Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THADDEUS CARTER, age 46, of New Orleans, Louisiana, and GUADELUPE PEREIDA, age 44, of Douglas, Arizona, were sentenced on January 9, 2020 before the Honorable Carl J. Barbier for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the court records, CARTER and PEREIDA had previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and to possession with the intent to distribute heroin and marijuana.  The case resulted from a lengthy Title III wire intercept investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in which CARTER and his co-conspirators were captured discussing heroin sales, making sales, and arranging to pay back heroin sources of supply in Chicago, who were sourcing the drugs from near the Arizona/Mexico border.  CARTER admitted to dealing heroin daily on the streets of New Orleans for several years.  PEREIDA, among other things, admitted to assisting with shipping drugs from the border area.    

Judge Barbier sentenced CARTER to 75 months in federal prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, where federal probation officers will monitor his behavior.  Judge Barbier sentenced PEREIDA to 11 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, where federal probation officers will monitor her behavior.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that HECTOR SILVA-TOLENTINO, age 29, was charged in a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a social security number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

According to the Bill of Information, SILVA-TOLENTINO (“SILVA”), presented a false identification document in order to obtain a Louisiana Driver’s License in Napoleonville, Louisiana.  SILVA-TOLENTINO used the driver’s license to obtain employment on offshore oilrigs.  If convicted, SILVA-TOLENTINO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of (5) five years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of (3) three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. 

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General and the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GERMIEL AUSTIN, age 35, a resident of Amite, Louisiana, was sentenced January 9, 2020 after previously pleading guilty to providing a document containing false statements to the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”).

United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced AUSTIN to 2 years of probation, with 6 months to be served on home incarceration, and a $100 special assessment fee. According to court documents, the Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) is an agency of the United States government responsible for the issuance of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (“TWIC”) cards. TWIC cards are biometric credentials issued to individuals who require unescorted access to security-sensitive transportation sectors such as airports, railroads, chemical plants, and maritime ports. TSA ensures that each applicant undergoes a security threat assessment to determine a person’s eligibility. Convictions for certain criminal offenses can either permanently or temporarily disqualify applicants from consideration. Applicants can sometimes be granted a waiver.

On July 25, 2014, AUSTIN composed and faxed a letter in his own name, to the “TSA TWIC Processing Center” explaining the facts surrounding a previous criminal conviction and indicated that he was not a “threat or risk” in an attempt to have a waiver granted. On the same day, AUSTIN faxed a second letter to the “TSA TWIC Processing Center” that falsely claimed to be from his probation officer. The letter falsely indicated that the defendant successfully completed probation and has demonstrated “his intention to maintain a law-abiding lifestyle.” An agent with the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, later determined that no person having the name used by AUSTIN had ever been employed by the referenced probation office.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard Investigative Service agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RAYMUNDO DE LA PAZ (DE LA PAZ), age 27, pled guilty on January 9, 2020 before United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon,  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).

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.

 DE LA PAZ faces a possible sentence up to five (5) years imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  United States District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for  March 19, 2020.

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 –  United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ESTEBAN RAMIREZ, III (“RAMIREZ”), age 27, a resident of Lorain, Ohio, entered a plea of guilty January 7, 2020 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

According to court records, in the beginning of February 2017, 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 RAMIREZ and Heather Tolson (“Tolson”) to receive funds, totaling approximately $8,200, 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.  According to documents filed in federal court, 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 that 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. 

In addition, 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 and 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. Finally, Fernandez, RAMIREZ, and Tolson falsely represented themselves as employees of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

On February 11, 2019, Special Agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) arrested Tolson and RAMIREZ in Ohio.  On February 11, 2019, Tolson and RAMIREZ appeared before a federal magistrate judge in Ohio who released Tolson on a $10,000 bond and with the condition that she appear in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 25, 2019. RAMIREZ was detained. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and HSI are working with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State to extradite Fernandez from the Dominican Republic. 

RAMIREZ faces maximum sentence of five (5) years. Upon release from prison, RAMIREZ also faces a term of supervised release up to (3) three years, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to each defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under Title 18, United States Code, Section 3571.  Sentencing by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is scheduled for May 6, 2020.

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.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES RAIFORD, age 26, of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 7, 2020 to a term of 74 months for multiple violations of Hobbs Act Robbery, and one count of Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery. Additionally, the Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, U.S. District Court Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, sentenced RAIFORD to serve 120 months, to run consecutive to the 74 month sentence, for violating the Federal Gun Control Act, by brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the Hobbs Act Robberies and Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery.  After the completion of his sentence, RAIFORD will be on supervised release for a period of 3 years.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department conducted an investigation into armed robberies occurring at various businesses located in New Orleans, Louisiana during April of 2018.  On April 17, 2018, RAIFORD robbed the Boost Mobile cellular telephone store located at 7058 Read Boulevard, while in possession of a firearm.  On April 19, 2018, RAIFORD robbed the Boost Mobile cellular telephone store located at 5741 Crowder Boulevard, while in possession of a firearm.  On April 19, 2018, RAIFORD robbed the Dollar General store located at 11020 Morrison Road, while in possession of a firearm.  On April 24, 2018, RAIFORD robbed the Kwik Pik gas station and convenience store located at 10040 Morrison Road, while in possession of a firearm.   The last robbery occurred on April 25, 2018, at the Boost Mobile cellular telephone store located at 2277 St. Claude Avenue.  RAIFORD brandished firearms and threatened harm to the victims during each of the robberies.  RAIFORD obtained $3,572.00 in total as a result of the robberies.

NOPD detectives identified RAIFORD from surveillance camera footage recovered from the stores.  A search of RAIFORD’s cellular telephone showed that RAIFORD researched the robberies after he committed them.

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.

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NICOLE SERUNTINE, age 35, an employee of Company A.M.M., was sentenced January 7, 2020 after pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging her with wire fraud.

According to the Bill of Information, from around June 2010 through February 2017, NICOLE SERUNTINE worked as a secretary and dispatcher at Company A.M.M., located in Jefferson, Louisiana. Around October 2014 through February 17, 2017, SERUNTINE devised a scheme to defraud Company A.M.M. out of more than $500,000 by using her role as administrative assistant to order a fuel card that she was not entitled to use, and unlawfully used it for her own personal expenses, including food, gas, and cash advances.

NICOLE SERUNTINE was sentenced to ­­5 years probation and to pay restitution in the amount of $100 a month.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.

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Debra Becnel, a former correctional officer, pleaded guilty to making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, in connection with the federal investigation into the death of Nimali Henry, an inmate at the St. Bernard Parish Prison. Ms. Henry died in custody on April 1, 2014, after she failed to receive medical treatment for her serious medical needs during her ten-day incarceration.

In pleading guilty, defendant Becnel admitted that Ms. Henry and other inmates told her, as well as other correctional officers, that Ms. Henry was ill, needed medical treatment, and might die if she did not get her medical treatment. Becnel further admitted that, when FBI agents questioned her about Ms. Henry’s death, she falsely stated that neither Henry nor the inmates talked to her about Ms. Henry’s medical needs.         

“When officers make false statements to federal authorities, they hamper the ability of the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute civil rights violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to defend the civil rights of all citizens.”

“Debra Becnel lied to the FBI about what she knew about Nimali Henry’s death,” stated U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  “The public must be able to trust that correctional officers are fulfilling their duties honestly.  Public officials who are not truthful during the course of federal investigations must face the consequences of their actions.”  

 “Debra Becnel deliberately deceived FBI agents during a civil rights investigation,” said Bryan A. Vorndran FBI New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge. “Placed in a position of trust, law enforcement and correctional officers are held to a higher standard. The FBI New Orleans Field Office will continue to prioritize the investigation of federal Civil Rights violations and any other violations of federal law within our correctional facilities.”

Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2020, before the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle. Becnel faces a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment. 

In a related case, former Corporal Timothy Williams pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2018, to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions. When Williams is sentenced, he faces a maximum penalty up to life imprisonment. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted jointly by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorneys Chandra Menon and Tracey N. Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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.  

WASHINGTON – Debra Becnel, a former correctional officer, pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020 to making false statements in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, in connection with the federal investigation into the death of Nimali Henry, an inmate at the St. Bernard Parish Prison. Ms. Henry died in custody on April 1, 2014, after she failed to receive medical treatment for her serious medical needs during her ten-day incarceration.

In pleading guilty, defendant Becnel admitted that Ms. Henry and other inmates told her, as well as other correctional officers, that Ms. Henry was ill, needed medical treatment, and might die if she did not get her medical treatment. Becnel further admitted that, when FBI agents questioned her about Ms. Henry’s death, she falsely stated that neither Henry nor the inmates talked to her about Ms. Henry’s medical needs.         

“When officers make false statements to federal authorities, they hamper the ability of the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute civil rights violations,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to defend the civil rights of all citizens.”

“Debra Becnel lied to the FBI about what she knew about Nimali Henry’s death,” stated U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  “The public must be able to trust that correctional officers are fulfilling their duties honestly. Public officials who are not truthful during the course of federal investigations must face the consequences of their actions.”  

“Debra Becnel deliberately deceived FBI agents during a civil rights investigation,” said Bryan A. Vorndran FBI New Orleans Field Office Special Agent in Charge. “Placed in a position of trust, law enforcement and correctional officers are held to a higher standard. The FBI New Orleans Field Office will continue to prioritize the investigation of federal Civil Rights violations and any other violations of federal law within our correctional facilities.”

Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2020, before the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle. Becnel faces a maximum sentence of five years of imprisonment. 

In a related case, former Corporal Timothy Williams pleaded guilty on Sept. 18, 2018, to one count of Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law, 18 U.S.C. § 242. In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Ms. Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions. When Williams is sentenced, he faces a maximum penalty up to life imprisonment. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted jointly by Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant United States Attorneys Chandra Menon and Tracey N. Knight of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that COLBI TRENT DEFIORE, age 27, a resident of Carriere, Mississippi, pleaded guilty on January 7, 2020 before United States District Judge Jay A. Zainey to a one-count indictment with intentionally accessing a protected computer in excess of authorization for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain, and in furtherance of the commission of a felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1030(a)(2)(C).

According to court documents, DEFIORE worked as a seasonal employee for Company A, a Virginia-based company in the technology sector that supported the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) by operating contact centers to assist with, among other things, Medicare enrollment.  One of the centers, at which DEFIORE worked, was located in Bogalusa, Louisiana.  On numerous occasions, up to at least November 12, 2018, DEFIORE improperly accessed and obtained, the personal identifying information of more than 8,000 individuals by improperly accessing the healthcare.gov database. 

Specifically, DEFIORE conducted “bulk searches” of the database, which he was prohibited from doing, and was able to view the personal information of healthcare.gov customers.  DEFIORE then copied the results of his searches onto a virtual clipboard and sent them to himself via email.  After work hours, DEFIORE accessed Company A’s network remotely without authorization to retrieve his work email.  DEFIORE used the personal information of at least five consumers to apply fraudulently for at least six credit cards, loans, and lines of credit for his personal benefit. 

DEFIORE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for April 7, 2020.

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LATANYA A. BRITTON, age 41, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was sentenced January 7, 2020 for Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. Judge Vitter sentenced Britton to a term of probation for three (3) years, the first six (6) months to be served as a period of home incarceration. In addition, Britton was ordered to pay full restitution to the victims. Lastly, Britton will need to complete fifty (50) hours of community service.

According to court records, on January 22, 2018, BRITTON was hired as a bookkeeper in the client accounting services department at Accounting Firm A. Accounting Firm A was located in New Orleans, Louisiana and provided client accounting services to local businesses and individuals.  Client B, a restaurant located in the New Orleans French Quarter, was a small business client of Accounting Firm A. BRITTON became the bookkeeper for Client B and was entrusted with the daily accounting and bill paying for Client B’s account. Accounting Firm A utilized a cloud-based accounting software called Restaurant 365 to manage the account for Client B.  Restaurant 365 allowed BRITTON authorized access to Client B’s bank account.  BRITTON’s position allowed her to issue checks to Client B’s vendors that contained an electronic signature of the managing shareholder of Client B. 

On August 16, 2018, BRITTON established an entity named Lagniappe Accounting Services, L.L.C. (“Lagniappe”). Navy Federal Credit Union (“NFCU”) was a domestic financial banking institution headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. All check images received by NFCU either from a NFCU branch, ATM, e-deposit, or other channel, were transmitted to computer servers located in Vienna, Virginia. On August 24, 2018, BRITTON opened bank account No. ******2479 with NFCU under the name Lagniappe.

BRITTON devised and implemented a scheme to defraud Client B by embezzling approximately $32,000 from Client B’s bank account. BRITTON accessed Restaurant 365 software to delete approximately 31 check entries payable to Lagniappe that she fraudulently issued from Client B’s account.  BRITTON opened an account with NFCU in the name Lagniappe in order to deposit funds she embezzled from Client B.  BRITTON used her NFCU Lagniappe account debit card to pay for personal expenses at retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, JCPenney’s, Old Navy, DSW, and at various nail spas.  It was further part of the scheme and artifice to defraud, and in an effort to conceal her conduct, that on December 30, 2018, BRITTON made false statements in an email to Client B’s managing shareholder after he contacted BRITTON regarding a suspicious check written to Lagniappe. BRITTON was terminated from Accounting Firm A on January 3, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD COMPANY, LLC, a Louisiana Limited Liability Company located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, was charged on December 30, 2019 in a one count Bill of Information for the illegal sale of oysters in violation of the Lacey Act.   

According to the Bill of Information, from November 1, 2017 through March 19, 2019, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD did knowingly sell and transport oysters in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350.00, when, in the exercise of due care, INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD should have known that said oysters were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S.  56:306.4, R.S. 56:306.5, R.S. 56:306.6.

INDIAN RIDGE SEAFOOD faces a maximum fine of not more than $200,000 and a special assessment of $125.00.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Julia K. Evans is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BENNIE RUTH HARRIS, age 64, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana pled guilty on December 18, 2019 to obtaining oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, by fraud. 

According to court documents, on August 7, 2017, HARRIS filled a fictitious prescription for oxycodone and took possession of the oxycodone pills.  The prescription was created using a stolen prescription template from an area physician.  HARRIS faces up to 4 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release.  Sentencing was scheduled for April 15, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work investigating the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Myles Ranier. 

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on December 19, 2019 KEVIN CRAWFORD (“CRAWFORD”), age 34, of New Orleans, was sentenced to 77 months imprisonment by Chief United States District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.  Additionally, CRAWFORD was ordered to serve three (3) years of supervised release and pay a $200.00 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, on April 12, 2018, New Orleans Police Department officers conducted a proactive patrol near 6100 N. Claiborne Ave.  As the officers approached the area, CRAWFORD quickly walked away from a gold Infiniti sedan.  Inside the sedan was an SKS, 7.62 x 39 mm caliber, semi-automatic rifle which was equipped with two extended magazines.  CRAWFORD later admitted that he was the owner of the Infiniti.

On June 17, 2018, members of the New Orleans Police Department encountered CRAWFORD near 447 N. Rampart Street.  This time, CRAWFORD drove a silver colored Infiniti (w/ a stolen temporary tag).  When CRAWFORD returned to the vehicle, the officers approached to question him but he ran away.  The officers apprehended CRAWFORD at the 1000 block of St. Louis Street.  Inside the silver Infiniti was a chrome and black colored handgun sticking out from under the driver’s side car seat.  The firearm was a stolen loaded Ruger Model P345, .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun.  Due to his felon status, federal law prohibited CRAWFORD from possessing firearms.

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 and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the case. 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEEPAK “JACK” JAGTIANI, age 60, a resident of Metairie, was charged on December 19, 2019 in a two-count indictment with wire fraud and making false statements on a federal income tax return.

According to the indictment, from 2007 to 2019, JAGTIANI served as the comptroller of Dan-Gulf Shipping, Inc., a Metairie-based freight forwarding company.  In that capacity, JAGTIANI had the authority to manage the payroll and other accounts for Dan-Gulf.  Using his authority, JAGTIANI paid himself excessive salaries and benefits from 2009 through early 2019.  In total, JAGTIANI defrauded Dan-Gulf of over $7,000,000.00.  The indictment also alleges that JAGTIANI filed false personal tax returns in April 2018, in which he claimed that he and his spouse sustained $998,335.00 in business losses from a “catering business” in order to reduce their tax burden.  In truth and in fact, neither JAGTIANI nor his spouse operated any catering business.

If convicted of wire fraud, JAGTIANI faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  If convicted of filing false tax returns, JAGTIANI faces a maximum of three years of imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.

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 agencies that contributed to this indictment, including the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  U.S. Attorney Strasser also extended his thanks to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this matter.  This case is an example of the coordinated effort of the federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael B. Redmann is handling forfeiture.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on December 17, 2019, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against DAMIEN JUSTIN, age 42, relating to being a prohibited person in possession of two (2) firearms. 

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

At the conclusion of a two-day trial, the jury found JUSTIN guilty of the sole count of the Superseding Indictment.  JUSTIN faces up to a maximum of ten (10) years imprisonment.  Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for April 7, 2020.

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.

United States Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force   which led this investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Duane A. Evans and Andre Jones are in charge of the prosecution.               

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NEW ORLEANS – CHARLES WILLIAMS, JR. (“WILLIAMS”), age 50, of New Orleans, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on December 18, 2019 to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

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

On August 29, 2018, FBI special agents interviewed WILLIAMS. During the interview, WILLIAMS said he used cash withdrawn from a St. Luke’s account to fund a $2,500 Chase cashier check dated February 21, 2018, with Remitter: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Operating Account. When the agents specifically asked whether bank records would show the money for the cashier’s check came from a St. Luke’s account, he denied that bank records would show the $2,500 coming from the church account. Further, he told the agents that the $2,500 had come from his personal account. The investigation showed, however, that on February 21, 2018, he had withdrawn $2,900 from St. Luke’s operating account ending x1224 and then used $2,500 of those funds to purchase the above described cashier’s check made payable to the Esplanade Mall for the benefit of his pizza restaurant.  Further, he used St. Luke’s money for his business and personal use.

WILLIAMS faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment. Upon release from prison, WILLIAMS faces up to three (3) years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

WILLIAMS will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk on April 15, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 AARON RUDOLPH, age 26, of New Orleans, was sentenced for bank robbery on December 12, 2019.

According to the court documents, AARON RUDOLPH conspired with his co-defendant, JOHN RUDOLPH, by entering the First Bank and Trust located at 1320 South Morrison Boulevard, in Hammond, Louisiana and robbing the bank of approximately $10,490.96 at gunpoint.

United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced AARON RUDOLPH to 60 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced DARRYL DOUSE a.k.a. “TURKEY”, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, on December 17, 2019 for his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court paperwork, DOUSE got into a gunfight near the intersection of Bienville and Treme Street on March 17, 2019, hitting the other shooter in the foot.  The shootout was captured on surveillance footage and numerous witnesses identified DOUSE as one of the shooters.  About a week later, Jefferson Parish authorities stopped another individual who was a felon and found him in possession of a short-barreled rifle.  The seized weapon was test fired and a ballistic comparison using the NIBIN system linked that gun to the March 17 shooting involving DOUSE. 

DOUSE was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department on charges related to the shooting.  After being arrested by state authorities, DOUSE admitted to his participation in the shooting.  At the time of the shooting, DOUSE had been convicted of two counts of attempted armed robbery and knew that he was a felon who could not possess firearms.  DOUSE also admitted to participating in another shooting around the same area on a different date.  Federal authorities adopted DOUSE’s case for federal prosecution.

United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced DOUSE to 84 months imprisonment and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment on the gun charge. 

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.  For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MANUEL LIRA-RIVERA, age 35, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced LIRA-RIVERA to time served (4 months of imprisonment), followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, prior to August 14, 2019, LIRA-RIVERA submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application in order to obtain employment with a construction company. He attested on the form that he was someone else. He used a fraudulent Social Security card in the name of the other person which also contained that person’s actual Social Security number as verification. In order to finalize employment with that company, he was required to take a safety course at another location on August 14, 2019. He once again provided the fraudulent Social Security card as proof of his identity, but an employee suspected the card was fraudulent and alerted Customs and Border Protection. Subsequent record checks confirmed his real identity.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of United States Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, 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 – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 23, of New Orleans, pled guilty on December 17, 2019 to a superseding bill of information charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, to possession with the intent to distribute heroin, to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and to obstruction of justice.

According to court documents, on or about February 19, 2018, KENDALL BARNES placed a recorded jail call directing another individual to move a firearm and ten bags of heroin from a hidden location.  United States District Court Judge Gregory Guidry set sentencing in this matter for April 7, 2020.

KENDALL BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  For the possession with the intent to distribute heroin count, BARNES faces a maximum term of 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. For possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, BARNES faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to a maximum of life, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.  For the obstruction of justice count, BARNES faces up to ten years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years 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.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation New Orleans Violent Crimes Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NICHOLAS ROTUNDA ALLEN, age 39, an inmate in Jimmy Autry State Prison in Pelham, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, to be served consecutively to his state sentence in an unrelated matter, restitution to “Victim A” in the amount of $5,500, supervised release for 3 years, and payment of a $100 special assessment fee by United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 371, for his role in perpetrating a grand jury fraud scam and victimizing a resident of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to court documents, ALLEN was sentenced to a period of incarceration as part of a felony conviction on February 22, 2016 in the State of Georgia.  He began serving his sentence at Jimmy Autry State Prison, a Georgia Department of Correction facility located in Pelham, Georgia, on about March 30, 2016.  Jimmy Autry State Prison housed approximately 1,700 adult male inmates and had approximately 119 correctional officers employed by the Georgia Department of Corrections overseeing them.  In about 2016, several inmates and correctional officers at Jimmy Autry State Prison were the subject of a series of federal prosecutions related to a scheme by which inmates bribed correctional officers to smuggle contraband, namely cellular phones, into the prison.

On November 6, 2017, and November 7, 2017, ALLEN used a contraband cellular telephone to contact Victim A, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, from inside the state prison.  Although he was not permitted to have a phone inside the jail, ALLEN obtained the phone from a non-incarcerated co-conspirator.  The cellular telephone ALLEN used was associated with two Georgia-based phone numbers, but he attempted to avoid detection and make it appear as though he was located within the New Orleans area by utilizing a “spoofing” application that made it appear to Victim A that someone with a local phone number, (504) XXX-5237, was contacting him.

ALLEN pretended to be a Deputy United States Marshal and informed Victim A that he had unlawfully failed to report for jury duty service for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  ALLEN further told Victim A that because he had failed to appear for jury duty, a warrant had been issued out of the Eastern District of Louisiana for Victim A’s arrest.  ALLEN said that Victim A had the choice of either being arrested on the warrant or paying a $5,500 fine to have the arrest warrant dismissed. Victim A paid the fine by buying a series of pre-paid cash cards and giving the account numbers to ALLEN.  Thereafter, Victim A paid ALLEN by buying a total of eleven (11) pre-paid cash cards and giving the cards’ account numbers to ALLEN. 

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

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that, on December 12, 2019, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against JOHN WELDON and ERISTON WILSON relating to nine robberies of gas stations, convenience stores, and a bank. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, between December 2018 and February 2019, WELDON and WILSON committed armed robberies of three gas stations on General de Gaulle Drive, multiple convenience stores on the West Bank and in the Seventh Ward, and a bank in Algiers.  They carried firearms and wore blue gloves in each of the robberies.

At the conclusion of a three-day trial, the jury found WELDON and WILSON guilty on all counts each defendant faced. The defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison and a maximum life sentence.  Sentencing is set for April 1, 2020 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI, which led this investigation and was assisted by the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office

Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh, Greg Kennedy, and Michael Redmann are in charge of the prosecution.                                                                             

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WASHINGTON – A Louisiana resident and owner of a freight forwarding company, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2019 in federal court in the Eastern District of Louisiana, on a charge of trafficking exotic birds protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Paul Tallman of Kenner, Louisiana, owner of Aerotyme-Inc., pleaded to the charges, which stemmed from a scheme by codefendant William McGinness to ship birds from California to the Port of New Orleans for export to Taiwan in order to avoid a 2015 Taiwanese ban on the import of all California birds due to the risk of highly pathogenic avian flu. The shipment contained 86 birds, including three falsely labeled macaws.

“This illegal scheme flouted federal and international laws meant to protect exotic birds from exploitation as well as international efforts to contain infectious disease,” said Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This case shows well how federal law enforcement protects our nation’s resources, its biodiversity, and the public’s health from criminal enterprises.”

On Dec. 11, 2019, McGinness pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle and make false statements in violation of the Lacey Act, as well as a false statement charge. Another codefendant, Rene Rizal, also pleaded guilty to a false statement charge.

McGinness had Tallman and Rizal create and certify false paperwork in order to facilitate the shipment of the birds from New Orleans. McGinness trucked the birds from California to Aerotyme Inc. in Kenner, Louisiana, where he and Tallman submitted false paperwork, including a veterinary health certificate certifying that the birds were disease free, to agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Federal law enforcement officers seized 14 birds prior to export.

Codefendants Wayne Andrews, a bird breeder, and Alex Madriaga, a veterinarian, both from California, previously pleaded guilty to creating false documents to facilitate McGiness’ plan to transport the birds from California to Louisiana.  Andrews’ and Madriaga’s sentencings are scheduled for Jan. 15, 2020. Rizal’s, McGinness’ and Tallman’s sentencings are scheduled for March 4, 2020.

The maximum sentence for Tallman is one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The maximum sentence for McGinness and Rizal is five years in prison, three years of post-release supervision, and a fine of up to $250,000.  Andrews and Madriaga face a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement investigated this case. Trial Attorney Mary Dee Carraway of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Missy Bücher of the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DON EDWARD PANNELL, II (“PANNELL”), age 32, of Harvey, Louisiana was sentenced today for Receipt of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

The case against Petty Officer 2nd Class DON EDWARD PANNELL, II developed because of an undercover child exploitation investigation conducted by special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).  At the time of this investigation,   PANNELL was a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Detachment, New Orleans.  On April 2, 2018, HSI special agents along with special agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation seized electronic evidence from PANNELL’s Harvey apartment and took PANNELL into custody.  According to documents filed in federal court, HSI computer forensic examiners located over 1,000 images and 125 videos depicting the sexual victimization of children on the defendant’s homebuilt tower computer. The images and videos depicted pre-pubescent girls, including toddlers, engaged in sexual acts with adults.

PANNELL was sentenced to 97 months by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry. PANNELL was also sentenced to a period of 5 years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment, and ordered to pay $24,000.00 in restitution. In addition, PANNELL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”           

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Supervisor of Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANTOINE NARCISSE, age 24, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on December 12, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Barry W. Ashe to conspiracy to commit access device fraud.

According to court documents, NARCISSE and the other defendants engaged in a scheme to obtain merchandise and cash from stores through fraud.  The defendants obtained stolen credit and debit card information, encoded it onto cards, and then used that information to purchase items at stores.  The defendants would then return the items at a different store of the same chain, but they would deceive store workers in order to have the chargeback credited to their own own bank accounts.  Court documents also detail how NARCISSE took flights with two other co-conspirators to perform fraudulent credit card transactions in various cities in the United States, including Portland, Oregon; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Cincinnati, Ohio.  NARCISSE was also arrested in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Franklin, Tennessee, while committing credit card fraud.

NARCISSE pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, for which he faces a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.00, or twice the gross gain or gross loss caused by this scheme.  Sentencing is set for March 5, 2020, before Judge Ashe.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this conviction, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John The Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  U.S. Attorney Strasser also thanked the Franklin (TN) Police Department, the Mobile Police Department, the Gulfport Police Department, the Minnetonka (MN) Police Department, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne and K. Paige O’Hale are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that LEVI HERMAN (HERMAN), age 33, was charged in a one-count Indictment for bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).

According to the Indictment, HERMAN robbed the Capital One Bank located in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 4, 2019.

If convicted, HERMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U. S. Attorney 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ALVARO JOSE MEZA-GONZALEZ  ( MEZA-GONZALEZ), age 39, a native of Nicaragua, was sentenced on December 12, 2019 after previously pleading guilty to illegally using a Social Security  number to obtain employment, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

United States District Court Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced MEZA-GONZALEZ, to time served and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant shall be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.  

According to court documents, on or about August 14, 2019, MEZA-GONZALEZ presented a false Social Security card when attending a pre-employment safety class at the Gulf Coast Safety Council in St. Rose, Louisiana. MEZA-GONZALEZ 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 U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 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 - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces the sentencing on December 12, 2019 of EMMANUEL PRIVA, age 39, a citizen of Haiti, for charges stemming from a visa fraud scheme. U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced PRIVA to 27 months in prison and ordered the forfeiture of PRIVA’s house, automobile, and funds seized from ten bank accounts.

According to court documents, from 2013 to 2018, PRIVA attempted to fraudulently obtain visas for more than 100 aliens, more than 40 of whom succeeded in obtaining visas to travel to the United States. PRIVA ran the scheme from his house in Harvey, Louisiana and other locations.  In exchange for money, PRIVA agreed to assist Haitian nationals in fraudulently obtaining visitor visas to travel to the United States. After receiving payment from Haitian nationals, PRIVA submitted online visa applications containing false information, created false documents to support the applications, and coached the aliens on how to deceive consular officers at interviews for the visas. The scheme was focused on making it appear that the Haitian nationals intended to temporarily visit, as opposed to illegally immigrate to, the United States.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service’s Criminal Fraud Investigations and Overseas Criminal Investigations Divisions in jointly investigating this matter, with support from its New Orleans Resident Office.  U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate and the Haitian National Police’s Direction Centrale de la Police Judiciaire (Central Directorate of the Judicial Police) for their assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JORGE MEJIA-COLIN, age 28, a native of Mexico, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien.

United States District Court Judge Barry W. Ashe sentenced MEJIA- COLIN to time served (4 months of imprisonment), followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, MEJIA-COLIN was previously removed from the United States on September 30, 2008. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on July 24, 2019, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that EDWIN DAVID PONCE-MATAMOROS, age 34, a citizen of Honduras, plead guilty on December 10, 2019 in a one-count indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a) and (b)(1).

According to documents signed by the defendant and filed in open court, federal agents found PONCE-MATAMOROS, who did not have permission to be in the United States, in Jefferson Parish on or about October 10, 2019.  PONCE-MATAMOROS was previously removed from the United States on March 17, 2017. 

PONCE-MATAMOROS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney David Howard Sinkman is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSE HUMBERTO DELSIB-MARTINEZ (hereinafter “Delsib), age 40, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on December 5, 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, 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 powdery substance wedged between the driver’s side floorboard and center console.  A sample of the white powdery 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 that 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 powdery substance, and a black digital scale.  All items were located within a large wooden floor speaker box.  A sample of that white powdery 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 faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release on all counts.

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 announced that ALTON MCCLINTON, age 55, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey to (3) years probation, a $3,000 fine and 200 hours of community service after previously pleading guilty to using a facility of interstate commerce with the intent to promote unlawful activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1952(a)(3).

According to court documents, MCCLINTON began working as a building inspector for the Jefferson Parish Department of Inspection and Code Enforcement in about 2014.  He was responsible for, among other things, investigating complaints involving zoning violations and inspecting buildings to ensure that the structures complied with parish building codes.  On at least ten (10) occasions, MCCLINTON used his position to demand a payment of between $150 and $500 in exchange for issuing either (1) a report reflecting that no zoning violation had occurred when, in fact, one had occurred and (2) an inspection report reflecting that MCCLINTON had inspected a particular building and that the building complied with parish building codes when, in fact, MCCLINTON had not actually inspected the building.  Thereafter, MCCLINTON had the pertinent information regarding the fraudulently passed building or zoning inspection entered into one of two internet-based computer systems used by Jefferson Parish to record building inspections and zoning violations.  While most of the bribe payments MCCLINTON received were in cash, at least one was in the form of a check drawn on the account of the party seeking a passing report from MCCLINTON. In total, MCCLINTON received a total of not less than $3,000 in bribe payments to influence his conduct.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, with the assistance of the Jefferson Parish Office of the Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – DANIELLE FRANKLIN, age 28, and a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 5, 2019 to one count of assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return before United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

As charged in the indictment, FRANKLIN prepared a false tax return in 2014 for a client of Cutting Edge Income Tax, located on Airline Drive in Metairie, Louisiana. As part of the scheme, FRANKLIN allegedly falsified the return by including fraudulent business losses when in fact the customer had zero losses and expenses.

Sentencing will be on March 5, 2020. At that time, FRANKLIN faces a maximum sentence of three years, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine for aiding and assisting in the preparation of a fraudulent tax return.

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

NEW ORLEANS – JACOB BANKS, age 29, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 5, 2019 by United States District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

BANKS had previously admitted to possessing a Ruger, LCP, 9 mm caliber semi-automatic pistol in the French Quarter.  New Orleans Police Department Officers had observed BANKS and another man smoking marijuana and approached them.  BANKS fled, discarding the pistol he was carrying in a dumpster as he ran down the block.  The officers apprehended BANKS and then found the pistol in the dumpster. 

Judge Lemmon sentenced BANKS to 33 months in the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, to be followed by three years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment.  Judge Lemmon also ordered BANKS to pay a special assessment of $100 and ordered that the gun he had possessed be forfeited to the United States. 

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DOMINIQUE ALAINA BERRY, age 30, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, pleaded guilty as charged on December 5, 2019 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to a two-count bill of information that charged her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and interstate transportation and use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 1343, 1344, and 1952(a)(3) (Count 1), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A (Count 2).

According to court documents, BERRY and R.S. met in about early 2013 and soon developed a romantic relationship.  Thereafter, BERRY began working for an escort agency under R.S.’s supervision, often engaging in prostitution activities.  BERRY and R.S. travelled nationally engaging in their prostitution scheme, the proceeds of which R.S. required BERRY to give to him.  R.S. and BERRY often advertised on location-specific bulletin boards, social applications, and classified advertisement websites.  BERRY often used the alias “Desiree Knowles.”  When BERRY did not perform her role efficiently or effectively or otherwise failed to comply with R.S.’s direction, R.S. would threaten, slap, strike, beat, and choke BERRY.  

Thereafter, BERRY and R.S.’s enterprise evolved into one that involved meeting individuals online who were interested in companionship, arranging face-to-face interactions with them, and incapacitating them by giving them illegal drugs and prescription medication with neuro-suppressive side effects, including anti-psychotic medications, which the victims unknowingly ingested.  BERRY and R.S. would then steal the victims’ valuables. 

Between at least November 2015 and September 2017, R.S. and BERRY implemented the scheme on not fewer than fifty (50) occasions throughout the United States, including in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.  Court documents detail nine of the victims.  BERRY and R.S. typically traveled in a white Mercedes Benz automobile.  BERRY and R.S. were arrested at a hotel in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on September 13, 2017.  When law enforcement authorities found BERRY at the hotel, she was bleeding from her nose, had a swollen lip and puncture consistent with her teeth biting through her lip, and black electrical tape around one of her arms.

Among the victims was S.A., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, whom BERRY met through a social media application on about February 24, 2017.  After exchanging text messages and phone calls, BERRY and S.A. agreed to meet at S.A.’s apartment.  Thereafter, R.S. dropped BERRY off at S.A.’s apartment.   While at S.A.’s apartment, BERRY placed drugs designed to incapacitate S.A., including multiple anti-psychotic medications, into S.A.’s beverages without his knowledge or authorization.  After S.A. lost consciousness, BERRY told R.S. that S.A. was incapacitated.  Thereafter, S.A.’s valuables, including his wallet, two cellular phones, his keys, and his 2012 Toyota Tacoma truck were stolen by R.S. and one or more co-conspirators.  On February 25, 2017, BERRY and R.S. used S.A.’s debit card to make multiple purchases in the New Orleans area.  Additionally, on February 25, 2017, detectives with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a wellness check at S.A.’s residence and found him to be deceased.  Among its findings, toxicology tests found anti-psychotic medications in S.A.’s body and determined them to have contributed to his death.

If you believe you are a victim of these criminal activities, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324), and reference this case.

If convicted, BERRY faces a maximum term of seven (7) years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three (3) years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment for each count.  Sentencing before Judge Fallon has been scheduled for March 19, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter and expressed appreciation for the support provided by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg, supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, and Elizabeth Privitera, supervisor of the Violent Crime Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARCHIE MORRIS, age 42, of New Orleans, pled to five counts of arson on December 3, 2019, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 844(i).

According to court documents, MORRIS started five fires at an apartment located at 2260 North Prieur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.  On or about April 2, 2018, at two different times of the day, MORRIS started fires at this apartment.  Then, on or about April 7, 2018, MORRIS set fire to this same residence at three different times of the day.

For each count of arson, MORRIS faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of twenty years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment, per count.  U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for March10, 2020.

U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Fire Department, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SUZANNE C. MAY, age 61, of Mandeville, pled guilty on December 3, 2019 to conspiracy to alter or falsify records in connection with a federal investigation, namely, a Medicare audit of a hospice facility located in New Orleans, identified in court documents as Company 1.

According to court documents, MAY was a registered nurse in the State of Louisiana and served as the administrator of Company 1.  In 2015, Medicare audited Company 1 and concluded that Company 1 did not have the proper patient documentation to justify Company 1’s level of billing for hospice services.  As a result, Medicare reversed all the claims for hospice services under review in that audit, which amounted to $383,107.26.  In connection with that audit, Medicare sent an education letter to MAY regarding what was required of Company 1 in order to bill for hospice services. 

In August 2017, Medicare performed another audit of Company 1 and requested patient documentation for 99 beneficiaries for whom Company 1 submitted claims for purportedly providing hospice care services.  MAY was in charge of gathering the documents requested by the August 2017 audit.  After reviewing Company 1’s files for these beneficiaries, MAY understood that Company 1 did not have the required records to justify Company 1’s billings to Medicare for purported hospice care services for the claims under review.

According to court documents, between August 2017 and October 2017, MAY admitted that she and other employees of Company 1 altered and falsified patient records to hide the fact that Company 1 lacked required medical records to justify bills submitted to Medicare for purported hospice services for the beneficiaries at issue in the audit.  MAY admitted that she knew that Company 1 employees added the initials of deceased beneficiaries to certain paperwork that Medicare had requested in the audit.  MAY also admitted that she placed white-out on one patient record and created a false note on that record indicating she treated the patient as a nurse in November 2014.  MAY caused the falsified patient records to be submitted to Medicare in response so Company 1 would pass the audit.  Despite the falsifications, Medicare nonetheless determined that Company 1’s patient records were still largely deficient.    

MAY faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years supervised release in addition to a $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their work investigating the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh. 

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KACIE DOUCET, age 38, of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on December 4, 2019 to conspiring to distribute ketamine which resulted in the death of a Slidell, Louisiana teenager.  The eighteen year old’s dead body was found floating in a Texas bayou.

As described in court documents, DOUCET, along with WILLIAM HARRISON FARRIS, age 39, and LEILANI ASPURIA, age 25, conspired to incapacitate the teenager with drugs so that he could be transported to law enforcement authorities in Texas.  DOUCET, FARRIS, and ASPURIA, did so in the hope of receiving free drugs from two large scale Texas-based methamphetamine dealers.  These dealers, a married couple, had told their New Orleans customers that they wanted the teenager so they would not lose the $6000 bond they had posted for him months earlier.

DOUCET faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a possible fine of $500,000, and at least 2 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for DOUCET on April 8, 2020.  FARRIS and ASPURIA pleaded guilty to the same charge.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Houston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long and David Howard Sinkman are in charge of the prosecution.      

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MICHAEL C. CRAWFORD, JR., age 43, of Houma, was sentenced for distribution of heroin.

According to court documents, on January 20, 24, and 30, 2018, CRAWFORD distributed a quantity of a mixture containing a detectable amount of heroin. CRAWFORD pled guilty as charged.

Yesterday, Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle found that CRAWFORD was a career offender and sentenced CRAWFORD to 105 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the Superseding Indictment charging three additional defendants: GENETTA ISREAL (“ISREAL”), age 51, of Houston, Texas; MARIO SOLOMON (“SOLOMON”), age 48, of New Orleans; and LARRY WILLIAMS (“LARRY WILLIAMS”), age 46, also of New Orleans.  Previously, the following five defendants were indicted: DAMIAN K. LABEAUD (“LABEAUD”), age 47, of New Orleans; LUCINDA THOMAS (“THOMAS”), age 63; MARY WADE (“WADE”), age 55; JUDY WILLIAMS (“JUDY WILLIAMS”), age 59; and DASHONTAE YOUNG (“YOUNG”), age 25; all of Houma, Louisiana.

The Superseding Indictment adds three new defendants, expands the conspiracy, adds two new counts of wire fraud, and charges an entirely new staged accident that occurred on June 12, 2017.

According to the Superseding Indictment, before on or about June 6, 2017, Attorney A and LABEAUD met at a restaurant in New Orleans. During their meeting, Attorney A and LABEAUD agreed that Attorney A would pay LABEAUD $1,000 per passenger for staged and legitimate accidents with tractor-trailers. Attorney A and LABEAUD agreed that Attorney A would pay $500 per passenger for staged and legitimate accidents that did not involve tractor-trailers. The Grand Jury alleges that Attorney A knew LABEAUD was staging accidents and Attorney A paid LABEAUD for at least forty (40) illegally staged automobile accidents. In addition, LABEAUD and Attorney A would discuss the staging of accidents before they happened. Attorney A also directed LABEAUD to change the locations of the staged accidents, to vary the number of passengers, to avoid talking to the police, and to avoid cameras. Attorney A would advance LABEAUD thousands of dollars for accidents and would instruct LABEAUD that he owed Attorney A a certain number of accidents based on the amount of money advanced.

LABEAUD, SOLOMON, LARRY WILLIAMS, and ISREAL are charged with staging an accident on June 12, 2017, that occurred on Chef Mentuer Highway near the Danziger Bridge in New Orleans. According to the Superseding Indictment, LABEAUD and LARRY WILLIAMS planned to stage an automobile accident to obtain money through fraud. During their planning, LABEAUD told LARRY WILLIAMS that he had an Attorney who would handle everything. The Superseding Indictment alleges that LARRY WILLIAMS recruited ISREAL and another individual (now deceased) to participate in the fraudulent scheme, that LARRY WILLIAMS borrowed a Chevrolet Trailblazer, and that LABEAUD operated the Trailblazer to collide with a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer. After the staged accident, LABEAUD fled the scene and LARRY WILLIAMS got behind the wheel to make it appear that he was operating the Trailblazer during the staged accident. SOLOMON picked up LABEAUD after the staged accident. LARRY WILLIAMS told the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) that he was the driver of the Trailblazer and that the tractor-trailer was at fault. After the staged accident, LABEAUD introduced LARRY WILLIAMS and ISREAL to Attorney A.      

The Superseding Indictment alleges that LARRY WILLIAMS and ISREAL were treated by doctors and healthcare providers at the direction of Attorney A. Attorney A told LARRY WILLIAMS that he would get more money if he had shoulder surgery. On June 12, 2018, Attorney A’s law partner, Attorney B, filed the Larry Williams Lawsuit in Civil District Court (“CDC”) for the Parish of Orleans and on September 14, 2018, Attorney B demanded approximately $60,000.00 in settlement for the deceased passenger and approximately $56,155.00 in settlement for ISREAL. After the suit was filed, LARRY WILLIAMS and ISREAL each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuit filed by Attorney B.

According to the Superseding Indictment and as previously alleged, on June 6, 2017, THOMAS, WADE, JUDY WILLIAMS, and YOUNG drove from Houma, LA, to meet with LABEAUD for the purpose of staging an automobile accident in order to obtain money through fraud. After their meeting, THOMAS, WADE, JUDY WILLIAMS, and YOUNG agreed to allow LABEAUD to drive THOMAS’ 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche vehicle. The defendants then drove around the vicinity of Chef Menteur Highway and Downman Road of New Orleans until they located a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by an Arkansas trucking company. At approximately 12:30 P.M., LABEAUD intentionally collided with the tractor-trailer. LABEAUD then exited THOMAS’ vehicle and instructed THOMAS to get behind the wheel of THOMAS’ Avalanche to make it appear that THOMAS was driving the vehicle at the time of the staged accident.

THOMAS, WADE, JUDY WILLIAMS, and YOUNG contacted the NOPD and falsely reported that THOMAS had been the driver of the Avalanche and that the traitor-trailer had struck her vehicle. LABEAUD then returned to the scene and also made false statements to the NOPD that he had witnessed the accident and that the driver of the tractor-trailer had been at fault.

According to the Superseding Indictment, before and after the staged accident, LABEAUD contacted Attorney A and arranged a meeting with THOMAS, WADE, JUDY WILLIAMS, and YOUNG at a fast food restaurant on Chef Menteur Highway. It is further alleged that Attorney A paid LABEAUD $7,500.00 on the day of the staged accident. Attorney A then demanded approximately $1,000,000.00 per plaintiff in settlement for THOMAS, WADE, and JUDY WILLIAMS. Attorney A then filed two lawsuits in CDC. Both of the lawsuits filed in CDC by Attorney A were removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Superseding Indictment alleges that THOMAS, WADE, and JUDY WILLIAMS each provided false testimony in various depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuits filed by Attorney A.

The Superseding Indictment now additionally alleges that Attorney A contacted LABEAUD because Attorney A was worried about a telephone call made by WADE to LABEAUD prior to the staged accident and Attorney A instructed LABEAUD to contact THOMAS and WADE to instruct them to “get their stories straight.” During a subsequent meeting, Attorney A gave LABEAUD an envelope containing phone records, pleadings, and depositions establishing THOMAS and WADE lied under oath in their September 13, 2018 depositions. Attorney A then met with THOMAS and WADE at a fast-food restaurant outside of New Orleans where Attorney A suggested to THOMAS and WADE a fraudulent scenario to explain a telephone call from WADE to LABEAUD prior to the staged accident.

On or about April 9, 2019, THOMAS, WADE, and JUDY WILLIAMS each provided false testimony in depositions taken in conjunction with the lawsuits filed by Attorney A. Ultimately, but only after a year of pursuing their fraudulent lawsuits, did THOMAS, WADE, and JUDY WILLIAMS settle their cases for $7,500.00 each.

These eight defendants are charged in an eight-count Superseding Indictment. Defendants LABEAUD and SOLOMON are charged with one (1) count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (“Conspiracy Count”) in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 and seven (7) counts of Wire Fraud (“Wire Fraud Counts”) in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. THOMAS, WADE, JUDY WILLIAMS, and YOUNG are charged in the Conspiracy Count and six Wire Fraud Counts. ISREAL and LARRY WILLIAMS are charged in the Conspiracy Count and two Wire Fraud Counts. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of five (5) years for Count 1 and twenty (20) years as to Counts 2-8. Upon their release from prison, each defendant can be placed on a term of supervised release up to three (3) years and fined up to $250,000.00 per count.

All eight defendants were ordered to appear for an initial appearance and arraignment on this Superseding Indictment.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office would 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 Trial Attorney Jared Hasten of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Fraud Section, Health Care Fraud Unit. 

NEW ORLEANS – The Department of Justice today announced that it has awarded more than $376 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety efforts in jurisdictions across the United States. Over $813,000 will support public safety activities in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The awards were made by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”

The awards announced today support an array of crime-fighting initiatives, including the quarter-billion dollar Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program, which funds public safety efforts in 929 state, local and tribal jurisdictions. Funding also supports sex offender registration and notification, law enforcement-based victim services, the testing of sexual assault kits, and programs designed to address youth with sexual behavioral problems. Other awards will focus on wrongful convictions, intellectual property enforcement, innovative prosecution strategies and the safety and effectiveness of corrections systems.

“From our District’s eclectic and vibrant urban cityscapes to our quaint and rustic rural localities, we all in some capacity have been affected by violent crime and its secondary effects on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.  “The announcement of these awards highlights the commitment from the Department of Justice to afford our state and local partners the tools they need to enhance public safety and combat violent crime through programs that address an array of public safety initiatives.”

The following awards were made to organizations in the Eastern District of Louisiana:

• St Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office: $16,948 
• Bogalusa Police Department, City of Bogalusa: $11,227 
• Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office: $115,214  
• City of New Orleans: $297,837  
• Kenner Police Department, City of Kenner: $13,597 
• Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government: $12,017   
• St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office: $12,472
• Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office: $23,699 
• Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office: $310,496

TOTAL: $813,507 

Information about the programs and awards announced today is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANGEL RENEE VIDAURE, age 39, of Houston, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced VIDAURE to a term of imprisonment of (96) months and a period of supervised release of (3) years.

VIDAURE is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that VIDAURE conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Jeffrey Clines, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey Lopez, and Jacob Higginbotham.  The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses for codefendants Hatch, VIDAURE, and Lopez-Lopez.  Law enforcement developed evidence against this group of defendants using controlled purchases of methamphetamine, traffic stops and seizures, consensually recorded text messages and phone calls, search warrants, cooperator information, and self-incriminating statements. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Louisiana State Police, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, AMTRAK Police, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.                                                   

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that HAKEEM ALEXANDER COLES, age 24, a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was charged on November 21, 2019 in a two-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury for possessing an unregistered firearm and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, COLES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release years of supervised release. If convicted of possessing an unregistered firearm, COLES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to 3 years of supervised release.

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 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.  Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, then Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN was launched in 2001.

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 (ATF) 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 Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from Project Guardian partners, including the ATF and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Eshkol is in charge of the prosecution.

For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that that JOSEPH A. BORINO, age 62, a resident of Spring Hill, Texas was charged on November 21, 2019 by a federal grand jury in an eight-count Indictment for his role in the marketing and operation of what claimed to be a Medical Reimbursement Program, Classic 105.  In particular, BORINO were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements and representations in connection with a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371 (Count 1); making false statements in connection with a MEWA, in violation of Title 29, United States Code, Sections 1131(b) and 1149 (Counts 2-6), and wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 (Counts 7-8).

According to the Indictment, The Total Financial Group (TTFG) was a Louisiana business incorporated by Denis and Donna Joachim with the Louisiana Secretary of State on about January 6, 2005, that was most recently located at 406 N. Florida Street, Covington, Louisiana.  BORINO was employed as the National Executive Marketing Director for TTFG.  In that capacity, BORINO supervised, trained, and instructed TTFG’s regional sales personnel.  BORINO also represented himself to be Denis Joachim’s “right hand man” in the operation of TTFG.

TTFG and its owners, with BORINO and others, created and marketed a Medical Reimbursement Account program called “Classic 105.”  Classic 105 claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan for their employees to reimburse them for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles; participants in Classic 105 were required to have a primary health insurance plan unrelated to and in addition to Classic 105.  Classic 105 claimed to be comprised of several components: a tax-exempt contribution of between $1,000 and $1,600 per month made by an employee (which reduced the employee’s taxable income), a loan from a lender back to the employee to make up for the contribution, an insurance policy payable to the lender at the employee’s death to repay the loan, and fees paid by the employee and the employer directly to TTFG.  TTFG told prospective employer-clients that participants would never have to make out-of-pocket payments to repay the loan and that as a result of the tax savings, most participants would receive an increase in their net take home pay.  TTFG’s marketing program told prospective employer-clients that the contributions would be stored in a unique account for each employee-participant and that any money not used by the end of each calendar year would revert to TTFG.  TTFG also charged employee-participants a fee of between $150 and $250 per month and the employer a fee of five percent of each employee’s contribution amount.  At its peak, over 350 employer-clients and 4,400 employee-participants nationwide were enrolled in TTFG’s Classic 105 program.

According to the Indictment, TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions.  Moreover, as early as September 2014, BORINO, Denis Joachim, and others all participated in email exchanges that discussed that there were no third-party lenders or insurance policies to fund the loans.  Rather, TTFG and its executives, including BORINO, arranged for the contribution, loan, and insurance policy to appear as a series of transactions that, in effect, did nothing more than reduce participants’ taxable wages and employers’ FICA payments improperly, without their knowledge of the impropriety.  Consequently, TTFG, BORINO, and the Joachims caused federal FICA taxes and personal income taxes to be underpaid, amounts for which the employer-clients and employee-participants are individually responsible.  In at least one instance, a former participant did not qualify for unemployment benefits based on her participation in Classic 105.

If convicted, BORINO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 95 years, a fine of up to $2,000,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment (for each count of conviction).  He may also be subject to forfeiture.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and Employment Benefits Security Administration and expressed appreciation for the support provided by Senior Trial Attorney Rebecca Pyne, Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Gang Section, Labor-Management Racketeering Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Maria Carboni and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Jared Hasten are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DAVID PITTMAN, age 49, of St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on November 21, 2019 to conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. 

PITTMAN now faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, a maximum life sentence, a possible fine of $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.  The Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, United States District Judge, will sentence PITTMAN on February 18, 2020. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.                                                   

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that defendant WAYNE BANKS, 33 years of age, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on Thursday, November 21, 2019 by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon for charges relating to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

BANKS pled guilty on August 8, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 922(g)(1), possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, § 841(a)(1), and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 924(c)(1)(A)(i).

Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced BANKS to 102 months in the Bureau of Prisons, as well as 3 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment.

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 safer 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.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the New Orleans Gang Task Force of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana State Police and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Privitera was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces the guilty plea of MYLES NICHOLAS, age 32, of Jamaica, New York, to charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.  NICHOLAS entered his plea on November 20, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman.

According to court documents, members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force received information that NICHOLAS and his co-defendant, Terrence Nealy, would be flying to New Orleans from New York on the morning of June 21, 2019.  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and U.S. Secret Service agents initiated surveillance at New Orleans International Airport, where they observed NICHOLAS and Nealy arrive on their flight from New York’s JFK Airport.  NICHOLAS and Nealy then rented a car and immediately drove to Baton Rouge.  While in Baton Rouge, the defendants attempted to open a fraudulent credit card account at two Best Buy stores using a stolen identity.  They then traveled back to New Orleans where they were arrested by state and federal law enforcement.

As to the charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, NICHOLAS faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  As to the aggravated identity theft, NICHOLAS must receive a mandatory sentence of two years in prison that must be served consecutively to any other sentence.  He may also be fined up to $250,000.00, and he may receive up to one year of supervised release.  Sentencing is set for Wednesday, March 18, 2020, before Judge Feldman.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this conviction, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. State Department, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the Covington Police Department, Hammond Police Department, Kenner Police Department, Louisiana State Police, Mandeville Police Department, Slidell Police Department, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John The Baptist Sheriff’s Office, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Tammany Parish District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRYAN JOSEPH, age 39, of Harvey, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 20, 2019 to distributing heroin in Jefferson Parish.

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

Agents furthered their investigation by purchasing heroin from JOSEPH on October 23, 2018 and October 25, 2018.  On October 31, 2018, agents executed a search warrant at JOSEPH’s residence and located approximately 68.8 grams of heroin, approximately 156 grams of marijuana, digital scales and sandwich bags.

JOSEPH faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a possible fine of $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo scheduled JOSEPH to be sentenced on March 20, 2020.

U.S.Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New Orleans Gang Task Force and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Nolan D. Paige is in charge of the prosecution.             

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JUAN ARMSTEAD (“ARMSTEAD”), age 32, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on November 19, 2019 to a two-count Superseding Bill of Information for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and violation of the federal gun control act, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1344, 1349, and 922(g)(1).

The Court set sentencing in this matter for March 10, 2020.  For Count 1, ARMSTEAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years, a maximum $1,000,000 fine, up to five (5) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.  For Count 2, ARMSTEAD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum $250,000 fine, up to three (3) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Saint Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office for their work in investigating this case.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.