Eastern District of Louisiana

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHARLES WILLIAMS, JR. (“WILLIAMS”), age 49, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2019 and charged with twenty-two (22) counts of wire fraud and three (3) counts of making false statements to special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). 

According to the Indictment, in January 2017, the defendant was elected Senior Warden of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (“St. Luke’s”) located at 1222 North Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. In his role as Senior Warden, WILLIAMS was responsible for paying all of St. Luke’s bills including insurance, salaries, and utilities.  WILLIAMS took over the finances of the church and reduced or eliminated other church members’ access to church finances shortly after becoming the Senior Warden at St. Luke’s. WILLIAMS did not share church bank statements with other church members in an effort to conceal his embezzlement of church funds and he transferred church funds from one bank account to another account before withdrawing the funds.  During his tenure, WILLIAMS embezzled approximately $89,000 from St. Luke’s in his capacity as Senior Warden.  WILLIAMS deposited much of the money into his various Chase accounts and used some of the stolen money to support his pizza restaurant located in the Esplanade Mall.

On August 29, 2018, FBI special agents interviewed WILLIAMS. During the interview, WILLIAMS made three false statements to the FBI agents. Specifically, WILLIAMS said he used cash withdrawn from a St. Luke’s account to fund a $2,500 Chase cashier check dated February 21, 2018, with Remitter: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church/Operating Account. When the agents specifically asked whether bank records would show the money for the cashier’s check came from a St. Luke’s account, he denied that bank records would show the $2,500 coming from the church account. Further, he told the agents that the $2,500 had come from his personal account. The statements were false because WILLIAMS knew that on February 21, 2018, he had withdrawn $2,900. from St. Luke’s operating account ending x1224 and then used $2,500 of those funds to purchase the above described cashier’s check made payable to the Esplanade Mall for the benefit of his pizza restaurant.  WILLIAMS also lied to the agents when he told them he had invested St. Luke’s money with a particular company. Lastly, he lied when he claimed he had not used any of St. Luke’s money for his business or for personal use. The FBI’s investigation determined that all of these assertions were in fact false. 

U. S. Attorney Peter G. 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, WILLIAMS faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment for each of the wire fraud counts and five (5) years as to each of the false statement counts. Upon release from prison, WILLIAMS faces up to three (3) years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 per count.

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

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that N & F Logistics, Inc., a shipping and trucking business located in Harahan, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count bill of information charging it with unlawful employment of an alien in violation of 8 U.S.C. '' 1324a (a)(1)(A) and (f)(1).

According to the bill of information, N & F Logistics, Inc., unlawfully employed an alien from in or about February 2013 through August 2014.

If convicted, N & F Logistics, Inc., faces a maximum fine of up to $10,000.00 and a $50.00 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for October 15, 2019.

The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Friday, July 26, 2019 that RICHARD SANSBURY, age 26, and ALAN PARSON, age 18, residents of Indianapolis, Indiana, were charged in a three count Indictment for their alleged participation in the June 17, 2019 robbery of the CVS pharmacy located at 4901 Prytania Street.

At approximately 6:06 a.m., SANSBURY and PARSON entered the 24-hour pharmacy, armed with weapons.  Both wore hooded sweatshirts and blue medical gloves.  Upon entering the store, SANSBURY removed a firearm from his waistband, went behind the front counter, and detained a cashier by using zip-ties.  SANSBURY led the cashier to another area of the store.  PARSON relocated to the rear of the store, in the pharmacy area, and forced another employee to the ground before securing the employee’s feet with zip-ties.  PARSON is then alleged to have filled a large trash bag with several pill bottles that he retrieved from the pharmacy safe.  SANSBURY is alleged to have relocated to the pharmacy area where he continued to zip-tie the employee’s hands whom PARSON initially detained.  SANSBURY and PARSON began to exit the store.

Upon exiting the store, PARSON and SANSBURY engaged on a shootout with responding officers of the New Orleans Police Department.  The confrontation resulted in a bullet wound to one of the officers, who was shot in the shoulder.  Video surveillance captured the robbery as it occurred inside of the CVS, as well as the subsequent shootout with police as SANSBURY and PARSON fled the store.

In count 1 of the Indictment, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery involving a controlled substance, in violation of Title 18, United States Section, 2118.  If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  In count 2, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with armed robbery involving controlled substances in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 2118(a) and (c)(1).  If convicted, both face a maximum sentence of 25 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00. In count three, SANSBURY and PARSON are charged with discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Sections, 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) .  If convicted, both face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of 3 years supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that RACHEL E. LIPPS age 38, of Slidell, LA was charged on Friday, July 19, 2019 in an indictment for wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343 and aggravated identity theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.

According to the indictment, between January 2013 and October 2017, LIPPS served as a part-time bookkeeper for Business A.  Business A was a Louisiana corporation domiciled in Slidell, Louisiana.  LIPPS was entrusted with the daily accounting and her job functions included accessing and utilizing QuickBooks software to issue payroll checks and pay vendors on behalf of  Business A.  Using QuickBooks, LIPPS fraudulently printed checks made payable to herself and several of her creditors.  LIPPS endorsed each check despite not having authority to sign the checks.  Business A terminated LIPPS’s employment in October 2017.

Business A maintained a financial account with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“Chase Bank”) bearing number *****8595.  The checks listed in the indictment were associated with this particular account.  The check images received by Chase Bank either from a branch location, ATM, mobile app, computer, or other method were transmitted to computer servers located in Michigan, Illinois, or Delaware.  The sum of the checks charged in the indictment is $50,387.88.

If convicted of wire fraud, LIPPS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of not more than $250,000, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee.  If convicted of aggravated identity theft, LIPPS faces a mandatory consecutive sentence of two (2) years, a fine of no more than $250,000, supervised release term up to one (1) year 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter. 

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARNOLD TREVELL WILLIAMS, age 37, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft before United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan today.

According to court documents, the defendant conspired with others to obtain personal information, such as names, dates of birth and Social Security numbers, from real persons in order to create fake driver’s licenses. The information was then used to apply for loans in order to buy vehicles. Specifically, WILLIAMS used the identity of another person on or about May 11, 2017, to buy a 2014 BMW Series 7 car for the sum of $44,994.10.  

Sentencing is set for October 29, 2019. WILLIAMS is facing imprisonment of up to three years, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Strasser also praised the agencies that contributed to this guilty  plea.  This prosecution represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the New Orleans Police Department.  Additionally, U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Edward J. Rivera is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JEFFREY CLINES, age 53, of New Orleans, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 23, 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 CLINES to a term of imprisonment of 42 months, followed by five years of supervised release. 

CLINES is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that CLINES conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, 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 today that WILLIAM HARRISON FARRIS, age 39, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine which resulted in the death of a Slidell, Louisiana teenager.  The eighteen year old’s dead body was found floating in a Texas bayou.

As described in court documents, FARRIS, along with KACIE DOUCET, age 37, and LEILANI ASPURIA, age 25, conspired to incapacitate the teenager with drugs so that he could be transported to Texas law enforcement authorities.  FARRIS, DOUCET, and ASPURIA did so in the hope of receiving free drugs from two large scale Texas-based methamphetamine dealers.  These dealers, a married couple, had told their New Orleans customers that they wanted the teenager so they would not lose the $6000 bond they had posted for him months earlier.

FARRIS faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a possible fine of 500,000, and at least 2 years of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for FARRIS on October 23, 2019. 

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

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NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on Friday, July 19, 2019 a federal grand jury charged LARRY GREEN, age 36, of Hammond, LA, in an indictment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A) and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

If convicted, GREEN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, at least 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.

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.  Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans is prosecuting the matter. 

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ, age 35, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. ' 1326(a) on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 in the court of U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

According to the bill of information, RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ reentered the United States on or about May 16, 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 25, 2014.

RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ faced 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.  RIGOBERTO FRANQUIS-HERNANDEZ was sentenced to be imprisoned for a total term of time served, pay a $100.00 special assessment fee and was transferred to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.

The United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigated this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CHARLES BROWN, age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced on Thursday, July 11, 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, CHARLES BROWN had another individual purchase a firearm for him from the Jefferson Gun Outlet on or about July 27, 2018.  That same day, BROWN was stopped in a vehicle while he was in possession of that firearm.  BROWN was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a felony conviction. 

U.S. District Court Judge Vitter sentenced BROWN to 30 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.

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

U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that STEPHAN MITCHEL THOMAS, age 24, of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today for federal firearms violations and Hobbs Act robberies.

According to court documents, THOMAS and others robbed drug dealers at gunpoint on July 11, 2016 and on September 1, 2016.  For this conduct, THOMAS pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  THOMAS also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm silencer, a short-barrel rifle, and a sawed-off shotgun, without registering these firearms in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced THOMAS to 113 months of imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment of $600.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Hammond Police Department, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANGEL RENEE VIDAURE, age 38, of Houston, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.  For this offense, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.  

VIDAURE was one of 11 defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that VIDAURE conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, Jacob Higginbotham, James Hatch, Eulalio Torres-Cadenas, Delio Alfredo Lopez-Lopez, Lindsey 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 VIDAURE on October 22, 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 G. Strasser announced that DANILO ORLANDO GARCIA HERNANDEZ, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced onn Wednesday, July 17, 2019 after pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information for illegally re-entering the United States in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, GARCIA HERNANDEZ was found in the United States on or about May 1, 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about August 18, 2008.  GARCIA HERNANDEZ pled guilty as charged today and United States District Court Judge Susie Morgan sentenced GARCIA HERNANDEZ to time served and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection 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 JARED CASTELLAW, age 34, of Alpine, California, and VALERIE SCHONES, age 54, of Tucson, Arizona, were sentenced on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 for their role in making false statements to a financial institution.

According to court documents, beginning in or around October 2008 and continuing to on or about May 2009, JARED CASTELLAW and VALERIE SCHONES, along with co-defendant Patrick Healey, made false statements to the Federal Housing Administration “FHA” in order to assist low-income borrowers in qualifying for FHA insured loans that they would not otherwise have qualified for. Healey and CASTELLAW are former employees of an undisclosed entity, ABC Homes, LLC, located in St. Bernard Parish.  SCHONES worked for XYZ Financial as a loan officer. In total, due to the acts of the defendants, the FHA suffered a loss in excess of $852,415.

Both CASTELLAW and SCHONES were sentenced to time served, supervised release of 5 years, a special assessment of $100, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $852,415.16.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Edward J. Rivera.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that AARON JOHNSON, age 42, of Bogalusa, pled guilty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine and more than five hundred grams of a mixture containing a detectible amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, JOHNSON flew to California, where he obtained methamphetamine that he then mailed back to Louisiana. JOHNSON then returned to Louisiana to receive over a kilogram of high-purity methamphetamine, which law enforcement agents found in his house and vehicle. The government filed a bill of information charging JOHNSON with a prior felony drug offense. As a result, JOHNSON faces a term of imprisonment of at least fifteen years and up to life, to be followed by at least ten years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.

Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for October 22, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, and the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 26, 2019, JAMES JACKSON, age 35, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, was sentenced to serve 73 months in federal prison on gun and drug charges.  JACKSON pled guilty back on December 6, 2018 to distribution of cocaine base (“crack”) and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

JACKSON was arrested by members of the DEA Task Force and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Deputies after law enforcement officials made controlled purchases of cocaine and heroin from JACKSON and his co-defendant, Jerry Pea.  Law enforcement also conducted a search warrant at two residences, one on Becky Lane and one on Louis Lane, where they also recovered drugs and a firearm that were connected to these two defendants.  Both men were indicted in federal court with this charges under case number 18-150 “I”.

Co-defendant Pea is scheduled to be sentenced on September 11, 2019.  Pea faces a sentence of five to forty years on the drug counts and a consecutive five years on the firearm charges to which he has pled guilty.   

“As sheriff of Tangipahoa Parish, I am proud to partner with the local DEA Office and its agents to target drug dealers ruining the lives of people in our Parish. This is just one example of how combining our efforts with DEA and other local partners, such as Hammond Police Department, can help take drug dealers off our streets”, said Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work by the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.) and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 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, JOAQUIN ENRIQUE LOPEZ-JIRON reentered the United States in or about 2019, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about April 15, 2011.

If convicted, 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. 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 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 charged on Tuesday, July 15, 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).

MARTINEZ-RODRIGUEZ 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 United States Customs and Border Protection agents in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri 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 charged on Tuesday, July 9, 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).

MARTINEZ-CASTRO 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 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 – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that CARLOS HUMBERTO CARRETO-ROMERO, age 29, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the bill of information, CARLOS HUMBERTO CARRETO ROMERO    (“CARRETO-ROMERO”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on September 4, 2012.  If convicted, CARRETO-ROMERO faces 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. 

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 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 today that ISAIAS MENDOZA-AILON, age 24, was charged on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 in a one-count bill of information for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

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

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 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, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRANDON LIVAS, age 34 and ROYALE LASSAI, age 29, both from New Orleans, Louisiana pled guilty as charged to a one count Bill of Information Wednesday, July 3, 2019. They were charged in 2018 by a Bill of Information with Bank Larceny, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(b).  The third defendant, ASHLEY GREEN, age 36 is scheduled for a change of plea hearing in October 2019.

In papers filed with the court signed by LASSAI and LIVAS , they admitted that LASSAI was employed in a Metairie, Louisiana medical clinic.  LASSAI, without authority, obtained personal information of patients including dates of birth, social security numbers and addresses.  LASSAI sold the information to her cousin, GREEN who used this information to fraudulently obtain debit cards issued by the victim banks, Capital One and Whitney.  These fraudulently obtained cards were mailed to an address controlled by GREEN.  GREEN and LIVAS then used the cards to withdraw at least $200,000 from the victims’ accounts.  LASSAI was paid at least $1,000 to pilfer the patient’s information.

LIVAS and LASSAI face up to ten (10) years incarceration, a $250,000 fine, restitution and three (3) years supervised release. Sentencing is set for October 21, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating the matter. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice Jr.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that GEORGE CARTER, age 63 of New Orleans, pled guilty Thursday, June 27, 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

According to court documents, CARTER and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.

CARTER faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years of imprisonment.  A fine of up to $5,000,000 may also be imposed or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person.  CARTER will be placed on supervised release after imprisonment for a period of not less than four years.  Additionally, a $100 special assessment fee will be assessed.  U.S. District Court Judge Ashe set sentencing for October 3, 2019.

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ERIC ROBINSON, age 26, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty Thursday, June 27, 2019 to federal firearms and narcotics violations.

According to court documents, ROBINSON, a convicted felon, possessed firearms on two separate occasions between 2017 and 2018, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).  On April 3, 2018, ROBINSON possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  ROBINSON also conspired with others to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(o).

The Court set sentencing in this matter for September 9, 2019.  ROBINSON faces, as to count one of the superseding bill of information, a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  As to counts two and four, ROBINSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  As to count 3, ROBINSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of $1,000,000, at least 3 years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  As to count five, ROBINSON faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, up to 5 years supervised release after imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.    

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

U. S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announces the June 28, 2019 return of an indictment charging two New York men with aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

The indictment charges TERRENCE NEALY, age 31, of Rockville Center, New York, and MYLES NICHOLAS, age 32, of Jamaica, New York.  The defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000.00 fine, and up to five years of supervised release.  They are also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence, a maximum $250,000.00 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.

According to court documents, members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force received information that NEALY and NICHOLAS would be flying to New Orleans from New York on the morning of June 21, 2019.  Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and U.S. Secret Service agents initiated surveillance at New Orleans International Airport, where they observed NEALY and NICHOLAS rent a car and immediately travel to Baton Rouge.  While in Baton Rouge, the defendants traveled to two local Best Buy stores and attempted to open a fraudulent Best Buy credit card, which is issued by Citibank, using a stolen identity.  They then traveled back to New Orleans where they were arrested by state and federal law enforcement.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this indictment, which represents a coordinated effort of federal and state law enforcement authorities within the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force.  The Task Force includes representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RAFAEL MOLINA, age 43, GUSTAVO BALDERAS, age 32, and MICHAEL GARZA, age 34, all residents of Texas, were charged February 22, 2019, in a six-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and five hundred grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court records, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force identified MOLINA as an upper level narcotics trafficker of cocaine in the Thibodaux, Louisiana area.  Between July 2018 and September 2018, MOLINA made several telephone calls in the Eastern District of Louisiana to facilitate a cocaine conspiracy and on September 28, 2018, distributed more than 500 grams of cocaine hydrochloride to the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

On February 10, 2019, the DEA Task Force learned that MOLINA was en route to Thibodaux to deliver two kilograms of cocaine.  Task Force officers established surveillance in Thibodaux and observed MOLINA, riding in a white pickup truck, and BALDERAS and GARZA, riding in a black Chrysler 300, registered to GARZA, at a motel in Thibodaux.  GARZA and BALDERAS entered the truck with MOLINA and they departed from the motel.  As the three departed the motel, officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck.  Agents searched both vehicles and located a Yeti ice chest in the Chrysler 300.  Inside the Yeti were two kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride. 

If convicted, MOLINA, BALDERAS and GARZA face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – KENDALL MATHEWS, a/k/a “DOT,” age 36,  EARL JOHNSON, a/k/a “MUD,” age 39,  MONTRELL CLEVELAND, a/k/a “NOON,” age 32, and DONTRELL MATHEWS, age 40, all residents of Thibodaux, Louisiana, were charged June 14, 2019, in a fifteen-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride, use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, beginning at a time unknown and continuing until September 28, 2018, Kendall MATHEWS, JOHNSON, CLEVELAND, and Dontrell MATHEWS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.  During that same period, Kendall MATHEWS and JOHNSON engaged in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride and a quantity of heroin.  Kendall MATHEWS and Dontrell MATHEWS are also charged with distribution of methamphetamine and all four individuals are charged with using a communication facility, a telephone, to facilitate drug conspiracies.  

If convicted, Kendall MATHEWS, JOHNSON, CLEVELAND, and Dontrell MATHEWS face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00 and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 20, 2019, MICHAEL LEWIS, age 33, a resident of Edgard, Louisiana, was charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury.  In count one, LEWIS is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 

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

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

The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.).  Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that GREGORY ST. ANGELO (“ST. ANGELO”), age 54, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, pled guilty Friday, June 28, 2019 to conspiring to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April of 2017.

According to court documents, from in or around 2006 through the fall of 2016, ST. ANGELO was the general counsel of First NBC Bank. During this time, he and several businesses owned or controlled by him (the “Entities”) were First NBC Bank borrowers. Bank President A was a founder of First NBC Bank and acted as its president and Chief Executive Officer from in or around May 2006, until in or around December 2016. From in or around 2006 through April 2017, Bank Officer B was employed by First NBC Bank as its Chief Credit Officer, and was responsible for, among other things, the overall quality of the bank’s lending function.

Beginning at a time unknown, but at least in or around 2006, through in and around April 2017, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, ST. ANGELO, and others known and unknown, conspired to defraud First NBC Bank by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, relating to a material fact.

The purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendant, ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others to enrich themselves unjustly by disguising the true financial status of ST. ANGELO, the Entities, and other borrowers, concealing the accurate performance of loans, and misrepresenting the nature of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities.

ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others sought to accomplish the conspiracy by engaging in the below activities:

ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others provided First NBC Bank with materially false and fraudulent documents and personal financial statements, which, among other things, overstated the value of ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ assets, understated their liabilities, and omitted material information. The materially false and fraudulent personal financial statements, collateral summaries, and other documents concealed ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition.

Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others disguised ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition by, among other things, issuing new loans to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to pay older loans that ST. ANGELO was unable to repay and to cover his overdrafts. The new loans then appeared to be current, while the old loans and overdrafts appeared to have been paid. In reality, the new loans were designed to avert the downgrading or impairment of ST. ANGELO’s and several Entities’ loans and to avoid reporting them as nonperforming or losses to the bank.  

Another means the conspirators used to disguise ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ true financial condition was to extend the maturity date of older loans on which ST. ANGELO was unable to make payments, which allowed First NBC Bank to avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.

Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and others funded fraudulent tax credit investments that First NBC Bank purportedly made in certain Entities owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, the supposed investments simply funneled money from First NBC Bank’s general ledger to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities, so that ST. ANGELO could make his loan payments and cure overdrafts, and so the bank could avoid downgrading, impairing, or reporting the loans as nonperforming or losses to the bank.  

On multiple occasions, Bank President A and ST. ANGELO executed false documents entitled “Agreements to Purchase Tax Credits” designed to make it appear that First NBC Bank was paying ST. ANGELO and certain Entities money in exchange for ownership interests in entities supposedly owned by ST. ANGELO. In reality, these agreements were a way for Bank President A, Bank Officer B, and ST. ANGELO to justify the diversion of bank funds to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities to cure overdrafts and avoid reporting requirements. On multiple occasions, Bank Officer B directed the disbursement of payments to ST. ANGELO and certain Entities from First NBC Bank’s general ledger, purportedly for tax credit investments, knowing that the tax credit investments were false.

Yet another means by which Bank President A, ST. ANGELO, Bank Officer B, and others concealed the true financial condition of ST. ANGELO’s and certain Entities’ loans was to lend funds to ST. ANGELO’s associates as nominees. Bank President A and ST. ANGELO caused the nominees to sign loan documents, making it appear that the nominee entity was taking out the loan solely for its own use. In fact, the loan proceeds often were paid to ST. ANGELO or certain Entities, not the nominees, and were, in part, used to pay ST. ANGELO’s and the Entities’ existing debts to First NBC Bank or to enrich ST. ANGELO and certain Entities.

ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B caused employees of First NBC Bank to transfer the nominee loan proceeds directly to ST. ANGELO’s or the Entities’ deposit accounts, when ST. ANGELO, Bank President A, and Bank Officer B knew the loans were not solely for the nominee, but benefitted ST. ANGELO, who was not named in the loan documents or listed as a guarantor.

By April 28, 2017, First NBC Bank had advanced approximately $46 million to ST. ANGELO and the Entities based on the false personal financial statements and practice of advancing new loan proceeds to cover overdrafts and make payments for prior loans. First NBC Bank had also paid ST. ANGELO an additional $9.6 million dollars in false tax credit investment money.

ST. ANGELO could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $1 million or twice the gross gain to him or the gross loss of any victims, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

Judge Carl J. Barbier set ST. ANGELO’s sentencing date for October 3, 2019 at 9:30am.

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 and Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman, Matthew R. Payne, Nicholas D. Moses, and J. Ryan McLaren are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DANIEL CABRERA-VERGARA, JR., a/k/a “Junior,” age 35, and LARANZA THOMAS, a/k/a “Dude,” age 28, residents of Houma, Louisiana, were charged May 16, 2019, in a three-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, beginning at a date unknown, but not later than October 30, 2018, and continuing until on or about November 6, 2018, CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS conspired with each other to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS are also charged with using a communication facility, a telephone, to facilitate the drug conspiracy.

If convicted, CABRERA-VERGARA and THOMAS face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Levee District Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Division of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HAKEAM DRANE, a/k/a “Keam,” age 29, of Gray, La., SPENCER ROUNDS, JR., a/k/a “BoBoy,” age 29, of Gray, La., and LARRY CHATMAN, age 28, of Thibodaux, La., were charged May 30, 2019, in a four-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with several narcotics offenses, including conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court records, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force identified DRANE as narcotics trafficker of methamphetamine in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. Between March and May 2019, DRANE, ROUNDS, and CHATMAN made several telephone calls in the Eastern District of Louisiana to facilitate a methamphetamine conspiracy, and on May 15, 2019, distributed more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine to the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

On May 13, 2019, the DEA Task Force learned that ROUNDS and CHATMAN were in Los Angeles, California, preparing to ship methamphetamine via United Parcel Service (UPS). Task Force officers identified two UPS parcels in the mail stream that arrived in Louisiana, one sent by ROUNDS and one sent by CHATMAN. Officers seized the parcels pursuant to a Federal search warrant. Inside, officers located vacuum sealed packages containing approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine. The vacuum sealed packages were further wrapped in dryer fabric softener sheets in an attempt to mask the methamphetamine’s odor. A search of ROUNDS’ car revealed a firearm, which ROUNDS is prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon.

In addition, DRANE distributed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine on July 30, 2018, and on January 17, 2019.

If convicted, DRANE faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000.00, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. ROUNDS and CHATMAN, if convicted, face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HARRIS HENDERSON, age 43, a resident of Schreiver, Louisiana, was charged July 14, 2019, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, On February 7, 2018, HENDERSON distributed five grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  If convicted, faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of forty years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00 and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

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

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DAVID ANTHONY MAR, a/k/a Oliver Armando Gamino-Avellaneda, age 24, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, was charged November 16, 2018, in a one-count indictment by a Federal Grand Jury with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the indictment, on November 5, 2018, MAR possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. MAR pled guilty May 9, 2019, and faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Levee District Police Department, and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections – Division of Probation and Parole. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paige O’Hale.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on June 20, 2019, JAVANTI COLER, age 25, a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, and DEONDRE GRAMMA,  age 26, also a resident of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, were charged in a one-count indictment by a federal grand jury.  In count one, COLER and GRAMMA are charged with being convicted felons in possession of a firearm. 

If convicted of count one, both COLER and GRAMMA face a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.

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

The case was investigated by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Thibodeaux Police Department, The Lafourche Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (A.T.F.).  Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ANDREW ANDERSON, age 38, a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana, was charged in a three-count indictment by a federal grand jury on May 31, 2019.  In count one, ANDERSON is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of heroin. In count two, ANDERSON is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  In count three, ANDERSON is charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to court records, on May 22, 2019, DEA agents and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, executed a federal search warrant at ANDERSON’s residence in Laplace, Louisiana. During the search, agents found one AK-47, and three handguns, all of which were fully loaded. Agents also located multiple plastic bags of substances suspected to be crack cocaine and heroin, which were packaged for distribution.

If convicted of count one, ANDERSON, faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release not less than 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.  For count two, ANDERSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed by the court, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. As to count three, ANDERSON faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.

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U.S. Peter G. Strasser announced that United States District Court Judge, Barry W. Ashe, sentenced DILLON DAVIS, age 26, of Destrehan, to 151 months of imprisonment for committing a bank robbery in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).  DAVIS’ two prior drug convictions qualified him as a career offender, thus enhancing his sentencing guideline range.

The federal indictment alleged that DAVIS entered the Chase Bank located at 3540 Williams Boulevard, in Kenner, Louisiana, on August 2, 2017, and demanded one thousand dollars in U.S. currency from a bank teller.

DAVIS’ case has been designated as a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) case.  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 Kenner Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany L. Reed is in charge of the prosecution.

ELIJAH CHARLES SORINA (“ELIJAH”), age 29, and LISA SORINA (“LISA”), age 53, both of New Orleans, Louisiana, were charged by a federal grand jury in a three (3) count superseding indictment on Friday, June 21, 2019, with Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Funds and to Make False Statements, and Theft of Government Funds, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to the superseding indictment, on September 21, 2015, ELIJAH and LISA SORINA completed a SSA Form SSA-821-BK, Work Activity Report, in which they claimed ELIJAH stopped working due to his “physical and/or mental condition.”  However, ELIJAH and LISA SORINA failed to disclose ELIJAH’s employment as a school bus driver with a local transportation company to the SSA. In addition, on November 5, 2015, LISA and ELIJAH SORINA completed a SSA Form SSA-454-BK, Continuing Disability Review Report, and listed his daily activities as, “I get up about 12:00 pm eat, take a shower, watch TV, then at 8 pm (sic) back to bed.”  The two defendants also claimed ELIJAH had difficulty with many daily tasks including but not limited to dressing, bathing, completing chores, driving, walking, and understanding or following directions. 

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

If convicted, ELIJAH and LISA face a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

CHARLES F. HALL (“HALL”), age 61, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday for Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a), announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

The case against HALL began on April 12, 2018, when HALL entered the Social Security Administration’s (“SSA”) offices located on the fifth floor of 400 Poydras Street, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The SSA offices are leased by the General Services Administration (“GSA”) and are within the jurisdiction of the Federal Protective Service (“FPS”), a department of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  The SSA office employs an administrative security screening process for all visitors whereby Paragon Systems Incorporated Protective Security Officers (“PSO”) conduct a search for weapons and explosives.  As part of this screening process, HALL was instructed to take all metal items out of his pockets prior to passing through the magnetometer.  When HALL produced a cellular phone from his pocket, the PSOs asked HALL to silence his cellular phone while he was in the office.  When HALL accessed his cellular phone to silence it, the screen lit up and displayed an image depicting the sexual victimization of a prepubescent child.  HALL was taken into custody by officers with the FPS, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. A subsequent computer forensic search of HALL’s phone revealed he was in possession of 195 images and two videos of child pornography.

HALL was sentenced to 50 months by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance. HALL was also sentenced to a period of seven (7) years of supervised release after his term of imprisonment. Judge Vance also ordered HALL to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act.

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

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service, Paragon Systems Incorporated Protective Security Officers, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Financial Crimes Unit Supervisor, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DONALD MARCELIN, a/k/a “Golfer,” a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Snook,” age 41, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl. 

United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced MARCELIN to ten years of imprisonment followed by (5) five years of supervised release. 

According to court records, during the timeframe of the charged drug conspiracy, MARCELIN conspired with codefendants Jonathan LAWRENCE, Brandon HALL, Aloysius KORIEOCHA, Brian MAXSON, Dwayne LABRANCH, Lance STOVALL, 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, only MARCELIN and KORIEOCHA 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.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MAHER SALIM, age 41, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jay A. Zainey to (3) years after previously pleading guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2320(a)(1).  Judge Zainey scheduled a hearing to determine restitution owed to the victims for September 24, 2019.

According to court documents, SALIM owned and operated BRANDS 4 LESS, a business located at 4200 Washington Avenue, Unit A, in New Orleans.  On about November 6, 2016, agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) conducted a cargo inspection of a suspicious package addressed to SALIM at the DHL Express facility in Kenner, Louisiana.  The package contained 32 pairs of Nike shoes that were determined to be counterfeit.  Thereafter, a Nike representative entered BRANDS 4 LESS during its business hours and purchased another pair of counterfeit Nike shoes.  Based on this information, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant on BRANDS 4 LESS on January 19, 2017.  During the search, agents seized numerous counterfeit goods SALIM was selling that bore the false marks of makers of clothing and luxury goods, including True Religion, Rock Revival, Michael Kors, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Polo, Timberland, New Era, Nike, Adidas, Dolce & Gabbana, Mitchell & Ness, and North Face.  The collective fair market value of all the items was approximately $193,980.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that LEROY SMITH, age 35, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and 100 grams or more of heroin and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking.  On the drug charge, SMITH is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, a possible fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release upon his release from prison.  On the firearms charge, SMITH is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and no more than five years of supervised release upon his release from prison. 

According to court records, SMITH conspired with his codefendant, Carl J. Hurst, and others, to order kilograms of acetylfentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, from a Chinese manufacturer.  SMITH admitted that he sold the acetylfentanyl as “heroin.”  The government’s evidence in this case includes multiple undercover purchases of heroin and acetylfentanyl from SMITH, wiretaps on SMITH’s phones, drug seizures, and eyewitness testimony.  On May 31, 2019, codefendant Hurst also pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell acetylfentanyl and heroin. 

U.S. District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle will sentence SMITH on September 25, 2019.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Long and Nicholas Moses are responsible for the prosecution.                                              

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NEW ORLEANS - The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana announced today the renewal and extension of a settlement agreement with Dillard University, a Historically Black College and University in New Orleans, Louisiana, under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The settlement agreement consummates a 17-year effort to resolve a compliance review of the campus that devolved from a complaint lodged against Dillard regarding an inaccessible building. The campus-wide compliance review revealed that most of the buildings and facilities were not accessible to people with mobility impairments. The original 2002 settlement agreement the parties entered into called for self-surveying by Dillard of all of the inaccessible features of its campus and the formulation and funding of a plan to remediate them. Due to financial difficulties and the near destruction of the campus by Hurricane Katrina, the university was afforded extensions of time to fulfill the terms of the original settlement.

In 2016, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, conducted another campus-wide survey to determine the accessibility of the Dillard campus. After receiving the results of the updated survey, Dillard made a vigorous and sincere commitment to making its campus fully accessible. With the aid of qualified ADA architects, Dillard devised a remediation plan with DOJ approval and identified funding to fulfill the plan within two years. Even prior to signing the settlement agreement, Dillard advertised and awarded the contract for the requisite renovations with work scheduled to begin during the summer of 2019.

Once the remediation plan is completed, Dillard will be one of only three HBCUs in the country with a fully accessible campus.

The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination by public accommodations, including colleges and universities, in their full and equal enjoyment of goods, services and facilities.  More information about the ADA and be found at www.ada.gov .  Further inquiries about this settlement or regarding any other disability access issue can be pursued by contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (504) 680-3000.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced on Thursday, June 20, 2019 that OLIN D. GRANT, JR., age 22, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana was charged in a four-count indictment by a federal grand jury.  In count one, GRANT is charged with possession with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a quantity of marijuana.  In count two, GRANT is charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.  In count three, GRANT is charged with possession of a machine gun; and in count four, GRANT is charged with possession of a non-registered firearm.

If convicted of count one, GRANT faces a maximum sentence of 5 years of imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 2 years, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.00.  If convicted of count two, GRANT faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 5 years, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  As to counts 3 and 4, GRANT faces a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safe for everyone.  Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, then Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN was launched in 2001.

The case was investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Melissa Bücher and Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime/Strike Force Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, JAMIE PAUL EARLY, age 36, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to forty-one months of imprisonment for violating federal law by committing a bank robbery on July 27, 2018 at the Capital One Bank at 3001 Tulane Avenue in New Orleans.  Additionally, EARLY must serve (3) years of supervised release and pay a !00.00 special assessment fee.

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

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn McHugh.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOHN JONES, age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty Thursday, June 13, 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin on June 13, 2019.

According to court documents, JONES and others conspired to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

JONES faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and a maximum term of life imprisonment.  A fine of up to $10,000,000 may also be imposed.  JONES will be placed on supervised release after imprisonment for a period of not less than five years.  Additionally, a $100 special assessment fee will be assessed.  U.S. District Court Judge Ashe set sentencing for September 19, 2019.

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

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WASHINGTON – A Covington, Louisiana, couple and their company pleaded guilty for their roles in a scheme to create, market and operate a fraudulent medical reimbursement program that defrauded the IRS and program participants out of over $48 million.    

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana, Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Atlanta Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal of the FBI’s New Orleans Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Steve Grell of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s (DOL-OIG) Dallas Regional Office and Regional Director James Purcell of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Kansas City Regional Office made the announcement. 

Denis Joachim, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; Donna Joachim, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States; and The Total Financial Group, Inc. (TTFG) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to make false statements and representations in connection with a multiple employer welfare arrangement and five counts of making false statements and representations in connection with a multiple employer welfare arrangement.  All the pleas took place before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier of the Eastern District of Louisiana on May 30, 2019, and were unsealed yesterday.  Sentencings have been scheduled for Sept. 5, 2019, before Judge Barbier.  As part of their guilty pleas, the defendants have agreed to forfeit assets previously seized with a collective value of approximately $6.3 million.  Additionally, the defendants acknowledged a potential loss to the victims totaling more than $48 million and agreed to repay restitution for the amount of loss.

According to admissions made as part of the guilty pleas, TTFG was a Louisiana business incorporated by Denis Joachim and Donna Joachim with the Louisiana Secretary of State that was most recently located at 406 N. Florida Street in Covington.  TTFG and its owners created and marketed a medical reimbursement account program called “Classic 105,” which operated from about 2012 until January 2017.  Classic 105 claimed to be a multiple employer welfare arrangement that was marketed to employers as a supplemental benefits plan for their employees to reimburse for medical expenses such as co-pays and deductibles; participants in Classic 105 were required to have a primary health insurance plan unrelated to and in addition to Classic 105. 

According to the defendants’ admissions, Classic 105 claimed to be comprised of several components:  a tax-exempt contribution of between $1,000 and $1,600 per month made by an employee (which reduced the employee’s taxable income), a loan from a financial institution back to the employee to make up for the contribution, an insurance policy payable to the lender at the employee’s death to repay the loan and fees paid by the employee and the employer directly to TTFG.  TTFG told prospective employer-clients that participants would never have to make out-of-pocket payments to repay the loan and that as a result of the tax savings, most participants would receive an increase in their net take home pay.  TTFG also told prospective employer-clients that the contributions would be stored in a unique account for each employee-participant and that any money not used by the end of each calendar year would revert to TTFG.  TTFG also charged employee-participants a fee of between $150 and $250 per month and the employer a fee of five percent of each employee’s contribution amount.  At its peak, over 350 employer-clients and 4,400 employee-participants nationwide were enrolled in TTFG’s Classic 105 program. In total, TTFG took in not less than at least $25,543,340.70 in fees from the employer-clients and employee-participants, the defendants admitted.

According to the defendants’ admissions, TTFG never obtained a single loan or insurance policy for the Classic 105 program, and participants never made any actual contributions.  Rather, TTFG arranged for the contribution, loan and insurance policy to appear as a series of “paper transactions” that, in effect, did nothing more than reduce participants’ taxable wages and employers’ FICA payments improperly, without their knowledge of the impropriety.  Consequently, TTFG and the Joachims admittedly caused the underpayment of at least $23,343,442.70 in federal FICA taxes, as well as the underreporting and underpayment of personal federal income taxes. federal unemployment taxes and state unemployment taxes—amounts for which the employer-clients and employee-participants may be individually responsible.  It also exposed participants to other adverse financial consequences, including fees and penalties on the unpaid tax and ineligibility from certain government programs, including unemployment payments and reduced Social Security payments, the defendants admitted.

In truth, the only money actually paid to TTFG were the fees, which the Joachims used to make numerous personal expenses, including the purchase of a 26-foot boat, a 2016 Grand Design Solitude recreational trailer, a Chevrolet Corvette, a Jeep Wrangler, a Dodge Ram truck, a Mercedes-Benz CL 550 automobile, a GMC Yukon XL Denali, multiple CAN-AM Maverick 1000R off-road vehicles, jet skis, their 13,000 square foot Covington residence, real property located adjacent to their Covington residence, two residences located in Madisonville, Louisiana, 40 acres of property in Bush, Louisiana, and 125 acres of property in Spring City, Tennessee, the defendants admitted.

This case was investigated by the IRS-CI, the FBI, the DOL-OIG and the Employee Benefits Security Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and Maria Carboni of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Jared Hasten of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.  Senior Trial Attorney Rebecca Pyne of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, Labor-Management Racketeering Unit also provided assistance with the prosecution. 

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced Thursday, June 20, 2019 that St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, has agreed to pay more than $1 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the Parish violated the Fair Housing Act when it refused to allow two small group homes for up to five children with disabilities to open in single-family neighborhoods.

“The Fair Housing Act prohibits local governments from applying their zoning laws in a manner that discriminates against persons with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement underscores the Civil Rights Division’s commitment to ensure that children with disabilities have access to housing in all communities.”   

“Access to safe, sanitary, and secure housing is a fundamental civil right for all persons within the Eastern District of Louisiana, and this settlement agreement continues efforts to ensure compliance to The Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “I commend the cooperative efforts of St. Bernard Parish to reach a resolution that is in the best interests of our community.”

“Persons with disabilities have a right to have access to the type of housing that meets their needs,” said Anna María Farías, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “Today’s settlement sends a strong message that HUD and the Justice Department are committed to ensuring that cities and municipalities fully adhere to the requirements of the Fair Housing Act.”

The United States’ suit, filed in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, Louisiana, in December 2018, alleged that St. Bernard Parish violated the Fair Housing Act when it denied requests for reasonable accommodations to its zoning ordinance to allow the two group homes to operate in single-family neighborhoods of the Parish. Shortly after learning that the homes were planning to open, the Parish amended its zoning code to prohibit group homes of any size in single-family neighborhoods. The two group home operators filed complaints with HUD, which in turn referred the complaints to the Department of Justice.  The group home operators filed a lawsuit in 2016, which they have settled with the Parish.

Under the settlement, St. Bernard Parish will pay $975,000 in monetary damages and attorneys’ fees to the two group home operators, and a $60,000 civil penalty to the United States. The Parish amended its zoning ordinance to permit small group homes in single-family residential districts, amended its reasonable accommodation policy, and will take a number of actions to guard against further housing discrimination.  These other actions include training officials and individuals involved in zoning and land use, designating a fair housing compliance officer, and reporting periodically to the Department of Justice during the term of the agreement.     

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-66-9777 or through its website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that PEGGY NAGELE, age 65 of Thibodeaux, Louisiana was sentenced Thursday, June 13, 2019 to serve 30 months in federal prison.  She previously pled guilty to a one-count bill of information, charging her with violating Title 26, United States Code, Section 7206, making false statements on an income tax return in January 2019.

In papers signed by NAGELE and filed in open court, NAGELE admitted to failing to declare more than $727,847.80 in funds she had stolen on her 2011 Federal tax form 1040, as charged in the Bill of Information. NAGELE was employed as a bookkeeper with Law Firm A, a New Orleans law firm.  NAGELE further admitted to theft of $5,083,601 from Firm “A” and Business “A”, a real estate management company. 

NAGELE further admitted to having unfettered access to both entities checkbooks and financial assets.  She wrote checks to herself from operating accounts at Firm “A”.  She disguised her thefts by making the checks payable to routine vendors, or simply did not record the checks in the check register.  The checks were then deposited into either Mortgage Lending Group, a business NAGELE and her family controlled or Nagele Corporation, another business controlled by the defendant.

“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that can take time to unravel,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office – New Orleans Post. “The federal tax laws are normally violated in these cases which can add to additional jail time. As we often see, the victims are not only the taxpayers, but also the individuals and entities who suffer the financial harm.”

NAGELE was also ordered to pay $5,083,601 in restitution to her victims.  She is to report to prison in August, 2019.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DARRYL SANDERS, a/k/a Daryl Saunders (“SANDERS”), age 62, of Slidell, Louisiana, pled guilty yesterday to making False Statements in an Application for a Passport, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542.

According to Count 2 of the Indictment, on March 27, 2018, SANDERS knowingly made false statements in an application for a 2018 U.S. Passport when he falsely claimed his name was Daryl Saunders, with a date of birth of 09/03/XXXX.

SANDERS faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment as to each count. Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for September 10, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  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 GERARD HARRISON, age 31, of New Orleans, pled guilty to violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act and the federal Gun Control Act. 

On June 13, 2019, HARRISON pled guilty to a two-count bill of information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  According to court documents, federal agents intercepted wiretapped calls involving HARRISON and surveilled him as he conducted drug transactions.  Law enforcement agents also executed a search warrant at HARRISON’s home, and recovered an assault rifle, a large capacity magazine, and bags of heroin.

For his violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, HARRISON faces a minimum term of five years and a maximum term of forty years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, not less than four years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.  Additionally, for his violation of the Federal Gun Control Act, HARRISON faces a consecutive sentence of not less than five years imprisonment up to life imprisonment, not less than 5 years of supervised release, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. District Court Judge Ashe set sentencing for September 19, 2019.

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

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