Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RUDY GUNAWAN, age 40, a native of Indonesia, was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with possession of fraudulent immigration documents prescribed by statute or regulation for entry into or as evidence of authorized stay or employment in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1546(a).

GUNAWAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten (10) years, three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

“This case is a great example of the team work done by our Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers,” said Michael J. Harrison, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol, New Orleans Sector. “Fraudulent documents are commonly used by criminals and illegal aliens to rob the American people of their identities and finances. Every arrest we make is another citizen protected.” 

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MARVEL FRANCOIS (“FRANCOIS”), age 51, of Houma, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to today’s guilty plea, on May 17, 2020, FRANCOIS, along with participants Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), Bernell Gale (“Gale”), Troy Smith (“Smith”), and another passenger, participated in a staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street.  Labeaud fled the scene.  FRANCOIS falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle.  Labeaud, Gale, and Smith were also charged and already pled guilty.

According to documents filed in federal court, the passengers were referred to attorneys who paid Labeaud to stage the accidents.  In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits. 

FRANCOIS faces a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, FRANCOIS also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 24, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.  Gale and Smith are also set to be sentenced before Judge Africk on February 10, 2021.  Damian Labeaud’s sentencing is set for February 18, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSE DAVID SANCHEZ, age 24, a native of Honduras, was charged on October 23, 2020 in a one-count indictment with illegal use of a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on Friday, October 23, 2020, CHRISTOPHER ARANA, age 26, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. ARANA is charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). 

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

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on Friday, October 23, 2020, JAYLON JOHNSON, age 23, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury. JOHNSON is charged with Possession of Firearm by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). 

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

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

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

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.  NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

 

 

 

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced RODERICK HICKMAN (“HICKMAN”), age 49, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; BERNELL GALE (“GALE”), age 43, of Raceland, Louisiana; and TROY SMITH (“SMITH”), age 56, also of Houma, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, arising out of staged automobile accidents with tractor-trailers occurring in New Orleans.

According to today’s guilty plea, on March 27, 2017, HICKMAN along with four defendants who have also been charged by indictment, intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road.  HICKMAN intentionally struck the 18 wheeler and then fled the scene with Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), who pled guilty to a previous indictment charging him and seven others with staging automobile accidents.

On May 17, 2020, Labeaud participated in another staged accident in the vicinity of Louisa Street and Chickasaw Street.  The participants in the Louisa Street staged accident were GALE, SMITH, Francois, and another passenger.  Again, Labeaud fled the scene.  Francois falsely reported to the NOPD that she had been driving and that the tractor-trailer had struck her vehicle.

According to documents filed in federal court, the passengers were referred to attorneys who paid HICKMAN and Labeaud to stage the accidents.  In some cases, the attorneys knew that the participants were uninjured but referred them to medical providers for treatment to increase the value of subsequent lawsuits.  In total, the victim trucking and insurance companies paid out $277,500.00 for these fraudulent claims.       

HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH face a maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, HICKMAN, GALE, and SMITH also face a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for February 10, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS –  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that on October 20, 2020, MICHAEL HOLMES, age 40, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms offenses. 

Specifically, HOLMES previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of cocaine base, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). 

According to court records, HOLMES and others conspired to distribute heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere.  Moreover, HOLMES possessed a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol and a Sig Sauer P228 9mm semi-automatic pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

In total, Judge Fallon sentenced HOLMES to 180 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment. 

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

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MICHAEL PAUL PERRILLOUX, age 42, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was arrested on October 16, 2020 after previously being charged by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment with transportation and distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(1) and 2252(a)(2).  PERRILLOUX is charged with uploading such files to an online storage account on at least three dates between 2017 and 2018 (Counts 1 through 3).  He is also charged with distributing such files in September 2018 (Count 4).

PERRILLOUX faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years for each count.  PERRILLOUX also faces a lifetime of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and can be required to register as a sex offender.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with support from the Orleans Parish Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SONOVAH JUDITH HILLMAN, age 29, a resident of Hercules, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to three years of probation, with eight months of home confinement, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343 and 1349.  Judge Milazzo also ordered HILLMAN to pay restitution in the amount of $92,007.85 to the victim.

According to court documents, the charges to which HILLMAN pleaded guilty stemmed from her role as a “money mule” in a scheme to victimize Company A, a floating crane and stevedore company headquartered in Convent, Louisiana.  HILLMAN and her co-conspirator(s) engaged in a “business email compromise” (BEC) scheme.  They accomplished their scheme by obtaining access without authorization to the email accounts of one or more employees of Company A for the purpose of obtaining private data, including usernames, passwords, bank account information, and the content of email accounts through a “phishing” scam.  After gaining access to an email account of a Company A employee, the co-conspirator(s) arranged to have emails in the account forwarded to a separate email account under their control.   Thereafter, HILLMAN’s co-conspirators registered a domain name similar to Company A’s domain (for example, “Company A” instead of “Company A”) and, pretending to be representatives of Company A, sent emails to Company A’s customers, including Company B.  The false emails stated that there had been an audit of Company A’s bank accounts and that Company A’s customers should remit funds owed to Company A to a new bank account.  

On about May 10, 2017, HILLMAN’s co-conspirators contacted one of Company A’s customers (Company B) via email and, pretending to be employees of Company A, instructed that Company B should remit funds owed to Company A, approximately $92,007.85, to a Bank of America account that belonged to HILLMAN.  After Company B sent the funds to HILLMAN’s account, HILLMAN engaged in a series of transactions over the next five days to transfer the money to others, withdraw over $40,000 in cash, and spend ill-gotten money on personal items, including vacations and airline flights. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – RYAN P. MULLEN, age 39, and a resident of Jayess, Mississippi, and DUANE A. DUFRENE, age 53, and a resident of Destrehan, Louisiana, were indicted on October 16, 2020 by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering, in addition to multiple counts of substantive bank fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As charged in the now unsealed indictment, MULLEN and DUFRENE utilized fictitious entities, falsified tax returns and provided fraudulent financial statements and appraisals to orchestrate their scheme to defraud the lenders for the purchases of a residence in Jayess, MS (State Bank and Trust), The Briars bed and breakfast in Natchez, MS (Keesler Federal Credit Union) and two other Natchez hotels (Red Oak Capital Group, LLC).  The sale of the Jayess residence was premised on false financial information provided by DUFRENE to MULLEN, who then gave it to State Bank. The sales of The Briars and the two hotels were not only premised upon false information prepared by DUFRENE and given to the financial institutions by MULLEN but also upon inflated appraisals based on side sales agreements between MULLEN and DUFRENE. After the sales of the bed and breakfast and hotel properties, MULLEN paid DUFRENE $90,000. MULLEN pocketed over $3 million from the overvalued loans and used the proceeds to buy at least 20 high-end luxury cars.  

U.S. Attorney Strasser stated that an indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted, MULLEN and DUFRENE face a maximum sentence of (30) thirty years as to the bank fraud conspiracy and bank fraud counts, and a maximum sentence of up to (10) ten years on the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering counts. After imprisonment, the defendants face up to (5) five years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the bank fraud counts, and up to (3) three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering counts. Each count also has mandatory special assessment of $100.

U.S. Attorney Strasser commended the special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-Criminal Investigation for their handling of the matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Andre Lagarde.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MANUELA GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN, age 77, a resident of New York, New York, pleaded guilty on October 14, 2020 to conspiracy to use fraudulent passports before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

According to court documents, GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN and Thierno O. Bah, also of New York, flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Louis Armstrong International on February 18th.  They rented a car, and the following day GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN entered a Capital One bank branch in Metairie while BAH waited in the rental car outside.  GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN then attempted to cash a stolen check while using a false passport card in the name of another person.  When bank employees became suspicious, they called Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies who arrested the pair.  

Court documents further detailed how federal agents subsequently determined that Bah and GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN had executed the scheme at several other bank branches while using stolen identities.  The two individuals had even taken a prior trip to New Orleans on January 31, 2020, where they executed or attempted to execute at least seven fraudulent transactions, including a failed attempt to withdraw $18,600.00 in cash from one victim’s account. 

GONZALEZ-BOOKMAN faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Judge Vance scheduled sentencing for February 17, 2021.

The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations.  U.S. Attorney Strasser extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced $2,913,487 in Department of Justice grants to the Eastern District of Louisiana to fund crime laboratories, decrease DNA backlogs, support basic and applied forensic research, and help law enforcement identify missing persons. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of $192 million in funding to advance forensic science nationwide.

“Developments in forensic science have given investigators an extraordinary array of tools that can be enlisted to solve crimes and bring answers to victims and survivors, often after many years and even decades,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These investments in crime-fighting technology, from DNA analysis to drug toxicology to forensic anthropology, will help identify and convict perpetrators, ensure justice for innocent victims and keep communities safe by deterring future criminal activity.”

“Forensic technology is an integral component of law enforcement and the judicial system,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “These awards will significantly increase the capacity for DNA analysis, decrease the backlog and turnaround time for DNA analysis and assists law enforcement agencies and crime labs in efficiently processing evidence to solve a greater number of crimes, including cold cases.”

Since 2004, the Office of Justice Programs has received an annual appropriation for DNA and other forensic science activities. The funding, administered through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and National Institute of Justice, supports DNA analysis, laboratory capacity enhancement and forensic science research that provides knowledge and tools to improve the quality and practice of forensic science.

The following organizations received funding:

• St. Tammany Parrish Coroner’s Office                 $200,000
• Jefferson Parrish Sheriff’s Office                          $200,000
• Orleans Parish District Attorney                           $1,949,672
• Louisiana State Police                                              $299,117
• Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement       $264,698
   

For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, that SANDRA DUMAS, age 71, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was sentenced to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with attempted bank robbery in violation of federal law.

According to court documents, on April 23, 2018, DUMAS entered the Liberty Bank located at 7200 Crowder Boulevard, while in possession of a Crown Royal bag.  DUMAS fabricated a story about her granddaughter being held hostage by a man who threatened to harm her granddaughter if DUMAS did not get money from the bank.  DUMAS claimed to be in possession of a bomb that was contained within the Crown Royal bag.  Bank employees responded by contacting the New Orleans Police Department.  DUMAS fled the bank.  No money was taken from the bank during the robbery.

Judge Triche Jane Milazzo sentenced DUMAS to credit for time served, to be followed by a (3) three year term of supervised release.

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

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

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the Indictment of ANTHONY ROBINSON (“A. ROBINSON”), age 66; AUDREY HARRIS (“HARRIS”), age 53; JERRY SCHAFFER (“SCHAFFER”), age 65; and KEISHIRA ROBINSON (“K. ROBINSON”), age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana. These four defendants were charged in a three-count federal indictment with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and two (2) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341.  If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to Counts 2-3.  Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count. Today’s Indictment brings the total of defendants charged in this federal probe into the staging of accidents with tractor-trailers to 32.

Today’s Indictment charges these defendants and others with intentionally staging an automobile accident with a tractor-trailer in order to defraud trucking and insurance companies through fraud.  According to today’s Indictment, Co-Conspirator A, HARRIS, SCHAFFER, and K. ROBINSON intentionally collided with a tractor-trailer on October 13, 2015, in the area of Alvar Street and France Road in New Orleans. The Indictment alleges that Co-Conspirator A intentionally struck the 18 wheeler and then was picked up from the collision site by Damian Labeaud (“Labeaud”), who pled guilty to a previous indictment charging him and seven others with staging automobile accidents. A. ROBINSON, who had been in Labeaud’s vehicle, then got behind the wheel of his own vehicle to make it appear that he had been driving at the time of the staged accident.

As discussed in the Indictment, the passengers were referred to an attorney who paid Labeaud and Co-Conspirator A to stage accidents. All of the defendants were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of their attorneys, and A. ROBINSON, HARRIS, and SCHAFFER underwent surgeries. In total, the victim trucking and insurance company paid out approximately $4.7 million for the fraudulent claims associated with this staged accident.  

The defendants will be required to appear, at a later date, before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance and arraignment on this indictment.

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

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that a federal grand jury returned a nine (9) count Indictment on September 4, 2020 against ELLIS BATISTE, SR. (BATISTE), age 48, TRACY MORGAN (MORGAN), age 50, ELI JUAN MOORE (MOORE), age 25, OCTAVIUS NARCISSE (NARCISSE), age 53, and RICHARD GRAY (GRAY), age 60.  In order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the Indictment remained sealed until today. The Indictment charged the defendants with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts.

The Indictment charged the defendants with the following federal offenses:

Count 1:       Violation: Conspiracy to Dist. and PWITD 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine Hydrochloride; Conspiracy to Dist. and PWITD 400 grams or more of Fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, a quantity of cocaine base, a quantity of methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 846; 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(C)

Statutory Penalties: minimum of ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl and cocaine hydrochloride); up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release (heroin, cocaine base, methamphetamine)

Defendants:  BATISTE, MORGAN, MOORE, NARCISSE, and GRAY

Count 2:       Violation:  Distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and methamphetamine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)

Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release

Defendant: BATISTE

Count 3:       Violation:  Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)

Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release

Defendant: BATISTE

 

Count 4:       Violation:  Distribution of a quantity of cocaine base, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)

Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release

Defendant: BATISTE

Count 5:       Violation:  Distribution of a quantity of heroin, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C)

Statutory Penalties: up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, at least three (3) years supervised release

Defendant: MOORE

Count 6:       Violation: Use of Communication Facility, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), 18 U.S.C. § 2

Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year supervise release

Defendants: BATISTE, GRAY

Count 7:       Violation:  Felon in Possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)

Statutory Penalties: up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release

Defendant: MOORE

Count 8:       Violation:  Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl , 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A) and Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Cocaine Hydrochloride, 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B) and 18 U.S.C. § 2

Statutory Penalties: minimum ten (10) years up to a maximum of life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five (5) years supervised release (fentanyl); minimum five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, at least four (4) years supervised release (cocaine hydrochloride)

Defendants: BATISTE, NARCISSE

Count 9:       Violation: Use of Communication Facility, 21 U.S.C. § 843(b), 18 U.S.C. § 2

Statutory Penalties: up to four (4) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 1 year supervised release

Defendants: BATISTE, NARCISSE

The individuals listed above participated in a poly-drug distribution network that operated in and around Laplace, Louisiana.  Thus far, law enforcement officials have confiscated over fourteen (14) kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride and one (1) kilogram of fentanyl.

United States Attorney Strasser reiterated that an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Members of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Saint John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office led the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter. 

 

 

NEW ORLEANS – This week, the Department of Justice announced it has charged more than 14,200 defendants nation-wide with firearms-related crimes during Fiscal Year (FY) 2020, despite the challenges of COVID 19 and its impact on the criminal justice process. These cases have been a Department priority since November 2019 when Attorney General William P. Barr announced his commitment to investigating, prosecuting, and combatting gun crimes as a critical part of the Department’s anti-violent crime strategy. These firearms-related charges are the result of the critical law enforcement partnership between United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, led by Acting Director Regina Lombardo, who has made firearms-related investigations a priority.

“The number one priority of government is to keep its citizens safe,” said Attorney General Barr. “By preventing firearms from falling into the hands of individuals who are prohibited from having them, we can stop violent crime before it happens. Violating federal firearms laws is a serious crime and offenders face serious consequences.  The Department of Justice is committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals, who illegally buy, sell, use, or possess firearms. Reducing gun violence requires a coordinated effort, and we could not have charged more than 14,000 individuals with firearms-related crimes without the hard work of the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the ATF, our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country, and especially all of our state and local law enforcement partners.”

“Protecting the public from violent crime involving firearms is at the core of ATF’s mission,” commented ATF Acting Director Regina Lombardo.  “Every day the men and women of ATF pursue and investigate those who use firearms to commit violent crimes in our communities, many of whom are prohibited from possessing firearms from previous convictions.  ATF, in collaboration with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the nation, is committed to bringing these offenders to justice for their egregious and violent criminal acts.”

“The primary mission of law enforcement is to ensure that all citizens feel safe in their homes and communities.  However, because of firearm related violent criminal acts, many people do not experience this fundamental sense of security,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “In order to keep citizens safe and ensure that violent criminals are brought to justice, the Department of Justice, our own U.S. Attorney’s office,  the ATF, as well as our federal, state and local law enforcement partners will continue their relentless effort to uncover, investigate and prosecute violent criminals.  Today’s announcement powerfully illustrates that cases like these can and will make a difference.”

This fiscal year the Eastern District of Louisiana charged 38 firearms cases, announced U.S. Attorney Strasser. These cases involve convicted felons in possession of a firearm.  Additionally, during this same period, our office has prosecuted numerous firearm crimes that are connected to other federal violent crimes and illegal drug activities.    U.S. Attorney Strasser noted, “Despite challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our office continues in its mission to protect the people of our district and ensure that criminals who engage in firearm related offenses are brought to justice.”

Under federal law, it is illegal to possess a firearm if you fall into one of nine prohibited categories including being a felon, illegal alien, or unlawful user of a controlled substance. Further, it is unlawful to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime.  It is also illegal to purchase – or even to attempt to illegally purchase - firearms if the buyer is a prohibited person or illegally purchasing a firearm on behalf of others. Lying on ATF Form 4473, which is used to lawfully purchase a firearm, is also a federal offense.  The Department is committed to prosecuting these firearms offenses as well as using all modern technologies available to law enforcement such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, known as NIBIN, to promote gun crime intelligence. Keeping illegal firearms out of the hands of violent criminals will continue to be a priority of the Department of Justice and we will use all appropriate, available means to keep the law-abiding people of this country safe from gun crime. 

For more information on the lawful purchasing of firearms, please see: https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/atf-form-4473.     

 

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HAROLD FOSTER, age 29, and MARC DALTON, age 30, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a five-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for carjacking, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119, 924, and 922.

According to court documents, FOSTER and DALTON were the offenders in two separate armed carjacking incidents in New Orleans. On April 10, 2020, the two men used firearms to forcefully take a Chevrolet Envoy. On April 12, 2020, they committed a second armed carjacking of a Mercedes C230. Both have prior felony criminal convictions. If convicted of carjacking and the firearms offenses, FOSTER and DALTON face a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.     

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners:  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives .  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 13, 2020,  BRIAN STEPHENS, a/k/a “Toomer,” age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced for possessing firearms after felony convictions. 

According to court documents, STEPHENS, an armed career criminal, possessed firearms on three occasions.  On July 16, 2017, STEPHENS was stopped in a vehicle in possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and then fled on foot.  On October 3, 2018,  STEPHENS discarded a stolen firearm during a foot chase with police officers.  On December 20, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at STEPHENS’s home in Metairie and located two firearms, one of which was stolen.

U. S. District Court Judge Wendy B. Vitter sentenced STEPHENS to serve (15) fifteen years in prison, to be followed by three (3) years of supervised release.  Judge Vitter also imposed a $300 special assessment. 

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni was in charge of the prosecution.

 

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CARLOS DAVID IRIAS, age 47, a resident of Cutler Bay, Florida, was sentenced to two (2) years probation by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging him with intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization and recklessly causing damage resulting in loss to Company A, a company in New, Orleans, Louisiana that previously employed IRIAS, of more than $5,000 during one year, in violation of 18 U.S.C. '' 1030(a)(5)(B) and 1030(c)(4)(A).  Judge Fallon also ordered IRIAS to pay restitution in the amount of $14,593 to Company A.

According to court documents, from about 2012 until August 14, 2017, IRIAS worked for Company A, which was in the business of developing and distributing specialized urological medical devices including scopes and laser fibers.  IRIAS was responsible for designing marketing templates, coordinating sales, and developing client contacts.  IRIAS terminated his employment with Company A on August 14, 2017, after which time he was no longer authorized to access Company A’s cloud-based server, which handled marketing-related functions, including storing email contact lists and marketing templates and brochures. 

On November 2, 2018, IRIAS accessed Company A’s secured cloud-based computer system from his home in Cutler Bay, Florida without authorization and thereafter exported the contents to a server under his control.  He then deleted the information from the cloud-based system.  As a result of the unauthorized intrusion, Company A was unable to conduct marketing campaigns from about November 2018 until October 2019.  Company A was also unable to contact and communicate with their customer base for approximately two or three months, which jeopardized Company A’s reputation in the specialized field in which it operated.  As a result of such conduct, IRIAS recklessly caused damage to Company A, in the amount of approximately $14,593.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Strasser today announced a $129,202 grant provided by the U.S. Department of Justice to improve services for crime victims in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The grant, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, is a part of over $144 million distributed nationwide to enhance the district's response to victims of crime.

“The Department of Justice is steadfast in its commitment to protecting public safety and bringing justice to those who have been victimized,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The investments we are making today will support service providers as they work to secure the legal rights of victims and put survivors of criminal acts on the road to recovery.”

The awards made to organizations in the Eastern District of Louisiana will advance the use of technology, improve community preparedness and law enforcement training and provide emergency and transitional shelter to assist victims of crime. Programs will also support victims of child abuse and fund research projects related to perpetrators and victims of elder abuse. Approximately $64.3 million was awarded under Office for Victims of Crime grant programs; over $54.1 million was awarded under Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention programs; over $19.9 million was awarded under Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking grant programs; and nearly $5.7 million was awarded under two National Institute of Justice grant programs.

U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to develop and enhance programs designed to implement the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) and to provide training and technical assistance to jurisdictions implementing SORNA standards.  This training will provide law enforcement with an invaluable tool to protect victims and the community from predators.”

“As lockdowns and lawlessness fuel crime in America’s homes and communities, more people are vulnerable to victimization and those who have been victimized face new hurdles,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “The Office of Justice Programs is committed to giving our victim service partners the tools they need to better serve their clients and protect victims’ rights.”

The following organization received funding:

• St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office:             $129,202
   

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PENH KANG (“KANG”), age 41, of Covington, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on October 6, 2020 to Making a False Declaration, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 152(3).

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

KANG faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.

KANG will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry on January 5, 2021.

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANIEL VANSLYKE, age 34, of Slocomb, Alabama, was sentenced to 16 months of imprisonment by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo in the Eastern District of Louisiana. VANSLYKE had previously pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds.

According to the factual basis and charging document, VANSLYKE previously resided in Franklinton, Louisiana with his father, a legitimate U.S. veteran. After his father died, VANSLYKE failed to advise the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) of his passing and in fact gave information to the VA to indicate that his father was still alive and entitled to benefits. Thereafter, VANSLYKE knowingly stole benefits from the VA that did not belong to him.

In addition to incarceration, VANSLYKE was ordered to pay restitution to the government in the amount of $46,051.92 and $100 mandatory special assessment. He was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release following incarceration.  

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General for their investigation of the matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera was in charge of the prosecution.

 

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 1 2020, RODNEY ROBINSON, age 61, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. 

According to court records, ROBINSON and others conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin in the New Orleans metropolitan area and elsewhere.  ROBINSON personally sold heroin to customers in the New Orleans area. 

Judge Ashe sentenced ROBINSON to 40 months of imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Maria M. Carboni are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces that BENNIE RUTH HARRIS, age 65, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Lance M. Africk on September 30, 2020 to two years of probation following her plea to acquiring oxycodone by fraud.

HARRIS was one of ten defendants involved in a conspiracy to use forged prescriptions to illegally acquire oxycodone.  According to court documents, HARRIS presented a forged prescription for a large amount of oxycodone to a local pharmacy. The other nine defendants involved in this offense also pleaded guilty and were sentenced.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of agents with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier and attorneys with the Department of Justice Health Care Fraud Strike Force, with previous co-counsel including Assistant United States Attorney Jared L. Hasten of the Northern District of Illinois.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser, United States Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Middle District of Louisiana, and Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, Western District of Louisiana, jointly announce that the State of Louisiana received a total of $26,541,823 in six United States Department of Justice grants to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement and victims’ rights and services. 

Three grants were awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE).  The first award in the amount of $23,490,366 provides funds from the federal Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the state.  The second award of $1,414,000 provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance State Victim Compensation payments to eligible crime victims.  And third, $190,769 was awarded to the Louisiana Statistical Analysis Center (SAC), which is the research division of the LCLE.  LSAC has been tasked with assessing how law enforcement in the State of Louisiana is meeting the challenge of the present opioid crisis.

In addition, the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice has been awarded $770,806.  The purpose of this program is to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Supported activities and efforts may include planning and administration and development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency and programs to enhance the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system.

As a final matter, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office was awarded $177,123 to fund a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on the parish’s specific needs and conditions, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections was awarded $498,759 to continue implementing the Adult Reentry and Employment Strategic Planning Program.

U.S. Attorney Fremin stated, “The federal grant money distributed to our state and local partners exemplifies the Department of Justice’s commitment to provide resources to address critical issues in local law enforcement and to vigorously support victims’ rights and services.  Awards, such as these, promote the continuing success of our joint federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety of our community and to support those citizens who have been victimized.”

U.S. Attorney Strasser stated, “The announcement of Louisiana’s awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford law enforcement the opportunity to implement innovative programs needed to respond to critical issues in local law enforcement, victims’ rights and services and juvenile justice system services and improvements.”

Acting U.S. Attorney Van Hook stated, “Every defendant that is convicted of a federal crime is ordered to pay an assessment which goes to the Crime Victims’ Fund.  Federal grants such as these that have been awarded to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement are an example of how those funds are passed on to local agencies and of how justice is serving victims of crime in the State of Louisiana.  We will continue to pursue justice for the people in the Western District of Louisiana and throughout the state.”

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on October 1, 2020, JOSE HUMBERTO DELSIB-MARTINEZ (hereinafter “DELSIB”), age 40, a native of Honduras, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in December 2019 to a three-count superseding bill of information, which charged him with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), and possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

According to documents filed in open court and signed by DELSIB at the time of his guilty plea, members of the Kenner Police Department Narcotics Section were conducting surveillance in connection with a drug trafficking complaint within the city of Kenner in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  During surveillance, detectives observed DELSIB, the target of the investigation, travelling in his vehicle eastbound in the 600 block of 27th Street.  Since the vehicle was observed to have illegally tinted windows, a traffic stop was conducted.  DELSIB was advised of the ongoing narcotics investigation.  The Kenner Police Detective spoke Spanish and was able to converse with DELSIB in that language.  Thereafter DELSIB waived his rights and provided consent to search his vehicle. During the search, detectives located a clear plastic bag containing fourteen individually wrapped baggies of a white powder substance wedged between the driver’s side floor board and center console.  A sample of the white powder substance chemically field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, 8.1 grams.  The powder- totaling 8.1 grams, was later tested in a laboratory and found to be cocaine hydrochloride.

DELSIB agreed to cooperate with the investigation and subsequently provided consent to search his residence, located at 2755 Albany St., Apartment D, Kenner, La.  During a search of DELSIB’S bedroom, he directed detectives to a silver 9mm handgun which was later identified as a Lorcin Engineering Model L-9 bearing serial number L-121517, which had been shipped in interstate commerce, a large clear plastic bag containing a white powder substance, and a black digital scale.  All items were located within a large wooden floor speaker box.  A sample of that white powder substance chemically field tested positive for the presence of cocaine, 18 grams.  The substance was later tested in a laboratory and found to be cocaine hydrochloride. 

DELSIB provided detectives with a voluntary statement advising that all seized items belonged solely to him and he sold cocaine as a way to make extra money.  He said that he used the black digital scale to weigh narcotics prior to sale and he used his vehicle as an aid in transport of the illegal narcotics.

DELSIB faced a maximum statutory term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on all counts. His guideline sentence of twenty one months included a three year term of supervised release. He will be turned over to federal immigration agents for deportation back to Honduras after he serves his prison term. He has been incarcerated since his arrest in February 2019.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Kenner Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser today announced over 4.4 million dollars in Department of Justice grants to reduce recidivism among adults and juvenile offenders returning to their communities in the Eastern District of Louisiana after confinement. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $92 million in funding to support reentry efforts throughout the United States.

These awards represent President Trump’s commitment to assisting people in America’s prisons and detention facilities who have earned the opportunity to take their places back in society.

“Former offenders are ultimately responsible for their own successes and failures, but our criminal and juvenile justice systems have an important role to play in preparing them for the obstacles that lie before them,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “I’m very pleased to make these resources available to help them get back on their feet and contribute to the prosperity of their communities and the betterment of our nation.”

The reentry and recidivism reduction grants awarded will help communities develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism; support reentry services for detained juveniles and incarcerated parents with children under the age of 18; and support research and evaluation programs to advance understanding about reoffending.

“Recidivism poses an extreme threat to our community and places a heavy burden upon society,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “Formerly incarcerated offenders need and deserve additional support to assist their transition back into mainstream society.  This funding will help our communities develop and implement re-entry strategies that will greatly benefit formerly incarcerated offenders and the community as a whole.”

The following organizations received funding:

• Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections    $2,449,780
• Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Louisiana, Inc.          $749,994
• Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections    $498,759
• Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office                                              $749,022

 
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit: https://www.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh241/files/media/document/reentryfactsheet.pdf.

More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years

 

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NEW ORLEANS –  United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on September 30, 2020 HEATHER TOLSON (“TOLSON”), age 27, of Lorain, OH, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and was sentenced by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

As admitted by TOLSON in the Factual Basis, in the beginning of February 2017, co-defendant Jose Fernandez Morel (“Fernandez”) devised a scheme to defraud by fraudulently representing himself as an immigration attorney.  Specifically, Fernandez and other coconspirators acting at his direction, created the fictitious law firm of “Micheal (sic) Browns Immigration Attorneys” with an address of 4207 Parliament Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303.  Fernandez enlisted the assistance of co-defendants Esteban Ramirez, III (“Ramirez”) and TOLSON to receive funds from various individuals who were victims of Fernandez’s scheme.  Ramirez and TOLSON agreed to wire via Western Union the fraudulently obtained funds they received to Fernandez in the Dominican Republic. Part of their agreement was that Fernandez would split these funds with Ramirez and TOLSON.

During the scheme, Fernandez fraudulently represented himself as an attorney named “Robert McCane” and Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON represented themselves as employees with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm.  Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON represented to Individual A’s family members that “McCane” was an attorney associated with the “Micheal Browns Immigration Attorneys” law firm located in Alexandria, LA which also had offices in New York and Ohio. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON utilized various email accounts to communicate with Individual A’s family members in an effort to promote the scheme. For example, Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON created a “Legal Services Agreement” that was emailed to Individual A’s family members which referenced a $4,980.00 fee and a $980.00 initial deposit for “attorney’s fees and cost incurred by clients.”  Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON obtained money from Individual A’s family members under the guise of collecting a retainer to provide legal services for Individual A and under the pretense of posting a bond to secure the release of Individual A from immigration custody. 

TOLSON opened a bank account at a Chase Bank branch in Lorain, OH in order to receive fraudulently obtained payments from Individual A’s family members. Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON utilized various Chase Bank locations in Lorain, OH and Western Union agent branches to conduct cash transactions to withdraw payments from Individual A’s family members.  Further, Ramirez and TOLSON utilized Western Union locations to wire fraudulently obtained payments to Fernandez in the Dominican Republic.  Fernandez, Ramirez, and TOLSON falsely represented themselves as employees of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced TOLSON to three years of probation with eight months home confinement, ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $8,280.00, and pay a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. 

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that MATTHEW CUOMO, age 55, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to Forgery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 513, before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk today. CUOMO faces a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.  Sentencing is set for January 27, 2021.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Labor and the Transportation Security Administration for their investigation in this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier.

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WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company LLC, d/b/a Fair Grounds Corporation (Fair Grounds) that will resolve years of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at its New Orleans racetrack.

Under the settlement, Fair Grounds will eliminate unauthorized discharges of manure, urine and process wastewater through operational changes and construction projects at an estimated cost of $5,600,000.  The company also will pay a civil penalty of $2,790,000, the largest ever paid by a concentrated animal feeding operation in a CWA matter.

“We are pleased to announce an agreement with Churchill Downs to address years of Clean Water Act violations at its Fair Grounds Racetrack in New Orleans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.  “This consent decree will stop the flow of untreated process wastewater into the local sewer system, which leads to local waters used for fishing and ultimately Lake Pontchartrain, in a way that recognizes the challenges presented by the racetrack’s urban location.”

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

“This consent decree will halt discharges of manure, urine, and contaminated wastewater from the Fair Grounds racetrack into the London Avenue Canal, which flows into Lake Pontchartrain,” said Susan Bodine, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.  “As a result, we are protecting opportunities by the community to use these waters for fishing and other recreational activities.”

The United States’ complaint alleges that Fair Grounds violated the CWA, including the terms and conditions of its Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA. Specifically, the complaint alleges that, since at least 2012, Fair Grounds has regularly discharged untreated process wastewater into the New Orleans municipal separate storm sewer system, leading to the London Avenue Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. Fair Grounds’ permit prohibits any discharge unless there is a significant rain event (i.e., when 10 inches of rain falls in 24 hours).

In violation of their permit, Fair Grounds has discharged wastewater after as little as a half-inch of rain, as well as in dry weather.  The complaint alleges that unauthorized discharges of contaminated wastewater occurred more than 250 times between 2012 and 2018.  The untreated wastewater contains manure, urine, horse wash water, and other biological materials that are “pollutants” as defined by the CWA, the facility’s permit, and the applicable EPA and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regulations.

Fair Grounds is a horse racing facility located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that are considered environmental justice communities.  The London Avenue Canal flows through neighborhoods that have been designated as opportunity zones.  

The Fair Grounds’ New Orleans racetrack is a large CAFO, and during a typical horseracing season, Fair Grounds stables as many as 1,800 horses or more at one time.  The facility includes a 38.8-acre production area that includes stables, horse stall barns and receiving barns, horse wash racks, horse walkways, manure storage areas, and storage areas for raw materials.  The facility also includes a one-mile dirt racetrack and a 7/8-mile turf racetrack, the infield area, the grandstand, the casino, and associated parking areas.

As part of the settlement, Fair Grounds will implement best management practices and construction projects designed to eliminate unauthorized discharges and ensure compliance with its permit and the CWA.  Fair Grounds will also perform site-specific sampling, monitoring and hydraulic modeling to help the company and EPA determine whether the remedial actions required by the consent decree are successful in eliminating unauthorized discharges. Furthermore, the consent decree includes a provision requiring Fair Grounds to implement additional remedial measures if these measures do not successfully eliminate unauthorized discharges.

This case is precedential because it includes the highest civil penalty ever collected by the EPA in a CWA enforcement action against a CAFO.  In addition, this case is part of EPA’s National Compliance Initiative for Reducing Significant Noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits.  

The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period.  The penalty is due within 30 days of the effective date of the consent decree.

For more information about this settlement please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/churchill-downs-louisiana-horseracing-company-llc-clean-water-act-settlement

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The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the Churchill Downs Louisiana Horseracing Company LLC, d/b/a Fair Grounds Corporation (Fair Grounds) that will resolve years of Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at its New Orleans racetrack.

Under the settlement, Fair Grounds will eliminate unauthorized discharges of manure, urine and process wastewater through operational changes and construction projects at an estimated cost of $5,600,000.  The company also will pay a civil penalty of $2,790,000, the largest ever paid by a concentrated animal feeding operation in a CWA matter.

“We are pleased to announce an agreement with Churchill Downs to address years of Clean Water Act violations at its Fair Grounds Racetrack in New Orleans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Brightbill of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.  “This consent decree will stop the flow of untreated process wastewater into the local sewer system, which leads to local waters used for fishing and ultimately Lake Pontchartrain, in a way that recognizes the challenges presented by the racetrack’s urban location.”

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

“This consent decree will halt discharges of manure, urine, and contaminated wastewater from the Fair Grounds racetrack into the London Avenue Canal, which flows into Lake Pontchartrain,” said Susan Bodine, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.  “As a result, we are protecting opportunities by the community to use these waters for fishing and other recreational activities.”

The United States’ complaint alleges that Fair Grounds violated the CWA, including the terms and conditions of its Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of the CWA.  Specifically, the complaint alleges that, since at least 2012, Fair Grounds has regularly discharged untreated process wastewater into the New Orleans municipal separate storm sewer system, leading to the London Avenue Canal, Lake Pontchartrain, the Mississippi River, and ultimately to the Gulf of Mexico. Fair Grounds’ permit prohibits any discharge unless there is a significant rain event (i.e., when 10 inches of rain falls in 24 hours).

In violation of their permit, Fair Grounds has discharged wastewater after as little as a half-inch of rain, as well as in dry weather.  The complaint alleges that unauthorized discharges of contaminated wastewater occurred more than 250 times between 2012 and 2018.  The untreated wastewater contains manure, urine, horse wash water, and other biological materials that are “pollutants” as defined by the CWA, the facility’s permit, and the applicable EPA and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) regulations.

Fair Grounds is a horse racing facility located in New Orleans, Louisiana and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods that are considered environmental justice communities. The London Avenue Canal flows through neighborhoods that have been designated as opportunity zones.  

The Fair Grounds’ New Orleans racetrack is a large CAFO, and during a typical horse racing season, Fair Grounds stables as many as 1,800 horses or more at one time.  The facility includes a 38.8-acre production area that includes stables, horse stall barns and receiving barns, horse wash racks, horse walkways, manure storage areas, and storage areas for raw materials.  The facility also includes a one-mile dirt racetrack and a 7/8-mile turf racetrack, the infield area, the grandstand, the casino, and associated parking areas.

As part of the settlement, Fair Grounds will implement best management practices and construction projects designed to eliminate unauthorized discharges and ensure compliance with its permit and the CWA.  Fair Grounds will also perform site-specific sampling, monitoring and hydraulic modeling to help the company and EPA determine whether the remedial actions required by the consent decree are successful in eliminating unauthorized discharges. Furthermore, the consent decree includes a provision requiring Fair Grounds to implement additional remedial measures if these measures do not successfully eliminate unauthorized discharges.

This case is precedential because it includes the highest civil penalty ever collected by the EPA in a CWA enforcement action against a CAFO.  In addition, this case is part of EPA’s National Compliance Initiative for Reducing Significant Noncompliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits.   

The settlement was lodged today in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana and is subject to a 30-day public comment period.  The penalty is due within 30 days of the effective date of the consent decree.

For more information about this settlement please visit: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/churchill-downs-louisiana-horseracing-company-llc-clean-water-act-settlement

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

NEW ORLEANS - United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that VALERIE YOREL MANSON (“MANSON”), age 51, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged on September 22, 2020 by a Bill of Information for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to the Bill of Information, beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2016, MANSON collected Social Security Administration benefits of approximately $700 per month paid to an account held in the name of a deceased relative. Accordingly, MANSON fraudulently received approximately $69,000.00 in Social Security Administration benefits, to which she was not entitled.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MICHAEL MORGANI, age 33, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman on September 23, 2020 for a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court paperwork, MORGANI purchased two Extar semi-automatic pistols from an individual who he met on the Northshore.  MORGANI brought them to a body shop in New Orleans, where they were later recovered by the New Orleans Police Department during the execution of a search warrant.  MORGANI was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction from Jefferson Parish for possession of heroin.

United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced MORGANI to (30) thirty months in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Additionally, MORGANI is required to pay a $100.00 special assessment fee.

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.   For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSEPH MEISCH, 45, of Destrehan, Louisiana, was charged on September 23, 2020 in a bill of information with one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1343, wire fraud.

According to the bill of information, MEISCH, while employed as the business manager of St. Patrick’s Church in New Orleans, defrauded the Church of approximately $329,856.20.  Specifically, MEISCH used credit cards belonging to the Church to purchase personal items and transferred Church funds into his personal accounts. 

If convicted, MEISCH faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, a three (3) year term of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

An information is merely an accusation.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JASON BOYET, age 42, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Sarah Vance to a one-count Bill of Information charging him with distribution of images depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including children as young as three (3) years old, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2).

According to court documents, in about February 2020, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation operating in an undercover capacity (Agent 1) in the State of Texas accessed a chat room within an instant messaging mobile application known to be a haven for purveyors of digital files depicting the sexual victimization of children.  Agent 1 was introduced to an individual, subsequently determined to be BOYET, who distributed to him sexually suggestive and sexually explicit photographs of minors, including a prepubescent female (Victim 1), over whom BOYET claimed to have custody and control. 

On February 12, 2020, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a federal search warrant at BOYET’s residence.  Based on a voluntarily interview with BOYET and a review of digital evidence seized during the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement authorities confirmed that BOYET took sexually explicit images of Victim 1 at his residence using his Apple iPhone XR on at least three dates between December 19, 2019, and February 11, 2020, some of which he distributed to third parties as described above.  Agents also confirmed that BOYET accessed a link to an online file storage account containing numerous videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and, further, received at least 151 images and 195 videos depicting children as young as approximately one (1) year old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

BOYET faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  He can also be required to register as a sex offender.  Sentencing before Judge Vance has been scheduled for January 20, 2021 at 10:30 am.

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

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DANIEL IGNACIO MEJIA-CASTILLO (MEJIA), age 31, a citizen of the Honduras, was charged on September 18, 2020 in a one-count indictment for possession of fraudulent immigration documents, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1546(a).

According to the indictment, MEJIA was charged with possessing a counterfeit Permanent Resident card that was not assigned to him by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MEJIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, two years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro George Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

 

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on September 19, 2020, WILLIAM LEWIS, age 41, and JILL LEWIS, age 40, residents of Slidell, Louisiana, were charged in a two-count Indictment for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1341, and Title 28, United States Code, Section 2461(c). 

According to Court documents, beginning on or before January 31, 2014 through in or around January 2016, the defendants conspired to submit numerous false insurance claims for reimbursement to the United States Postal Service (“USPS”), causing the USPS to mail checks to WILLIAM and JILL LEWIS for approximately $42,000. For example, WILLIAM and JILL LEWIS falsely represented to the USPS that they had sent expensive jewelry and other items through the mail and that the USPS lost the items. In connection with the false claims, WILLIAM and JILL LEWIS submitted forged invoices from retailers to the USPS to support the reimbursement amounts. The false claims and forged documents caused the USPS to send the reimbursement checks to the defendants through the mail.

In addition, according to Court documents, on or about September 29, 2015, the defendants submitted a false claim to the USPS, fraudulently representing that WILLIAM LEWIS purchased an Omega watch in the amount of approximately $4,999 and that the USPS lost the watch in the mail. This false and fraudulent claim for reimbursement caused the USPS to send a $4,999 reimbursement check to WILLIAM LEWIS that he deposited in his bank account.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and restitution to the USPS in the amount of approximately $42,000.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, for its work in investigating this case. U.S. Attorney Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JARRELL FOX, (“FOX”) age 29, of New Orleans, was charged on September 18, 2020 in an eight-count Indictment with four Hobbs Act Robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a), three counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a)(ii), and one count of Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(a)(i).

The federal indictment alleges that FOX committed the armed robberies of four businesses located in the New Orleans East and Mid-City areas of New Orleans while either brandishing or possessing a firearm. 

If convicted of the Hobbs Act Robbery violations, FOX faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment (”MSA”) of $100.00.  If convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, FOX faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 7 years to life  imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to 5 years supervised release, and a $100 MSA. If convicted of Possessing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, FOX faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of 5 years to life imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, up to 5 years supervised release, and a $100 MSA.  Any sentence imposed regarding the firearm offenses will run consecutive to the sentence imposed for the violation of the Hobbs Act Robbery offenses.

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

 

 

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, September 18, 2020, that TYREET JOURNEE, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury.  In the indictment, JOURNEE is charged with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

If convicted, JOURNEE faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles.

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, September 18, 2020, that LLOYD WASHINGTON, (“WASHINGTON”) age 25, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana was charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury.  In Count 1, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Firearms and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  In Count 2, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Machine Guns in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2).  In Count 3, WASHINGTON is charged with Possession of Non-Registered Firearms in violation of Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841, 5861(d), and 5871.

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

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/project-guardian.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the indictment of nine additional defendants bringing the total to twenty-eight charged for intentionally staging automobile accidents. Today’s indictment charges CORNELIUS GARRISON (“GARRISON”), age 54, of New Orleans, Louisiana; DONIESHA GIBSON (“GIBSON”), age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana; CHANDRIKA BROWN (“BROWN”), age 29, of Slidell, Louisiana; ISHAIS PRICE (“PRICE”), age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana; AISHA THOMPSON (“THOMPSON”), age 42, of New Orleans, Louisiana; DEWAYNE COLEMAN (“COLEMAN”), age 21, of Marrero, Louisiana; DONISESHA LEE, age 30, of Harvey, Louisiana; DONREION LEE, age 22, of Harvey, Louisiana; and ERICA LEE THOMPSON (“ERICA LEE”), age 46, of Harvey, Louisiana.  These nine defendants were charged in a seven-count federal indictment with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and six (6) counts of Mail Fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341. The indictment alleges that the defendants intentionally used vehicles to cause staged motor vehicle accidents with commercial carriers in order to defraud these carriers and their insurance companies.  If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to Counts 2-7.  Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release for up to five (5) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count or twice the gross gain to the defendant of twice the gross loss to the victim.

According to today’s indictment and previous indictments, there were five (5) “slammers,” that is individuals who intentionally caused motor vehicle accidents to defraud commercial vehicles and insurance companies, operating in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  Two alleged slammers, Damian Labeaud and Roderick Hickman, are charged in previous indictments, and, two additional alleged slammers have since died.  Today’s indictment alleges that GARRISON was a slammer. 

GARRISON is charged with staging over 50 accidents and was paid over $150,000 by an unnamed Co-Conspirator (“Co-Conspirator A”).  Co-Conspirator A instructed GARRISON as to the number of passengers to use in the staged accidents and to avoid areas patrolled by the Louisiana State Police and instead stage the accidents under the jurisdiction of the New Orleans Police Department.  The indictment alleges that Co-Conspirator A referred the staged accident cases to an attorney referenced as Attorney B.   GARRISON staged accidents mostly on Interstate 10 from Slidell to Baton Rouge and usually at night to avoid eyewitnesses.  GARRISON targeted commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, that were changing lanes and would cause the accident by striking the commercial vehicle or tractor-trailer in their blind spot, using the slammer vehicle.  After the accident, GARRISION would usually exit the vehicle from the passenger side in order to avoid being seen by the driver of the target vehicle.  GARRISON instructed the passengers to call 911 to report that they had been hit by a vehicle.  A passenger in the vehicle would falsely claim to have been the driver at the time of the staged accident.         

The instant indictment charges GARRISON with staging two accidents.  The first occurred on October 15, 2015, and involved a Hotard bus.  GARRISON intentionally drove a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned by GIBSON into a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510.  Also in the vehicle were defendants BROWN and PRICE.  Total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.

The second staged accident charged in this indictment occurred on September 6, 2017, on the I-10 near the Almonaster exit when GARRISON crashed defendant ERICA LEE’s 2015 RAV4 into a tractor-trailer owned by Averitt Express.  The passengers in this vehicle were COLEMAN, DONISEHA LEE, DONREION LEE, and an unknown female passenger who gave the name Aisha Thompson to the police after the staged accident.  Total settlement for the Averitt accident was $30,000.

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

An arrest warrant was issued for COLEMAN. The remaining defendants will be required to appear, at a later date, before a United States Magistrate Judge for an initial appearance and arraignment on this indictment.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RAYMUNDO DE LA PAZ (DE LA PAZ), age 28, was sentenced on September 17, 2020 by United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon, after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging him with misuse of a Social Security Number, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

Judge Lemmon sentenced DE LA PAZ to probation for one year to include six months of home confinement and a $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, DE LA PAZ, a citizen of Mexico, presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana.  DE LA PAZ falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him when in fact; the social security number had been assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security to another individual.

U.S. Attorney Peter G.  Strasser praised the work of the United States Border Patrol and the Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

 

NEW ORLEANS –JULIO CESAR RIVERA ROJAS, age 33, a resident and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced on September 16, 2020 to 18 months in the Bureau of Prisons after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud by U.S. District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo of the Eastern District of Louisiana, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

As detailed in the factual basis and superseding bill of information, the defendants, from at least January 1, 2016, to the present, conspired together and with others to commit wire fraud in connection with a telemarketing scheme that targeted and victimized persons in the United States, Canada and South America. As part of the elaborate scheme, the conspirators made unsolicited phone calls to owners of resort timeshare properties to induce them to pay fees associated with the bogus sale of their property. The defendants misrepresented the existence of a buyer for their timeshare and solicited money from the victims to facilitate the sale. They solicited the timeshare owners to enter into agreements to sell their timeshares and pay for alleged “closing costs” with electronic wire transfers from banking institutions within the United States to Mexican banks. There were no interested buyers, the closings did not occur, and the timeshares were not resold. Instead, the conspirators simply pocketed the advanced fees. Of the U.S. victims, 40 were age 60 and older and the total estimated loss is at least $10,000,000.

The defendants, who are all based in Mexico, operated under the business names Planet Travel and Newport International Investments, and at other times used the following business names: Advance Travel INC, All American Real Estate, American International Investment Group, Bear Claw Travel, Best Investment Services, Champion Properties, Closing Source LLC, Equity Closing Services Group, Global Offshore Services, NSC Holding, Peach Title, Sandia Title, Travel and Acquisitions, Travel Innovations, Travel Plus Acquisitions, Travel Right, and World Travelers, Inc. All of these domain websites have been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice.

Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office of Victims of Crime at www.ovc.gov. Additional elder justice resources, training, and outreach materials can be found at the Elder Justice Website at www.elderjustice.gov.

RIVERA ROJAS, who worked as an accountant, was ordered to pay restitution of $4,000,000 USD, a fee of $100.00, and he is subject to deportation after serving 18 months. To date, one other defendant, Jesus Ledesma Bernal, was sentenced to 18 months in the Bureau of Prisons on August 4, 2020, for his role as a telemarketer in this criminal organization.

This case is the product of an extensive and ongoing investigation by special agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward J. Rivera and Paige O’Hale are prosecuting the case.

 

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NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that ARVIND “MIKE” VIRA (“VIRA”), age 74, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a years-long conspiracy with First NBC Bank president Ashton J. Ryan to defraud the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to court documents, in 2006, Ryan lobbied VIRA to move his business accounts to First NBC Bank.  VIRA agreed and became a customer of First NBC Bank.  Thereafter, Ryan provided VIRA with preferential treatment.  Although VIRA was assigned another loan officer, Ryan acted as his de facto loan officer at the bank.  Ryan provided VIRA with low interest rates for VIRA’s loans.  He also ensured that VIRA received high interest rates on his savings and checking accounts.  Ryan personally approved 3% interest rates for savings and checking accounts held by VIRA, his businesses, and his family members.  Ryan instructed VIRA to inflate his assets on bank loan documents, and VIRA complied by claiming to have substantial real estate and outside bank accounts that did not exist.

VIRA, in turn, provided personal loans to Ryan at Ryan’s request.  Ryan, knowing that such a loan relationship was prohibited by banking regulations, instructed VIRA to conceal this personal loan relationship from First NBC Bank employees.  During an FDIC regulatory exam in December 2012, FDIC examiners discovered that Ryan had borrowed money from First NBC Bank using VIRA’s loan proceeds. When examiners questioned him, Ryan admitted to their relationship, but claimed that he had not been aware that the source of the funds were First NBC Bank loan proceeds.

In order to further conceal the loans that he made to Ryan, VIRA misrepresented or omitted the interest payments he received from Ryan on his personal tax returns from 2011 through 2015.  From 2011 through 2017, VIRA received approximately $1,220,271.07 in profits from Ryan’s interest payments and from Ryan’s preferential treatment at First NBC Bank.

“The FBI and our law enforcement partners have dedicated significant time and resources toward investigating the failure of FNBC, which resulted in nearly a billion dollar loss to the FDIC. Individuals like Mr. Vira who engage in fraudulent schemes that impact the security of financial institutions are being held accountable. His guilty plea today should be a deterrent to others who would attempt to defraud our nation's banking system,” said Bryan Vorndran, FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge.

“We are pleased to work with our law enforcement partners in bringing to justice those who conspire to defraud financial institutions regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board,” said Stephen Donnelly, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Eastern Region, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

“We are pleased to join our law enforcement colleagues in bringing Mr. Vira to justice,” stated Laurie Younger, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Inspector General for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

VIRA pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371 and 1344.  The maximum penalties that may be imposed at sentencing are five years in prison; a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gain to VIRA or twice the loss to any victim; and up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set VIRA’s sentencing for January 7, 2020.

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

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that on Friday, September 4, 2020  TERRAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Funky,” age 22, and ALLEN GRAY, a/k/a “Kyedi,” age 24, both residents of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged in a sealed three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act and the Federal Controlled Substances Act.  Both defendants are in federal custody and the Indictment was unsealed on September 15, 2020. 

WILLIAMS and GRAY are charged in Count 1 with possession with  intent to distribute a quantity of marijuana and fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(C) and (b)(1)(D).  In Count 2, WILLIAMS and GRAY are charged with possession of  firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A).  In Count 3, WILLIAMS and GRAY are charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

If convicted of Count 1, WILLIAMS and GRAY face a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.  If convicted of Count 2, WILLIAMS and GRAY face a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment, which is to run consecutively to all other sentences, a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release and a special assessment fee of $100.  If convicted of Count 3, WILLIAMS and GRAY face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment fee of $100.

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Privitera, Inga Petrovich and David Haller of the Violent Crime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser and Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, announced that CAJAN WELDING & RENTALS, LTD., a company located in Opelousas, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on September 8, 2020 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to violate the Procurement Integrity Act, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371.

According to admissions made in connection with its guilty plea, CAJAN WELDING & RENTALS, LTD. conspired with unnamed co-conspirators to defraud the United States by corrupting and impairing the government procurement process, and by obtaining non-public pricing and cost information in order to obtain subcontract awards and payments from the U.S. Department of Energy in connection with its operation of the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve. 

The charged offense carries a statutory maximum fine of $500,000.00, a term of probation of up to five years, and a special assessment of $400.00 for companies.

“Fraud, regardless of its scope and means of orchestration, is a serious crime. Especially egregious is fraud committed against the hardworking taxpayer, said U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Louisiana Peter G. Strasser.”  This guilty plea sends a clear message that our office will vigorously investigate and prosecute all such corruption cases.

“Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that corruption of the bidding process for a vital federal program like the Strategic Petroleum Reserve will not be tolerated.  The Justice Department is committed to investigate and prosecute collusion that impacts government procurement to the fullest extent of the law,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.  “The Antitrust Division will remain vigilant in protecting taxpayer funds through competition, and will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to safeguard the federal procurement process.”

“The Department of Energy Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the Department's contractors and subcontractors,” said Teri L. Donaldson, Department of Energy Inspector General. “We take allegations of procurement integrity violations very seriously and will aggressively investigate these matters to protect the Department and the American taxpayers. “We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing these allegations and will continue our collaboration with the DOJ to investigate those who seek to defraud Department programs.”

The case is the result of a federal investigation being conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Department of Justice Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal II Section, and the Department of Energy’s Office of the Inspector General.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – LAMONT REED, age 26, a resident of Harvey, was charged in an indictment with being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

REED was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on September 4, 2020 in a one count indictment for possessing rifle ammunition after having been convicted of two different felony offenses. REED faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.   

U. S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Covington Police Department.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

 

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, September 4, 2020 that RICHARD JONES, age 22, and KAHLIQ WILLIAMS, age 20, residents of New Orleans, LA, are charged in a six-count indictment.  Counts 1 and 3 of the indictment charges JONES and WILLIAMS for their alleged participation in the carjacking of a man on Eastern Street in New Orleans, LA on April 16, 2020, and the burglary of C&S Gun Parlor in Covington, LA on April 17, 2020.  In Count 4, WILLIAMS is charged with an additional carjacking, which took place on May 19, 2020, in the 7600 block of Trapier Avenue in New Orleans, LA.  Count 6 charges JONES with being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 22, 2020, the date of his arrest.  Finally, in Counts 2 and 5, both JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. 

In Counts 1 and 4 of the indictment, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 2119.  If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  In Counts 2 and 5, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 924(c)(1).  If convicted, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years to life imprisonment, to be run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 5 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  In Count 3, JONES and WILLIAMS are charged with burglary of a federal firearm licensee in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(u).  If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 10 years, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Finally, in Count 6, JONES is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 922(g)(1) and 18 United States Code Section 924(a)(2). If convicted, JONES faces a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. 

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

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

This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.  The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the following Project Guardian partners: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Inga Petrovich of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on September 8, 2020, United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry sentenced ADAM LUMPKIN, age 35, a resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana, to 78 months’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release after pleading guilty on October 22, 2019, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on December 14, 2018, agents and officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that LUMPKIN was traveling to a motel in Hammond, Louisiana with a quantity of methamphetamine.  After LUMPKIN arrived at the motel, agents approached LUMPKIN’S vehicle and observed him throw a bag containing methamphetamine on to the floor of his vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a box of sandwich bags, and two digital scales.  In a post-arrest interview, LUMPKIN acknowledged that he was preparing to distribute the methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Hammond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Paige O’Hale and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MARC A. VICTORIANO (VICTORIANO), age 46, of Covington, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to  one-count of theft from a program receiving federal funds before United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. 

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

“The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) is designed to protect our schools from hazardous air pollutants”, said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Brooks of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division in Louisiana. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that individuals who intentionally violate federal laws will be held responsible for their crimes.”

VICTORIANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than ten years, a fine of $250,000.00, and up to three years (3) years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2020.  

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

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