Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KEVIN MARTIN, age 27, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 12, 2021 to being a felon in possession of a firearm before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court paperwork, MARTIN was interviewed by ATF special agents who were assisting the New Orleans Police Department in arresting MARTIN on burglary charges.  During the interview, MARTIN admitted that he had firearms in his residence and during a subsequent search of that residence police located firearms where MARTIN said they would be.  MARTIN already had multiple prior felony convictions at that point.

MARTIN faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment on the gun charge and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 

This case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –RUDY GUNAWAN, age 40, a citizen of Indonesia, pleaded guilty on May 11, 2021 before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to a one-count indictment that charged him with possession of fraudulent immigration documents, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.  GUNAWAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2021.

According to court documents, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents received information that GUNAWAN was in the United States illegally and using a Social Security card bearing the name and number of another person.  On September 28, 2020, CBP agents encountered GUNAWAN at his place of employment, Samurai Sushi (Slidell, Louisiana). An agent asked for identification and GUNAWAN produced a U.S. Social Security card.  GUNAWAN claimed to be a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico.  He admitted that he knew the U.S. Social Security card was falsely made and that he had obtained the card from an individual in Memphis, Tennessee for $700.  GUNAWAN also admitted that the name and number on the card were not lawfully issued to him and that he purchased the fraudulent documents in order to be able to stay within the United States and work.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection and Social Security Administration agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – CHARLES WILLIAMS, JR. (“WILLIAMS”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, Untied States Code, Section 1343.

According to documents filed in Federal Court, the defendant was elected Senior Warden of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (“St. Luke’s”) located at 1222 North Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. In his role as Senior Warden, WILLIAMS was responsible for paying all of St. Luke’s bills including insurance, salaries, and utilities.  WILLIAMS took over the finances of the church and reduced or eliminated other church members’ access to church finances shortly after becoming the Senior Warden at St. Luke’s. During his tenure, WILLIAMS embezzled approximately $89,000 from St. Luke’s in his capacity as Senior Warden. WILLIAMS did not share church bank statements with other church members in an effort to conceal his embezzlement of church funds and he transferred church funds from one bank account to another account before withdrawing the funds.   WILLIAMS deposited much of the money into his various Chase accounts and used some of the stolen money to support his pizza restaurant located in the Esplanade Mall.

On August 29, 2018, FBI special agents interviewed WILLIAMS. During the interview, WILLIAMS made three false statements to the FBI agents. Specifically, WILLIAMS said he used cash withdrawn from a St. Luke’s account to fund a $2,500 Chase cashier check dated February 21, 2018, with Remitter: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Operating Account. When the agents specifically asked whether bank records would show the money for the cashier’s check came from a St. Luke’s account, he denied that bank records would show the $2,500 coming from the church account. Further, he told the agents that the $2,500 had come from his personal account. The statements were false because WILLIAMS knew that on February 21, 2018, he had withdrawn $2,900. from St. Luke’s operating account and then used $2,500 of those funds to purchase the above described cashier’s check made payable to the Esplanade Mall for the benefit of his pizza restaurant.  WILLIAMS also lied to the agents when he told them he had invested St. Luke’s money with a particular company. Lastly, he lied when he claimed he had not used any of St. Luke’s money for his business or for personal use. The FBI’s investigation determined that all of these assertions were in fact false.

U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced WILLIAMS to 12 months and 1-day imprisonment, followed by 2 years of supervised release and payment of a $100 special assessment fee.  WILLIAMS was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $89,000.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JORDY ROBERTSON, age 37, from St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced to 96 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter for drug trafficking and wire fraud offenses.  ROBERTSON was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $200 in special assessment fees.  In addition, ROBERTSON must pay restitution in the amount of $116,216, including to those of his victims that made donations through his fraudulent charitable campaign posted on GoFundMe.

According to court documents, ROBERTSON’s drug trafficking conspiracy ran from at least May of 2017 through January of 2019, and his wire fraud scheme ran from October of 2016 through January of 2019.

“Today’s sentencing of Jordy Robertson illustrates our commitment to bring federal offenders to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  “Mr. Robertson’s criminal activities showed a blatant disregard for the generosity of others. Our office will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to protect the citizens of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“The wreckage caused by drugs affects everyone.  Drug dealers breed crime in our neighborhoods and are a danger to our children,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.  “The conviction and subsequent sentencing of Jordy Robertson demonstrates to the citizens in this parish and beyond that federal and local law enforcement, when we combine our resources, can come together and accomplish great things.  We will continue to work side by side with all of our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer places to live.”

“It is through the seamless relationship with our federal partners in the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office that Mr. Robertson was brought to justice,” stated Sheriff Mike Tregre, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.

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.

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NEW ORLEANS— In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

“This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said Attorney General Garland. “I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude.”

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

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  

Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.

During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored.  Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. While serving the Eastern District of Louisiana, 8 officers died in the line of duty.   

Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020.  LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.  

The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 pm EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.

Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.   

To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.

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NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today that RACHEL E. LIPPS (“LIPPS”), age 40, of Slidell, LA was sentenced to 34  months imprisonment by the Honorable Susie Morgan for thirty-three counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and a single count of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  For Counts 1-33, the Court imposed 10 month concurrent sentences to be served consecutively to a 24 month sentence LIPPS received for Count 34.  Additionally, the Court ordered that LIPPS serve 3 year (Counts 1-33) and 1 year (Count 34) terms of supervised release, all to run concurrently.  LIPPS was ordered to pay $3400 in special assessment fees and restitution in the amount of $473,978.53.

According to court documents, between January 2013 and October 2017, LIPPS served as a part-time bookkeeper for Business A.  Business A was a Louisiana corporation domiciled in Slidell, Louisiana.  LIPPS was entrusted with the daily accounting and her job functions included accessing and utilizing QuickBooks software to issue payroll checks and pay vendors on behalf of Business A.  Using QuickBooks, LIPPS fraudulently printed and cashed checks made payable to herself and several of her creditors.  On or about July 22, 2014, LIPPS forged the signature of Business A’s co-owner on a check despite not having the authority to do so.  In all, LIPPS stole $473,978.53 from Business A and its owners.

This matter was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office.  United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case. 

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHARLES EDWARD BANKS (“BANKS”), age 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced to imprisonment on May 4, 2021 by U.S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter for charges relating to possession of a firearm.

BANKS pled guilty on November 12, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, on March 17, 2018, NOPD officers obtained a search warrant for BANKS’s vehicle and found a silver and black 9mm Ruger pistol.  A criminal inquiry revealed that BANKS had a least one prior conviction that carried a penalty of at least one year in prison.  BANKS indicated that at the time he possessed the firearm, he knew he had been convicted of a felony.

Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced BANKS to twelve (12) months and one (1) day in the Bureau of Prisons, followed by 2 years of supervised release.  BANKS also must pay a $100 special assessment fee.

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

NEW ORLEANS – REGINALD LUMAR, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery before the Honorable Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. LUMAR faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee, as to each count. Sentencing is currently scheduled for August 10, 2021.  

According to count one of the indictment, on or about September 10, 2019, LUMAR and Byron Watson robbed the Total Choice Federal Credit Union located at 100 Palmetto Drive in LaPlace, Louisiana. They obtained approximately $7,000 in the robbery. According to count two of the indictment, on or about September 26, 2019, LUMAR and Watson robbed the Fidelity Bank located at 9099 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana. They obtained approximately $6,000 in that robbery.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Task Force, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and Saint John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is handling the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana  announced today that defendant LARRY GREEN (“GREEN”), age 38, of Hammond, LA, was sentenced to 160 months imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (Count 1) and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine (Count 2).  For Count 1, the Court imposed a sentence of 60 months to run consecutively to a 100 month sentence GREEN received for Count 2.  Additionally, GREEN was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release as to both counts to run concurrently and pay $200 in special assessment fees.  No fines were imposed in this case.

According to court documents, between February 2019 and April 2019, GREEN conspired to distribute or possess with intent to distribute approximately 3209 pills that contained 644 grams of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  On Valentine’s Day 2019, GREEN possessed a loaded Taurus pistol in furtherance of one of his illegal drug transactions.

This matter was handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced EDWARD TOLIVER, age 47, a New Orleans native who had been living in Houston, Texas, to 124 months in federal prison for his role in a massive credit card fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.  The sentencing was held on April 29, 2021.  In addition to 124 months imprisonment, TOLIVER received 3 years supervised release, to be served following his release, and he must pay a mandatory $200 special assessment fee ($100 per count).

 According to the court records, TOLIVER previously pleaded guilty to a credit card fraud charge, as well as aggravated identity theft.  This was his third federal conviction for credit card fraud, and he began the conduct for this conviction while he was still on probation from his previous conviction. 

In a sworn factual basis, TOLIVER admitted that shortly after finishing a prison term in 2012, TOLIVER rented office space in an office park in Houston.  He outfitted the space with equipment used to make fraudulent credit cards.  Over the next several years, TOLIVER and his co-defendant, Maurice Durio, who also operated a card manufacturing plant in the same office park, obtained hundreds of thousands of stolen credit card numbers from a variety of sources, including a computer hacker TOLIVER had met in prison and by purchasing them on the dark web.

TOLIVER and Durio, with the assistance of several co-conspirators, created and/or downloaded credit card templates on laptop computers and transferred the stolen credit card numbers into the templates, which were then used to create tens of thousands of fraudulent access devices.  The cards would generally be printed in batches with the same name appearing on numerous cards.  The name was typically the real name of a co-conspirator.  The cards were embossed with numbers, and corresponding account information was encoded on the strips on the back of the cards.  The names of the co-conspirators/users of the fraudulent cards did not correspond to the actual account holders, who had not given permission for their accounts to be used.  TOLIVER and Durio distributed thousands of fraudulent access devices to numerous individuals who then used them to fraudulently obtain things of value, including merchandise and gift cards.

The Secret Service, with the assistance of local law enforcement, investigated numerous instances in which individuals were caught with cards manufactured at the Houston plants operated by TOLIVER and Durio.  Agents were able to tie these card seizures to the plants through several means. 

In July 2014, a federal search warrant was executed at the Houston office park and agents seized device making equipment, including embossers, scanners, and high-end printers, thousands of cards, and a laptop computer.  The computer had approximately 80,000 card numbers in files, as well as spreadsheets used to move the card numbers from the text files they came in when obtained through the dark web to the actual credit cards.  Agents also obtained other laptops used by TOLIVER and Durio that contained approximately 300,000 additional card numbers. 

The scheme used various methods to monetize the fraudulent credit card production.  First, TOLIVER and Durio would simply sell cards.  The buyer would pay them a set amount and then get to keep whatever the buyer could purchase with the cards.  Second, TOLIVER and Durio would provide cards with the idea that the person getting the cards would buy merchandise and then sell the merchandise at a discount for cash and kick back some of the cash.  Third, TOLIVER and Durio would provide cards and the person getting the cards would buy gifts cards, some of which were kicked back. 

“I would like to commend the hard work of the dedicated prosecutors and investigators who helped bring to an end Mr. Toliver’s nearly two decade long criminal enterprise,” said Leslie Pichon, US Secret Service New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.   “This sentencing should serve as a signal of the commitment between my office, the US Attorney’s Office and our Louisiana law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue and prosecute individuals who commit financial crimes like the ones perpetrated by Mr. Toliver and his associates.”

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the United States Secret Service.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN COFFIL age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on April 29, 2021 to conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. COFFIL 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 a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

According to court records, COFFIL admitted to conspiring with codefendant Arthur Johnson, his uncle, and six others to distribute heroin throughout the New Orleans area. The evidence against COFFIL includes numerous intercepted communications, including jail calls, physical surveillance, and witness statements.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan will sentence COFFIL on August 5, 2021. COFFIL, Arthur Johnson, and the other codefendants were charged in 2018 with conspiring to distribute heroin in the New Orleans area.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’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 that DORIAN WILLIAMS, age 47, of Gretna, Louisiana, pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and engaging in money laundering of profits from his drug trafficking.  Agents seized approximately 66 kilograms of cocaine and about $3.9 million in drug proceeds hidden inside his Gretna stash house and home.

As part of his guilty plea, WILLIAMS agreed to forfeit nearly $5 million in drug proceeds, real estate properties in New Orleans purchased with drug proceeds, and two cars.  WILLIAMS faces up to life imprisonment, a fine of $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a $200 special assessment fee.  United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo will sentence WILLIAMS on August 11, 2021.

According to court documents, Drug Enforcement Administration agents from the New Orleans Field Division identified WILLIAMS in early 2020 as a supplier of kilogram quantities of cocaine to other drug dealers in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  Agents also identified multiple addresses associated with WILLIAMS in the Jefferson Parish, Louisiana area.

Agents conducted surveillance on two of these properties – WILLIAMS’s stash house (“Stash House”) and home, both in Gretna.  On November 19, 2020, agents conducted an investigatory stop on WILLIAMS’s vehicle.  Following the advisement of his Miranda Rights, which he waived, WILLIAMS provided verbal and written consent to search his Stash House and home.  Agents discovered approximately twenty-one (21) kilograms of cocaine in hidden drawer compartments inside a wooden TV cabinet in the Stash House, and approximately forty-five (45) kilograms of cocaine and $3.9 million in drug proceeds in WILLIAMS’s home. The Government and WILLIAMS have agreed that WILLIAMS was responsible for possessing with intent to distribute between 50 kilograms and 150 kilograms of cocaine. 

In addition, according to court documents, from on or about February 20, 2019 through on or about February 17, 2020, WILLIAMS used approximately $667,500 in proceeds from his cocaine trafficking to purchase seven real estate properties in New Orleans.  Doing business as GO GET IT ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Louisiana-based company, WILLIAMS laundered the proceeds of his drug dealing operations in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957(a) by purchasing and then developing these seven real estate properties with profits generated from his cocaine sales.  WILLIAMS sold six of these seven properties for a profit.

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, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hammond Police Department, New Orleans Police Department, and Slidell Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JARRELL FOX, age 21, of Harahan, pled guilty on April 26, 2021 to two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(ii).

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department conducted an investigation concerning armed robberies that occurred at various businesses located in New Orleans, Louisiana, during September and October 2019.  On September 25, 2019, FOX robbed the Family Dollar located at 11901 North I-10 Service Road, while brandishing a firearm.  On October 10, 2019, FOX robbed a Subway restaurant located at 3502 South Carrollton Avenue, while brandishing a firearm. 

NOPD detectives identified FOX from surveillance camera footage recovered from the stores.  A search of FOX’s cellular telephone records revealed that FOX communicated with his girlfriend about the need to commit robberies due to financial problems.  FOX’s telephone records also placed him in the vicinity of the September 25th Family Dollar robbery.  Additionally, law enforcement located the firearm brandished during the commission of the robbery and the clothing worn during the robbery while executing a search warrant at FOX’s residence.

The Honorable Jay C. Zainey, United States District Court Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, will sentence FOX on July 27, 2021.  FOX faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 84 months for each count of the Indictment.  The sentences will run consecutive. The maximum sentence that can be imposed for each count is life imprisonment. FOX also faces a fine up to $250,000.00. for each count, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. This prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUSTIN PIERCE, age 22, a resident of Slidell, was sentenced for conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. PIERCE was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. He was also ordered to pay $39,324 in restitution to Capital One Bank for damage caused to the ATM machine.

According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, PIERCE 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, PIERCE 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. Attorneys G. Dall Kammer and Rachal Cassagne.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that STEPHEN DANIEL DEFIORE, age 36, a resident of Brandon, Florida, pleaded guilty as charged before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously being charged in a one-count Bill of Information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1343, for his role in a subscriber identification module (SIM) Swap scam that targeted at least nineteen people, including a New Orleans-area physician.

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

From August 2017 until November 2018, DEFIORE worked as a sales representative for Phone Company A.  In that capacity, DEFIORE had access to the accounts of Phone Company A’s customers, including the ability to switch the SIM card linked to a customer’s phone number to a different phone number.  Between October 20, 2018, and November 9, 2018, DEFIORE accepted multiple bribes, typically in the amount of approximately $500 per day, to perform SIM swaps of Phone Company A customers identified by a co-conspirator.  For each SIM swap, a co-conspirator sent DEFIORE a customer’s phone number, a four-digit PIN, and a SIM card number to which the phone number was to be swapped.  In total, DEFIORE received approximately $2,325 in a series of twelve payments.  Among the individuals whose accounts DEFIORE accessed was Victim A, a New Orleans resident, whose phone number was swapped on November 10, 2018, to a SIM card contained in an Apple iPhone 8 that was in the possession of Richard Li.  Li was charged with his role in the offense in June 2020.  Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for July 27, 2021.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LA – EDER QUINONES, age 35, a Colombian citizen who was living in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty on April 14, 2021 before the Honorable Sarah S. Vance to a superseding indictment charging him with violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to the court records, QUINONES conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute a kilogram or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of heroin.  QUINONES admitted to being the source of supply for a high-level drug trafficker who was moving kilogram quantities of heroin from Houston to New Orleans and serving as a high-level supplier for New Orleans.  QUINONES acknowledged being captured on recorded calls as part of a lengthy Title III wire intercept and being arrested by the FBI in possession of a kilogram of heroin he was attempting to deliver to a New Orleans dealer.  QUINONES admitted that he trafficked between 10 and 30 kilograms of heroin as part of the conspiracy.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2021.  QUINONES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years up to a maximum of life, a fine of $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  QUINONES also faces a payment of a $100.00 special assessment fee.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GREAT LAKES DREDGE & DOCK COMPANY, LLC (“GREAT LAKES”), a Texas company, was charged today with violating the Clean Water Act in connection with an oil spill in 2016.

According to the Bill of Information, GREAT LAKES negligently discharged and caused to be discharged a harmful quantity of oil into a navigable water of the United States, upon adjoining shorelines, and affecting the United States’ natural resources. 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.

If convicted, GREAT LAKES faces a possible term of probation and a fine of up to $200,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. A bill of information is merely a charge, and the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 announces that Matthew Cuomo, age 55, of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced on April 21, 2021 to three (3) years of probation following his previous guilty plea to Forgery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 513, before the Honorable Judge Lance M. Africk.  

Cuomo was the former president of a local labor union for employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and worked at multiple airports in Louisiana and Mississippi. An audit in 2017 revealed that union funds were missing, and a subsequent investigation revealed that Cuomo forged checks from the union’s bank account and used union funds for personal expenses.  Cuomo forged approximately 50 checks, resulting in a loss of $15,000 to the local union.  As part of his sentence, the defendant must make restitution of $15,000 to the local union.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Labor and the Transportation Security Administration for their investigation in this case.

“While the vast majority of union officers and employees do their work diligently and without incident, unfortunately civil and criminal violations do sometimes occur and, when they do, the union is the victim. The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to protect unions and their members by seeking appropriate punishment of, and restitution from, anyone attempting to use their position for personal financial gain at the expense of union members,” said Office of Labor-Management Standards Supervisory Investigator Tara Thibodaux in New Orleans, Louisiana. “This sentence and restitution order sends a clear message that there are consequences for individuals who breach the trust placed in them to be good stewards of union funds. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor unions.”

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – JUDE LEBOEUF, age 24, a resident of Houma, with previous felony convictions, was charged on April 16, 2021 in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

LEBOEUF has 9 previous felony convictions out of Terrebonne Parish, including charges for possession with intent to distribute narcotics and possession of a bomb.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSEPH GATT, age 75, a citizen of Canada and Malta, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to one year of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release and payment of a $100 special assessment fee, after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud for operating a long-term fraudulent ticket scam targeting multiple New Orleans residents.  GATT was previously arrested on July 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, while trying to reenter the country. Although GATT was indicted in June 2018, the ten-count indictment against him was unsealed only after GATT was taken into custody.  Judge Guidry also ordered GATT to repay his victims more than $95,000; he is also subject to deportation.

According to court documents, between about 2009 and October 2014, GATT resided in the New Orleans area.  He purported to sell tickets to spectator professional sporting events, including Union of European Associations (UEFA) Champions League and Federation Internationale De Futbol Association (FIFA) World Cup matches.  Specifically, GATT falsely claimed to have connections with FIFA and, through those connections, could purchase tickets to World Cup games at or below face value before the tickets went on sale to the general public. GATT sought investors for his fraudulent business enterprise in which he claimed to be able to purchase World Cup tickets at face value and then sell them at a higher price to individuals and groups who wished to attend the games. GATT recruited individuals, including Investors A, B, and C, to enter into a fraudulent business arrangement in which they would give him money to purchase tickets and then split the resulting profits.  In total, Investors A, B, and C gave GATT over $95,000.  In fact, GATT used the money for personal purchases. 

When confronted, GATT wrote investors checks, ostensibly as repayment for the investments, when he knew that the account on which the checks were drawn had insufficient funds to cover the checks.  GATT took other steps to disguise his scheme, make his enterprise appear legitimate, conceal the true purpose of his scheme, and dissuade Investors from reporting GATT to law enforcement authorities, including blaming his failure to repay the investors on delays caused by financial institutions and GATT himself having been defrauded.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, was charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the guilty pleas of two middlemen in a test score-fixing scheme at a United States Coast Guard exam center, bringing the total number of defendants convicted in this case to 21.

Former mariners ALEXIS BELL and MICHEAL WOOTEN pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States. BELL and WOOTEN each admitted to acting as an intermediary between co-defendant Beverly McCrary and merchant mariners who were willing to pay for false passing exams scores.  McCrary is accused of participating in the scheme while she was employed by the Coast Guard exam center and continuing after her retirement.

BELL and WOOTEN acknowledged that they would take money from mariners and then pay McCrary for the false scores. BELL and WOOTEN understood that McCrary would keep a portion of that money and use the rest to bribe another exam center employee to enter the scores. BELL admitted that, in addition to assisting eleven other mariners in obtaining false scores, he also had his own scores fixed on three occasions. WOOTEN admitted that, in addition to assisting nine other mariners in obtaining false scores, he also had his own scores fixed.

All of these false scores resulted in the Coast Guard issuing unearned licenses without the required exams being passed. The exams tested mariners' knowledge and training to safely operate under the authority of licenses, which were legally required to work various positions on vessels.

As alleged in the indictment, which was filed on November 20, 2020, Coast Guard credentialing specialist Dorothy Smith entered the false scores in this scheme. The indictment alleges that Smith accepted bribes and used a network of intermediaries, which included McCrary, BELL, and WOOTEN. Smith and McCrary are scheduled to stand trial on June 28, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment's allegations against Smith and McCrary are merely charges and their guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Honorable Barry W. Ashe presided over BELL’s guilty plea on April 1, 2021 and set a sentencing date of July 8, 2021.  Judge Ashe took WOOTEN’s guilty plea on April 15 and set sentencing for July 22, 2021. The maximum penalty for each defendant is five years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

On April 15, Judge Ashe also sentenced the first three defendants to plead guilty in this case, ANTHONY BROWN, DAVID GALVAN, and CARDELL HUGHES. Each of the three had pleaded guilty to illegally obtaining a mariner license and received a sentence of one year of probation, along with 100 hours of community service.

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 – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans joins the Department of Justice, the Office for Victims of Crime  the Eastern District of Louisiana state and local law enforcement and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), celebrating victims’ rights, protections and services throughout the week.  This year’s 40th anniversary of NCVRW observance takes place April 18-24 and features the theme, Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is a time to renew our commitment to serving all victims of crime, to acknowledge the achievements in victim services and allied professions, to honor those who have gone above and beyond in their service to others, and to remember crime victims and survivors.

The Office for Victims of Crime selected the theme—Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities. —that emphasizes the importance of leveraging community support to help victims of crime.

The faces of crime victims are those of our family, friends, neighbors, and community members. According to the most recent National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1.2 million people were victims of violent crime excluding simple assault in 2019, a significant decrease from the year before. Now is the time to redouble our efforts so that victimization continues to decline, and fewer and fewer Eastern District of Louisiana residents become victims of crime. Our office will commemorate the advancement of victims’ rights and highlight issues surrounding victimization

In the Eastern District of Louisiana, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will team up with federal law enforcement, local law enforcement, judicial agencies and non-profit organizations to commemorate the week, through a combination of virtual and in-person activities.  The challenges of  COVID-19 will not hamper the efforts of victim advocates to seek justice, ensure victims’ rights and inspire hope for victims of crime.

“Annually, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, provides the opportunity for law enforcement, judicial agencies, and direct service providers to reaffirm their commitment to assist and empower crime victims, said U.S. Attorney Evans.  “It is imperative that crime victims know that collectively law enforcement and partners will continue to diligently investigate potential wrongdoing, prosecute criminal behavior and seek justice for victims.”

For events in Eastern District of Louisiana Parishes, please refer to the local law enforcement agencies websites for details.  Please refer to the EDLA website for a listing of EDLA parishes https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla

For more information on how to create your own public campaigns to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights online and at events throughout the year, please visit: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that JAMES MOHAMAD, 52, of Kenner, and BRIAN MEDUS, 44, of Covington, were charged in a 1-count indictment by a federal Grand Jury with violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1952(a)(3), conspiracy to use an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the Indictment, MEDUS, the Assistant Chief Mechanical Inspector for the City of New Orleans, Safety and Permits Department, solicited and accepted bribe money from MOHAMAD, the Director of the Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement for the City of Kenner, in return for the issuance of fraudulent permits for MOHAMAD’s HVAC jobs. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, MOHAMAD paid MEDUS and others approximately $93,000 to further the bribery scheme.   Defendant MEDUS utilized the City of New Orleans’ internet-based LAMA system, a facility of interstate commerce, to further the scheme.

If convicted, MEDUS and MOHAMAD face a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. 

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

“Public corruption occurs when anyone who works for the government, whether at the federal, state, or local level, conducts an official act in exchange for money, goods, or services. It also includes public employees who take something of value for their own personal gain. Mr. Mohamad and Mr. Medus both allegedly engaged in these bribery schemes thereby violating the public’s trust”, stated Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge. “I would like to thank the City of New Orleans Office of the Inspector General, the Metropolitan Crime Commission, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnerships in helping the FBI disrupt public corruption in Louisiana.”

Ed Michel, Interim Inspector General, City of New Orleans, stated “The New Orleans OIG will continue to ensure employees who utilize their public office for personal gain are held accountable for their actions.”

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of New Orleans/Office of Inspector General.  Assistance was provided by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS – BYRON JAMAL WATSON, age 32, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on April 15, 2021 to two counts of bank robbery before the Honorable Susie Morgan, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. WATSON faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee, as to each count. Sentencing is currently scheduled for July 20, 2021.  

According to count one of the indictment, on or about September 10, 2019, WATSON and another man robbed the Total Choice Federal Credit Union located at 100 Palmetto Drive in LaPlace, Louisiana. They obtained approximately $7,000 in the robbery. According to count two of the indictment, on or about September 26, 2019, WATSON and the same man robbed the Fidelity Bank located at 9099 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson, Louisiana. They obtained approximately $6,000 in that robbery.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JAYLON JOHNSON, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced on April 13, 2021 to thirty-three months in the Bureau of Prisons following his plea to a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. Additionally, JOHNSON was sentenced to serve one year of supervised release following imprisonment and to pay a $100.00 special assessment fee. JOHNSON was charged with Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  The Honorable Susie Morgan sentenced JOHNSON.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department conducted an investigation into gun violence and narcotics trafficking in the Hollygrove neighborhood.  On October 13, 2020, JOHNSON was observed in possession of a fully concealed firearm while riding his bicycle. The officer articulated that he observed the outline of the firearm underneath JOHNSON’s shirt as he rode his bicycle. Upon being instructed to stop his bicycle, JOHNSON fled from officers on foot.  While fleeing, JOHNSON discarded the firearm.  Following a foot pursuit, JOHNSON was arrested.  Officers recovered the firearm after retracing JOHNSON’s path of flight.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution of this case.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – KENDALL MATHEWS, a/k/a “DOT,” age 37,  a resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $1,300.00 in special assessment fees by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier after pleading guilty to thirteen counts of a fourteen-count indictment charging him with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty kilograms or more of methamphetamine, five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to court documents, beginning in January 2018, Special Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration made two controlled purchases of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine each from MATHEWS.  After making the controlled purchases, agents obtained court ordered wiretaps of MATHEWS and co-conspirators’ telephones and intercepted numerous calls between MATHEWS, his co-conspirators, and customers in which they discussed the sales of methamphetamine, cocaine hydrochloride, and heroin.  Through their continued monitoring of telephone calls, agents identified a pending narcotics transaction and seized two kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.  Also, agents and officers obtained search warrants for co-conspirators’ residences and seized approximately 148 grams of heroin and 1300 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.  

MATHEWS faced a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and 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. 

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CHRISTY BARTHOLOMEW, age 39, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was charged on April 14, 2021 in a two-count Bill of Information with wire fraud.

According to court records, BARTHOLOMEW was employed as a financial controller for a business located in Slidell, Louisiana, and later worked as an office manager for a company located in Kenner, Louisiana. From 2016 to October of 2019, she embezzled approximately $357,000 from her Slidell employer by several schemes, including unauthorized use of a company credit card. She later did the same thing with her Kenner employer, embezzling approximately $300,000 from November 2019 to February 2020.  

BARTHOLOMEW faces a sentence of up to twenty years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment due after conviction.

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 Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, along with assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – THEODORE KEYS, age 40, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on April 13, 2021 for conspiracy to commit bank larceny, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. KEYS was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.  He was also ordered to pay $39,324 in restitution to Capital One Bank for damage caused to the ATM machine.

According to court records, on or about February 5, 2020, KEYS 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, KEYS 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

NEW ORLEANS, LA - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced that BRET BERRY (“BERRY”), age 60, of Mandeville, LA was charged March 9, 2021 with seven counts of health care fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347 and two counts of aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.

According to the indictment, BERRY defrauded Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Medicare and Medicaid, other health care benefit programs relating to billing for cardiac rehabilitation services.  BERRY attempted to provide services that required a doctor’s order when he did not have said order, and he attempted to provide services that required a doctor’s presence, when no doctor was present.

According to the indictment, BERRY and his companies billed health care insurance companies for fraudulent services totaling approximately $11,290,000.  BERRY and his companies were reimbursed approximately $859,000 in relation to those fraudulent claims.

The maximum penalty for each health care fraud charge is up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release and a $100.00 special assessment fee for each count.

Aggravated identity theft has a mandatory minimum of two years imprisonment per count to be served consecutively.   The maximum penalty per count is up to 20 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years supervised release.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.  The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DOMINIC ROMANO, age 20, a resident of Luling, Louisiana, was charged on Friday, April 9, 2021, by a federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a one-count Indictment with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children under the age of twelve years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(4)(B). 

ROMANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years.  ROMANO also faces a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and he can be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that CAESAR RAYMON WILLIAMS, 41, from Terrebonne Parish, was charged in a 5-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distribution of, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base, “crack cocaine,” in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).

If convicted of these narcotics trafficking charges, WILLIAMS faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment.

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 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 -  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NATALIE BARTON, age 41, of Mandeville, Louisiana, was sentenced on April 7, 2021 by United States District Judge Lance M. Africk after previously pleading guilty to one count of misbranding prescription drugs, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 331(a) and 333(a)(2). 

Court records indicate that BARTON and her husband distributed prescription medications through websites and in a brick-and-mortar store.  These prescription drugs were dispensed without valid prescriptions issued by licensed practitioners, and without labels that complied with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  Instead, these substances included labels that were misleading, in that they stated that the substances were not for human consumption, which was false.  BARTON and E.B. were not practitioners licensed by law to administer prescription drugs.

United States District Court Africk sentenced BARTON to 5 years of probation.  The Court also imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Food and Drug Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  U.S. Attorney Evans expressed appreciation for the support provided by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Shih and Inga Petrovich are charge of the prosecution.

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.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JON C. BALLAY, age 61, a resident most recently of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 262 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey after previously pleading guilty to Count Two of a three-count Indictment charging him with production of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2251(a).  Judge Zainey further ordered BALLAY to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $67,300, serve a period of life of supervised release after he completes his prison term and pay a special assessment fee of $100.  BALLAY will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, on May 23, 2017, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at the Olde Town Inn, located at 2311 North Rampart Street, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  During the execution of the search warrant, authorities found and recovered a fourteen-year-old female (Minor Victim) with BALLAY and seized several electronic devices belonging to BALLAY, including a Samsung Galaxy Express Prime cellular telephone affiliated with a local phone number. BALLAY used cellular phones to take approximately twenty (20) sexually explicit images of the victim between May 15, 2017 and May 22, 2017, at multiple hotels in the greater New Orleans area.  Subsequent investigation revealed that BALLAY used sexually explicit photographs, among others, to advertise and solicit commercial sex dates with the MV. Pascal Calogero, III, was previously prosecuted for his role in conspiring with BALLAY to traffic the MV for the purpose of MV engaging in commercial sex activities. See Case No. 18-203 “R.”

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, and specifically the FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.

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NEW ORLEANS – DANIELLE FRANKLIN, age 29, and a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon to four years of probation for assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As charged in the indictment, FRANKLIN prepared a false tax return in 2014 for a client of Cutting Edge Income Tax, located on Airline Drive in Metairie, Louisiana. As part of the scheme, FRANKLIN allegedly falsified the return by including fraudulent business losses when in fact the customer had zero losses and expenses. In the Factual Basis that supported the guilty plea, FRANKLIN also admitted to other relevant conduct, which included preparing at least thirty-one (31) false U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, Forms 1040 for her customers from 2013 through 2016. These fraudulent tax filings caused a tax loss to the United States in the amount of $215,296.43. In addition, FRANKLIN’s 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 U.S. Individual/Joint Tax Returns, which were prepared and signed by defendant and filed with the IRS, claimed reported inflated withholdings and/or false estimated tax payments.  These material misstatements caused an additional tax loss to the United States in the amount of $14,277.00.

In addition to probation, FRANKLIN was also ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $229,573.00.  

U.S. Attorney Evans commended the special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ASHONTI HALL, 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2021 to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.   

In October 2019, HALL was indicted for possessing heroin, cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and marijuana with the intent to distribute, 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, HALL admitted that he fled from New Orleans Police Department Officers who were investigating HALL for a shooting that occurred the previous day.  The police caught HALL and found him in possession of a backpack that contained several different types of drugs, scales, cash, and a loaded gun.  

Sentencing is set for August 4, 2021 before District Judge Vance.  HALL faces a sentence of at least five years imprisonment up to life, a $250,000 fine, 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller. 

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ALLEN ROBRTSON, 32, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2021 before United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

In November 2019, ROBERTSON was indicted along with numerous other defendants for conspiring to distribute heroin.  Court documents show that as part of his plea, ROBERTSON admitted that he was intercepted on wiretaps purchasing heroin and that police found heroin and heroin distribution paraphernalia when he was arrested. 

Sentencing is set for August 4, 2021 before District Judge Vance.  ROBERTSON faces a sentence of at least five years imprisonment up to forty years, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. 

U. S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller. 

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on April 1, 2021, ALEXANDER MURIEL-DIAZ, age 55, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

According to court documents, MURIEL-DIAZ and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin between sometime prior to July 19, 2017 and on or about June 29, 2018.

United States District Court Judge Ashe sentenced MURIEL-DIAZ to 81 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.  The court also imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MARK DOUGLAS, age 72, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced for embezzlement of union funds by the Honorable Greg G. Guidry, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. DOUGLAS was sentenced to 24 months of probation and a $100 special assessment. DOUGLAS was also ordered to pay $7,078.35 in restitution to the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101. 

According to court documents, between November 11, 2011 and January 17, 2015, DOUGLAS acted as President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1101. DOUGLAS was responsible for the local’s grievances with the Domino Sugar Company and running the day to day operations of the union. 

Union officers were permitted to file “lost time” claims to be reimbursed for conducting union business. Lost time is generally taken for arbitrations, attorney visits, accountant visits, or negotiations with Domino Sugar Company. During his time as President, DOUGLAS filed fraudulent “lost time” claims with the union, thereby unlawfully obtaining $7,078.35 that he was not entitled to receive.  

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief, General Crimes.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRADLEY EDWARD CORLEY, age 46, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to Count Two of a two-count Indictment charging him with possession of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as approximately four (4) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2252(a)(4)(B).  In 2006, CORLEY was convicted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, in about September 2019, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received a tip that an individual, subsequently determined to be CORLEY, had uploaded approximately seven (7) images depicting the sexual exploitation of children to a digital application and distribution platform designed for video gaming communities.  Agents executed a search warrant at CORLEY’s residence in March 2020 and seized several electronic devices that contained files depicting the sexual victimization of children.  A forensic examination of several of the devices confirmed that CORLEY had used them to search for, download, and save at least 60,000 images and 1,5000 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children, including by visiting a web forum on June 16, 2019, August 4, 2019, and March 9, 2020.  The filed depicted children as young as approximately four (4) years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including numerous images and videos that portrayed “sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence.”

Because of his prior conviction, if convicted in this matter CORLEY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years for the possession charge.  CORLEY also faces a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and he can be required to register as a sex offender.  Sentencing has been scheduled before Judge Zainey for June 29, 2021.

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.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIFFANY WALLACE, age 34, of Independence, Louisiana, pled guilty today to theft of government funds in connection with false applications for disaster assistance.

According to court documents, WALLACE submitted falsified applications to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (“FEMA”) for disaster assistance. The applications sought disaster assistance for vehicles that WALLACE claimed were damaged following the March and August 2016 storms and flooding in Tangipahoa Parish. In the application, WALLACE submitted fraudulent repair invoices for $13,935 of vehicle damage from the March 2016 flood and $13,368 for the August 2016 flood, when in fact WALLACE created the fraudulent invoices using fictitious automotive repair shops. As a result of false statements in the applications, FEMA paid disaster benefits of $6,000 and $11,902 for the two floods to WALLACE.

WALLACE faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a special assessment of $100. Judge Jay C. Zainey set the sentencing hearing for June 29, 2021.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PENH KANG (“KANG”), age 42, of Covington, Louisiana, was sentenced today for Making a False Declaration, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(3).

According to documents filed in federal court, on or about the 12th day of September 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, KANG, knowingly and fraudulently made a material false declaration, certificate and verification under the penalty of perjury, as permitted under Section 1746 of Title 28, in and in relation to a case under Title 11, In re Pehn Kang, No.17-12431. KANG submitted a Schedules of Assets and Liabilities and a Statement of Financial Affairs, in which the defendant fraudulently answered questions.  Additionally, KANG failed to disclose gambling losses of approximately $40,000 to $60,000, an interest in two Capital One Bank accounts, and a $50,000 life insurance policy.

U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced KANG to probation for a term of 24 months.

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MARK RICHBURG, age 40, of New Orleans, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, heroin, and cocaine base.

Specifically, on March 18, 2021, RICHBURG pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. 

RICHBURG faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least 5 years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Jonathan L. Shih are in charge of the prosecution.

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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SONJA DYSON EVANS, 58, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pled guilty on March 24, 2021 to use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the bill of information, at the time of the offense, EVANS was employed by the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office as a Criminal Records Division Supervisor.  From January 2016 through January 2017, EVANS, along with a co-defendant, Shawanda Dove, used cell phones to carry out a bribery scheme, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1952(a)(3) and 2.  EVANS solicited and accepted bribe money from Dove in exchange for fraudulent bonds used for the release of incarcerated persons.

EVANS faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – CATHOLINE HAMMETT, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 24, 2021 by the Honorable Lance Africk, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. HAMMETT was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The defendant was also ordered to pay $633 in restitution.

According to the indictment, on or about January 8, 2020, HAMMETT entered the Iberia Bank located at 3412 St. Charles, Ave in New Orleans. She handed the teller a note that claimed HAMMETT had a bomb, and demanded money. HAMMETT obtained approximately $633 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.

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WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury in New Orleans, Louisiana, returned an indictment today charging three Louisiana residents with conspiracy to defraud the IRS. One defendant, Matthew Reck, was additionally charged with making a false statement to federal agents, and the other defendants, Dawn Farrell Ruiz and David Farrell, were charged with aiding in the preparation of false returns.

According to the indictment, from 2011 to at least June 2019, Matthew Reck and Dawn Farrell Ruiz, both of St. Tammany Parish, and David Farrell, of Jefferson Parish, allegedly conspired to defraud the IRS by underreporting their individual compensation and causing to be filed false individual tax returns. Further, Reck and Ruiz allegedly caused to be filed false corporate tax returns, relating to SES Construction Consulting Group (SES) and Global Technical Solutions (Global). Reck co-owned the two construction businesses through at least December 2015, and Farrell worked as a project manager and Ruiz as a bookkeeper for both businesses. The indictment further alleges that Reck, Farrell, and Ruiz paid some workers “off the books” in cash and did not report the workers’ full compensation to the IRS. When federal agents from IRS-Criminal Investigation subsequently interviewed Reck, he allegedly falsely stated that he had no communications with the accountant for SES and Global regarding the preparation of the companies’ corporate tax returns.

The defendants are scheduled for their initial court appearance on April 9, 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. Reck also faces a maximum of five years in prison on the charge of making false statements to federal agents, and Farrell and Ruiz face a maximum of three years in prison on each of the charges of aiding in the preparation of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys William Montague and Parker Tobin of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on March 23, 2021, JAVANTI COLER, age 25, a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve 57 months in the custody of the United States Bureau of Prisons.  When he is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for a period of three years.  COLER pled guilty back on December 8, 2020 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

His co-defendant Deondre Gramma, age 26, also a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, who also pled guilty to bring a felon on possession of a firearm will be sentenced later this month.

Back on April 27, 2018, COLER and Gramma were passengers in a car that was pulled over for a traffic violation in Lafouche Parish.  As the officers were issuing a ticket to the driver, Gramma, who was the front seat passenger leaped from the car and tried to escape.  When he was caught by the police after a brief foot chase, they located a loaded firearm in his waistband.  This incident was captured on the officer’s body worn camera.  Other officers observed COLER, who was the backseat passenger, exit the back seat and attempt to discard a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the high grass on the side of the road.  A DNA swab of the gun was later compared to COLER’S DNA with a positive match.  A criminal history check of both COLER and Gramma revealed that they were both convicted felons.

The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Thibodeaux Police Department, The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.).  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 the unsealed Indictment of STEVE C. MERGEY, age 51, of Houma, Louisiana, who was charged on Friday, March 19, 2021, in a two-count federal indictment for Production and Distribution of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e) and 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1) respectively.  If convicted, MERGEY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen (15) years and a maximum sentence of thirty (30) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000.00, or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person of the offense under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.  In addition, MERGEY faces a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life after his release from prison. 

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 U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Houma RAC and Pittsburg Office; Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office; Houma Police Department; Louisiana State Police, Criminal Investigative Division; and Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, NY with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 24, 2021, United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced COREY JOHNSON, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, to 87 months in the Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and cocaine base, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846. JOHNSON will be on Supervised Release for three years following his release from prison. Additionally, JOHNSON was sentenced to pay an $100 special assessment fee.

JOHNSON pleaded guilty on December 30, 2020, to conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base with members of a drug trafficking organization based in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, that operated in and around a corner grocery store.  JOHNSON was intercepted multiple times on an FBI wiretap arranging to sell heroin and cocaine base to people seeking narcotics.

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

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on March 18, 2021, CARLOS ALBERTO GONZALES VALENCIA, age 38, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

According to court documents, VALENCIA and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin between sometime prior to July 19, 2017 and on or about June 29, 2018.

United States District Court Judge Ashe sentenced VALENCIA to 57 months of imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release.  The Court also imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that on March 18, 2021, HARVEY VICTORIA-CUELLAR, age 41, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

According to court documents, VICTORIA-CUELLAR and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin between sometime prior to July 19, 2017 and on or about June 29, 2018.

United States District Court Judge Ashe sentenced VICTORIA-CUELLAR to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.  The Court also imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Carboni and Jonathan L. Shih were in charge of the prosecution.