Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ALVARO JOSE MEZA-GONZALEZ (MEZA-GONZALEZ), age 38, a citizen of Nicaragua, was charged on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 in federal court in a one-count Bill of Information with misuse of a Social Security Number. 

MEZA-GONZALEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, MEZA-GONZALEZ is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to one year.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 14, 2019, MEZA-GONZALEZ, for the purpose of obtaining employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him; all in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Border Patrol and the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration 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 RODNEY J. STRAIN (a/k/a Jack Strain), age 56, from Abita Springs, Louisiana, was charged today by a federal grand jury in a 16-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, soliciting a bribe, and offering a bribe in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 371 (Count 1), honest services wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1343, 1346, 2 (Counts 2-13), and soliciting and receiving bribes, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(B) (Counts 14-16) for his role in the privatization and operation of a work release program that operated in Slidell, Louisiana between 2013 and 2016. 

According to court documents, STRAIN, who was the Sheriff of St. Tammany Parish from about 1996 to 2016, discussed with his two close associates and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office employees, David Hanson and Clifford “Skip” Keen, about Hanson and Keen becoming owners of a work release program in Slidell, Louisiana that STRAIN had decided to privatize.  Because STPSO rules prohibited employees from “participating in a transaction in which he has a personal substantial economic interest of which he may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity,” Hanson and Keen would have had to resign from STPSO if they wanted to assume ownership and control of the Slidell work release program.  Consequently, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen discussed ways to allow Hanson and Keen to maintain their employment and still profit from the Slidell work release program.  Ultimately, STRAIN, Hanson and Keen agreed to make Keen’s adult son (J.K.) and Hanson’s adult daughter (B.H.) owners of the Slidell work release program, with the understanding that J.K. and B.H. would funnel much of the profits to Hanson and Keen.  Hanson and Keen agreed to give regular payoffs to STRAIN and his selected family members from the funds they received.  This understanding was based partly on STRAIN having previously required Keen to kickback to STRAIN half of the money Keen earned from a previous work release program.

STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen agreed that they needed to find another individual to actually operate the Slidell work release program because J.K. and B.H. lacked the education, training, experience, and funding to do so.  They decided on an individual referred to in the indictment as “Person 2,” to whom Hanson presented a series of conditions. They mandated that J.K. and B.H. would each own forty-five (45) percent of the Slidell work release program and would each receive forty-five (45) percent of the profits, while Person 2 would only own ten (10) percent, receive ten (10) percent of the profits, and receive a salary. Person 2 would be responsible operating the Slidell work release program and for providing the capital necessary to initiate the program.  On or about May 1, 2013, J.K., B.H., and Person 2 entered into an operating agreement that created St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, in which J.K. and B.H. each had a forty-five percent ownership interest and Person 2 had only a ten percent ownership interest.

On June 4, 2013, STRAIN entered into a cooperative endeavor agreement (“privatization agreement”) on behalf of STPSO with St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, a corporation designed to operate the Slidell work release program.  Although J.K. and B.H. were merely straw owners who neither operated, oversaw, or administered the Slidell work release program, Person 2 was required to pay J.K. and B.H. salaries in addition to their ownership disbursements.  Person 2 was also directed to pay a younger relative of STRAIN’s, referred to in the indictment as “Person 3,” who was also an employee at STPSO, approximately $30,000 per year for a no-show job at the Slidell work release program.

During the time St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC operated the Slidell work release program, J.K. and B.H. received at least $1,195,000 from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC in the form of ownership disbursements, salary payments, and occasional lump sum miscellaneous payments.  J.K. and B.H. converted the majority of the money they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC to cash, much of which they transferred to their fathers, Keen and Hanson.

Additionally, STRAIN, Hanson, and Keen understood that STRAIN would receive payoffs from Hanson and Keen in exchange for STRAIN’s conferring the right to operate the Slidell work release program on St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC.  The payoffs took multiple forms.  First, through B.H. and J.K, Hanson and Keen, each gave STRAIN regular cash payments of at least approximately $1,000 from the monies they received from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions LLC. Second, as part of the scheme, Hanson arranged for STRAIN’s son, referred to as “Person 1,” to receive a check for $4,000 as a kickback.  Third, with monies from St. Tammany Workforce Solutions, LLC, STRAIN received $2,500 in campaign funds.  Fourth, with the knowledge and approval of STRAIN, St. Tammany Workforce Solutions reimbursed Hanson and Keen for personal costs incurred during trips and vacations, including trips they took with Strain.

STRAIN, Hanson, Keen, and others attempted to conceal the scheme by, among other things: (a) hiding Hanson’s and Keen’s involvement in and benefits from the Slidell work release program; (b) excluding from the cooperative endeavor agreement the fact that STRAIN would receive cash bribes and other financial compensation in exchange for signing the cooperative endeavor agreement; and (c) providing most of the money to STRAIN in the form of cash. 

Hanson and Keen were charged for their roles in the scheme in November 2018.  They pleaded guilty on February 27, 2019, and are currently awaiting sentencing before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.

If convicted, STRAIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years for Count 1, twenty years for each of Counts 2 through 13, and ten years for each of Counts 14 through 16.  He also faces, per count, a fine of up to $250,000, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment per count.

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 and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division and thanks the Metropolitan Crime Commission for its assistance.  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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DON EDWARD PANNELL, II (“PANNELL”), age 32, of Harvey, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 to 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 faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine. In addition, PANNELL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

U.S. District Judge Greg G. Guidry will sentence PANNELL on December 17, 2019.

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, LOUISIANA -  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that a ELTON JOHNSON, (“JOHNSON”), age 34, of New Orleans, pled guilty on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  

The Court set sentencing in this matter for November 26, 2019. JOHNSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum $250,000 fine, three (3) years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.

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.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GUSTAVO ADOLFO ACOSTA-ARENAS, age 28, was charged in federal court on Monday, August 26, 2019 in a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a Social Security Number. 

ACOSTA-ARENAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, ACOSTA-ARENAS is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to one year.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 14, 2019, ACOSTA-ARENAS, for the purpose of obtaining employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent on a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification Form that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him; all in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE DE JESUS ALVAREZ-BRIONES, age 20, was charged on Monday, August 26, 2019 in federal court in a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a Social Security Number. 

ALVAREZ-BRIONES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, ALVAREZ-BRIONES is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to one year.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 14, 2019, ALVAREZ-BRIONES, for the purpose of obtaining employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent on a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification Form that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him; all in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANTONIO TORRES-GARCIA, age 20, was charged on Monday, August 26, 2019 in federal court in a one-count Bill of Information for illegal use of a Social Security Number. 

TORRES-GARCIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, TORRES-GARCIA is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to one year.

According to the Bill of Information, on or about August 14, 2019, TORRES-GARCIA, for the purpose of obtaining employment and for other purposes, knowingly and with intent to deceive, did falsely represent on a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Eligibility Verification Form that a Social Security Number not issued to him, was assigned to him; all in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

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

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NEW ORLEANS – ADRIAN F. DANIEL, 25, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 to 52 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge of possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. 

According to court documents, on June 11, 2018, a detective with the Amtrak Police Department in New Orleans reviewed the manifests for incoming passengers to the Amtrak Station in New Orleans and noticed DANIEL’S train travel patterns.    In his review, the detective noticed a train reservation for DANIEL, who was travelling one way from Tucson, Arizona to New Orleans then to New York City the following day.  The detective also noticed that DANIEL made the reservation on June 11, 2018, one day prior to the scheduled travel date. The detective’s review of DANIEL’S train travel patterns revealed that beginning in January 2018, DANIEL made multiple train trips from Tucson, Arizona to New Orleans.  The trips were paid for in cash and were usually booked the day before DANIEL’S departure from Tucson.  Also, DANIEL used a different telephone number each time he booked a reservation.

When the train arrived at the station on June 12, 2018, the detective approached DANIEL and asked to speak to him.  DANIEL agreed to speak and became noticeably nervous.  When questioned about his prior train trips, DANIEL lied about the frequency of the trips further arousing suspicions. 

The detective asked to search DANIEL’S bags and DANIEL consented.  Among DANIEL’S belongings were bags containing 1.9 kilograms of heroin.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Amtrak Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that defendant LARMONDO ALLEN, a/k/a “Nino,” 22 years of age, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on Thursday, August 22, 2019 by U.S. District Court Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

ALLEN pled guilty on June 13, 2019, to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, § 922(g)(1).

Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon sentenced ALLEN to 37 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 and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Privitera was in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that STEVEN ROLAND HANSEN, age 63, was charged on Thursday, August 22, 2019 in a five-count indictment for wire fraud in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

According to the indictment, STEVEN ROLAND HANSEN (“HANSEN”), started a fraudulent company, “The Reference Source, Inc.” in order to procure a postal meter from Company “A,” a national postage meter company located in Utah.  HANSEN applied for credit with Company “A” to have postage installed on the meter.  HANSEN then intentionally created inflated postage on envelopes and turned these envelopes in at post offices in the New Orleans area.  Postal money orders were issued to refund the inflated envelopes.  It was part of HANSEN’S scheme that by turning in the envelopes to the post office, he turned Company “A’s” credit into postal money orders which he could use as cash.  If convicted, HANSEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years per count, a maximum fine of $250,000, restitution, a maximum term of supervised release of up to three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment

HANSEN used the interstate wire system at least five times to further his scheme by making fraudulent representations to Company “A” in Utah.  Company “A,” according to the indictment lost over $2,500.00 in this scheme.

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 United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SANTOS EVELIO NOLAZCO, age 48, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on Thursday, August 22, 2019, following his guilty plea to a one-count indictment, which charged him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  He pled guilty on June 13, 2019.

According to the indictment, EVELIO NOLAZCO was previously removed from the United States on August 17, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 28, 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.  He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon to a term of 15 months in federal prison.  It was noted in open court at the sentencing hearing that EVELIO NOLAZCO had been previously deported five times from the United States.

EVELIO NOLAZCO faced a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency 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, LOUISIANA – JASON PICK, age 38, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 to a one-count bill of information for wire fraud announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon on December 5, 2019.

According to court documents, PICK was employed as an accountant for Company A between August 2016 and June 2018. Part of PICK’s duties was handling the credit card accounts of Company A. Without authorization, PICK used Company A’s credit cards for his own personal expenses. In total, PICK stole approximately $140,791.21 from Company A.  

If convicted, PICK faces 20 years of imprisonment, (3) three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and a $100.00 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor, General Crimes.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES RAIFORD, age 26, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 to five counts of violating the Hobbs Act by committing and attempting to commit robberies of local New Orleans businesses.  RAIFORD also pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

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 was in possession of a firearm during the robbery.

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.

The Honorable Wendy B. Vitter, United States Judge of the Eastern District of Louisiana, will sentence RAIFORD on November 12, 2019.  For violating the Hobbs Act, RAIFORD faces a maximum penalty of 20 years, a fine up to $250,000.00, at least 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. As it relates to possession of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, RAIFORD faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months, to run consecutive to the sentence that the court will impose for violating the Hobbs Act, a fine up to $250,000.00., a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

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 New Orleans Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms 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 LANCE STOVALL, a/k/a “Lele,” a/k/a “Allen,” age 29, of New Orleans, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl. 

United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced STOVALL to 108 months of imprisonment followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

According to court records, during the timeframe of the charged drug conspiracy, STOVALL conspired with codefendants Jonathan LAWRENCE, Brandon HALL, Dwayne LABRANCH, Aloysius KORIEOCHA, Brian MAXSON, Donald MARCELIN, Vonzo MAGEE, and others, to distribute heroin and fentanyl throughout the New Orleans area.  These individuals were members of a drug-trafficking organization that operated primarily in the Eastside Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans.  Collectively, the group referred to their neighborhood as “The Zoo,” a name derived from a popular rap song and video filmed in the neighborhood.  Each of the eight defendants has been linked to drug activity in Eastside Hollygrove through law enforcement controlled purchases, Title III wire and electronic interceptions, witness statements, drug seizures, and other evidence.  Each of the eight defendants in this case has pleaded guilty.  Thus far, MARCELIN, KORIEOCHA, HALL, LABRANCH, and STOVALL have been sentenced. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force (NOGFT), which led this investigation and was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon S. Long, David Haller, and Edward Rivera are in charge of the prosecution.   

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANDREW J. SMITH (“SMITH”), age 22, of Kenner, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 15, 2019, and charged with Possession of Child Pornography.  SMITH was arrested by Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) on Monday, August 19, 2019. SMITH appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dana M. Douglas, who detained him pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

According to the Indictment, SMITH knowingly possessed pre-pubescent images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children and those illegal depictions were found on SMITH’s LG phone.

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.

If convicted, SMITH faces maximum penalty up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

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 Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Kenner Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba. 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that OMAR ELI PEREZ-MURCIA (“MURCIA”), age 35, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, August 20, 2018 to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to documents signed by the defendant and filed in open court, MURCIA admitted to being a citizen of Honduras, and being illegally present in the United States.  He further admitted to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported in 2006.  Sentencing is scheduled for November 12, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. 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 defendant JERRELL ENCALADE, age 35, of Boothville, LA, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. 

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced ENCALADE to 90 months’ incarceration as well as 4 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (PPSO), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Kenner Police Department (KPD), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Houston Police Department (HPD) in their investigation of this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.                                   

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that OLIVER MARTINEZ-CASTRO, age 19, a native of Honduras, 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 Wendy B. Vitter sentenced MARTINEZ-CASTRO to time served (2 months of imprisonment), 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, on June 14, 2019, MARTINEZ-CASTRO submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application in order to obtain employment with a local company. He attested on the form that he was someone else and that he was a United States citizen. 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 June 18, 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 as well as the fact that he was in the country illegally.

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

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that, last Friday, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against New Orleans East resident DWIGHT ALEXANDER, age 48, on five counts involving drug, firearm, and financial crimes.  The jury also ordered the defendant to forfeit approximately $425,000 in proceeds from his illegal drug operation.  United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry scheduled ALEXANDER’s sentencing for November 19, 2019. 

According to the evidence at trial, between 2012 and 2016, ALEXANDER sold a premium “cutting agent” used by drug dealers to expand and strengthen their heroin and cocaine.  ALEXANDER’s product was called “Bonita,” and evidence showed that ALEXANDER acquired hundreds of kilograms of various powders like mannitol, lidocaine, quinine, and acetaminophen, that he then mixed and sold as Bonita to the highest-level drug dealers in New Orleans.  During the timeframe of the conspiracy, ALEXANDER made frequent cash deposits from the proceeds of his sale of Bonita into various bank accounts.  In total, the government seized approximately $425,000, which will be forfeited as the proceeds of his unlawful drug operation.  ALEXANDER, who was a convicted felon, was arrested shortly after leaving his New Orleans East residence in October 2016.  Agents conducted a search warrant at his residence and recovered a loaded Taurus revolver, as well as over 100 kilograms of various cutting agents that ALEXANDER intended to mix, market, and distribute to drug dealers. 

At the conclusion of a five-day trial, the jury found ALEXANDER guilty of the lead charge of conspiring to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; two counts of distributing heroin; one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm; and one count of structuring cash deposits to avoid financial reporting requirements.  On these counts, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum life sentence.  The defendant also faces a period of supervised release of at least 5 years. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, which led this investigation and was assisted by the Kenner Police Department, Customs and Border Protection Agency, New Orleans Police Department, Louisiana State Police, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long, Theodore Carter, and Michael Redmann are in charge of the prosecution.         

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced day that CARLOS HUMBERTO CARRETO-ROMERO, age 29, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) on August 13, 2019, and was sentenced that same day.

After accepting CARRETO’S guilty plea, Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced CARRETO to time served and the payment of a $100 special assessment fee. CARRETO was then transferred to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency for deportation.  

According to court documents signed by the defendants and filed in open court, CARRETO admitted to being a citizen of Guatemala, and being in the United States illegally.  He further admitted re-entering the United States after being deported on August 8, 2008.   

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GARY PETER SIMON, JR., age 56, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on August 13, 2019 before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to a one-count bill of information charging him with intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization and recklessly causing damage resulting in loss of more than $5,000 during one year, in violation of 18 U.S.C. '' 1030(a)(5)(B) and 1030(c)(4)(A).

According to court documents, The Strategic Petroleum Reserve Office (SPRO) was a component of the Department of Energy (DOE) that was responsible for, among other things, overseeing and maintaining the readiness of the United States’ stockpile of emergency crude oil, which was stored along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico.  DOE SPRO operated a restricted cloud-based computer system to handle a variety of functions, including documenting daily activity.  SIMON, who was employed as a contractor for DOE SPRO from September 2007 until August 2018, worked in the Emergency Management Directorate and was responsible for, among other things, IT management of SPRO network applications.  He was one of two individuals who knew the username and password of the Administrative Account. 

After SIMON resigned from his contracting agency in about August 2018, he was no longer authorized to access the DOE SPRO computer systems.  Nevertheless, on about October 21, 2018, SIMON intentionally accessed the DOE SPRO cloud-based system remotely without authorization.  After SIMON accessed the system, he altered and deleted various files.  As a result of the intrusion and subsequent manipulation of protected data, operators were unable to access their log views on the computer system, and they could not annotate work they completed electronically.  The computer system remained compromised for approximately 2-3 hours after the discovery of the unauthorized access. Thereafter, SIMON used the account of a current SPRO employee without that employee’s authorization, to make changes to log views and to attempt to delete audit log files.   SIMON’S actions resulted in loss to the DOE in the form of costs associated with responding to the offense, conducting a damage assessment, and restoring data, program, system, and information to its pre-offense condition, in the amount of approximately $23,200.

SIMON faces a maximum term of five (5) 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.  Sentencing before Judge Guidry has been scheduled for November 11, 2019.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that FREDY ANTONIO MENDOZA-CHIRINOS (“CHIRINOS”), age 27, pleaded guilty on August 14, 2019 and was sentenced on a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

After accepting CHIRINOS guilty plea, U.S. District Judge Martin C. Feldman sentenced CHIRINOS to time served and a $ 100 special assessment.  CHIRINOS has been incarcerated since November 21, 2018. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to documents signed by the defendant and filed in open court, CHIRINOS admitted to being a citizen of Honduras, and being illegally present in the United States.  He further admitted to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported in 2017.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. 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 today that KEVIN RICHARDSON age 56, of New Orleans, LA was charged on Thursday, August 15, 2019, by a Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a one-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1952(a)(3) and 2, use of an interstate facility with intent to carry on unlawful activity.

According to the Indictment, between January 2011 and February 2019, RICHARDSON was employed as a building inspector for the City of New Orleans and utilized the internet to facilitate the crime of bribery.  He solicited and accepted bribe money from individuals seeking favorable inspection reports and certificates of completion for properties that did not comply with the city and state building codes and for properties that had not been inspected.  He also paid bribe money to a City of New Orleans permit analyst for the issuance of permits without proper documentation and plan review.

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

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

This matter was handled by the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General, Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight is prosecuting the matter.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SCOTT BREAUX (“BREAUX”), age 39, of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced on August 14, 2019 by U.S. District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to 60 months probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $ 35,000.00 to ASI Federal Credit Union and its insurer, Cuna Mutual Group, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court documents, from about November 2016 to July 2017, while employed as a Branch Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union, BREAUX stole approximately $35,000.00. BREAUX was employed with ASI since in or about 2011, and during his tenure with ASI, BREAUX worked at the Harahan, Westwego, and uptown branches. In 2014, BREAUX was named Branch Manager of ASI’s Westwego branch.  In February 2017, BREAUX was transferred to ASI’s uptown branch where he continued to work as Branch Manager until his termination in July 2017.  ASI is a federally insured financial institution and its deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Association.

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TREVIAN EDWARDS, age 48, of Crosby, Texas, was sentenced today for conspiring to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. 

EDWARDS pled guilty on March 27, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced EDWARDS to a term of (10) ten years imprisonment followed by (5) five years of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

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

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KWAME FLEMING, age 28, of New Orleans, was sentenced today for one count of accessory to murder through use of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(j), two counts of carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), one count of Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951, and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).

FLEMING pled guilty on July 30, 2018, to the above-described offenses.  According to court documents, FLEMING assisted two individuals who committed a murder on June 1, 2015, in New Orleans, in attempting to hinder and prevent their apprehension, trial, and punishment. 

Furthermore, FLEMING took part in two carjackings, during which firearms were brandished.

FLEMING committed a Hobbs Act robbery, during which FLEMING and his co-conspirators stole items from a residence in Mississippi, including marijuana and an assault rifle. 

Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced FLEMING on the accessory to commit murder count to 151 months imprisonment as well as (3) three years of supervised release.  FLEMING was sentenced on the carjacking counts to 151 months imprisonment as well as (3) three years of supervised release.  On the Hobbs Act robbery, FLEMING was sentenced to 151 months imprisonment as well as (3) three years of supervised release.  On the two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, FLEMING was sentenced to 84 months imprisonment, to be served consecutively,  followed by (3) three years of supervised release.  Finally, for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, FLEMING was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, to be served consecutively, as well as (3) three years of supervised release.  FLEMING was also sentenced to pay $5,320 in restitution.

“Today’s sentencing signifies a “win”, not only for the dedicated law enforcement personnel responsible for investigating and prosecuting Mr. Fleming, but also for to those personally affected by the crimes, as well as the entire community,” stated U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.  “Violent criminals, intent on victimizing our citizens, will not be tolerated and they will continue to be vigorously pursued by law enforcement in order to be held accountable for their criminal actions.”

“This was a long, complex case, but now justice has been served.  We hope this sentencing can help bring closure to the families and friends of those who were needlessly victimized during a violent spree of murder, robberies, and carjackings,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Kurt Thielhorn. “Agents from ATF New Orleans along with our law enforcement partners were relentless in the pursuit of justice in this case.  We will continue to work together to protect the public by removing violent criminals from our communities.”

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Baton Rouge Police Department, the Zachary Police Department, and the Wilkinson County, Mississippi, Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih and Trial Attorney Joseph K. Wheatley, of the Organized Crime and Gang Section of the Department of Justice, are in charge of the prosecution.

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.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DOMINIQUE ALAINA BERRY, age 30, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, was charged today in a two-count bill of information 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), and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.

According to the bill of information, 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.  BERRY often used the alias “Desiree Knowles.”  Thereafter, the 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.  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.

According to the bill of information, on about February 24, 2017, BERRY met S.A., a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, through a social media application.  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, and R.S. returned to S.A.’s residence.  Thereafter, R.S. and one or more conspirators stole S.A.’s valuables, including his wallet, two cellular phones, his keys, and his 2012 Toyota Tacoma truck.  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.

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 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, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that WILMER A. GARCIA-LOPEZ, age 22, a native of Guatemala, was charged on August 8, 2019  in a one-count bill of information with Illegally using a Social Security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B).

GARCIA-LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.   

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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement Removal Operations agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LATANYA A. BRITTON, age 41, resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty on Monday, August 12, 2019 to Wire Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343.

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.  As part of her scheme and artifice to defraud Client B and, in an effort to conceal her conduct 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.

BRITTON faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine per count. Sentencing by U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter is scheduled for October 29, 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.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JORDY ROBERTSON, age 37, from St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, was charged on Friday, August 9, 2019 with drug trafficking and wire fraud offenses.

The government filed a two-count bill of information that charged ROBERTSON with wire fraud and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. According to the bill of information, ROBERTSON’s drug trafficking conspiracy ran from at least May of 2017 through January of 2019, and his wire fraud scheme ran from October of 2016 through January of 2019.

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.

If convicted of the drug charges, ROBERTSON faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted of the wire fraud charges, ROBERTSON faces up to twenty years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain to ROBERTSON or the gross loss to any victims.

The case is set for a pretrial conference on September 26, 2019, and trial on October 15, 2019, before Judge Wendy B. Vitter.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PEDRO MANOLO ARAGON-HERNANDEZ, age 39, a citizen of Honduras, was charged on Thursday, August 8, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326.

According to the bill of information, PEDRO MANOLO ARAGON-HERNANDEZ reentered the United States in or about 2004, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about December 20, 2001.

If convicted, PEDRO MANOLO ARAGON-HERNANDEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $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 United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that FELIX ANTONIO SANCHEZ-GOMEZ, age 54, a citizen of the Republic of Panama, was charged on Thursday, August 8, 2019 in a one-count bill of information with possession of fraudulent immigration documents, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1546(a).

According to the bill of information, FELIX ANTONIO SANCHEZ-GOMEZ possessed a counterfeit Permanent Resident card, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1546(a).

If convicted, FELIX ANTONIO SANCHEZ-GOMEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00; two years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

U. S. Attorney Strasser 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 Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that QUINCY E. IRVIN, age 41 of New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 to a one count Bill of Information for making false statements on an income tax return in violation of  Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206.

In papers signed by the defendant and filed in open court, Irvin admitted to owning two tax preparation companies, Discount Tax Services and Quincy Irvin Tax Services.  Irvin admitted to failing to declare a total of $696,060 in income for the tax years 2012, 2013, and 2014.  The total tax loss to the government was $249,074 as a result of Irvin’s false statements.

IRVIN faces 3 years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, the cost of the investigation, as well as restitution to the IRS.  Sentencing is set for November 13, 2019.   

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division for their thorough investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr. 

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that ROBERTO MUNOZ-AGUILAR, age 32 was sentenced Wednesday, August 7. 2019 on a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).  He pled guilty on June 20, 2019.  He was sentenced to time served.

In documents signed by the defendant in open court, he admitted to being an illegal alien who had previously been deported January 3, 2012 from Calexico, California.  He admitted to illegally re-entering the United States without permission from the proper authorities.  He has been incarcerated since May 2019 and faces deportation once again.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FRANCISCO JAVIER NUNEZ-ALEMAN, age 32, a citizen of Mexico was sentenced Wednesday, August 7, 2019 on a two-count indictment for illegal use of a Social Security number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B), and with using a false social security number in attempting to secure a U.S. Passport, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542.  He pled guilty on April 3, 2019.

NUNEZ-ALEMAN faced a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00 on both counts.  Additionally, NUNEZ-ALEMAN is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.  He was sentenced to time served.  He has been incarcerated since November 2018.

The indictment further alleged that NUNEZ-ALEMAN applied for a U.S. Passport at the Bourg, La. Post Office.  The State Department determined that the Social Security number he used belonged to another individual.  NUNEZ-ALEMAN further used the fraudulently obtained social security number in applying for a job at a Houma, La. employer.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. State Department Diplomatic Security Service in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. 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 JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty on Thursday, August 8, 2019 to a one-count bill of information charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326.

According to the bill of information, JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON reentered the United States in or about 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about April 15, 2011.

JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier set sentencing for November 14, 2019.

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

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BAYRON MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ, age 28, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 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 Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ to time served (2 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, on June 14, 2019, MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ submitted a fraudulent Form I-9 application in order to obtain employment with a local 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 June 18, 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 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 ALEX MILLER, age 37 and LARRY DAVIS, age 40, both from Washington Parish, Louisiana pled guilty to heroin and gun charges.

Both DAVIS and MILLER pled guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and to being felons in possession of a firearm. MILLER also pled guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. DAVIS pled guilty yesterday, and MILLER pled guilty on July 23, 2019.

For the drug charge, DAVIS and MILLER face a sentence of imprisonment of at least five years and up to forty years in prison. For the charge of possessing a firearm as a felon, MILLER faces up to ten years in prison, while DAVIS may face at least fifteen years and up to life in prison, as a result of the Armed Career Criminal Act. For the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, MILLER faces at least five years, consecutive to any other sentence, and up to life in prison.

Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for MILLER on October 15, 2019, and for DAVIS on October 29, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and André Jones are in charge of the prosecution.

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

The investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) program, the keystone drug enforcement program of the Department of Justice.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PASCAL CALOGERO, III, age 60, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1594(c). CALOGERO was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment, five (5) years of supervised release, a $5,100 special assessment fee and payment of restitution to the victim, which will be determined within 90 days.  Additionally, CALOGERO must register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, between at least May 9, 2017, and June 5, 2017, CALOGERO conspired with others to traffic a fourteen-year-old female from Metairie, Louisiana.  Specifically, J.B. met the victim on May 9, 2017 and recruited her to work for him as a prostitute.  She worked for J.B. from about May 9 through about May 23.  J.B. required her to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from prostitution to him.  J.B. then created advertisements on online classified advertisement services commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which J.B. received telephone calls and text messages inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution dates with the victim.  J.B. scheduled the time, location, and other logistics of prostitution dates with the victim.  

Between May 16, 2017 and May 22, 2017, J.B. transmitted sexually explicit photographs of the victim to CALOGERO via email and text message for the purpose of offering and encouraging CALOGERO to arrange a prostitution date with the victim.  CALOGERO engaged in prostitution dates with the victim on at least four separate days, paying less than $120 per occasion.  In addition to engaging in prostitution dates with the victim, CALOGERO occasionally drove her to prostitution dates with other individuals.  On numerous occasions, CALOGERO also attempted to facilitate the prostitution of the victim to multiple adult men by, among other things, taking and transmitting sexually explicit pictures of the fourteen year old to them, negotiating prices, arranging the times and locations of prostitution dates, and providing his personal residence as the location of a prostitution date he arranged. CALOGERO successfully brokered prostitution dates with the victim on at least three occasions.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter, and specifically the FBI New Orleans Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, which includes members of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Kenner Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police, with the assistance of the City of New Orleans Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Supervisor of the Public Corruption Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that EULALIO TORRES-CADENAS, age 42, of Houston, was sentenced on August 6, 2019 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 TORRES-CADENAS to a term of imprisonment of 60 months.  TORRES-CADENAS, who was an illegal alien, also faces deportation at the conclusion of his sentence. 

TORRES-CADENAS is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that TORRES-CADENAS conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Angel Renee Vidaure, 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 – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that DARLYS BARRIOS-HERRERA, age 29, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) on Monday, August 6, 2019.

According to the bill of information, DARLYS BARRIOS-HERRERA (“BARRIOS-HERRERA”), re-entered the United States after being previously deported on September 17, 2014.   

BARRIOS-HERRERA faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  BARRIOS-HERRERA was sentenced to credit for time served (one month) and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee before being transferred to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.  

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced that on August 1, 2019 ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON, age 24, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and was sentenced thereafter.

According to the bill of information, ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON (“MENDOZA-AILON”), re-entered the United States after being previously deported on October 3, 2018.   

MENDOZA-AILON faced a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  MENDOZA-AILON was sentenced to be imprisoned for a term of 6 months and then would be transferred to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.  

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LINDSEY LOPEZ, age 37, of New Orleans, pled guilty today to a methamphetamine-trafficking offense.  Specifically, LOPEZ pled guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine, and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release.

LOPEZ was one of 11 defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that LOPEZ conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, Jacob Higginbotham, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Angel Renee Vidaure, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, and Julien Polk.  The indictment also alleges a number of individual acts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, as well as firearm offenses.  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. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for LOPEZ on November 5, 2019.

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 – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS, age 21, pleaded guilty today to a one-count bill of information for damaging government property in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1361.

According to the bill of information, GEOURVON KEINELL SEARS (“SEARS”), cut off a GPS ankle monitor that he was ordered to wear by a U.S. Magistrate Judge as a condition of pretrial release. 

SEARS faced a maximum term of imprisonment of penalty of not more than one year, a maximum supervised release term of one year, and a maximum fine of $100,000.  SEARS was sentenced for a total term of time served.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New Orleans Police Department investigated this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that GILES CASSE (“CASSE”), age 49, was charged on July 25, 2019 by a Grand Jury sitting in the Eastern District of Louisiana in a four-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1344, Bank Fraud and Title 18, United States Code, Section 1014, False Statements to obtain a government insured loan. 

In 2000, CASSE, a native of France, started a Houma, Louisiana based company, along with several other individuals, called GMD International which did business as “NOLATEK”.  NOLATEK’s business model was the buying of used electronic testing parts, restoring the parts, and reselling them for a profit.  CASSE maintained personal control of the company and applied for a series of loans, lines of credit and factoring agreements with banks in Louisiana and Texas.  Two of the loans were backed by U.S. Government guarantors, such that if the loans were not repaid, the government was obligated to reimburse the banks up to 80% of the loan. 

The indictment alleges two schemes victimizing three banks.  The heart of the scheme was an inflated appraisal of NOLATEK’s inventory.  CASSE hired an appraisal company to perform the economic evaluations, but CASSE provided undocumented estimates of NOLATEK’s inventory purchase costs.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that CASSE fraudulently inflated the value of NOLATEK’s inventory that he provided to the appraiser.  The indictment also alleges that although the initial appraisal valued NOLATEK inventory at over $21 million dollars in 2007,   that same inventory was sold for approximately $64,000 in 2010.

The indictment further alleges that CASSE, on behalf of NOLATEK, presented an inflated and fraudulent appraisal in a loan guarantee application with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A) for a $3,000,000 loan at Prosper Bank in Dallas, Texas.  The false loan application was executed in Louisiana and transmitted to the Texas bank.  NOLATEK defaulted on the loan in 2009.  In 2010, the USDA paid $2,107,259 to make good on the loan guarantee.  Prosper Bank suffered a loss of $900,000.

The indictment further alleges that in March 2009, CASSE, through another company controlled by him, Test and Measurement Rentals, LLC, obtained a $1,000,000 loan from First NBC Bank in New Orleans (FNBC).  This loan was guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, a U.S. Government agency.  CASSE again provided the fraudulent and grossly inflated inventory appraisals of the companies controlled by CASSE, as well as fraudulent invoices, as collateral. 

CASSE also defaulted on this loan and caused the Small Business Administration to pay $774,041 to FNBC to honor its guarantee.  FNBC suffered a loss of approximately $225,000 on the loan.

Finally, the indictment alleges that CASSE, through NOLATEK, entered into a factoring agreement with Gulf Coast Bank in New Orleans in May 2009.  Factoring is a financial arrangement whereby a company sells its accounts receivables for immediate cash.  In this type of arrangement, the business gets money more quickly and the financial institution gets a verifiable repayment.  The indictment alleges that CASSE submitted fraudulent and fictitious invoices to cause Gulf Coast Bank to release money under its care and custody.  CASSE presented more than thirty invoices claiming NOLATEK sold $1.3 million dollars of merchandise in July, August, and September 2009. In reality, NOLATEK sold only $17,200 of product in that period.  CASSE defaulted on the factoring agreement and Gulf Coast Bank lost $2,000,000 as a result.

If convicted, CASSE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years per count, a maximum fine of $1,000,000 per count, a supervised release of five years and a mandatory special assessment of $100 per count and restitution to the banks and government agencies.

A Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana issued an arrest warrant for CASSE in 2017.  The arrest warrant was forwarded to INTERPOL, which caused a “red notice” to be issued which would cause the arrest of CASSE if he used his French passport in international travel.

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 and the Inspectors General of the Small Business Administration and the Department of Agriculture in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Carter K. D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that KENNETH CHARITY (“CHARITY”), age 54, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to the Bill of Information, from in or around February 2007 through April 2017, CHARITY had a banking relationship with First NBC Bank, individually and through certain entities. During that time, Bank President A acted as the loan officer for CHARITY and the loan officer to certain of CHARITY’s entities (“the Entities”). By the time First NBC Bank failed, the balances on the loans issued to CHARITY and the entities totaled more than $18 million. CHARITY, Bank President A, and others knowingly conspired to defraud First NBC Bank. According to the Bill of Information, the purpose of the conspiracy was for CHARITY, Bank President A, and others to unjustly enrich themselves, disguise the true financial status of CHARITY and the Entities, conceal the accurate performance, and misrepresented the purpose of the loans made to KENNETH CHARITY and the Entities.

KENNETH CHARITY, Bank President A, and others provided First NBC Bank with materially false and fraudulent documents and financial statements, which, among other things, overstated the value of KENNETH CHARITY’s assets, understated his liabilities, and omitted material information. These false statements disguised his and the Entities’ true financial condition.

The Bill of Information also alleges that it was part of the conspiracy for Bank President A and others to disguise CHARITY and the Entities’ true financial condition by, among other things, issuing new loans to CHARITY and the Entities, which would pay older loans that CHARITY was unable to repay. The new loans would then appear to be current and performing, while the old loans appeared to have been paid. In reality, CHARITY had insufficient income and cash flow to support his debt at First NBC Bank. Bank President A was well-aware that CHARITY was unable to repay his loans, yet Bank President A continued to falsely represent in bank records that CHARITY and his Entities were profitable.

Additionally, the Bill of Information alleges CHARITY, Bank President A, and others, carried out the conspiracy by repeatedly lying in bank loan documents about the purpose of loans that Bank President A approved for CHARITY and the Entities. Specifically, Bank President A approved loans for CHARITY and his Entities that appeared to be for legitimate business purposes. In reality, CHARITY spent loan proceeds on personal expenses. Bank President A was aware that CHARITY did not spend the loan proceeds consistently with the purposes stated on the loan documents. For example, from in or around August 2014 through in or around December 2016, Bank President A caused three loans to be disbursed to one of CHARITY’s entities for the purpose, in part, of enclosing a patio at a beignet shop located at 620 Decatur Street. CHARITY never built the patio. The loan proceeds were used instead to pay CHARITY’s overdrafts, which included personal expenses, and to make loan payments.

CHARITY could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $1 million, or twice the gross gain to him or the gross loss of any victims, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

Judge Lance M. Africk set CHARITY’s sentencing hearing for October 23, 2019 at 2 pm.

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES HATCH, age 50, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to traffic 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.  United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced HATCH to a term of imprisonment of 160 months, followed by five years of supervised release. 

HATCH is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that HATCH conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Jeffrey Clines, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Julien Polk, James Hatch, Angel Renee Vidaure, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, 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 – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ROBERT LYONS, age 34, of Covington, was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, 2019 for federal firearms violations.

According to court documents, on March 3, 2017, LYONS possessed firearm silencers that were not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (“NFRTR). LYONS also made firearm silencers without obtaining prior approval from the federal government or paying the requisite tax.

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo sentenced LYONS to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.  A mandatory assessment fee of $200 will also be assessed.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  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 in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.

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United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANH DUONG, age 72, was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, 2019 for transporting individuals in interstate commerce for prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2421(a).

According to court documents, DUONG operated two Asian Massage Parlors in New Orleans, the Lily Pad and the Rose Garden.  Both Asian Massage Parlors were commercial sex enterprises. DUONG admitted to knowingly transporting and causing to be transported individuals in interstate commerce from Texas and Mississippi to the Eastern District of Louisiana to engage in prostitution at the Lily Pad and the Rose Garden, in violation of the laws of Louisiana.

DUONG was sentenced to five years probation, one year of home confinement with electronic monitoring and a $100 special assessment fee. DUONG was further ordered: 1) to obtain prior written approval from the Court before entering into any self employment; 2) participate in an approved cognitive behavioral therapeutic treatment program and abide by all supplemental conditions of treatment; and 3) submit to a search of all business and financial records upon reasonable suspicion as requested by the United States Probation Officer.    

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Julia K. Evans and Brian M. Klebba are in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RODNEY JAMES, age 47, a resident of Phoenix City, Alabama, pled guilty to a one-count indictment for interference with a flight crew, in violation of Title 49, United States Code, Section 46504.

According to court records, on November 14, 2018, Rodney James interfered with a flight crew, travelling from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Los Angeles, California, by being disruptive, yelling loudly, refusing to sit down, aggressively pursuing a flight crew member across the cabin, and threatening the flight crew, all causing the aircraft to be diverted to New Orleans.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Supervisor of the General Crimes Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.