Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CARLOS ALBERTO ESCOBAR-LOZA (“ESCOBAR-LOZA”), age 47, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 18, 2026, to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. The sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Guidry on April 22, 2026.

According to court records, the defendant was found in the United States on December 26, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 2, 2012.  ESCOBAR-LOZA was found in the Eastern District of Louisiana after being arrested by local law enforcement.  Immigration officials subsequently confirmed his identity through biometric data and records checks and determined that he had again unlawfully reentered the United States after having previously been removed.

On multiple occasions beginning in or about 2002, ESCOBAR-LOZA was encountered by U.S. immigration authorities after entering the United States without being admitted or paroled.  He was placed in removal proceedings and, on or about October 27, 2003, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the United States after he failed to appear for his scheduled hearing.

On multiple occasions between approximately 2005 and 2012, ESCOBAR-LOZA was again encountered by immigration authorities following arrests by local law enforcement.  Immigration records reflect that his prior removal order was reinstated, and he was removed from the United States to Honduras on at least three occasions.

ESCOBAR-LOZA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA — The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced that on Friday, March 20, 2026, VANESSA MOTTA (“MOTTA”), age 44, and JASON F. GILES (“GILES”), age 47, were found guilty of all charges pending against them, following a three-week jury trial presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter. The jury also convicted law firms MOTTA LAW LLC and THE KING FIRM LLC and co-conspirator DIAMANIKE F. STALBERT (“STALBERT”), age 35.

The jury found MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, THE KING FIRM guilty of all counts against them. STALBERT was found guilty of making false statements to federal agents.

Count 1 charged all five defendants with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1349. Count 2 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, and counts 4 and 5 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW with mail fraud, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 2. Count 6 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW, and count 8 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, with obstruction of justice, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1503(a), 2. Count 7 charged MOTTA and MOTTA LAW, and count 9 charged GILES and THE KING FIRM, with witness tampering in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(b)(1), 2. Count 10 charged STALBERT with making false statements to federal agents, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2).

According to court documents, the defendants participated in a long-running scheme to defraud insurance companies and commercial trucking companies by staging and litigating fraudulent automobile collisions to collect insurance company payouts. That scheme began approximately in December 2011 and continued until December 2024, and it involved New Orleans area personal injury attorneys (including MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM) paying “slammers” to recruit passengers to participate in purposeful collisions with automobiles, especially 18-wheeler trucks with large commercial insurance policies. The attorneys would then litigate those cases on behalf of the passengers, often encouraging those passengers to seek medically unnecessary neck and back surgeries to incur medical costs and increase the size of future insurance company settlements. Along with slammers, attorneys, and passengers, the scheme also included “spotters,” who drove getaway cars for the slammers, and “recruiters” like STALBERT, who facilitated numerous staged collisions by bringing new passengers into the scheme.

The jury also found MOTTA and MOTTA LAW guilty of obstruction of justice and witness tampering relating to an effort to pay a witness to move to the Bahamas to impede any cooperation with federal authorities. The jury likewise found GILES and THE KING FIRM guilty of obstruction of justice and witness tampering for secretly recording a charged individual in October 2020 in an effort to manufacture exculpatory evidence. STALBERT was acquitted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

“Today’s verdict was the culmination of a lengthy investigation that amassed overwhelming evidence proving the defendants’ roles in a years-long scheme to defraud, as well as their subsequent efforts to obstruct justice and tamper with witnesses,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “MOTTA, MOTTA LAW, GILES, and THE KING FIRM successfully launched a fraudulent scheme of epic proportions that both victimized the judicial system, and exploited the auto insurance industry, all to enrich themselves with millions of dollars in ill-gotten gains.” This prosecution, and today’s verdict, makes clear that no one is above the law. I commend the trial team, and our law enforcement partners for their relentless and meticulous work to shine a light on this scourge and hold those involved responsible.”

"The defendants in this case pursued personal fortune through lies and deception, that potentially impacted every auto insurance policy holder in Louisiana," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI along with our partners at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission have worked for the last seven years to uncover every instance of fraud, resulting in successful cases against more than fifty individuals. We will continue that pursuit as long as it takes."

Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter will sentence the defendants MOTTA and MOTTA LAW on July 7, 2026, GILES and THE KING FIRM on July 14, 2026, and STALBERT on July 21, 2026. The maximum penalty for mail fraud, mail and wire fraud conspiracy, and witness tampering is twenty years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. The maximum penalty for obstruction of justice is ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain to any defendant or twice the gross loss to any victim. The maximum penalty for making false statements to a federal agent is up to five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The Court may also impose restitution. Additionally, each defendant also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count of conviction.

Including this jury trial, sixty-three (63) defendants have been charged in the federal probe into the staging of automobile collisions with other vehicles in the New Orleans metropolitan area.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section of the Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police with this matter, as well as extending thanks to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Crime Commission for their assistance.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne, Senior Litigation Counsel; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman; and Trial Attorneys J. Ryan McLaren and Samir Paul of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –TERRENCE THOMPSON, JR. (“THOMPSON”), age 24, of New Orleans, was sentenced on March 18, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Unlawful Possession and Use of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key used by Postal Service employees to access authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1704, and Theft of approximately 232 pieces of United States Mail that had been deposited into authorized mail receptacles, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on September 12, 2021, and September 20, 2021, THOMPSON stole mail from the Gretna Post Office in Gretna, Louisiana.  He was also found in possession of a United States Postal Service “arrow” key on October 5, 2021.  U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced THOMPSON to fifteen (15) months in the Bureau of Prisons, 2 years of supervised release and a mandatory $300 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Office of the Inspector General, the Gretna Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is charge of the prosecution. 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that ELVIN LEONARDO OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ   (“OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ”), age 37, a native of Honduras, was indicted on March 13, 2026, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ was apprehended during a traffic stop on I-12 travelling westbound.  During the traffic stop, the Border Patrol Officer who conducted the stop learned that OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ was a national of Honduras, that he was in the United States illegally and that he had been previously deported on February 28, 2014, after being arrested in McAllen, Texas.

If convicted, OLIVA-RODRIGUEZ faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs Enforcement Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 12, 2026, JOSE WALTER NIETO-CASTELLANOS (“NIETO-CASTELLANOS”), age 31, was sentenced on March 12, 2026, after previously pleading guilty, for Assault Against Law Enforcement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on October 14, 2025, NIETO-CASTELLANOS forcibly obstructed and impeded a United States Border Patrol Agent, with Customs and Border Protection, United States Border Patrol, while that agent was engaged in the performance of his official duties.  During enforcement operations in Gretna, Louisiana federal law enforcement officers identified a vehicle associated with an individual believed to at the time to be unlawfully present in the United States.  The officers initiated a traffic stop for immigration-related enforcement purposes.  NIETO-CASTELLANOS did not immediately yield and attempted to evade the officers.  Ultimately, the was stopped by the officers.  NIETO-CASTELLANOS refused commands to the vehicle and physically resisted officers during the removal from the vehicle and the application of handcuffs before being restrained.

United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced NIETO-CASTELLANOS to time served, a total of four (4) and ½ months imprisonment, 1-year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  NIETO-CASTELLANOS has now been transferred into the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection after which he will be removed from the United States, and sent back to Honduras. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MIGUEL ANGEL LOPEZ-MEJIA (“LOPEZ-MEJIA”), age 34, was sentenced on March 17, 2026 after pleading guilty on January 20, 2026, to illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the charging document, LOPEZ-MEJIA, a Honduran national, was found in the United States on October 16, 2025, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 15, 2022. U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion sentenced LOPEZ-MEJIA to an imprisonment term of time served, (1) year of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  LOPEZ-MEJIA was also ordered to be transferred into the custody of United States Customs and Border Protection for removal to Honduras.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this case.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick Veters, Jr., of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, ERIN ALONZO (“ALONZO”), age 28, of New Orleans, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, illegal possession of a machinegun, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 922(o), 924(a)(2), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court records, on or about December 8, 2025, ALONZO allegedly possessed, with the intent to distribute, forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine; possessed firearms including a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol, a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi caliber AR pistol, and an Imez Makarov Model K.B.I. nine milli-meter pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possessed a machinegun, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber pistol with an attached conversion device. Additionally, ALONZO is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition, due to a prior felony conviction for obstruction of justice related to a homicide investigation.

If convicted of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, ALONZO faces a minimum term of five (5) years up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release.  If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, ALONZO faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release.  If convicted of illegal possession of a machinegun, ALONZO faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  If convicted of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, ALONZO faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release.  He also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each charged offense.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – On March 5, 2026, KENTRELL WILLIAMS (WILLIAMS), a/k/a “Fire,” age 43, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by superseding indictment on March 5, 2026 for distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Sections, 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8), and 924(c)(1)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on or about August 13, 2025, WILLIAMS allegedly distributed 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl in New Orleans.  On or about February 3, 2026, WILLIAMS allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.; allegedly possessed a firearm, a Glock Model 21 GEN, .45 caliber pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Finally, WILLIAMS is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to his prior felony convictions in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of five (5) years, up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least  (3) years of supervised release.  If convicted of possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five (5) years of supervised release. If convicted of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, WILLIAMS faces up to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each charged offense, he also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, the Major Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – MICHAEL LEWIS, (“LEWIS”), age 44, of Thibodaux, pled guilty on March 13, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long , to a superseding bill of information charging him with illegal use of communications facility to further a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2.  At the sentencing, scheduled for June 16, 2026, he faces up to four years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to the charging document, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least June 5, 2024, LEWIS conspired with other individuals, mainly Linez Green and John Paul Gage Jr., to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting narcotics to Thibodaux, Louisiana.  The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications, and the use of multiple vehicles.  On multiple occasions, LEWIS used his cell phone to further this conspiracy and helped others distribute methamphetamine to numerous customers in Thibodaux, Louisiana.  Both Green and Gage Jr. have also previously pled guilty in this case.

The United States Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – RONALD KELLUP, (“KELLUP”), age 77, of New Orleans, pled guilty on March 12, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 856, announced Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

At the sentencing, scheduled for June 18, 2026, he faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least May 8, 2024, KELLUP and other individuals maintained three residences in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans for the purpose of packaging and distributing narcotics, including fentanyl. Several of these individuals furthered this drug trafficking conspiracy by possessing firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On Friday, March 13, 2026, a Federal Grand Jury indicted TANZANIKA RUFFIN (“RUFFIN”), age 48, for wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, RUFFIN defrauded approximately $250,000 from her clients’ family. RUFFIN made numerous misrepresentations to the family regarding the $250,000.  RUFFIN falsely told her client and his family that they had to compensate a New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) officer for various fictitious injuries and harms that the officer had allegedly suffered. RUFFIN also falsely represented that she had confected a “Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement” (“NDA”) with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and the NOPD officer.  According to RUFFIN, this fabricated NDA required her client’s family to keep confidential any discussions about a financial settlement.  In truth and in fact, no such NDA existed.  Instead, RUFFIN spent all the money on personal and unauthorized expenditures and did not give any funds to the NOPD officer.

If convicted, RUFFIN faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  United States Attorney David I. Courcelle of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GERARD CARR (“CARR”), age 27, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan on January 22, 2026 to 137 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), his ninth felony conviction.

According to court documents, in April of 2025, CARR was involved in a shootout in front of a convenience store on North Galvez Street in New Orleans. One week later, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence associated with CARR and found the gun he used during the shootout. Prior to possessing the firearm, CARR was convicted in Orleans Parish of several felony offenses, including conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to possess a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and illegally possessing a stolen firearm.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –JANETTE RAMIREZ (“RAMIREZ”), age 34, was sentenced on January 15, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to interstate transmission of a ransom demand, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, the victim was kidnapped by RAMIREZ’s co-defendants, Hector Mondragon-Flores and Edwin Salgado-Nunez. They bound the victim’s hands and legs together, held him at gunpoint in Mondragon-Flores’s apartment, and demanded the payment of $7,000 ransom from the victim’s father for the victim’s release. Salgado-Nunez was arrested by New Orleans Police Department officers during a ransom exchange after the victim’s father paid Salgado-Nunez’s associate $3,000 in cash.

Following Salgado-Nunez’s arrest, Mondragon-Flores took the victim to RAMIREZ’s apartment. Mondragon-Flores then instructed the victim to facilitate a payment from the victim’s girlfriend for the victim’s release. RAMIREZ translated a conversation between the victim and his girlfriend in English, concerning the ransom payment, to Spanish for Mondragon-Flores, so that he could monitor the conversation. RAMIREZ also agreed to use her CashApp account to receive the ransom payment and sent the victim’s girlfriend CashApp payment requests knowing that they would be viewed as a request for ransom for the victim’s release.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David Berman and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CORTEZ JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 42, was indicted on January 9, 2026, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, JOHNSON possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of human trafficking in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and aggravated assault on a family member in Harris County, Texas.

As to each count, JOHNSON faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DONELL BARTHELEMY (“BARTHELEMEY”), age 22, and MICHAEL BROOKS (“BROOKS”), age 30, were charged in a recently unsealed eight-count indictment with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and Federal Controlled Substances Act on February 6, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

BARTHELEMEY and BROOKS are each charged with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a), (b)(1)(C), and 846; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(o); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). BROOKS is additionally charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i). BARTHELEMY is additionally charged with possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(B)(ii), and possession of a machinegun, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(o) and 924(a)(2). 

According to the indictment, on August 13, 2025, BARTHELEMY and BROOKS possessed marijuana and tapentadol, with the intent to distribute those substances, and possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.  One of the firearms was a Glock handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device, making it a fully automatic machinegun.

BARTHELEMY has a prior felony conviction for negligent homicide in Orleans Parish, and BROOKS has prior felony convictions for first degree robbery, aggravated battery, and unauthorized use of a movable in Orleans Parish.

As to each of the drug-trafficking counts, BARTHELMEY and BROOKS face up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.  They face up to 20 years in prison for the firearms conspiracy and up to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, along with up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release for each of those counts.

As to the charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, BROOKS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.

As to the charge of possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, BARTHELEMY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  As to the possession of a machinegun charge, he faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

Each of the eight counts also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JACOBO EDUARDO US-REAL (“US-REAL”), age 18, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on March 5, 2026, for assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on or about January 14, 2026, US-REAL assaulted an Officer of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), during the performance of her official duties, inflicting bodily injury upon the federal officer.  While conducting illegal immigration field operations in Metairie, Louisiana, ICE-ERO approached a vehicle owned by a known alien with a prior order of removal.  The occupants of the vehicle refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to flee in the vehicle. One of the occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  A scuffle ensued between law enforcement officers and the remaining two occupants during which pepper spray was deployed. The driver fled on foot but was ultimately caught and arrested. US-REAL was handcuffed and placed in the rear of a law enforcement vehicle. While an ICE-ERO agent was assisting US-REAL by flushing his eyes with water, he headbutted the agent, bit her, and fled on foot while handcuffed behind his back. US-REAL was later apprehended by ICE agents.

If convicted, US-REAL faces up to eight (8) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Veters, Jr. and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – DEQUARIUS HAMLER (“HAMLER”), age 38, of Tangipahoa Parish, was sentenced on March 6, 2026 to 135 months imprisonment by U. S. District Judge Greg Guidry on March 5, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to: conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, over 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(B), § 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, and a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(A), and § 841(b)(1)(C); making false statements to the Small Business Administration, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1001; and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §1956(h), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began a drug trafficking investigation into HAMLER. On three separate occasions in 2023, HAMLER sold a quantity of cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual he thought was a legitimate buyer. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials began to suspect HAMLER was having his girlfriend, Latijeria Martin, deposit his illegal drug trafficking proceeds into a local bank to launder this drug money as legitimate funds. Bank records and financial documents showed that between January 1, 2021, through September 9, 2023, Martin and HAMLER made numerous cash deposits totaling $454,589.10 through seven different bank accounts. Martin’s deposits to and from bank accounts operating under her name totaled $328,159.10 while deposits to and from back accounts operating under HAMLER’S name totaled $126,430. Martin would make these bank deposits and withdrawals at the direction and instruction of HAMLER, whom Martin knew to be a drug dealer, and that these funds came from HAMLER’S drug dealing. Bank employees confirmed Martin visited the bank numerous times, sometimes multiple times a day, to make cash deposits and withdrawals. Frequently, the cash money Martin deposited smelled of marijuana. At some point, a bank employee informed Martin that the deposit and withdrawal actions amounted to criminal structuring and money laundering, and that the bank would no longer allow such deposits. Despite Martin’s warning and notice to HAMLER that their actions were considered criminal by the bank, HAMLER told Martin to keep laundering his drug proceeds through their bank accounts. Through investigation, it was determined that the amount of cash Martin and HAMLER deposited, and withdrew, greatly exceeded any legitimate income they reported on their tax returns.

As part of this investigation, a search warrant was ultimately executed on HAMLER’S residence. Large amounts of illegal narcotics and financial documents were located in the residence. In a post-Miranda interview, HAMLER confessed to distributing kilogram amounts of cocaine and marijuana over the past decade.

A review of HAMLER’S bank records uncovered that during the Covid-19 pandemic, HAMLER submitted fraudulent IRS records to the Small Business Administration in hopes of obtaining a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. Through these fraudulent documents, HAMLER ultimately obtained over $19,000 for a small business he claimed to operate, but in fact did not exist. HAMLER later shared this money with Martin.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

NEW ORLEANS – MYIESHA ROBERTSON (“ROBERTSON”), age 35, of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a three-count Bill of Information that charged her with making false statements to the IRS on behalf of a client, and in her own tax filings, and false statements related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, ROBERTSON admitted, in Count 1, making false statements to the IRS in 2022 when she falsely claimed credits for a tax customer, resulting in a refund to which the customer was not entitled in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). As to Count 2, ROBERTSON admitted her failure to report the correct amount of her own taxable income of approximately $116,000 for 2022 in her 1040 IRS tax form in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(2). Finally, as to Count 3, ROBERTSON made false statements to the SBA in order to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related, federal government funded, relief loans of approximately $60,900, including PPP funds in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Sentencing will be on June 10, 2026. As to Counts 1 and 2, ROBERTSON faces up to three years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements to the IRS. As to Count 3, she faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for the false statements count. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count due after conviction.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – ASHLEY COOPER (“COOPER”), age 41 of New Orleans, LA, pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a three-count Bill of Information that charged her with aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return, aiding and abetting in making false statements to the Small Business Administration, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, as to Count 1, COOPER admitted that she aided and assisted with the preparation of a false tax return on behalf of a client by claiming false fuel tax credits in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1). This false tax return resulted in a fraudulently obtained refund from the IRS for the 2022 tax year. As to Count 2, COOPER admitted that she also aided and abetted a person in filing a false Paycheck Protection Program loan through the CARES Act, resulting in a fraudulently obtained loan of approximately $20,832.00 in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 2. Finally, as to with regard to Count 3, COOPER made false statements to the SBA to fraudulently obtain pandemic-related relief loans funded by the federal government, including PPP funds, for which she received approximately $19,790.00, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Sentencing will be on June 10, 2026. For Count 1, COOPER faces up to three years in prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release, for her false statements to the IRS. For Counts 2 and 3, she faces up to five years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, and up to three years of supervised release for her false statements. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, per count, due after conviction.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –ROBERT POLK (“POLK”), age 23, was indicted on February 6, 2026, for two counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and (b)(1)(C); two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8); and one count of possession of a stolen firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(j) and 924(a)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, on May 20, 2024 and December 30, 2025, POLK possessed tapentadol with the intent to distribute same and possessed firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, including a firearm that POLK knew was stolen. POLK is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions in Arkansas for aggravated assault on a family or household member, and terroristic threatening in the first degree.

As to each of the drug-trafficking counts, POLK faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to each of the counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, POLK faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to each other and any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each of the charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, POLK faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. As to the charge of possessing a stolen firearm, POLK faces up to 10 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Each of the seven counts also carries a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 24, 2026, CHRISTOPHER MYERS (“MYERS”), age 33, a resident of Slidell, was sentenced on February 26, 2026 by United Stated District Judge Susie Morgan, after previously pleading guilty, to six months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.  A $100 mandatory special assessment fee was also imposed.

According to the indictment, MYERS, and others, devised a scheme to create fake credit profiles to secure funding for auto loans.  The credit profiles used both stolen and fake social security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, and dates of birth.  Once they secured the loan they would purchase vehicles from local car dealerships.  Once the group took possession of the vehicles, they would never pay back the auto loan, sell the vehicles for their personal enrichment, or use the vehicles for their personal enjoyment.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana State Police, and Pearl River County Sherriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MOHAMED H.M. ZEIDAN, a/k/a “Sebastian Marcello, a/k/a “Sebastian York,” age 33, a native of Palestine, was indicted on March 5, 2026, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).

According to the indictment, on or about August 3, 2023, ZEIDAN, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a MC9 semi-automatic pistol and a RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.

ZEIDAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 27, 2026, MARCEL GROSS, age 51, of Slidell, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

A bill of information alleges that GROSS fraudulently obtained a $350,272 Paycheck Protection Program loan, which was a form of assistance authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Such loans were forgivable and designed to enable businesses to meet payroll expenses.  It is alleged that GROSS complied with a coconspirator’s instructions to pay the coconspirator 40 percent of the loan amount in the form of numerous checks that would be negotiated over multiple weeks so as not to “flag.”

If convicted, GROSS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, which may be followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 27, 2026, DENISE DIXON, age 52, was indicted on multiple counts for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and false statements to federal agents, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

Count One of the Indictment charged DIXON with conspiring to commit wire fraud between 2020 and 2022, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1349 and 1343.  In Counts Two through Seven, DIXON was charged with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.  Count Eight charged DIXON with making false statements to federal agents in April 2023, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

According to the Indictment, DIXON owned a tax preparation business in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The Indictment alleges that DIXON caused the submission of numerous applications seeking over two million dollars in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program on behalf of herself, her family members, and clients. DIXON and her co-conspirators made false representations on the applications and attached falsified tax documentation.

If convicted of Counts One through Seven, DIXON faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, per count.  As to Count Eight, DIXON faces a maximum penalty of up to five (5) years of imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.  A mandatory $100 special assessment fee for each count is also applicable.

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit and Edward Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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NEW ORLEANS – IRVIN C. FRANCOIS, III (“FRANCOIS”), age 54, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to making false statements, and money laundering related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed into law the CARES Act, which provided emergency assistance, administered by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), to small business owners affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  One of the primary sources of funding for small businesses was the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  

According to court records, on or about March 24, 2021, FRANCOIS, on behalf of a business that he owned, made false statements to an approved lender to obtain approximately $144,790 for a PPP loan.  FRANCOIS then committed money laundering by using these ill-gotten funds to buy an automobile from a dealership in Kenner, Louisiana.

In addition to three years of probation, FRANCOIS was sentenced to 50 hours of community service and ordered to pay $153,171.95 in restitution to the Small Business Administration and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count.

For more information on the Department of Justice’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.  Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

This case was investigated by an agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force.  The PRAC was established to serve the American public by promoting transparency and facilitating coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response.  The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending.  The PRAC Fraud Task Force brings together agents from 15 Inspectors General to investigate fraud involving a variety of programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program.  Task force agents who are detailed to the PRAC receive expanded authority to investigate pandemic fraud as well as tools and training to support their investigations.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General (a member of the PRAC) and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – On February 27, 2026, ALEXA MARIE BRAUD, (“BRAUD”), age 34, of Gretna, was indicted for bank theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on February 4, 2026, BRAUD, entered a Federal Credit Union, located in Gretna, Louisiana, where she was a bank manager, and took $181,000 in United States currency. The deposits of Riverland Federal Credit Union are insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

BRAUD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Gretna Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Anne Flippo of the Financial Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSEPH E. MCMANUS, (“MCMANUS”), age 48, of Pearl River, was indicted on February 26, 2026 for assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on or about October 6, 2025, MCMANUS, assaulted a Special Deputy United States Marshal while he was engaged in, and on account of, his official duties.

For the offense, MCMANUS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of eight (8) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Marshal’s Service, Federal Protective Services, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA, age 47, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the Bill of Information, JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA reentered the United States on or about November 3, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 21, 2000.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA to time served, 1-year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA also has an order for removal from the United States after his sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Irene González in the General Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JOHN TICKLES JR. (“TICKLES JR.”), age 30 of Hammond, Louisiana, plead guilty on February 26, 2026, to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act before United States District Judge Barry Ashe, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. Specifically, TICKLES JR. plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 of the Superseding Indictment pending against him.  Count One charges him with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture an substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846.  Counts Two and Eleven charge him with distribution of forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B).  Counts Three, Six, Nine, and Twelve charge him with knowingly and intentionally using a communication facility, to wit: a telephone, in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2.  Counts Five and Eight charge him with distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count Fourteen charges him with possession with intent to distribute four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C).

On Counts 1 and 2, TICKLES JR. faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment.  On Counts 2, 5, 8, and 11, TICKLES JR.  faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Counts 3, 6, 9, and 12, TICKLES JR. faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 1 year of supervised release following imprisonment.

As to each count, TICKLES JR. also faces payment of a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court records, TICKLES JR. conspired with co-defendants, to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In a series of wire calls, TICKLES JR. discussed every aspect of his fentanyl business, including co-conspirators, prices, warnings about the location of law enforcement, and coordinated distribution to others.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne the Narcotics Unit. 

NEW ORLEANS – TIM JACKSON, a/k/a T-Maf,” “Maf,” 37 years old and of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 25, 2026, by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for a RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy. As part of a plea agreement, JACKSON was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300.00 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

After four days of a trial against him, JACKSON pled guilty to a 30-year sentence to avoid a possible life sentence if convicted.  JACKSON’s co-defendants, Terran Williams, Tyrone Bovia and Javonta Doleman, went to trial in the Spring of 2025, and all three were found guilty of various charges, including two counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (Murder), for which each faces a mandatory life sentence.

JACKSON was a leader of the Byrd Gang, also known as M3RE, MagFischer, 315 and Piff Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development, but also had ties to the Westbank.  Daily, its members distributed drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana, and always possessed a multitude of firearms. JACKSON participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes for the Byrd Gang.

Members of the enterprise, including JACKSON, participated in acts of violence, to include, but not limited to the July 18, 2016, murder of Kent Franklin; the September 3, 2016, murder of Javon Johnigan; the October 29, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the November 25, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the December 20, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the December 30, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the January 31, 2017, double murder of Ghost Gang member, Wynston Jackson, and Lawrence Williams, IV; the May 3, 2017, shooting at M.I.; and the August 25, 2017, shooting of Ghost Gang member T.H., that happened in a busy shopping corridor of Magazine Street. 

In both trials, the government’s evidence regarding the existence and nature of the enterprise came from the testimony of witnesses and cooperating informants, cooperating defendants, police searches and seizures, Title III wiretaps, historical arrests of members of the enterprise, including of JACKSON, among other sources. JACKSON, led the Byrd Gang and was the principal supplier of controlled substances for the enterprise, specifically heroin, while also acting as  a gunman for the enterprise. JACKSON unlawfully and knowingly conspired  with Byrd Gang members to conduct and participate, in the operation of the enterprise through committing racketeering activities including  murders, in violation of Title 14, Louisiana Revised Statutes Sections 24 (Principals), 26 (Criminal Conspiracy), 27 (Attempt) and 30.1 (Second Degree Murder); as well as  heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana trafficking, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. 

As part of the conspiracy, JACKSON, and each co-defendant, agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering for the benefit of the Byrd Gang. JACKSON himself participated in numerous such racketeering acts.  Specifically, between 2014 and January 2017, when JACKSON was arrested on federal charges, for which he is still serving a sentence, JACKSON regularly purchased large quantities of heroin from R.L.  During this period, JACKSON was the leader of the Byrd Gang and its most prolific drug dealer.  JACKSON provided several drug stash houses from which Byrd Gang members would distribute drugs.

During the trial, Evidence presented at trial showed numerous back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, some of which killed innocent bystanders,  fueled largely by social media posts, rap music, and videos.

During the investigation, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from JACKSON.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANDRES CRUZ GARCIA (“CRUZ GARCIA”), age 33, DARIEL HERNANDEZ GARCIA (“HERNANDEZ GARCIA”), age 33, and RICARDO JIMENEZ RAMOS (“JIMENEZ RAMOS’), age 58, residents of Laplace, Louisiana, plead guilty before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to conspiracy to possess, and possession with intent to distribute, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 846, and possession with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

For each count, the three men face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on September 10, 2023, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office deputies seized 69 kilograms of cocaine from the Laplace residence of co-conspirator, EDEL FREYRE-SOTO. Continued investigation by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the deputies revealed that CRUZ GARCIA, HERNANDEZ GARCIA, JIMENEZ RAMOS, and others, conspired to conduct large-scale cocaine transactions utilizing a vessel off the coast of the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). On March 19, 2024, DEA agents seized 85 kilograms of cocaine from a residence in Laplace where HERNANDEZ GARCIA, JIMENEZ RAMOS, and MARCOS QUINTERO OTERO, another co-conspirator, were living. This cocaine was smuggled in through a marina at Grand Isle, and this organization intended to distribute it throughout the United States.

HERNANDEZ GARCIA and JIMENEZ RAMOS will be sentenced on June 2, 2026.  CRUZ GARCIA will be sentenced on June 9, 2026.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the DEA and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Sarver, now serving with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn Schiffman, of the Narcotics Unit for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIEL IULIAN TEUTOC (“TEUTOC”), also known as “Simon Mikula,” a citizen of Romania, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to use skimmers to steal credit card information, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. 

According to court documents, TEUTOC and his codefendant, Constantin CALIN, went to Walmart stores across the Eastern District of Louisiana, including Laplace, Slidell, Harvey, Boutte, Chalmette, and New Orleans. TEUTOC and CALIN captured card information at different points of sale, where card skimming devices had been previously installed by other members of the conspiracy.  TEUTOC and CALIN used magnets to activate the card skimmers and send the card information electronically to TEUTOC and CALIN’s cell phones.  After gaining possession of the customer’s credit, debit, and EBT card information, TEUTOC and CALIN sent the information to another coconspirator with the intent to allow members of the conspiracy to make fraudulent charges with the stolen card information. Under the terms of his plea agreement, TEUTOC agreed to pay over $11 million in restitution to the victims of the scheme.

At sentencing, TEUTOC faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. The Honorable Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for June 4, 2026.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, United States Secret Service, New Orleans Police Department, St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas Moses, Healthcare Fraud Coordinator; Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit; and André Jones, lead OCDETF Narcotics Task Force Attorney, are in charge of the prosecution.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALONZO MCGEE (“MCGEE”), age 43, of New Orleans, was indicted on February 6, 2026, for Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, on or about November 12, 2025, MCGEE distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

If convicted, MCGEE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to forty years; a fine of up to $5 Million; at least four years of supervised release, and the payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Briana N. Williams of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CRAIG JAMES (“JAMES”), age 38, of New Orleans, was indicted on January 29, 2026 for Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the indictment, on or about July 14, 2025, JAMES distributed forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

If convicted, JAMES faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to forty years; a fine of up to $5 Million; and at least four years of supervised release. JAMES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Briana N. Williams of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RODOLFO AVILES-REYES a/k/a “Omar,” (“AVILES-REYES”), age 41, a resident of Mexico, was sentenced on February 25, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to three counts in a Superseding Indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute,  five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. AVILES-REYES was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.

According to court documents, AVILES-REYES, and other co-conspirators, distributed multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin within the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Additionally, AVILES-REYES, and other co-conspirators, traveled between New Orleans, and other states, in order to transport U.S. Currency and narcotics from Louisiana to Mexico, on behalf of a Drug Trafficking Organization.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – MARK BROOKS a/k/a “Baby Nu” (“BROOKS”), age 35, from New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 12, 2026 by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to 41 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment and payment of a $100 special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on or about May 1, 2025, BROOKS contacted an FBI online covert employee pretending to be a fifteen-year-old female named “Ava”.  Subsequently, after “Ava” told BROOKS that she was only fifteen years old, BROOKS engaged in a sexually charged, text-based correspondence with her.  During their correspondence, BROOKS sent multiple sexually explicit videos to “Ava,” including videos of BROOKS masturbating while at work, and various rooms in a residence.  During their correspondence, BROOKS repeatedly discussed meeting “Ava” in person for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts.  On May 13, 2025, BROOKS proposed to Ava that they meet at a restaurant near his residence before proceeding to BROOKS’s residence to engage in sexual contact. “Ava” agreed.  Law enforcement authorities arrested BROOKS as he walked from his residence to the restaurant.

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.

United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney David I Courcelle announced today that MARQUEL HORTON, (“HORTON”), age 41, of New Orleans, was indicted on February 6, 2026, on two counts of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act. He was indicted in Count One for conspiracy to import tapentadol, a schedule II-controlled substance, into the United States from India, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §§ 952(a), 960(a)(1) and (b)(3), and 963. He was indicted in Count Two for Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, tapentadol, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); §841(b)(1)(C), and 846. As to both counts, HORTON faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count.

According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown, but prior to June 3, 2022, and continuing until the date of the indictment, HORTON conspired with others, both here in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and in India, to import tapentadol from India into the United States. Once HORTON obtained this imported tapentadol, he further conspired with other individuals to distribute the tapentadol throughout the greater New Orleans area.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Control, Louisiana State Police, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.

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Correction: DARVALE WILLIAMS pled guilty to possession of a stolen firearm, which is a violation of 18 U. S.C. § 922(j).    

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARVALE WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 20, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to violating the Federal Gun Control Act, by being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court records, in March 2024, the FBI surveilled an apartment complex in New Orleans East and observed a suspicious looking Toyota Camry parked behind the complex.  As the FBI agents who were watching the apartment complex saw the Camry begin to circle the complex to leave, they blocked the Camry’s exit causing the occupants, including WILLIAMS and another male, to abandon the Camry and flee on foot.  Both men were apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter and WILLIAMS left behind a Romarm/Cugir Draco 7.62 rifle on the backseat.  That Romarm/Cugir Draco rifle had been reported stolen on December 26, 2022, during a home robbery.

Judge Milazzo set sentencing for May 20, 2026. WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted  by Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that TONYA DENISE BROWN (“BROWN”), age 49, of Tangipahoa Parish, a licensed practical nurse pleaded guilty to five felonies on February 12, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Specifically, BROWN pleaded guilty to four counts of Wire Fraud, with each count involving a different scheme.

According to court records, in one scheme, BROWN obtained money with false promises of assistance with state criminal prosecutions. According to court documents, BROWN used a nursing job at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail to conduct the scheme. In the other three schemes, BROWN defrauded people by claiming that, in exchange for money, she would help them obtain disaster assistance benefits. BROWN also defrauded the HUD-funded Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program, that provided grant funding to homeowners affected by disasters. Additionally, BROWN defrauded FEMA’s rental assistance program that provided grants to help displaced disaster victims pay their rent.

Finally, BROWN pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills, a Controlled Substance and admitted that she offered to sell such. BROWN also acknowledged that she lied to the FBI and to a judge regarding this matter.

The possession with intent to distribute count, the wire fraud count for false promises of assistance with state criminal cases, and the wire fraud count for false promises of assistance with disaster benefits and are each punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. The wire fraud counts related to the Restore program and the FEMA rental assistance program are each punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment due to enhanced penalties for fraud involving disaster benefits. A fine of up to $250,000 may be imposed for each count except the Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance count, for which a fine of up to $1,000,000 may be imposed. BROWN is subject to at least three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, per count.

United States Attorney Courcelle thanked the FEMA Fraud Investigations & Internal Inspections Division, Fraud Prevention and Investigations Branch for its assistance in this matter.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – Former federal prosecutor Carlos A. Lopez (“Lopez”), age 49, and Dallas-based criminal defense attorney Barrett R. Howell (“Howell”), age 50, were sentenced on February 18, 2026 for charges relating to their deletion of text messages that they had been ordered to produce by a United States District Judge, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle .

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas sentenced Lopez to one year of probation and a fine of $5,000, and Howell to six months of probation and a fine of $2,500. Both defendants were also ordered to pay $25 mandatory special assessment fees. Lopez had previously pleaded guilty to the unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. Howell had previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 641 and 2. Because the records are valued at less than $1,000, these are misdemeanor offenses. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas recused itself from this matter, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana was appointed by the Attorney General to act as special prosecutors.

According to court records, Howell represented a client under investigation with others for federal healthcare fraud. Lopez was a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice and was the lead prosecutor in the healthcare fraud investigation. Between September 2021 and December 2022, three individuals were charged with healthcare fraud in federal court in Dallas, although Howell’s client was not charged.

In April 2023, two of the charged defendants alleged that Howell violated a joint defense agreement. The two defendants filed a sealed motion to compel discovery and requested an evidentiary hearing to determine whether joint defense protected information had been provided by Howell to Lopez. U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn granted the discovery request for production of all communications, including text communications, between Howell and Lopez. Judge Lynn also set an evidentiary hearing for May 15, 2023.

According to the plea documents, after being made aware of the motion to compel, Lopez deleted text messages with Howell from his government-issued cell phone. Lopez subsequently produced an incomplete set of screenshots of his text messages with Howell from his government-issued cell phone. On or about April 14, 2023, Lopez and Howell saw each other at a conference and Lopez told Howell that there was an allegation that Howell shared privileged material. Lopez indicated that they should not speak further and should not have communications between them. Howell agreed.

On or about April 20, 2023, after being served with a copy of the motion to compel discovery, Howell deleted text messages from his cell phone between him and Lopez. Those texts were recovered by a forensic consultant who searched his cloud account. Howell’s law firm then produced a forensic image of the cloud account for his cell phone. Prior to the production, Howell reviewed the forensic image and observed that the deleted texts were still present. Howell permitted the texts to be produced although his deletions were ultimately unsuccessful.

On or about May 10, 2023, the government learned, after reviewing extracted messages from Howell’s forensically-imaged cloud account, that many text messages with Lopez had been marked “deleted” on April 20, 2023, the same day that Howell was served with the motion to compel. The next day, Lopez appeared with a personal attorney who told DOJ lawyers that Lopez had also deleted text messages.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Office which handled this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit and Megan R. Roberts of the Appellate Unit handled this prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY TOLIVER, a/k/a “Woog” (“TOLIVER”) age 45, a Texas resident, pled guilty on February 10, 2026, before United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to possession with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 851, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, in April 2025, TOLIVER transported, and possessed, approximately two (2) kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute them into and within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

At sentencing, TOLIVER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $8,000,000, at least 8 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – On January 29, 2026, KENTRELL WILLIAMS (WILLIAMS), a/k/a “Fire,” age 43, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted on January 29, 2026, for distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on August 13, 2025, WILLIAMS distributed approximately 56 grams of fentanyl in New Orleans.

If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, WILLIAMS faces a minimum term of five (5) years, up to a maximum term of forty (40) years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, the Major Crimes Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that SHAYNE DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 36, a resident of Gretna, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on February 3, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Darrel J. Papillion, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.  Specifically, DAVIS pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, in March 2025, federal and local task force officers were assigned to locate and arrest DAVIS, who was wanted for aggravated assault and felon in possession of firearm charges.  DAVIS fled when officers and federal agents attempted to arrest him and, during the chase, he discarded the firearm in a neighbor’s yard.  DAVIS was quickly apprehended and found to be in possession of a nine-millimeter magazine.  The discarded firearm, a Glock Model 26 Gen5, nine-millimeter pistol, was recovered.  Additionally, during the execution of a search warrant at DAVIS’s residence, officers discovered an FIE Titan, .25 caliber handgun.

  DAVIS will be sentenced on May 12, 2026, and faces a maximum of fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy of the Violent Crime Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – WALTER OMAR CASCO-LOPEZ (“CASCO-LOPEZ”), age 36, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry on February 4, 2026 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, CASCO-LOPEZ unlawfully reentered the United States after having been previously deported on October 12, 2011.

Judge Guidry sentenced CASCO-LOPEZ to twenty-one months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Upon completion of his sentence, CASCO-LOPEZ will be transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation to his home country of Honduras.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to deter illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines enforcement efforts through coordination with the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Customs Enforcement Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DEMESMEN PERRIA, (“PERRIA”), age 28, of New Orleans, was indicted on February 6, 2026 for delay of United States mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, on or about July 14, 2025, PERRIA, then a United States Postal employee, delayed United States mail by dumping undelivered mail within the Eastern District of Louisiana.

For the offense, PERRIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney, David I. Courcelle, announced that BELINDA MARTIN (“MARTIN”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on February 10, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Darrel James Papillion, for access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(a)(2).

According to court documents, between 2022 and 2023, MARTIN embezzled money and things of value in excess of $1,000 from her employer through the fraudulent use of her company’s access device accounts. MARTIN was sentenced to 5 years of probation and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. MARTIN was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $63,112.87.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit  is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JINGUI LIN (“LIN “) of China was sentenced on February 11, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of a fraudulent passport, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a). U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced LIN to the jail time he had already served since his custodial detention began on October 28, 2025, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. LIN will remain in immigration custody pending his deportation.

According to court documents, on October 28, 2025, Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Officers encountered LIN and determined that he was Entry Without Inspection, or “EWI”, status and eligible to be taken into immigration custody. While taking him into custody, Officers found a fraudulent Chinese passport in LIN’s possession. The passport contained LIN’s photograph but a different name. The fraudulent passport also contained a fraudulent United States visa and a fraudulent CBP admission stamp. LIN was not in possession of proper immigration documents allowing him to enter or remain in the United States legally.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  Assistant United States Attorney Christine M. Calogero of the General Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DENIS EDGARDO BUEZO-ZELAYA (“BUEZO”), age 33, was sentenced on February 3, 2026 after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, BUEZO was removed from the United States on August 13, 2014, and was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 3, 2024, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

BUEZO was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Darrel James Papillion to time-served, to be followed by one year of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 12, 2026, BRYANT BROWN, (“BROWN”), age 58, of Slidell, was indicted for injuring government property, and violating the federal Clean Water Act, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361 and Title 33, United States Code, Section 1319(c)(2)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to court documents, beginning on or about March 2025 and continuing until or about June 12, 2025, BROWN discharged pollutants onto the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.  The pollutants caused property damages in excess of $1,000.00. The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States.  It is comprised of wetlands that span nearly 30,000 acres.

For the injuring of government property offense, BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  For the federal Clean Water Act offense, BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of not less than $5,000.00 nor more than $50,000.00 per day, up to one (1) year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Inspector General, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE WALTER NIETO-CASTELLANOS (“NIETO-CASTELLANOS”), age 31, plead guilty on January 29, 2026, to Assault Against Law Enforcement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(b), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.

According to the charging document, on October 14, 2025, NIETO-CASTELLANOS forcibly obstructed and impeded a United States Customs and Border Protection Agent, while that agent was engaged in the performance of his official duties.

NIETO-CASTELLANOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

NIETO-CASTELLANOS sentencing is set for March 12, 2026, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

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