additionally, the Court ordered that JUSTIN to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment cost.  No fines were imposed in this matter. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 10, 2019, the Violent Crime Task Force for the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at 11416 North Easterlyn Circle, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Inside this residence, members of the Task Force located a loaded Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a loaded Smith & Wesson Model Lady Smith, .38 caliber revolver in a nightstand next to JUSTIN’s bed.  JUSTIN later admitted that he used the Glock and the Smith & Wesson revolver in the nightstand for his protection.  At the conclusion of a two-day trial, the jury found JUSTIN guilty of the sole count of the Superseding Indictment.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that, the Honorable Greg A. Guidry sentenced DAMIEN JUSTIN, age 43, to 97 months imprisonment for being a prohibited person in possession of two (2) firearms.  Additionally, the Court ordered that JUSTIN to serve 3 years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment cost.  No fines were imposed in this matter. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, on January 10, 2019, the Violent Crime Task Force for the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at 11416 North Easterlyn Circle, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Inside this residence, members of the Task Force located a loaded Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and a loaded Smith & Wesson Model Lady Smith, .38 caliber revolver in a nightstand next to JUSTIN’s bed.  JUSTIN later admitted that he used the Glock and the Smith & Wesson revolver in the nightstand for his protection.  At the conclusion of a two-day trial, the jury found JUSTIN guilty of the sole count of the Superseding Indictment.

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 United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force which led this investigation. 

The prosecution of the case was conducted by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans and Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.                                                                             

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 16, 2021,   ALONZO PITTMAN, 34, from Orleans Parish, pled guilty as charged to a one-count indictment for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

On July 2, 2019, PITTMAN sold a Hi-Point Model JHP, .45 caliber pistol to a confidential informant in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans.  His previous felony conviction stemming from an incident in Jefferson Parish prevented him from possessing a firearm. 

PITTMAN will be sentenced on September 29, 2021.  He faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, a maximum fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

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

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Bücher is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARC A. VICTORIANO “VICTORIANO”, age 46, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today before United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to five years probation with 8 months of home confinement for theft from a program receiving federal funds.  He was also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 special assessment fee and $212,618.00 in restitution to the victim, Terrebonne Parish School Board.  

According to court records, from 2015 to 2017, VICTORIANO and his company, Professional Safety Consultants, LLC, ("PSC") provided asbestos inspections for the Terrebonne Parish School Board ("TPSB") as mandated by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act ("AHERA").  VICTORIANO submitted 56 invoices to TPSB with fraudulent asbestos laboratory reports including false air monitoring and false asbestos testing reports.  VICTORIANO also submitted nine invoices to TPSB for AHERA reports with forged signatures and accreditation information.  As a result, TPSB paid VICTORIANO approximately $212,618.26 to which he was not entitled, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A).

“Financial Crime is a despicable felony that impacts many citizens, said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. “However, this scheme to defraud Terrebonne Parish Schools, that placed students and staff in a potentially dangerous situation and financially victimized taxpayers, exponentially aggravated this crime.  Our office commits to continue our local, state and federal partnerships to seek justice for our community, especially our most vulnerable populations.”

“The defendant was responsible for the safe and legal removal of material containing asbestos,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Brooks of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Louisiana. “The defendant knowingly ignored regulations on the safe management of asbestos, putting workers, the general public, and most alarmingly school children, at risk.  This resulted in the Terrebonne Parish (Louisiana) School Board being defrauded out of $212,618.”

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division; the Louisiana State Police; Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Criminal Investigation Section and the Louisiana Environmental Crimes Task Force, for their investigation of matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on June 14, 2021, that ROMALIS HARRIS, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information.  In Count 1, HARRIS is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B), and 846.  In Count 2, HARRIS is charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).  

According to court documents, HARRIS conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base.  Additionally, HARRIS used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. 

United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence HARRIS on September 23, 2021. For Count 1, HARRIS faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, with a possible maximum sentence of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 4 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For Count 2, HARRIS faces a term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, that MICHAEL LOUIS, a/k/a “Michael Lewis,” , age 61, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information.  In Count 1, LOUIS is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846.  In Count 2, LOUIS is charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). 

According to court documents, LOUIS conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.  Additionally, LOUIS used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base (look into in FB). 

United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence LOUIS on September 30, 2021. For Count 1, LOUIS faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For Count 2, LOUIS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Monday, June 14, 2021, that DEMARCO FORD, age 64, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information.  In Count 1, FORD is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine hydrochloride in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846.  In Count 2, FORD is charged with use of communication facilities to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b). 

According to court documents, FORD conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride.  Additionally, FORD used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. 

United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan will sentence FORD on September 28, 2021. For Count 1, FORD faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For Count 2, FORD faces a term of imprisonment of up to 4 years, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 1 year, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ELI JUAN MOORE, age 25, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 17, 2021 to an Indictment. In Count One, MOORE pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing heroin. In Count Five, MOORE pled guilty to distributing a quantity of a mixture or substance containing heroin. In Count Seven, MOORE pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, in January 2019, MOORE sold heroin to a confidential informant and in May 2019, MOORE possessed an FM Hi-Power Model Detective, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol during a search of his residence.  

The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence MOORE on October 7, 2021. MOORE faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty years of imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than three years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00, as it relates to Counts One and Five. MOORE faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00 as to it relates to Count Seven.

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 announced that businessman WILLIAM B. “BART” HUNGERFORD, JR., age 60, of Maryland, and ex-White House military aide and former U.S. Air Force colonel TIMOTHY O. MILBRATH, age 65, also of Maryland, were sentenced today for running a scheme to defraud investors during defendants’ operation of the New Orleans EB-5 Regional Center after Hurricane Katrina.  U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH each to 102 months in prison.  

After a three-week trial before Judge Guidry that concluded in September 2019, a federal jury found HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH guilty on all counts of the superseding indictment. Although trial was completed in September 2019, an in-person sentencing could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The charges stemmed from the defendants’ exploitation of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) EB-5 visa program. Congress created this program to bring investment into the United States and to create American jobs. The visa program permits immigrants to invest a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in a United States job-creating enterprise and obtain permanent residency if, after two years, that investment created or preserved ten American jobs.  The minimum investment required was lowered to $500,000.00 if the investment was made in a targeted employment area (“TEA”), defined as an area with an unemployment rate of 150% of the national average.

The evidence at trial established that HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH formed NobleOutReach, LLC, to operate an EB-5 investment fund.  The defendants then persuaded the City of New Orleans to allow their company to run the City’s EB-5 regional center. Because New Orleans was a designated TEA in the years after Hurricane Katrina, immigrant investors only had to invest $500,000.00 in order to qualify under the EB-5 visa program.  HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH represented to investors that their $500,000.00 investment would be used to create jobs in New Orleans and contribute to the rebuilding of the City.  A total of 31 immigrants invested a total of $15.5 million in the defendants’ investment fund.  These immigrants also paid thousands of dollars in addition as “service fees” to the defendants. Along with another non-immigrant investor who also invested with the defendants, HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH obtained a total of $18,070,000.00 from investors.

However, instead of investing these funds into New Orleans-based job-creating enterprises, HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH fraudulently misappropriated investor funds for their own personal gain.  HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH wrote themselves checks drawn from investor funds which they disguised as “loans” or “loan repayments.”  The evidence showed that the defendants created multiple companies in order to conceal the path of investor funds and misappropriate them.  The defendants also spent investor funds to purchase vacation and rental properties for their own benefit.  During the perpetration of the fraud, the defendants made false representations to investors, USCIS, and the City of New Orleans.

Judge Guidry sentenced the defendants to 102 months as to each Count 1 (conspiracy to commit wire fraud), Count 3 (conspiracy to commit money laundering), and Counts 4 through 9 (wire fraud). As to Count 2, conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, Judge Guidry sentenced the defendants to the statutory maximum of 60 months in prison. He also sentenced HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH each to two years of supervised release. Judge Guidry agreed to take the Government’s motions for restitution and for a preliminary order of forfeiture under submission to be determined at a later date.

“USCIS places the highest priority on ensuring that every program we manage, including the EB-5 program, is administered with fairness and integrity,” said USCIS Acting Director Tracy Renaud. “We are grateful to our many law enforcement partners who helped to deliver justice in this case and uphold the integrity of the EB-5 program.”

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message to criminals who commit fraud against anyone, including aspiring U.S. citizens, that they will be held accountable. The economic crimes committed by Timothy Milbrath and William "Bart" Hungerford are most egregious and grossly impacted the New Orleans economy and investors hopeful of the American dream. The FBI is committed to rooting out and aggressively pursuing dishonest businesspeople like Hungerford and Milbrath,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams, Jr. "I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for the tremendous effort and work put forth in this investigation." 

“This was a very detailed and complex case with many moving parts, but it in the end, it ultimately all comes down to greed. This elaborate scheme to defraud our community, taxpayers and those lawfully seeking permanent residency in the United States, occurred in the wake of one of the most tumultuous times in our city’s history, which makes this crime more egregious. Attempts by perpetrators to conduct fraudulent schemes will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Field Office. U.S. Attorney Evans also thanked U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for their assistance in prosecuting this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Payne, Shirin Hakimzadeh, Maria M. Carboni, and Andre J. Lagarde. 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 15, 2021, PERCEL GOMEZ, age 39, from Ascension Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced to time served by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry for drug trafficking offenses.  GOMEZ was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, GOMEZ conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin between August 25, 2017 and January 25, 2018 in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEFFERY HOLMES, age 45, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2021 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to charges of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, HOLMES conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.  HOLMES admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept. 

Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2021.  HOLMES faces a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

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, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DANNY PATRICK KEATING, JR., age 52, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and 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 before Chief United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

KEATING was the thirty-third (33rd) defendant charged in the Government’s federal probe into the intentional staging of motor vehicle accidents with tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles in the metropolitan New Orleans area.  Thus far, twenty-three (23) of the thirty-three (33) indicted defendants have tendered guilty pleas in federal court. 

According to today’s guilty plea, KEATING was a personal injury attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Louisiana.  KEATING admitted to conspiring with Damian Labeaud and others to defraud insurance companies, commercial carriers, and trucking companies in a scheme involving intentionally staging automobile accidents. 

Labeaud referred staged accidents to KEATING and other New Orleans personal injury attorneys for $1,000.00 per passenger for accidents involving tractor-trailers and $500.00 per passenger for accidents not involving tractor-trailers.  KEATING advanced Labeaud thousands of dollars for these accidents and instructed Labeaud that he owed KEATING a certain number of accidents based on the amount of money advanced.  For instance, on July 17, 2017, KEATING gave Labeaud $15,000.00 so Labeaud could purchase a $15,000.00 Chase Bank cashier’s check to buy Mario Solomon’s truck.[1]Additionally, on September 25, 2017, KEATING wrote a $17,000.00 check to himself for “advertising” and used the proceeds to purchase a $17,000.00 cashier’s check payable to Labeaud.  The Indictment alleges KEATING paid Labeaud another $12,500.00 in checks during the month of June 2017. 

KEATING admitted he knowingly paid Labeaud for thirty-one (31) illegally staged tractor-trailer accidents.  KEATING represented seventy-seven (77) plaintiffs involved in the thirty-one (31) accidents staged by Labeaud.  KEATING settled seventeen (17) of the thirty-one (31) staged accidents.  The Indictment charged that KEATING and his clients received approximately $1,500,000.00 in settlement resulting from his representation of his clients involved in the staged accidents and that KEATING kept approximately $358,000.00 in attorney’s fees.

KEATING admitted he filed lawsuits in state and federal court in Louisiana on behalf of his clients who were involved in the staged accidents.  The lawsuits filed on behalf of the seventy-seven (77) plaintiffs fraudulently alleged who was driving the vehicles, misrepresented who was at fault in the staged accidents, and falsely claimed injuries.  KEATING used the U.S Postal Service to mail settlement demands on behalf of his clients who were involved in staged accidents from the Eastern District of Louisiana to various out-of-state locations.  In many cases, clients of KEATING provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with lawsuits filed by KEATING.

KEATING faces a maximum term of five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.  In addition, KEATING faces a term of supervised release up to three (3) years after his release from prison.  Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for January 20, 2021, before Chief United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.

“Fraud, regardless of its scope and means of orchestration, is a serious crime. Especially egregious is fraud committed against the hardworking taxpayer by a member of our legal community, said U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Louisiana Duane A. Evans.”  This guilty plea sends a clear message that our office, along with our local, state, and federal partners, will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute all such corruption cases regardless of status.

“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message to individuals who choose to engage in fraudulent schemes that grossly impact automobile and health insurance industries.  They will be held accountable. Mr. Patrick Keating, a local attorney, took an oath to uphold the United States Constitution and the laws of the State of Louisiana, but instead, violated those laws and his oath in order to unjustly enrich himself by engaging in a scheme which resulted in the filing of fraudulent auto and medical insurance claims,” stated Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams, Jr. ”I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Eastern District of Louisiana, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission for their partnership and outstanding work accomplished during this investigation.” 

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 Shirin Hakimzadeh; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

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[1]Solomon was a spotter who worked with Labeaud in staging automobile accidents. Solomon pled guilty on May 28, 2020, and was sentenced on January 22, 2021.

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that IGEL CASANOVA GIBBINS (“GIBBINS”), age 43, of Montz, Louisiana, was charged on June 15, 2021 by a Bill of Information for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to the Bill of Information, the case against IGEL CASANOVA GIBBINS (“GIBBINS”) began after the State of Louisiana complied with a request from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide the SSA with death data of approximately 1.6 million Social Security number holders who had died in Louisiana from January 1, 1979, through December 31, 2019. As part of that data, the State of Louisiana disclosed that D.C., a participant in the SSA’s Retirement Survivor Insurance program (“RSI Program”), died on or about August 16, 2012.

Unaware of D.C.’s death, the SSA erroneously released approximately $202,417.00 in RSI Program funds from August 2012 through December 2020, via automatic wire transfers (i.e., direct deposit) to D.C.’s jointly held Capital One Bank (“Capital One”) account. GIBBINS, D.C.’s daughter, was a joint account holder of the Capital One account. D.C.’s RSI Program benefits were not transferrable to GIBBINS. Following the automatic deposit of RSI Program benefits, GIBBINS accessed the funds and wrongfully converted the funds to her own personal use, depleting nearly all account funds. The funds were used on purchase transactions or transfers out of the account to pay bills, for example, such as for mortgage payments and vehicle loan payments. GIBBINS never advised the SSA of D.C.’s death.

The SSA determined that GIBBINS fraudulently obtained $200,396 in (SSA) disability benefits from her father’s Capital One Bank account.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK COMPANY, LLC (“GREAT LAKES”), a Texas company, pled guilty on June 15, 2021 to violating the Clean Water Act in connection with an oil spill in 2016, and agreed to pay a $1 million fine and additional restitution to be determined by the court.

According to court documents, GREAT LAKES admitted to negligently causing the discharge of a harmful quantity of oil into a navigable water of the United States, in violation of the Clean Water Act. The spill took place on September 5, 2016, on the edge of Bay Long near the Chenier Ronquille barrier island, which is east of Grand Isle.

In the plea documents, GREAT LAKES admitted that in its contract with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”), GREAT LAKES was responsible for locating all pipelines in the area of the project and complying with the federal Pipeline Safety Act and the “One Call” system created by the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. GREAT LAKES admitted that it violated those two laws by failing to alert pipeline companies about continuing work near their pipelines for several months leading up to the oil spill.

James Tassin, the subcontractor working for GREAT LAKES who operated the marsh buggy that physically caused the spill, was charged in a separate criminal case, No. 21-cr-8, and he pled guilty as charged on March 18, 2021 and is awaiting sentencing. According to court documents in Tassin’s case, after GREAT LAKES stopped complying with One Call requirements, a GREAT LAKES employee instructed Tassin to use his marsh buggy to dig near pipelines, despite that digging not being in NOAA’s approved plans, and without GREAT LAKES getting approval from any pipeline companies that it was safe to dig. While Tassin was in the area of that work on September 5, 2016, he struck one of the pipelines with his marsh buggy and caused the oil spill. Tassin admitted that a GREAT LAKES employee instructed Tassin not to tell anyone that Tassin had been digging near the site of the spill, so Tassin followed that instruction. In GREAT LAKES’ plea documents, GREAT LAKES admitted that it supervised Tassin’s work and that GREAT LAKES’ negligent supervision of Tassin caused the oil spill.

“Safeguarding the environment is one of the highest priorities for the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continue working with its federal partners to investigate and hold entities accountable when they neglect their professional and legal obligations and threaten the environment, which places the public and our ecosystem in Southeastern Louisiana at risk.”

“The defendant in this case recklessly violated regulations designed to protect the environment and then tried to hide its actions,” said Christopher Brooks, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s Criminal Enforcement Program in Louisiana. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that we will hold violators responsible for breaking our environmental laws.”

“Failure to adhere to laws and regulations intended to protect our Nation’s natural resources can have serious consequences both for the environment and the integrity of the pipeline transportation system, as was the case in this instance,” said Todd Damiani, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southern Region, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “We echo the commitment expressed by our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensuring that those who violate these laws and regulations are held accountable.”

“The Department of Commerce OIG is dedicated to working with our partners to curb fraud, waste and abuse, especially when projects receiving NOAA funding result in environmental hazards. We greatly appreciate the cooperative efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement counterparts in ensuring justice is served in this matter,” said Duane Townsend, Special Agent in Charge, U.S Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General. 

Under the terms of the plea agreement, GREAT LAKES agreed to pay a fine of $1 million. GREAT LAKES also agreed to deposit $2 million with the court in an advance of a future hearing to determine the final amount of restitution to any victims. U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry will set a sentencing hearing at a later date.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that DONIESHA GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana and ERICA LEE THOMPSON (“ERICA LEE”), age 46, of Harvey, Louisiana, entered guilty pleas today to 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 before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance.

According to today’s guilty pleas, GIBSON and ERICA LEE, along with their co-conspirators and others, beginning in approximately as early as 2015 and continuing through the present, conspired to commit wire fraud in connection with staged accidents with Cornelius Garrison, including two that occurred on October 15, 2015, and September 6, 2017.  Today’s guilty pleas bring the total number of defendants convicted in “Operation Sideswipe” to twenty-two (22).

Today, GIBSON admitted to being a passenger in a staged accident on October 15, 2015.   On that day, her former co-defendant intentionally drove a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned by GIBSON into a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510.   GIBSON retained an attorney and thereafter made a claim for damages. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.

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

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

GIBSON and ERICA LEE face a maximum sentence of five (5) years of incarceration. Upon release from prison, each defendant also faces a term of supervised release of 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. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for November 3, 2021, before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 Shirin Hakimzadeh; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni. 

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that ZORAIDA LARA, a/k/a ZORAIDA TRINIDAD, age 50, a resident of Alta Loma, California, pleaded guilty on June 10, 2021 to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information, charging her with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin and distribution and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing heroin.

According to court records, in November 2019, during an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, LARA communicated with a special agent working in an undercover capacity about the transportation of illegal narcotics to the New Orleans, LA area. Shortly after their conversation, LARA arranged for co-defendant, David Mora, to deliver the narcotics to the New Orleans area. After Mora delivered the narcotics, which included heroin, LARA flew from California to New Orleans to collect payment for the illegal narcotics and was subsequently arrested upon her arrival.

The Honorable District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe will sentence LARA on September 30, 2021. LARA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000.00, at least 4 years supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment as to each count. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 14, 2021, CAESAR RAYMON WILLIAMS, 42, from Terrebonne Parish, pled guilty as charged to a five- count indictment for two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and one count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

In Count One, WILLIAMS distributed heroin to a confidential source on March 9, 2021.  In Counts Two and Three, he sold heroin and cocaine base to a confidential source on March 18, 2021.  In Counts Four and Five, on March 25, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant on WILLIAMS’s home and discovered that he possessed with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base. 

Due to WILLIAMS’s extensive criminal history involving drug trafficking, at sentencing, he faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a maximum fine of up to

$1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RICKY REDD, age 35, a resident of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty on June 10, 2021 to conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. REDD is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release upon his release from prison and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to court records, on December 27, 2017, agents intercepted communications between REDD and Arthur Johnson, a New Orleans based heroin dealer. In these communications, REDD and Johnson discussed REDD’s pending delivery of heroin. REDD was driving that day from Chicago to New Orleans to give Johnson a bag containing approximately three kilograms of heroin. 

Later that same day, surveillance agents observed REDD and Johnson twice meet at the Holiday Inn Hotel, located at 330 Loyola Avenue in New Orleans. During the first meeting, REDD gave Johnson the bag containing approximately three kilograms of heroin. During the second meeting, Johnson gave REDD approximately $187,000. REDD was to earn a small amount of the money that Johnson paid him.

The evidence against REDD includes numerous intercepted communications, including jail calls, physical surveillance, and witness statements.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will sentence REDD on October 6, 2021. REDD, Johnson, and five other defendants were charged in 2018 with conspiring to distribute heroin in the New Orleans area.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today the Indictment of DILLON J. EVERETT, age 34, of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, who was charged in a two-count federal indictment for Receipt and Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (a)(4)(B).  If convicted, EVERETT faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen (15) years and a maximum sentence of forty (40) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person as a result of these offenses, of the offense as per Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.  In addition, EVERETT faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON YOUNG, age 35, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on June 9, 2021 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to an indictment charging him with 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 and YOUNG possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.  YOUNG admitted to being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept. 

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2021.  YOUNG faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 5 years up to a maximum of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory $200 special assessment.

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, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 8, 2021, CHRISTOPER BONDY, age 40, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 63 months imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Additionally, BONDY was ordered to serve 4 years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment fee. No fines were imposed in this case.

According to court documents, BONDY set up a deal to purchase four kilograms of cocaine from undercover agents. During the drug deal, BONDY gave the undercover agents $49,960 in cash in exchange for the cocaine. BONDY was subsequently arrested.  

The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare prosecuted this case.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILES J. DUPERON, age 29, of Slidell, was charged on June 7, 2021 in a one-count bill of information with 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, DUPERON unlawfully delayed U.S. mail, which was intended to be conveyed by mail.

If convicted, 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 special assessment.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on June 4, 2021, a Federal Grand Jury indicted QUENTRELL BERTHOLOTTE, age 29 of New Orleans, Louisiana, in a four count indictment for violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).

According to court documents, BERTHOLOTTE was previously convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Orleans Parish. He is now alleged to be in possession of multiple firearms and in possession with the intent to distribute a large amount of a narcotic mixture containing fentanyl. BERTHOLOTTE is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his criminal history.

BERTHOLOTTE, if convicted of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, a minimum of five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, he faces up to a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERIC RODRIGUEZ and GREG TRAHAN were charged on June 4, 2021, in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

In counts 1 and 2, RODRIGUEZ is charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted of count 1, RODRIGUEZ faces a minimum of five years imprisonment up to a maximum of 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.  If convicted of count 2, RODRIGUEZ faces up to a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

TRAHAN is charged in counts 3 and 4 with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, respectively, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). If convicted on either count, he faces up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRADLEY BRIGHT, 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey.   

In February 2020, BRIGHT was indicted for various counts of distribution of heroin and cocaine base, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

Court documents show that as part of his plea, BRIGHT admitted that he distributed crack cocaine near a store on Basin Street outside the French Quarter.  New Orleans Police Department Officers observed the sale and stopped the buyer, who had a crack pipe in her pocket and crack in her purse.  After confirming the transaction had in fact been a hand to hand drug sale, the officers attempted to arrest BRIGHT, who fled.  After a brief chase, the officers subdued and arrested BRIGHT.  The officers found a .40 caliber handgun that had been reported stolen and that was fully loaded with 15 rounds near the location of BRIGHT’s arrest.  

Sentencing is set for September 7, 2021 before District Judge Zainey.  BRIGHT faces a sentence of at least 5 years imprisonment up to life, a $250,000 fine, up to five years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. 

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 26, 2021, ZYETA RUDOLPH, age 42, a resident of Orleans Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve 37 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons for participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine.   RUDOLPH was also sentenced to 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

These charges stemmed from an investigation by both the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office into the illegal distribution of drugs in  South Louisiana and Houston, Texas.  This investigation led to the Indictment of Paul Metz, Eugene Rudolph, Elbert Childs, ZYETA RUDOLPH, Yrian Devoure, and Dale Phillips back in May 2019 under case number 19-087 “H”.  To date, Elbert Childs, ZYETA RUDOLPH, and Dale Phillips have pled guilty.

During her guilty plea in this case, ZYETA RUDOLPH admitted that she was a drug courier for her brother Gene Rudolph.  She acknowledged that she had transported between 3.5 and 5 kilograms of cocaine from Houston to the greater New Orleans area on behalf of her brother. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), and the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that KENNIE SANTOS-PAYANO, age 25, a resident of Kissimmee, Florida, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2021 to a one count Indictment, charging him with possession with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. 

The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence SANTOS-PAYANO on September 23, 2021. SANTOS-PAYANO, if convicted, faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

The case was investigated by the Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Bayonle Osundare is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that BRYAN JOSEPH, age 46, was sentenced on a one-count superseding bill of information for distributing heroin in Jefferson Parish. United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced JOSEPH to serve 240 months in federal prison.  JOSEPH was placed on 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment cost.

According to court documents, on October 14, 2018, deputies with Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a McDonald’s restaurant located in Harvey, Louisiana.  When deputies arrived, they were advised that an unresponsive male was found in a bathroom stall.  Deputies found an uncapped needle, needle cap, bent spoon and corner of a cellophane bag near the body.  Detectives reviewed the store’s video surveillance and saw the victim arrive to the restaurant on a bicycle and enter the bathroom.  The victim never exited the bathroom.  Subsequently, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation who then assisted with the investigation.  Through the investigation, agents determined that JOSEPH sold the victim a quantity of heroin prior to the victim’s death. Jefferson Parish Forensic Center conducted an autopsy, which concluded that the victim died as a result of the toxic effects of heroin and fentanyl.

After agents identified JOSEPH as a suspect in the victim’s death, they successfully purchased heroin from JOSEPH on October 23, 2018 and October 25, 2018.  On October 31, 2018, agents executed a search warrant at JOSEPH’s residence and located approximately 68.8 grams of heroin, approximately 156 grams of marijuana, digital scales and sandwich bags.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gang Task Force, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige was in charge of the prosecution.              

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that on May 25, 2021, JIMMIE FLORES (“FLORES”), age 58, was sentenced on a one-count indictment for fraudulent use of a TWIC card in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 499.  United States District Court Judge Greg Guidry sentenced FLORES to serve 30 months in federal prison. FLORES was placed on 3 years supervised release and ordered to pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment cost.

According to court documents, FLORES presented a fraudulent Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) to security personnel in Galliano, Louisiana in an attempt to be flown by helicopter to an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico.  Security personnel questioned the authenticity of the card and ultimately denied FLORES’s admission to the rig.  FLORES admitted to buying the counterfeit card at a Houston, Texas flea market.  The Court ordered FLORES to report to prison on June 28, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Duane Evans praised the work of the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. was in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RICHARD GRAY, age 60, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2021 to an Indictment. In Count One, GRAY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride. In Count Six, GRAY pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally using a telephone in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of the violation in Count One.

The Honorable District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon will sentence GRAY on September 23, 2021. GRAY faces a maximum sentence of up to twenty years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than three years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00, as it relates to Counts One. For Count Six, GRAY faces a maximum sentence of four years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to one year, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the sentencings, in April and May 2021, of the following defendants for convictions for receiving and possessing Coast Guard issued merchant mariners licenses to which they were not entitled: JONATHAN ABBEY, RAFAEL ATKINS, CHARLES FRANKS, JERRY FUDGE, JUSTIN GANDY, ANTHONY GARCES, EDWARD JONES, BRANDON MACK, HUGO MARQUEZ, MILES MARTS, DEVERICK MORROW, OCTAVIAN RICHARDS, ANTWAINE TRAVIS, and ROBERT WINTERS.

Each of these defendants was sentenced to a year of probation and 100 hours of community service. In pleading guilty, each of these defendants admitted to cheating on Coast Guard exams by paying for the entry of false scores. During their guilty pleas, these defendants acknowledged paying various individuals, including former mariners Alexis Bell, Micheal Wooten, and Sharron Robinson, who have plead guilty and are awaiting sentencing, as well as former Coast Guard employees Dorothy Smith, Eldridge Johnson and Beverly McCrary, who are scheduled to stand trial on June 28, 2021.

As alleged in the indictment, Smith, a Coast Guard credentialing specialist, entered false scores in exchange for bribe payments. The indictment alleges that Smith used a network of intermediaries, which included her former co-workers Johnson and McCrary. U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment’s allegations against Smith, Johnson, and McCrary 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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announces that KEVIN STIMAGE, age 44, plead guilty on May 27, 2021 to a Bill of Information charging him with Theft from Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A).  STIMAGE faces up to ten years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Sentencing is set for September 21, 2021.

According to the Factual Basis, STIMAGE was a Captain with the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO).  An investigation by the FBI revealed that in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, STIMAGE reported having worked, on average, 40 hours per week at TPSO, approximately 40 hours per week at Off-Duty Detail A, and, beginning in 2018, approximately 30 hours per week at Off-Duty Detail B, for a total of approximately 110 hours per week.  However, location data and surveillance revealed that STIMAGE was only working a portion of the claimed hours, and was defrauding TPSO, Off-Duty Detail A, and Off-Duty Detail B by not working all of the claimed hours.

As a result of this scheme, the defendant defrauded Off-Duty Detail A out of wages worth $158,275 in 2018 through 2021, Off-Duty Detail B out of wages worth over $54,215 in 2018 through 2021, and TPSO out of wages worth $28,596 in 2019 and 2020.

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Myles Ranier and Chandra Menon.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ISIAH HOLMES, age 48, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by the Honorable Barry Ashe, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. HOLMES was sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The defendant was also ordered to pay $774 in restitution.

According to court documents, on or about December 23, 2019, HOLMES entered the Capital One located at 4121 Canal St. in New Orleans. He handed the teller a note that claimed HOLMES was armed and demanded money. HOLMES obtained approximately $774 and left the bank.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans  announced that LILBEAR GEORGE, 31, and CHUKWUDI OFOMATA, 35, both of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to Count Three of the Second Superseding Indictment, charging them with Using, Carrying, Brandishing, and Discharging of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence which resulted in death, to wit: the murder of Hector Trochez, which took place on December 18, 2013, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(iii), 924(j)(1), and 2.

According to court documents, on the morning of December 18, 2013, GEORGE, OFOMATA and co-defendants Jeremy Esteves, Curtis Johnson, Jr., and Robert Brumfield III, robbed the Loomis armored vehicle as it was making a delivery of approximately $265,000 to the Chase Bank located at the intersection of S. Carrollton and S. Claiborne Avenues.  The defendants learned about the Loomis deliveries from a known individual who was employed at this particular Chase branch.  Esteves knew the bank employee and learned that the Loomis truck made scheduled deliveries to the bank on Wednesdays at approximately 10:00 a.m.  The co-conspirators used this information to prepare for and plan the robbery. 

As the Loomis guard, Hector Trochez, prepared to make the delivery, GEORGE and OFOMATA, both armed, exited their vehicle (a Chevy Tahoe stolen by GEORGE in preparation for the robbery), and ordered Trochez to give up the money.  Trochez pulled his weapon and fired at the robbers.  OFOMATA and GEORGE fired their weapons in Trochez’s direction.  Johnson fired at the Loomis truck to keep the driver inside the truck. Trochez was fatally struck on the left side of his forehead and suffered a graze wound to his elbow. One of the robbers ran towards the rear of the Loomis truck and took possession of the money bag before re-entering the Tahoe.  The robbers fled the Chase Bank parking lot.  

A witness, seated in a vehicle at the corner of S. Claiborne and S. Carrollton Avenues observed the shooting and provided a description of the shooters and the vehicle they occupied.  That witness followed the Chevy Tahoe as it fled the location of the shooting/robbery.  During the vehicle’s flight, one of the shooters fired at the witness’s vehicle in an attempt to stop the witness from following.  The witness observed the Chevy Tahoe arrive in the 1700 block of Adams Street and saw the four robbers exit the Chevy Tahoe and entered a Honda Accord being driven by Brumfield.  After the individuals entered the Honda Accord, they fled the area.            

The Chevy Tahoe was recovered by the New Orleans Police Department and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant.  During the search, FBI agents observed that the steering wheel column of the vehicle had been breached. Agents located two screwdrivers on the floorboard of the Tahoe.  The screwdrivers were collected and submitted for DNA testing at the Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory.  An unknown DNA profile, later confirmed to be that of GEORGE, was recovered from one of the screwdrivers.  Based on the recovery of GEORGE’s DNA from the screwdriver, an arrest warrant was issued.

GEORGE and OFOMATA both face a statutory sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk will sentence OFOMATA and GEORGE on September 29, 2021.

Co-defendants Jeremy Esteves and Robert Brumfield III were found guilty by a jury at trial in November 2019.  Co-defendant Jasmine Theophile, GEORGE’s girlfriend, previously pled guilty to obstructing justice.   They will be sentenced on October 13, 2021.          

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today, that THOMAS LANDRY (“LANDRY”), age 46, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Susan Morgan to concurrent sentences of 151 months (Count 1) and 48 months (Count 2), respectively.

On February 11, 2021, LANDRY pleaded guilty to a two-count Bill of Information.  In Count 1, LANDRY pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), and 846.  In Count 2, LANDRY pled guilty to use of a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 843(b).  After his release, LANDRY will be placed on a period of supervised release of three (3) years and must pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count.

According to court documents, LANDRY conspired with other members of a drug trafficking organization to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.  Additionally, LANDRY used a communication facility, the telephone, to facilitate the distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. 

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  This case is being prosecuted by Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, May 21, 2021 that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 28, and ALAN PARSON, age 20, residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, plead guilty to the three count Indictment for their participation in the June 17, 2019 robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street.

At approximately 6:06 a.m., SANSBURY and PARSON entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons.  Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves.  Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and detained a cashier by using zip-ties.  SANSBURY led the cashier to another area of the store.  PARSON relocated to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing the employee’s feet with zip-ties.  PARSON then filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy’s safe.  SANSBURY relocated to the pharmacy area where he continued to zip-tie the employee’s hands whom PARSON initially detained.

Upon exiting the store, PARSON and SANSBURY engaged in a shootout with responding officers of the New Orleans Police Department.  The confrontation resulted in one of the officers suffering a bullet wound to the shoulder.  Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred from both inside and outside the pharmacy.

SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to conspiracy to commit a robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 2118.  Both face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 2118(a) and (c)(1).  Both face a maximum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. Lastly, SANSBURY and PARSON plead guilty to discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 924(c)(1)(A)(iii).  SANSBURY and PARSON each face a consecutive mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry will sentence SANSBURY and PARSON on August 24, 2021.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that LOIS RUSSELL (“RUSSELL”), age 61 of Gibson, Louisiana, TANYA GIVENS (“GIVENS”), age 43, of Gibson, Louisiana; HENRY RANDLE (“RANDLE”), age 64, of Gibson, Louisiana; JOHN DIGGS (“J. DIGGS”), age 60, of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and DAKOTA DIGGS (“D. DIGGS”), age 25, of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, entered a plea of guilty today to 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 today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, RUSSELL, GIVENS, and J. DIGGS conspired with passenger James “Curtis” Williams (“Williams”) to stage an accident with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road.  Damien Labeaud (“Labeaud”) and Roderick Hickman (“Hickman”), who have already pleaded guilty to staging other accidents, also participated in this accident.  Hickman, while driving RUSSELL’s car, intentionally struck the 18-wheeler and then fled the scene with Labeaud.  RUSSELL advised NOPD that she was the driver and she, along with GIVENS and J. DIGGS, made claims for personal injuries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $272,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.

Also according to today’s guilty plea, on May 17, 2017, RANDLE and D. DIGGS, along with participants Labeaud, Mario Solomon (“Solomon”), and Ryan Wheaten (“Wheaten”), participated in a staged automobile accident in the vicinity of U.S. Highway 90 East and Calliope Street in New Orleans.  Labeaud and Solomon fled the scene.  RANDLE falsely reported to the NOPD that he had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck his vehicle.  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. Labeaud, Solomon, Wheaten, Gale, Smith, and Francois were also charged.  Labeaud, Solomon, Gale, Smith, and Francois already pled guilty. RANDLE, D. DIGGS, and Wheaten made claims for personal injuries. The victim trucking and insurance companies paid out approximately $10,000.00 for these fraudulent claims.

RUSSELL, GIVENS, RANDLE, J. DIGGS, and D. DIGGS face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, RUSSELL, GIVENS, RANDLE, J. DIGGS, and D. DIGGS also face 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. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 15, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

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 Edward J. Rivera, Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that DONOVAN DIRON JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 27, of Thibodaux, LA pled guilty on May 18, 2021 in federal court before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey to being a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence found in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(9).

According to court documents, on February 1, 2017, JOHNSON was found in possession of a Glock 22 .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine.

The Court set sentencing in this matter for August 17, 2021.  JOHNSON faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Thibodaux Police Department.  The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JEREMY BRANSON GARNER, age 41, of Memphis, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on May 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk to a one count indictment for failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

GARNER faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, a term of supervised release between 5 years and life and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.  Judge Africk set his sentencing for August 25, 2021. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on that Tuesday, May 18, 2021, that TYREET JOURNEE, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced following his earlier plea of guilty to a one-count indictment.  In the indictment, JOURNEE is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

On January 29, 2020, the New Orleans Police Department arrested JOURNEE, who was wanted by the department for aggravated assault with a firearm in violation of state law.  JOURNEE fled from officers who attempted to detain him.  Once detained and arrested, a search of his person revealed that JOURNEE possessed a .32 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver in his pants pocket. Also, officers recovered a backpack observed in JOURNEE’s possession.  A search of the backpack revealed that JOURNEE possessed a Century International Arms, Inc. model Romarm Cugir Draco, 7.62x39mm caliber, AK-47 pistol.  Ammunition for both firearms was located inside of the backpack.  JOURNEE is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced JOURNEE to serve a term of imprisonment of seventy (70) months.  The sentence will run concurrent with a sentence imposed by the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court for a parole violation which JOURNEE sustained while on parole for a state drug violation.  JOURNEE was placed on supervised release for a period of three (3) years.  While a fine was not imposed, JOURNEE was ordered to pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. 

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on Thursday, May 13, 2021, LLOYD WASHINGTON, age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty in a three-count Indictment.  In Count 1, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  In Count 2, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Machine Guns in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  In Count 3, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Non-Registered Firearms in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871.

On July 20, 2020, New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officers were dispatched to a call for service regarding an illegal discharge of a firearm at 4122 Eagle Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.  Residents who lived next door to WASHINGTON reported a bullet entering their residence.  No residents were struck by the bullet.  Responding officers observed the trajectory of the points of entry and exit and concluded that the bullet likely originated from WASHINGTON’s residence.

Upon arriving at WASHINGTON’s residence, officers observed him standing inside.  The officers detained WASHINGTON while they conducted their investigation.

While searching the exterior of WASHINGTON’s residence, officers discovered two firearms with loaded with magazines: a Ruger model LCP, .380 caliber pistol, bearing serial number 371320740; and a Glock model 22, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial 00841MPD and equipped with a Glock switch converter.  The firearms were located on the top of a concrete slab.  Officers also observed a black bag containing a third weapon, a Zastava model PAP M92 PV, 7.62x39 caliber pistol, bearing serial number M92PV068277, loaded with two magazines taped together.

Officers elected to interview WASHINGTON.   WASHINGTON admitted that he was in possession of a firearm and that the firearm accidentally discharged while in his possession.  When asked about the three firearms located in the alley of his residence, WASHINGTON admitted that he owned and maintained possession of the firearms.  When asked if he possessed additional firearms, WASHINGTON admitted that he was in possession of additional firearms inside of his residence. 

NOPD obtained a search warrant for WASHINGTON’s residence.  During the search of the residence,  the following items, including firearms and ammunition, were located: (1) a .40 caliber magazine with 4 live rounds of ammunition; (2) a box of .38 special ammunition containing 9 live rounds; (3) a box of .380 caliber ammunition containing 7 live rounds; (4) one 7.62x39mm magazine with an unknown number of live rounds; (5) one clear plastic bag containing multiple caliber rounds of ammunition; (6) a red duffle bag containing a rifle scope and a pistol grip; (7) a Glock model 17, 9mm caliber pistol, bearing serial number BHBZ225; (8) a Glock switch convertor; (9) a box with live 9mm rounds; (10) a 7.62x39mm circle drum loaded with an unknown number of live rounds; (11) a box with 13 live 9mm rounds; (12) a Plainfield Machine Co., Paratrooper, .30 caliber rifle, bearing serial number 43211; (13) an Izhmash model IJ70-17A, .380 caliber pistol,  bearing serial number BTK3233; (14) a Heritage Mfg. Inc. model Rough Rider, .22 caliber pistol, bearing serial number R36814; and (15) a Taurus model PT24/7 G2, .40 caliber pistol, bearing serial number SIM30213.

WASHINGTON is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.

WASHINGTON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for each charge.

United States District Court Jude Carl Barbier will sentence WASHINGTON on August 19, 2021.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, that DONTE MOORE, an Orleans Parish resident, pled guilty as charged to a two-count superseding bill of information for carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1) and for using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

At sentencing, MOORE faces up to a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a maximum fine of up to $250,000 as to count one.  As to count two, MOORE faces a consecutive statutory minimum of five years imprisonment up to a maximum of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. MOORE additionally faces a term of supervised release after imprisonment for a period of up to five (5) years as to both counts. MOORE’s sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 31, 2021, before U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan.

The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera, Chief of the Violent Crime Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TYRIK SCOTT, age 20, a resident of Chalmette, pled guilty on May 18, 2021 to conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. SCOTT faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2021 before the Honorable Susie Morgan.

According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, SCOTT and others attempted to break into an ATM located in the drive-through of a Capital One Bank using sledgehammers, crowbars, chains, and a truck. Just prior to this robbery attempt, SCOTT and others were observed in the same truck attempting to break into an ATM at Hancock Whitney Bank.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – BRISHUN GARY, age 19, a resident of New Orleans, pled guilty on May 17, 2021 to conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. GARY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2021 before the Honorable Susie Morgan.

According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, GARY and others attempted to break into an ATM located in the drive-through of a Capital One Bank using sledgehammers, crowbars, chains, and a truck. Just prior to this robbery attempt, GARY and others were observed in the same truck attempting to break into an ATM at Hancock Whitney Bank.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KELLY GAUTHIER, age 49, a resident of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 15 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to one count of Theft of Government Funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to the Bill of Information to which GAUTHIER pled guilty, she filed an application with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on or about March 14, 2016, following severe storms and flooding across Louisiana. GAUTHIER claimed that she needed assistance due to her ownership and occupancy of a home where she was living. In order to show her purported ownership of the home, GAUTHIER submitted fraudulent supporting documentation showing that she was the owner of the home when, in fact, she was not. GAUTHIER was issued a total of $29,075.56 in FEMA assistance, including assistance for home repairs, rental assistance, transportation, and personal property.

The Honorable U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced GAUTHIER to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Judge Feldman also ordered GAUTHIER to pay restitution in the amount of $20,946.54 to FEMA.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, for its work in investigating this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SCOTT PELLISSIER (“PELLISSIER”), age 55, of Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on May 13, 2021 to one count of failing to account for and pay federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes, in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Section 7202.

According to documents filed in federal court, PELLISSIER was the sole owner of two companies located in Slidell, Louisiana: Paint and Body Experts of Slidell, Inc. (“Paint and Body Experts”), a corporation that repairs and refinishes cars, and Pellissier Autoplex, LLC, d/b/a The Radiator Shop of Slidell (“Radiator Shop”).  During the third quarter of the year 2016, PELLISSIER collected federal income taxes and FICA taxes in the approximate sum of $43,205.83 from employees of Paint and Body Experts, but willfully did not pay any of that money to the Internal Revenue Service.  According to court documents, PELLISSIER failed to account for and pay additional FICA and other taxes associated with Paint and Body Experts and the Radiator Shop, resulting in a total loss amount between $550,000 and $1.5 million.

PELLISSIER faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, PELLISSIER also faces a $100 mandatory special assessment fee and a term of supervised release of up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $10,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.  United States District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing in this matter for August 19, 2021.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the work of the Internal Revenue Service on this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced May 12, 2021 that FELIPE MARTINEZ-RIVERA, age 50, pled guilty on May 12, 2021 to a one-count bill of information for reentry of a deported alien previously convicted of a felony, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a)and (b)(1).

According to the bill of information, MARTINEZ-RIVERA reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 9, 1998. Furthermore, on or about May 18, 2010, MARTINEZ-RIVERA was convicted of illegal possession of less than one gram of cocaine in Harris County Texas – a felony under Texas law.   

U.S. District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for July 14, 2021. MARTINEZ-RIVERA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene Gonzalez is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on May 11, 2021 KEVIN STIMAGE, age 44, has been charged by a Bill of Information with Theft from Programs Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). If convicted, STIMAGE faces up to ten years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.

According to the Bill of Information, in 2019 and 2020, STIMAGE was employed as a deputy assigned to the transportation division of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO), an organization which received federal funds in excess of $10,000 annually during that time period.  Although STIMAGE reported working 40 hours a week for TPSO during this time frame, in actuality STIMAGE was working another job for a different employer, a detail at an apartment complex in Tangipahoa Parish, while purportedly on-duty for TPSO. In 2020, STIMAGE was promoted to Captain.

STIMAGE subsequently submitted false and fraudulent payroll sheets to TPSO which fraudulently overstated his actual work hours.  As a result, TPSO paid STIMAGE over $5,000 to which he was not entitled in both 2019 and 2020.

U. S. Attorney Evans stated that a Bill of Information is only an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until he pleads guilty or is found guilty by a jury or judge.

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.

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