Eastern District of Louisiana

A former resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana was sentenced today to 50 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to court documents, Aaron Daniels conspired with others to defraud the United States by submitting false tax returns that requested fraudulent tax refunds.  Daniels obtained the names and social security numbers of people he was incarcerated with in the East Carroll Detention Center and provided that information to his co-conspirators to use to file false tax returns. In exchange for providing names and social security numbers, Daniels was paid by his co-conspirators. 

In addition to the term of imprisonment imposed, the court ordered Daniels to serve three years of supervised release, and pay $11,584 in restitution to the IRS.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Strasser commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett, who prosecuted the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division’s enforcement efforts can be found on the division’s website.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DERRICK WILSON, age 35, of Franklinton, Louisiana, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute a quantity of cocaine hydrochloride.  The incident giving rise to his arrest stemmed from a September 27, 2015, traffic stop in Kenner, during which police seized one-half kilogram of powder cocaine from a car that he occupied with his girlfriend and codefendant, Dominique Wise.  According to court documents, Wise was sentenced to 3 years probation on July 18, 2018.

U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced WILSON to 50 months incarceration followed by 3 years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Long is in charge of the prosecution.

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U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NICOLE SERUNTINE, age 35, an employee of Company A.M.M., was charged Friday, October 5, 2018 with wire fraud.

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

If found guilty, NICOLE SERUNTINE could face up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser stated that a Bill of Information is merely an accusation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DELTOINE SCOTT, age 25, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to charges of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, armed bank robbery, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, murder, and making false statements to federal law enforcement officers.

According to paperwork filed with the Court, SCOTT admitted to conspiring with JEROME KIEFFER and ARMSTEAD KIEFFER, who are father and son, to commit two armored car robberies, a 2015 robbery at the Chase Bank on N. Board and a 2017 attempted robbery at the Campus Federal Credit Union on Tulane.  SCOTT admitted that he and JEROME KIEFFER spent several days planning the 2015 robbery and their getaway.  The two men waited behind a hole they had cut in a wooden fence and jumped out with guns when they saw the guard move away from the armored car.  The two then fled back through the hole and down an alley to where they had previously parked a getaway vehicle.  SCOTT admitted that he and JEROME KIEFFER got the guns they used in the robbery from ARMSTEAD KIEFFER and that they returned to ARMSTEAD KIEFFER’s house immediately after the robbery to count the proceeds. 

SCOTT also admitted his participation in the 2017 attempted robbery that resulted in the death of Loomis guard James McBride.  SCOTT admitted that JEROME KIEFFER had rented an apartment that overlooked the scene of the attempted robbery and had approached SCOTT about committing another robbery after having seen an armored car servicing the ATMs that his apartment overlooked. SCOTT acknowledged that he and JEROME KIEFFER borrowed a distinctive black, white, and black truck from SCOTT’s grandfather on the day of the attempted robbery.  He also admitted meeting with JEROME KIEFFER and ARMSTEAD KIEFFER to plan the robbery and that ARMSTEAD KIEFFER was the lookout.  SCOTT acknowledged that he and Jerome KIEFFER ran down on the armored car while armed with handguns after ARMSTEAD KIEFFER, who was on the phone with JEROME KIEFFER, told them it was time to begin the robbery.  Finally, SCOTT admitted that during an interview about a week after the robbery he lied to federal agents about having lost his phone and about his whereabouts on the day of the robbery.   

For his role in the 2017 attempted robbery, SCOTT faces a penalty of any term of years up to life in prison.  On the charges related to the 2015 robbery, SCOTT faces up to twenty-five years in prison, plus a mandatory consecutive sentence of at least seven years up to life.  The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years.  SCOTT faces up to five years in prison on each of the false statement counts.  Sentencing is set before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle on January 30, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller and Michael McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS - One year ago, the Department of Justice announced the revitalization and enhancement of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which Attorney General Sessions has made the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction strategy. 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.

Throughout the past year, we have partnered with all levels of law enforcement, local organizations, and members of the community to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

“Project Safe Neighborhoods is a proven program with demonstrated results,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “We know that the most effective strategy to reduce violent crime is based on sound policing policies that have proven effective over many years, which includes being targeted and responsive to community needs.  I have empowered our United States Attorneys to focus enforcement efforts against the most violent criminals in their districts, and directed that they work together with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.  Each United States Attorney has prioritized the PSN program, and I am confident that it will continue to reduce crime, save lives, and restore safety to our communities.”  

Here in New Orleans, our PSN partners have worked diligently to strengthen relationships among federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices (state and federal) to streamline communications, investigations and prosecutions.  As an example, ATF agents are assigned to each NOPD district in an effort to increase case referrals and information sharing.  Furthermore, several commanders of NOPD, along with representatives of ATF, FBI, DEA, USMS, USAO, the OPDAO, gather on a bi-weekly basis to discuss problems within the PSN target area, suspects and gangs, ongoing investigations and strategic enforcement efforts, and to hold each partner accountable for its role in these efforts.  Furthermore, the PSN coordinator from the USAO meets with NOPD detectives and Orleans Parish assistant district attorneys to discuss ongoing gang and violent crime investigations and to determine courses of action, including which prosecutor’s office will be handling the long-term gang/violent crime prosecutions and how the other office can assist. 

As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the revitalized PSN program, here are some of the highlights of our PSN actions over the past year:

Enforcement Actions

• Enforcement strategy: 
  • The United States Attorney’s Office continuously collaborates with Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, the New Orleans Police Department, and federal law enforcement, including FBI, ATF, DEA, and USMS to address violence in the New Orleans Metropolitan Area.
  • Bi-weekly meetings with the above partners to discuss ongoing investigations and strategies and to determine progress.
  • Assignment of ATF special agents to each NOPD district to maximize information-sharing, streamline case referrals and build partnerships.   

Community Partnerships

• Community Engagement and Prevention:
  • Re-entry collaboration; School programs to reduce violence, such as Project L.E.A.D., promotion of the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence national program, participation in the United States Probation & Parole Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDLA Boss for a Day Program, and participation in National Night Out Against Violence; NOPD bicycle giveaway to children in the most high-risk areas; Coffee with the Community; and Community Peace Walks.

Improvements to Community Safety

• The FBI’s official crime data for 2017 reflects that, after two consecutive, historic increases in violent crime, in the first year of the Trump Administration the nationwide violent crime rate began to decline.  The nationwide violent crime rate decreased by approximately one percent in 2017, while the nationwide homicide rate decreased by nearly one and a half percent.

• The preliminary information we have for 2018 gives us reason for optimism that our efforts are continuing to pay off. Public data from 60 major cities show that violent crime was down by nearly five percent in those cities in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period a year ago.

• Here in New Orleans, our information from the first six months of 2018 shows that we should have the same shared optimism we have nationwide.  Homicides have decreased by 6.1%, when compared to the first six months of 2017.  Additionally our rate for armed robberies decreased by 14.5% from the first six months of 2018, when compared to the first six months in 2017. 

• Those numbers reflect real impacts that our strategies are having, which makes us hopeful about the future and the continued effects we can have on reducing violent crime in the streets of New Orleans.  We recognize we still have a lot of work before us and we are invested and committed to making our community a better and safer place. 

The United States Attorney, Peter G. Strasser, would like to thank our dedicated partners invested in PSN, specifically, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Probation and Parole, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshal Service, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and our community members.   

These enforcement actions and partnerships are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. Learn more about Project Safe Neighborhoods.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that BRITTANY THEOPHILE, age 30, and RACHELLE KELSON, age 25, both of the greater New Orleans area, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, to charges relating to their use of a telephone to commit, cause or facilitate the commission of a crime (an attempt to introduce controlled substances into the Orleans Parish Prison).  

As stated in the Factual Basis, ELTON WILLIAMS, an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center jail, solicited the assistance of his relative, CIBONEY PARKER (a civilian employee of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office), and two friends, THEOPHILE and KELSON, to smuggle drugs into the jail.  THEOPHILE and KELSON provided the drugs, including marijuana, heroin, and Tramadol, to PARKER during her work shift.  The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Intelligence Division became aware of the plan through audio and visual surveillance and detained PARKER before she could gain access to WILLIAMS.  WILLIAMS and PARKER are scheduled for trial on December 10, 2018 before District Judge Jolivette Brown.

THEOPHILE and KELSON each face a maximum term of imprisonment of four (4) years, are subject to a fine of up to $250,000, and, upon release, they will serve a one year term of supervised release.  Sentencing before Judge Brown is scheduled for December 13, 2018 for THEOPHILE and January 3, 2019 for KELSON.

U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the FBI and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigative Service Bureau.  Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of this prosecution.                                                   

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NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana announced that BRANDON HALL, a/k/a “B-Hilly,” age 28, and ALOYSIUS KORIEOCHA, a/k/a “Madi,” a/k/a “Ball,” age 36, both of New Orleans, pleaded guilty today to federal charges stemming from their participation in a violent drug-trafficking organization operating primarily in the Eastside Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans. 

Specifically, HALL pleaded guilty to a Superseding Bill of Information, charging one count of conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl; one count of conspiring to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking; and one count of discharging a firearm in a school zone. 

On HALL’s drug conspiracy count, HALL is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum sentence of life, a possible fine of up to $8,000,000, and at least eight years of supervised release upon his release from prison.  On the firearm conspiracy count, HALL is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than three years of supervised release.  On the discharging a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking count, HALL is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $250,000, and not more than five years of supervised release.  Finally, on the discharging a firearm in a school zone count, HALL is facing a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a possible fine of up to $100,000, and not more than one year of supervised release. 

For his part, KORIEOCHA pleaded guilty to Count 1 of the Superseding Indictment, charging him with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and a quantity of fentanyl.  KORIEOCHA 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. 

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance will sentence the defendants on February 20, 2019.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDLA announced that U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced CHRIS WELLS, age 35, of Chalmette, Louisiana, to 240 months imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to several drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one hundred grams or more of heroin.  WELLS also pled guilty to firearms offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, In March of 2017, members of the NOPD/HIDTA Task Force received information from a source of information that three individuals, including WELLS, were heroin distributors in the area of Mandeville Street and Derbigny Street in New Orleans.  Based on that information, officers conducted surveillance in that area.

On Thursday April 13, 2017, officers observed WELLS conduct hand-to-hand narcotics transactions in the area of Mandeville Street and Derbigny Street.  Afterward, officers observed WELLS drive to his residence at 406 E. Liberaux Street in Chalmette, Louisiana, then return to North Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans where he picked up an individual.  After observing WELLS drive in a manner as if to avoid being followed, officers suspected that WELLS conducted a narcotics transaction with the individual.  

After the individual exited WELLS’ vehicle, he attempted to flee from the officers but fell and spilled approximately an ounce of heroin he purchased from WELLS.  Officers arrested the individual and seized additional heroin from his pockets. 

Officers and DEA Special Agents obtained a search warrant for WELLS’ residence.  During the search, officers and agents seized approximately 33 grams of crack cocaine, 70 grams of heroin, and a semi-automatic pistol.

Through further investigation, officers learned that WELLS and his associates used one telephone to conduct heroin transactions.  Customers would call the one telephone number and WELLS or his associates would conduct the sale. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New Orleans Police Department, and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Nicholas D. Moses were in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEBRA KROM, age 36, a resident of Wylie, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud.

According to the Bill of Information filed on February 8, 2018, on or before August 2013, and continuing through December 2015, KROM and others operated a scheme to contact elderly individuals and people with diminished capacity who would be susceptible to being scammed. The scheme involved contacting victims by telephone through Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) and informing them they had won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes (“PCH”) or similar lottery and needed to pay KROM and others monies by cash, check, wire, and other methods in order to claim their lottery winnings.

Unknown members of the conspiracy, but believed to be residing in Jamaica, obtained names, addresses, and other biographical information from an unknown source. These individuals used the information to identify victims, telephone them, or directed others to telephone the victims and tell them that they had won the PCH sweepstakes. They needed to send KROM or other co-conspirators money to claim their winnings.

Co-conspirator, Andre Bowyer, charged in case 16-96 “J” in the Eastern District of Louisiana, directed KROM and others residing in the United States, including Alex Saunders, charged in case 18-168 “E”, to open bank accounts in the United States for the purpose of receiving money from elderly victims and transferring the proceeds into Bowyer’s account in Jamaica. It was part of the scheme and artifice to defraud that on certain dates between August 2013 and December 2015, the defendant, KROM, Saunders and others, conspired with Bowyer to accomplish the unlawful scheme of fooling elderly victims into believing they had won a sweepstakes, causing the victims to send money via the United States Postal Service or by wire transfer to KROM, Saunders or others. Immediately after receiving the funds in the mail from the victims, KROM, Saunders, and others transferred the ill-gotten proceeds from their accounts to Bowyer’s account in Jamaica.

KROM is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2019 before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance. She faces a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, supervised release of up to 3 years, and a special assessment of $100.

U.S. Attorney Strasser commended special agents of the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman.

WASHINGTON – A Honduran man was sentenced in federal court today to 46 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to launder into the United States more than $1.3 million in foreign bribe payments and public funds from the Republic of Honduras, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Deputy Director and Acting Director Ronald D. Vitiello of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced.

On June 27, Carlos Zelaya, 47, a citizen of Honduras who was residing in the New Orleans area, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering before U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman of the Eastern District of Louisiana, who imposed today’s sentence and ordered Zelaya to serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.  The defendant consented to the forfeiture of his interest in over one million dollars in real estate obtained through the scheme as part of his plea.

According to admissions made as part of the plea agreement, Carlos Zelaya conspired with his brother, the former Executive Director of the Honduran Institute of Social Security, and others to launder over $1.3 million in bribe payments.  These bribes were paid by two Honduran businessmen for the benefit of the Executive Director.  The funds were then laundered into the New Orleans area through international wire transfers and used to purchase real estate, including a commercial property.  Carlos Zelaya collected and spent the rental income derived from the properties, even after a federal judge ordered him to preserve the funds pending resolution of a federal civil forfeiture suit.  During the course of the civil case, he also made false statements to the U.S. government in written discovery responses and to a federal judge in the Eastern District of Louisiana while testifying under oath.  As part of the conspiracy, Carlos Zelaya also used his brother’s high-ranking official position to profit from lucrative Honduran government contracts and then laundered the misappropriated funds into the New Orleans area.

The investigation was conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans and Miami.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Stephen A. Gibbons, Marybeth Grunstra, and Michael B. Redmann of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

This case was brought under the Department of Justice’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative by a team of prosecutors in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.  These prosecutors partner with federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute those who engage in and facilitate foreign official corruption which has effects on the U.S. financial system, to forfeit assets purchased with the proceeds of that corruption, and, where appropriate, to repatriate the recovered funds for the benefit of the people of the country harmed by such abuse of public office.  Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in, or laundered through, the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to kleptocracy@usdoj.gov.

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18-1288

WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser joined the Department of Justice in announcing more than $70 million in grant funding to bolster school security, educate and train students and faculty, and support law enforcement officers and first responders who arrive on the scene of a school violence incident, including $200,000 for the Jefferson Parish School System, $250,000 for the St. Tammany Parish School System and $499.911 for the City of New Orleans. These grants are in addition to the funding to the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), announced by Attorney General Sessions last week, to expand and update their curriculum to better support training programs. These grants combined will better protect students, teachers, faculty, and first responders across the United States. Additionally, the Department is awarding more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems, which will help law enforcement and increase the effectiveness of background checks.

“President Trump and his administration will ensure the safety of every American school," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "Earlier this year he signed into law the STOP School Violence Act, which provides grant funding to develop anonymous school threat reporting systems, to implement school building security measures, and to train students, school personnel, and law enforcement on how to prevent school violence. Today I am announcing $70 million in these grants to hundreds of cities and states across America. These grants will go a long way toward giving young people and their families both safety and peace of mind.”

“With the allocation of this funding, Eastern District of Louisiana school personnel, students and law enforcement will have the necessary capital to develop strategies to ensure the safety of our educational institutions, students, administators and first responders.” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “We continue to do whatever is necessary to keep all schools safe and communities confident that their children are in a safe environment.”

The Office of Justice Program’s (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) together are making more than 220 awards to jurisdictions across the country to help make schools more secure. The awards, granted through three funding streams, will provide new technology for reporting systems and other threat deterrent measures and create school safety training and education programs for school administrators, staff, students, and first responders. This includes the support for existing crisis intervention teams and the creation of new ones.

• BJA’s STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program will provide 68 awards valued at more than $19 million. This funding supports training to create and operate threat assessment and crisis intervention teams and to develop technology for local or regional anonymous reporting systems. This technology may be in the form of a mobile phone application, hotline, or website.
•  
• The STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, also managed by BJA, will provide training and education on preventing violence and effectively responding to related mental health crises. This program will fund 85 awards at nearly $28 million.
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• The COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) will provide nearly $25 million to 91 jurisdictions for school safety measures including coordination with law enforcement, training for law enforcement to prevent student violence against others and self, target hardening measures, and technology for expedited notification of law enforcement during an emergency.

The grants are authorized by the STOP School Violence Act, which are intended to improve school security by helping students and teachers reduce exposure to risks, prevent acts of violence, and quickly recognize and respond to violent attacks.

The Department also announced that it has awarded more than $64 million to state agencies to improve the completeness, quality, and accessibility of the nation’s criminal record systems. These grants are administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, part of OJP. Approximately $43 million in funding will be administered through the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), and nearly $21 million will be awarded under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act Record Improvement Program.  These grant programs help states automate and upgrade records accessed by the firearms background check system.  This year, at the direction of the Attorney General, the Department prioritized funding for projects that improve accessibility of criminal history records, domestic violence convictions, and information on persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms for mental-health related reasons.

The Department is also investing over $1 million in research to better understand the factors behind mass shooting incidents. The grant awards, made by the Department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of OJP, support scientific investigations that will examine factors that contribute to mass violence, identify any patterns in mass shootings, analyze psychological and social life histories of mass shooters and community-level predictors of mass violence, and will examine firearm purchasing patterns of known mass shooters in order to create a risk prediction tool.  

For addition information on today’s grant announcements, visit www.bja.gov or www.cops.usdoj.gov. 

NOTE: The breakdown of the STOP School Violence Grants can be found here: STOP School Violence Threat Assessment and Technology Reporting Program, STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program, and COPS Office School Violence Prevention Program

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U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TRAM NGUYEN, age 32, of Westwego, pled guilty today to a Bill of Information charging her with misprision of a drug trafficking felony, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4. 

According to court documents, Louisiana State Police seized a shipment containing approximately 420 pounds of marijuana hidden in 12 steel drums and bound for a Westwego warehouse where NGUYEN lived with her boyfriend, Michael Kwan. Shipping records showed that Kwan had received numerous similar shipments from his California supplier in the past, and a search of the Westwego warehouse revealed another 161 similar steel drums. In March 2018, Kwan pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A), and 846, and conspiring to launder the proceeds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956(a)(1)(A)(i), (a)(1)(B)(i), and (h). For the drug charge, he faces a term of imprisonment of at least ten years and up to life, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. For the money laundering charge, he faces up to twenty years in prison, a fine of $500,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

NGUYEN admitted to concealing Kwan’s felony trafficking by depositing into her bank accounts checks written from local seafood restaurants and retailers for the purchase of seafood that Kwan had earlier bought with proceeds from his marijuana trafficking, and by transferring funds derived from the trafficking activities from bank to bank to avoid detection, seizure, and forfeiture by law enforcement.

For the misprision offense, NGUYEN faces a term of imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to one year of supervised release.

Judge Zainey set sentencing for January 8, 2019.

United States Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Louisiana State Police, the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and Jeffrey Sandman are in charge of the prosecution.

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that OTHO SCHILLING (“SCHILLING”), age 59, of Mt. Hermon, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to court records, SCHILLING, while the pastor of a church in Bush, LA between 2005-2016,  required the church to pay his personal expenses, such as his health and car insurance premiums, car payments, and personal land note in lieu of the church paying him a salary directly. During this period, SCHILLING was receiving Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (“RSDI”) from the Social Security Administration in the amount of $1,728 a month.  SCHILLING concealed both his earnings and employment from the Social Security Administration.   Accordingly, SCHILLING fraudulently received over $200,000 in RSDI benefits he was not entitled to due to his employment with the church.

U. S. District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey will sentence SCHILLING on January 8, 2019.  SCHILLING faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.         

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

NEW ORLEANS -  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against defendants LARMONDO ALLEN, a/k/a “Nino,” and WAYNE BANKS, both from New Orleans, for being felons in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).  ALLEN and BANKS face a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a $250,000 fine, three years supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment fee. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

This matter was handled by the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Liz Privitera is prosecuting the case. 

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that TERRANCE MORGAN, age 27, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to federal firearms and narcotics violations.

According to court documents, MORGAN, a convicted felon, possessed firearms on four separate occasions between 2014 and 2017, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g).  On January 13, 2017, MORGAN also possessed with the intent to distribute a synthetic opioid known as “U-47700,” in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), and possessed three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on the same date.  MORGAN also conspired with others to possess firearms in furtherance of a conspiracy to sell heroin.

The Court set sentencing in this matter for January 10, 2019.  MORGAN faces, as to count two of the indictment, 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 each of counts three through six, MORGAN faces, as to each count, 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 seven, MORGAN 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 eight, MORGAN faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment, up to 5 years supervised release after imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and a $100 special assessment.    

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

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.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KENDALL BARNES, age 22, of Chalmette, was charged in a five-count indictment on September 27, 2018 by a federal grand jury.

The Indictment charges BARNES, a convicted felon, with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.  If convicted of these charges, BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The Indictment charges BARNES with possession with intent to distribute heroin.  If convicted of this count, BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release.

The Indictment also charges that BARNES was in possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  If convicted of this count, BARNES faces a term of imprisonment of 5 years to life, a fine of $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release.

Additionally, the Indictment charges BARNES with obstruction of justice.  If convicted of this count, BARNES could face up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser announced today that JOSE CARLOS ESTRADA-MEZA, age 26, was charged today in a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, JOSE CARLOS ESTRADA-MEZA (“ESTRADA”), reentered the United States after he was previously deported on August 22, 2014.  If convicted, ESTRADA 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 an Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States 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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Bridget Lambert, 21, pleaded guilty on Thursday, Sept. 27 in the Eastern District of Louisiana to one count of a forced labor conspiracy for conspiring with members of her family to obtain forced labor from D.P., a woman with cognitive disabilities. 

At the plea hearing, Lambert admitted that, between Aug. 13, 2015, and June 30, 2016, in Amite, Louisiana, she conspired with other members of her family to obtain D.P.’s uncompensated household labor and services by a number of means, including by force and threat of force.  Lambert admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, she and the other conspirators forced D.P. to live in a locked shed in the backyard and to perform housework and yard work in exchange for food and water.  The defendant admitted that the conspirators subjected D.P. to routine physical abuse, threats, and verbal and psychological abuse designed to ensure her continued compliance with the family’s orders.  The defendant further admitted that, on one occasion, she advanced the conspiracy by striking D.P. in the head with a wooden board, causing D.P. to bleed from her head, and on another occasion advanced the conspiracy by holding D.P.’s arm in place so that a fellow conspirator could punish D.P. by burning her with a cigarette lighter.

“Lambert conspired to brutally coerce a vulnerable victim with disabilities to work long hours in despicable conditions and no monetary compensation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “The Department of Justice continues to combat human trafficking by forced labor and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to seeking justice for victims.”

“Human trafficking is modern day slavery and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to seeking justice on behalf of all victims including vulnerable individuals such as D.P.,” said U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser of the Eastern District of Louisiana. “We will continue to partner with federal, state and local law enforcement to hold these human traffickers accountable for their crimes.”

“FBI New Orleans strives every day to protect the civil rights of all, however we make a concerted effort to defend those who cannot defend themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric J. Rommal for the FBI New Orleans Field Office.  “In this case the offender’s actions are inexcusable.”

Lambert will be sentenced on Dec. 20, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Field Office in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Tangipahoa District Attorney’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Risa Berkower and Nicholas Reddick of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Assistant United States Attorney Julia Evans, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and by the Tangipahoa Parish District Attorney’s Office.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DON MANUEL ZEMO, JR., age 55, a resident of River Ridge, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle to 15 months imprisonment and supervised release after any term of imprisonment of 2 years after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 371, for his role in stealing over $1,000,000 from his employer, a privately owned and operated company that provided portside services as a terminal operator and stevedore at the Port of New Orleans.  ZEMO was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of at least $1,033,639.54, subject to increase for inclusion of additional costs and fees incurred by the defendant, to be determined by December 11, 2018.

According to court documents, Company A hired ZEMO in 1999.  Between 2003 and 2015, he served as the General Manager of Port Operations and earned in excess of $100,000 per year for his employment.  As General Manager, ZEMO oversaw and managed Company A’s day-to-day operations at Company A’s terminal at the Port of New Orleans, including handling all financial documentation, personnel decisions, job scheduling, implementing of Company A’s policies at Company A’s Port of New Orleans terminal, and facilitating the billing of Company A’s customers. 

In about August 2009, U.S. Gulf Trade, Inc. (“USGT”) was formed.  Although ZEMO was not explicitly affiliated with USGT, he was involved in its day-to-day operations.  Between January 29, 2012, and July 7, 2015, ZEMO and his co-conspirator, who was involved with the formation of USGT, diverted approximately $1,033,639.54 over the course of eighty (80) transactions from Company A to themselves and USGT.  ZEMO did so by representing to Company A’s customers that USGT, and not Company A, had provided certain services and material to the customer when, in fact, Company A’s equipment, employees, and material was used to provide the services and directing customers to transmit payments to USGT, not Company A, for the services rendered and material provided, without Company A’s knowledge or authorization.  Among the fraudulent transactions ZEMO caused was one on May 22, 2015, in which ZEMO caused a shipping company to send a check via U.S. Mail to USGT in the amount $49,498.49, when such funds should have been made payable to, and actually transmitted to, Company A.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg was in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that CARLOS PAIZ-CARDENAS, age 28, a native of Nicaragua, was charged today in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, PAIZ-CARDENAS was previously removed from the United States on June 14, 2013. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on August 21, 2018 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

If convicted, PAIZ-CARDENAS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that KEITH A. JAMES, age 28, of New Orleans, was sentenced yesterday to 188 months imprisonment to be followed by a 5 year term of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman after being convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.  

According to court documents, JAMES pleaded guilty to being in possession of a firearm on July 11, 2017, having previously been convicted in 2008 for three counts of armed robbery and three counts of purse snatching in the Criminal District Court for the Parish of Orleans. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Louisiana Probation & Parole.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael McMahon is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced JONATHAN WHIPPLE, age 33, a resident of Luling, to 27 months in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

WHIPPLE was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury on November 3, 2017 in a one count indictment for possessing a Smith & Wesson, Model 22LR semi-automatic rifle after having been convicted of two different felony drug offenses. WHIPPLE will serve 27 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

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

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U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOSE ANGEL ESPINOZA-FUENTES, age 42, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty yesterday to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien.

According to the court documents, ESPINOZA-FUENTES was previously removed from the United States on July 22, 2011. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on July 1, 2018, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter.

ESPINOZA-FUENTES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years, a fine of $250,000, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman set sentencing for December 19, 2018.

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

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that PASCAL CALOGERO, III, age 59, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, was charged today in a one-count bill of information with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1594(c).

According to the bill of information, on between at least May 9, 2017, and June 5, 2017, CALOGERO conspired with others to traffic a fourteen-year-old girl from Metairie, Louisiana.  Specifically, J.B., a co-conspirator, met the victim on May 9, 2017 and recruited her to work for him as a prostitute.  He required her to turn over all, or most, of the money she earned from prostitution to him.  J.B. then created advertisements on online classified advertisement services commonly used to advertise sexual services in exchange for money, through which J.B. received telephone calls and text messages inquiring about, scheduling, and arranging prostitution dates with the victim.  J.B. scheduled the time, location, and other logistics of prostitution dates with the victim.   Between May 16, 2017 and May 22, 2017, J.B. transmitted sexually explicit photographs of the victim to CALOGERO via email and text message for the purpose of offering and encouraging CALOGERO to arrange a prostitution date with the victim.  In addition to engaging in prostitution dates with the victim, CALOGERO occasionally drove her to prostitution dates with other individuals.  On numerous occasions, he also attempted to facilitate the prostitution of the victim to multiple adult men by, among other things, transmitting sexually explicit pictures of her to them negotiating prices and arranging the times and locations of the prostitution dates, and providing his residence as the location of a prostitution date he arranged for the victim with an adult male.

If convicted, CALOGERO faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00, between 5 years and a lifetime of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

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

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

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

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DONALD TROSCLAIR, age 57, a resident of Jefferson, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman after previously being charged with receipt of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 2252(a)(2).

According to court documents, Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) determined that TROSCLAIR was accessing a forum located on the internet whose singular purpose was to act as a child pornography bulletin board and website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of child pornography and the discussion of matters pertinent to the sexual abuse of children, including the safety and security of individuals who seek to sexually exploit children online.  Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at TROSCLAIR’S residence on February 28, 2018, and seized several electronic items including a laptop computer, a desktop computer, an external hard drive, and several discs that were determined to contain images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of children.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation then conducted a forensic review of the seized devices and determined that TROSCLAIR had used the devices to search for, download, and save approximately 11,175 images and 6 videos of child pornography between April 2011 and February 2018.  TROSCLAIR stored the images and videos in folders he created on his computers, external hard drive, and loose storage media, to catalogue and organize the files. The materials possessed by TROSCLAIR were of prepubescent children as young as less than three (3)-years-old and depicted the child victims engaging in “sexually explicit conduct,” as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256.   

TROSCLAIR faces a mandatory minimum of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, between five years and life of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  Sentencing before Judge Feldman has been scheduled for December 19, 2018.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, including representatives from the Kenner Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today the sentencing of four local physicians, a biller, and office manager following a four week trial that ended on May 9, 2017.

Specifically, HENRY EVANS, age 74, was found guilty of five counts of health care fraud; MICHAEL JONES, age 49; PAULA JONES, age 45; SHELTON BARNES, age 63; GREGORY MOLDEN, age 60, all of New Orleans; and JONATHON NORA, age 31, of River Ridge, were all found guilty of conspiracies to commit health care fraud and to receive and pay health care kickbacks, and health care fraud. BARNES, MICHAEL JONES, MOLDEN, and NORA were also found guilty of individual counts of health care fraud.  Additionally, BARNES was found guilty of obstruction of a federal audit.

The Second Superseding Indictment rises out of an Indictment returned in March 2015 charging Abide owner, Lisa Crinel, and others with health care fraud. Nineteen individuals and/or companies pleaded guilty before trial to charges associated with the original Indictment. 

According to the Second Superseding Indictment, the defendants fraudulently billed Medicare for medically unnecessary home health services for patients who were not homebound. BARNES, EVANS, MOLDEN, and MICHAEL JONES, known as “House Doctors,” ordered home health services for Medicare beneficiaries who had no legitimate medical necessity.  The House Doctors falsely signed home health orders regardless of the beneficiaries’ needs, homebound status, or diagnoses.  In return, BARNES, EVANS, and MOLDEN received illegal monthly payments characterized as medical consultant or director fees for which they provided no services other than fraudulently certifying Medicare beneficiaries for unnecessary home health services.  Instead of receiving monthly payments from the home health agency, Abide hired PAULA JONES, MICHAEL JONES’ wife and, thereafter, inflated salary payments to PAULA JONES in order to pay MICHAEL JONES’ fees for fraudulently certifying ineligible Medicare beneficiaries.

Marketers contacted JONATHON NORA and others to confirm that the person fraudulently referred for home health was a Medicare beneficiary. Once NORA determined that the referred individual was a Medicare beneficiary, NORA scheduled a physician visit, usually with an Abide House Doctor, well knowing that the individual referral to Abide was by a Marketer, instead of the beneficiary’s own health care professional.

Abide generated plans of care reflecting the falsely created assessments. The plans of care were given to BARNES, EVANS, MOLDEN, and MICHAEL JONES to falsely certify and recertify medically unnecessary episodes of home health. PAULA JONES fraudulently billed Medicare, on behalf of Abide, for the medically unnecessary home health services.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced SHELTON BARNES, age 64, to sixty (60) months imprisonment, followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $10,850,229 to be paid to Medicare. 

Judge Morgan sentenced HENRY EVANS, age 74, to fifty (50) months imprisonment, followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $1,262,043 to be paid to Medicare. 

Judge Morgan sentenced GREGORY MOLDEN, age 62, to forty-eight (48) months imprisonment, followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $626,405 to be paid to Medicare. 

Judge Morgan sentenced MICHAEL JONES, age 49, to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment, followed by two (2) years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $347,525 to be paid to Medicare. 

Judge Morgan sentenced PAULA JONES, age 45, to one year and one day imprisonment, followed by three (3) years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $3,106,954 to be paid to Medicare.  Upon her release from imprisonment, PAULA JONES was ordered to serve a term of home detention for a period of 24 months.

Judge Morgan sentenced JONATHON NORA, age 31, to forty (40) months imprisonment, followed by one (1) year of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $12,921,797 to be paid to Medicare. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrice Harris Sullivan, Sharan Lieberman, Maria Carboni, and Andre Lagarde prosecuted the case.

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JARED CARRELL (“CARRELL”), age 38, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, was indicted Friday, September 21, 2018 for receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

On May 30, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana State Police found CARRELL in possession of a LG cellular device containing images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children.  On July 9, 2018, members of the Louisiana State Police and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, executed a search warrant at CARRELL’s Thibodaux residence. At which time, CARRELL was arrested and charged with possessing child pornographic materials. Today’s indictment charges CARRELL with knowingly receiving and attempting to receive images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. CARRELL will appear before a U.S. magistrate judge for his arraignment on this indictment in the next two weeks.

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

If convicted, CARRELL faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ARCHIE MORRIS, age 40, of New Orleans, was charged Friday, September 21, 2018 with arson, possession of unregistered destructive devices, and possession of a destructive device during and in relation to a crime of violence. 

According to the indictment, on or about April 2, 2018 MORRIS started fires at 2260 North Prieur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, at two different times of the day.  These fires were started using Molotov cocktails, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i), 924(c)(1)(A), and 924(c)(1)(B)(ii); and Title 26, United States Code, Sections 5841 and 5861(d).  The indictment further alleges that, on or about April 7, 2018, MORRIS started three additional fires at 2260 North Prieur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, at different times of the day, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i).

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.

If convicted, MORRIS faces, as to Counts One, Three, Six, Seven and Eight of the Indictment, a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum of twenty years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment, per count.  As to Counts Two and Four of the Indictment, the defendant faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of $10,000, three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment, per count.  As to Count Five, the defendant faces a minimum term of imprisonment of thirty years and a maximum term of life, a fine of $250,000, five years supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

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

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Friday, September 21, 2018 the unsealing of a second superseding indictment against WAYNE JEROME CELESTINE, age 57, a physician who practiced in Gretna, Louisiana and resided in the New Orleans area.  The second superseding indictment contains charges of distribution of controlled substances, structuring bank funds, obstruction of justice, and offenses of money laundering involving a substantial sum of cash.

According to court records, DR. CELESTINE illegally dispensed and conspired with others to illegally dispense controlled substances, including oxycodone, oxycodone/acetaminophen, oxycontin HCL, oxymorphone HCL, hydromorphone, opana, fentanyl, suboxone, and morphine sulfate, a Schedule II drug controlled substances; hydrocodone/acetaminophen, a Schedule III drug controlled substance until October 6, 2014, thereafter, a Schedule II drug controlled substance; and alprazolam, diazepam, and carisoprodol, Schedule IV drug controlled substances.  

CELESTINE is detained pending trial.

If convicted of the original charge (Count 1), CELESTINE will face a maximum of not more than 20 years in prison on the drug dispensing conspiracy charge, pursuant to Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.  CELESTINE will also be subject to a fine of not more than one million dollars and a minimum term of supervised release of three years, following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted on the dispensing charges in Counts 2-5, CELESTINE faces not more than 20 years in prison, a one million dollar fine, and three years of supervised release.  On the money laundering conspiracy charge, (Count 6), he faces not more than 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  On the structuring charge (Count 7), he faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  On the two obstruction charges (Counts 8 and 9), he faces 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine per count.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Harahan Police Department, Westwego Police Department, Louisiana State Police, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Police Department, and New Orleans District Attorney’s Office in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney John F. Murphy is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that SHALLON DAVIS DUNMILES, age 34, together with LASHONDA MELANCON, age 37, WILFRED PERRILLOUX, age 43, DANYELLE TUCO, age 32, ANDREA STALKS, age 42,  EBONY STEWART, age 32,  CORTAZ WILLIAMS, age 23, and DANIELLE ANDERSON, age 36, were indicted Friday, September 21, 2018 by a federal grand jury for charges stemming from their arrest in St. John the Baptist Parish earlier this year.

Count 1 of the Indictment charges DUNMILES, a former employee at a medical clinic in Laplace, and MELANCON with conspiracy to possess and possess with the intent to distribute illicitly obtained prescription medications, including dextroamphetamine/adderall, a Schedule II drug controlled substance, and promethazine with codeine, a Schedule V drug controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.  Count 2 of the Indictment charges DUNMILES, MELANCON, PERRILLOUX, STALKS, STEWART, TUCO, WILLIAMS, and ANDERSON with conspiracy to acquire or obtain possession of the prescription medication by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 843(a) and 846. 

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser reiterated that the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser also praised the work of the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad (TDS) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser held his investiture today at the Hale Boggs Federal Court Building in front of his former colleagues, members of the judiciary and a host of well-wishers.  United States District Judge Lance Africk presided over the Oath of Office ceremony.  On June 20, 2018, Mr. Strasser was nominated by President Trump and was confirmed by the Senate on August 28, 2018 and was sworn in by United States District Chief Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown on September 10, 2018.

Over the course of his career, he has been a partner at Chaffe McCall, LLP; an Assistant U.S. Attorney; a diplomat; a Navy officer; and a Tulane adjunct professor. In recognition of his career and community accomplishments, Mr. Strasser was selected as a New Orleans CityBusiness Leadership in Law Honoree.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for Louisiana’s Eastern District, he was the head of the organized crime and economic crime sections. Among his trial accomplishments were the convictions of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and associates on racketeering charges. As a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Puerto Rico, Mr. Strasser prosecuted at bench trials and argued on appeal the convictions of the Navy-Vieques protestors. As a result of his dedicated and superior efforts in law enforcement, he received the U.S. Attorney General’s John Marshall Award and the Metropolitan Crime Commission’s Excellence in Law Enforcement Award.

Serving overseas for 12 years as a DOJ OPDAT Resident Advisor at Embassies in Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa, Mr. Strasser designed and implemented rule of law programs to assist host countries improve prosecutorial capacity to combat high-priority criminal activity, help strengthen independent judiciaries, and develop new criminal procedure codes. He served as an OSCE Parliamentary Election Monitor over the elections that led to the 2003 Rose Revolution in the Republic of Georgia. He later served as an OECD Anti-Corruption Monitor for Georgia. In the book “The Contractor: How I Landed in a Pakistani Prison and Ignited a Diplomatic Crisis,” Mr. Strasser was featured for his integral role in the release of a former Special Forces soldier who had been charged with double homicide for shooting two apparent robbers on the streets of Lahore. For his exemplary activities in Georgia and Pakistan, he twice received the DOJ Special Achievement Award.

U.S. Attorney Strasser is a retired Navy Reserve Captain, JAGC, having served world-wide and as a military judge. For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit Medal. Mr. Strasser received his B.A., with distinction, from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from Washington and Lee Law School. Fluent in German, he also attended the University of Vienna (Austria).

JEFFREY M. DESALVO, age 35, a resident of Picayune, Mississippi, pleaded guilty yesterday to three counts of unlawful use of a merchant mariner license in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2197.

According to court documents, on February 4, 2015, DESALVO entered into a settlement with the U.S. Coast Guard wherein he agreed to surrender his merchant mariner credentials in lieu of having them permanently revoked.  In connection with the settlement agreement, DESALVO submitted an affidavit to the U.S. Coast Guard in which he stated that his credentials had been destroyed, when, in truth and fact, his credentials had not been destroyed.  In addition to the foregoing, DESALVO illegally used his suspended credentials to obtain work as a boat captain for four different companies that operated on the Mississippi River.

DESALVO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five years, a supervised release term of three years, and a fine of $250,000.00 for each count.  U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown set sentencing for December 13, 2018.

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

United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that VINCENTIA ROQUES (“ROQUES”), age 40, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday to access device fraud.

According to documents filed in federal court, ROQUES worked part-time as a bookkeeper and office manager for several businesses located within the Eastern District of Louisiana. As the bookkeeper, ROQUES gained access to passwords and account numbers related to accessing bank accounts associated with each business. ROQUES also obtained direct access to financial account information and identifiers that permitted her to conduct fraudulent and unauthorized financial transactions with the money and credit accounts belonging to her employers.

The maximum penalty for access device fraud is ten years of imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victims. United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier set the sentencing hearing for December 13, 2018.    

United States Attorney Peter Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Investigative Service Internal Revenue Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JEFFERY B. MONTALBANO, age 58, a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with making false statements to federal authorities, in violation of 18 U.S.C. ' 1001(a)(2).

According to the bill of information, on January 23, 2018, MONTALBANO met with a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 3601 Highway 190, Mandeville, Louisiana, within the Eastern District of Louisiana and said that neither he, nor an associate (Person 1), had ever received money from a particular individual (Defendant A), and that he had no idea federal agents visited the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District to investigate whether MONTALBANO had received money from Defendant A.  MONTALBANO knew that both of these statements were false because, as MONTALBANO knew, in November and December 2013, Person 1 received payments from Defendant A, half of which he then gave to MONTALBANO, and that Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation visited the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District on about October 8, 2015, to investigate MONTALBANO’S conduct during the prosecution of Defendant A.

If convicted, MONTALBANO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

District Attorney Warren Montgomery also commended the F.B.I. and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work.  “My office has been cooperating and continues to cooperate with federal authorities,” stated D.A. Montgomery.  “Mr. Montalbano no longer is employed at the District Attorney’s Office, having resigned on April 9, 2018.”

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

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

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced yesterday that a federal jury convicted TROY KENDRICK, JR., a St. John Parish resident, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act. Following a four-day trial, the jury found KENDRICK guilty of conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, and of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a prior felony.

According to the evidence presented at trial, from January to August of 2016, KENDRICK and his co-conspirators distributed cocaine in Reserve, Louisiana. KENDRICK sold cocaine to lower-level drug dealers, who in turn sold both powder cocaine and crack cocaine to other dealers and to users. In June of 2016, while federal agents had a wiretap on KENDRICK’s telephone, KENDRICK was involved in a shootout in LaPlace, Louisiana. On August 17, 2016, when law enforcement officers arrested KENDRICK and searched his home pursuant to a search warrant, they found five firearms, a digital scale, over $10,000 cash, a money counter, body armor, ammunition, and a ski mask.

KENDRICK faces up to 30 years in prison for the charge of conspiring to distribute cocaine, and he will be sentenced as a career offender, because of his two prior felony convictions for drug distribution. KENDRICK faces up to 10 years in prison for the charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces at least 6 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing will take place before Judge Jane Triche Milazzo.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas D. Moses and Edward Rivera were responsible for the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – HILLIARD FAZANDE, III (“FAZANDE”), age 50, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 18 months probation and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,000 to Hancock Whitney Bank, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to court documents, on October 26, 2015, FAZANDE opened a bank account at the Whitney branch located at 3001 Holiday Drive in New Orleans, Louisiana.  On October 30, 2015, FAZANDE endorsed and deposited a TD Bank $387,000 cashiers check made payable to “Attorney Hilliard C. Fazande III” into his account at the Whitney branch located at 3001 Holiday Drive in New Orleans, Louisiana.  On October 31, 2015, FAZANDE went to the Whitney branch located at 8300 Louisiana Highway 23 in Belle Chasse, Louisiana and presented a bank teller with a temporary Whitney check in the amount of $5,000.00 knowing that he did not have sufficient funds to cover the transaction due to a bank hold on the $387,000.00 check.  FAZANDE then made a $5,000.00 cash withdrawal from his account.  On November 4, 2015, a Whitney employee contacted FAZANDE and advised him that the $387,000.00 check was counterfeit and that he must return the $5,000.00 he withdrew.  FAZANDE never returned the money to the Whitney Bank.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JULIEN POLK, a/k/a “Simone,” age 40, of San Francisco, California, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to traffic 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  POLK 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.  

POLK is one of eleven defendants charged in a 23-count federal indictment.  Specifically, the indictment alleges that POLK conspired to sell large quantities of methamphetamine with codefendants Stefen Daigle, Peter Giandalone, Paul Melancon, Jeffrey Clines, 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. District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for POLK on December 21, 2018, at noon.

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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WASHINGTON – Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore and U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser today announced that former St. Bernard Parish correctional officer Timothy Williams pled guilty to violating the civil rights of inmate Nimali Henry, who died in the St. Bernard Parish Prison on April 1, 2014.

In pleading guilty, Williams admitted that Ms. Henry died as a result of his intentional deprivation of her constitutional right to be free from a correctional officer’s deliberate indifference to her serious medical needs. Williams acknowledged that he willfully disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm to Henry’s health and safety by failing to take reasonable measures to address her medical conditions.

“Williams deliberately deprived the victim of necessary medical attention, resulting in her death,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore. “Williams admittedly violated federal law and his sworn duty as a corrections officer to adequately care for and protect the constitutional rights of an inmate under his supervision.”

“Today’s conviction demonstrates DOJ’s commitment to hold accountable those individuals entrusted to protecting the rights of all citizens, including inmates,” said U.S. Attorney Strasser.  “It is extremely important that our office, along with our law enforcement partners, continue to vigorously protect the rights of all citizens within the Eastern District and seek justice for those subjugated by civil rights violations.”

Sentencing is set before the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle on Jan. 16, 2019.  Williams faces a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

The FBI investigated this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey N. Knight and Chandra Menon and Trial Attorney Christine M. Siscaretti of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

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NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that RUBENS ELEUTERIO DE ALMEIDA JUNIOR (“DE ALMEIDA”), age 30, a citizen of Brazil, pleaded guilty on September 18, 2018, to aggravated identity theft before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.  In the same case, Judge Vance sentenced ANDRE LION GONCALVES PEREIRA (“PEREIRA”), age 29, also a citizen of Brazil, to two years of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft.  

According to the court documents, Pereira and three other Brazilian nationals were arrested by members of the Louisiana Financial Crimes Task Force at a hotel in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans on August 3, 2017.  Federal and state law enforcement officers found the defendants in possession of re-encoded credit cards that contained stolen debit card information from actual customers.  These individuals also possessed embossers, encoders, ATM skimmers, false identification, and other contraband. 

In a coordinated investigation with the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office, federal and state law enforcement agents arrested DE ALMEIDA on the same day in Midwest City, Oklahoma.  Agents determined that DE ALMEIDA had been mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy.  DE ALMEIDA was likewise in possession of stolen debit and credit card information.

U.S. District Judge Vance sentenced PEREIRA to two years in prison and one year of supervised release.  PEREIRA was ordered to pay restitution, and he faces deportation.

As a result of DE ALMEIDA’S plea to aggravated identity theft, he faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine or a fine equal to the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss caused by this offense.  Judge Vance scheduled DE ALMEIDA’S sentencing for January 9, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the agencies that contributed to this investigation, which was a coordinated effort among 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.  U.S. Attorney Strasser thanked the U.S. Secret Service Oklahoma City Field Office and the Midwest City, OK Police Department for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew R. Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced Friday, September 14, 2018 three indictments of United States Postal Service employees.  JACQUELINE M. BATISTE, a/k/a/ JACQUELINE BATISTE FRANCOIS (“BATISTE”), age 47, of Harvey, Louisiana, was indicted for Misappropriation of Postal Funds.  BRIA DAVIS (“DAVIS”), age 25, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted for Theft of Mail and Delay or Destruction of Mail.  COURTNEY C. DUPLESSIS (“DUPLESSIS”), age 30, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted for Theft of Mail and Delay or Destruction of Mail.

According to the first indictment, BATISTE was employed by the United States Postal Service as a City Letter Carrier/Supervisor at the New Orleans Bywater Station Post Office.  One of BATISTE’s responsibilities was to prepare and dispatch the Bywater Station Post Office’s daily remittances for deposit with the New Orleans Process and Delivery Center Registry Section.  After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service (“Postal agents”), it was determined that BATISTE stole approximately $1,214.00 from the Bywater Station Post Office.

According to the second indictment, DAVIS was a U.S. Postal Service Postal Support Employee/Sales Distribution Clerk at the Slidell Post Office, and worked at the retail window counter and performed a variety of tasks including Postal sales, delivering mail to customer P.O. Boxes, and assisting customers with P.O. Box related business.  After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from September 2016 to January 2017, DAVIS stole several pieces of mail containing checkbooks, gift cards, cash, and checks.  Postal agents also discovered approximately ten additional articles of stolen mail in DAVIS’s personal vehicle.

According to the third indictment, DUPLESSIS was employed by the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier originally assigned to the Carrolton Station Post Office and then to the Elmwood Station Post Office.  After an investigation by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, it was determined that on various dates from October 2017 to June 2018, DUPLESSIS stole several pieces of mail containing gift cards and cash.  Postal agents also discovered approximately 54 articles of stolen mail in DUPLESSIS's personal vehicle.  

“The indictments obtained are a reflection of the hard work of our special agents who vigorously investigated these theft schemes and should serve as a deterrent for those that abuse the position entrusted in them,” said U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Christopher Cave, Southern Area Field Office. “The USPS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these investigations. Our agency will remain vigilant in enforcing these types of crimes.”

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

If convicted, BATISTE faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.  DAVIS and DUPLESSIS face a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment as to each count, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

These cases were all investigated by special agents from the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”).  Additionally, the Slidell Police Department assisted the USPS-OIG in the DAVIS matter.  The prosecution of all three of these cases is being handled by Fraud Unit Chief, Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

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NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced today that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Louisiana has indicted DARRYL HENRY, age 27, for three robberies with a firearm on August 24, 2018.  If convicted, HENRY faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

HENRY is accused of attempting to rob the Walmart Supercenter and the Winn-Dixie Supermarket in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans.  HENRY is also accused of robbing the Walmart Neighborhood Market in Harvey, Louisiana, of $6,992.00.

U.S. Attorney Strasser stated that an indictment is only an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New Orleans Violent Crime Task Force, New Orleans Police Department, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Myles Ranier is handling the prosecution.

*     *     *

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that DEVIN WILLIAMS, age 23, of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).

According to court documents, WILLIAMS was found in possession of a Taurus 9mm PT111 firearm on August 29, 2016 and a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson firearm on November 6, 2017.  WILLIAMS had previously been convicted of a felony in Orleans Parish Criminal Court. 

WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years on each count, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JOEL MICHAEL BANE, age 39, of New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday to a one-count bill of information  for interference with flight crew.

According to the court documents, JOEL MICHAEL BANE intimidated and threatened flight attendants while on Southwest Airlines flight number 208, which departed from Chicago, Illinois, with a destination of New Orleans, Louisiana.  The defendant also refused to comply with the captain’s directives to take his seat for landing.  After the airplane landed, JOEL MICHAEL BANE assaulted the police officers who escorted him off of the airplane.

JOEL MICHAEL BANE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Milazzo set sentencing for December 13, 2018.

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

*      *      *

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMAR RUCKER, age 42, of Houston, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of powder cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana.  RUCKER faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least 4 years of supervised release.  

According to court documents, on January 10, 2018, RUCKER drove from his home in Houston to the Clearview Shopping Mall in Metairie, where he intended to meet with a New Orleans-based drug customer.  Upon arrival, federal agents arrested RUCKER, who was in possession of approximately 4.5 kilograms of cocaine that he intended to distribute to the customer. 

U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set sentencing for RUCKER on December 13, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the FBI’s New Orleans Gang Task Force in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Long is in charge of the prosecution.

*   *   *

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that MADRIGAL-SANCHEZ age 20, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced after previously 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 the Bill of Information, MADRIGAL-SANCHEZ was found in the United States on or about March 8, 2018, after having been previously removed there from on or about December 8, 2015.

MADRIGAL-SANCHEZ was sentenced to time served, 1 year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100.00 special assessment.

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.

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA, age 27, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a two-count indictment for violations of the Federal Gun Control Act.

United States District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA to ten months imprisonment, followed by 1 year supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.  The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, ELMER JAVIER ACOSTA-MEJIA, an alien illegally present in the United States, sold two revolvers to a confidential informant that was working for Special Agents of the Department of Homeland Security.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions has 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, 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 launched in 2001.

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.

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JAMES SIGLAR, age 41, of Lockport, LA, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  

United States District Judge Martin L.C. Feldman sentenced SIGLAR to 37 months’ imprisonment and a supervised release period of 3 years.

According to court documents, on July 6, 2016, SIGLAR agreed to meet his codefendant, Damien Jackson, on Grand Calliou Road in Houma, Louisiana, in order to purchase two ounces of methamphetamine, which SIGLAR intended to resell.  SIGLAR was arrested by law enforcement as he arrived at the meeting.  For his part, Jackson also pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.  Jackson is scheduled for sentencing on November 7, 2018. 

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys James S.C. Baehr and Brandon S. Long are in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – THOMAS BROUSSARD (“BROUSSARD”), age 69, of Houma, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to receiving child pornography, announced United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser.

According to documents filed in federal court, on January 23, 2018, agents with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and the Louisiana State Police executed a search warrant and arrested BROUSSARD at his Houma home after finding him in possession of several items, including a laptop computer and thumb drive containing images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children.  A subsequent computer forensic search by HSI agents revealed over 11,000 images and 85 videos of prepubescent child pornography.

BROUSSARD faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.  BROUSSARD will be sentenced on March 26, 2019, by United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey.

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

U.S. Attorney Strasser praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that NERI OSBELI ARGUETA-CHUN, age 25, a native of Guatemala, was sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced ARGUETA-CHUN to time served(2 months of imprisonment), followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.  The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, on July 19, 2018, ARGUETA-CHUN was found in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States on March 30, 2016.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MAHIR SALIM (a/k/a MAHER SALEM, MIKE SALEM), age 40, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged today by a federal grand jury in a one-count Indictment with trafficking in counterfeit goods.

According to the Indictment, beginning at a time unknown and continuing until about January 19, 2017, SALIM trafficked and attempted to traffic in approximately 111 pair of “True Religion” blue jeans, 50 pair of “Rock Revival” jeans, 8 “Michael Kors” purses, 19 “Coach” wallets, 2 “Michael Kors” wallets, 8 “Louis Vutton” purses, 6 “Gucci” purses, 177 “Polo” sweatshirts, 41 pair of “Polo” sweatpants, 24 “Polo” jogging suits, 44 pair of “Timberland” boots, 336 “New Era” hats, 473 pair of “Nike” shoes, 21 “Adidas” jogging suits, 114 pair of “Adidas” shoes, 6 bottles “Dolce & Gabbana” perfume, 110 “Mitchell & Ness” hats, 24 “North Face” vests, and 43 “Nike” hats.

If convicted, SALIM faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. 

U. S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg is in charge of the prosecution.