Eastern District of Louisiana

The owner of general contracting business pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false tax return, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans, for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

According to court documents, Wade Ybarzabal, of Mandeville, Louisiana, owned a general contracting business, Ybarzabal Contractors LLC.  On his 2012 tax return, Ybarzabal underreported his business’s gross receipts by more than $475,000, resulting in an additional tax liability of more than $160,000.  Ybarzabal also underreported his business’ gross receipts on his 2013 and 2014 tax returns.  The total tax loss resulting from Ybarzabal’s fraudulent conduct for is more than $250,000.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2018.  Ybarzabal faces a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison.  He also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera and Tax Division Trial Attorney Grace E. Albinson, who are prosecuting the case.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that FRANCISCO ARENIVAR-CASTILLO, age 37, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with transporting aliens, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii).

According to the bill of information, on March 8, 2018, ICE agents intercepted FRANCISCO ARENIVAR-CASTILLO while he was driving an illegal alien from Houston, Texas to Miami, Florida, through St. Tammany Parish.  FRANCISCO ARENIVAR-CASTILLO knew his passenger was illegally present in the United States, yet he nevertheless agreed to transport the individual to a work-site in the Miami area for employment.

If convicted, FRANCISCO ARENIVAR-CASTILLO faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

U. S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans 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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DON MANUEL ZEMO, JR., age 55, a resident of River Ridge, Louisiana, pleaded guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle after previously being charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 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.

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, R.Z. formed U.S. Gulf Trade, Inc. (“USGT”).  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 R.Z. 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.

ZEMO 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.  Sentencing before Judge Lemelle has been scheduled for August 29, 2018.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that EMMANUEL PRIVA, age 37, a citizen of Haiti, was charged today in a two-count conspiracy indictment.  As alleged in the indictment, PRIVA ran a visa fraud scheme from his home in Harvey, Louisiana and other locations.  In exchange for money, PRIVA would agree to assist Haitian nationals in fraudulently obtaining visitor visas to travel to the United States.  After receiving payment from Haitian nationals, PRIVA would submit online visa applications containing false information, create false documents to support the applications, and coach the aliens on how to deceive consular officers at interviews for the visas.  The scheme was focused on making it appear that the Haitian nationals intended to temporarily visit, as opposed to illegally immigrate to the United States.  The indictment alleges that PRIVA attempted to fraudulently obtain visas for more than 100 aliens, some of whom succeeded in obtaining visas to travel to the United States.

If convicted, EMMANUEL PRIVA faces maximum terms of imprisonment of ten years for conspiracy to induce and encourage aliens to unlawfully enter the United States and five years for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit visa fraud.

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

WASHINGTON –A resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for her involvement in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Jackie Chaney, also known as Jackie Scott, pleaded guilty on Dec. 28, 2016 to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, members of the conspiracy obtained the names and Social Security numbers of individuals for use in filing false tax returns. Chaney and her co-conspirators used this stolen information to prepare false tax returns seeking bogus refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  The IRS issued the refunds in the form of checks or on to prepaid debit cards and Chaney further conspired with others to convert the proceeds into cash.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ordered Chaney to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,605.

Chaney’s co-conspirator, Alicia Washington, previously plead guilty in Feb. 2017 and was sentenced earlier this month to 42 months in prison.

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

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

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PEDRO BRITO-MARCOS, age 22, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged yesterday in a one-count bill of information with illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the bill of information, PEDRO BRITO-MARCOS reentered the United States on or about March 8, 2018, after having been previously removed therefrom on or about January 19, 2018.

If convicted, PEDRO BRITO-MARCOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, one year supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 special assessment.

U. S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans 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.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that JON C. BALLAY, age 58, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jay Zainey to one count of producing images depicting the sexual exploitation of a fourteen-year-old female.

According to court documents, on May 23, 2017, law enforcement authorities executed a search warrant at the Olde Town Inn, located at 2311 North Rampart Street, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  During the execution of the search warrant, authorities found and recovered the victim with BALLAY and seized several electronic devices belonging to BALLAY, including a Samsung Galaxy Express Prime cellular telephone affiliated with a local phone number. BALLAY used cellular phones to take approximately twenty (20) sexually explicit images of the victim between May 15, 2017 and May 22, 2017, at multiple hotels in the greater New Orleans area.

Sentencing before Judge Zainey has been scheduled for August 28, 2018.  BALLAY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years and a maximum term of thirty (30) years, followed by up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.  He can also be required to register as a sex offender.

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 Evans 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.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Ginsberg and David Howard Sinkman.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOEL FLORES-GONZALES, age 42, a native of Mexico, pled guilty today to a one-count Indictment charging him with illegal entry of a removed alien.

According to the court documents, FLORES-GONZALES previously removed from the United States on June 20, 2016. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 12, 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.

FLORES-GONZALES 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 Jay C. Zainey set sentencing for July 17, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans 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.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that WILLIAM B. “BART” HUNGERFORD, JR., age 57, and TIMOTHY O. MILBRATH, age 62, both residents of Maryland, were charged today in an eight-count indictment alleging violations of federal law in connection with a scheme to defraud immigrants who sought to invest money in job-creating companies in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

According to the indictment, HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH conspired together to defraud immigrants who sought to apply for EB-5 visas.  The visa program permits immigrants to invest a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in a United States job-creating enterprise and obtain permanent residency if, after two years, that investment created or preserved ten American jobs.  The minimum investment required was lowered to $500,000.00 if the investment was made in a targeted employment area (“TEA”), defined as an area with an unemployment rate of 150% of the national average.

HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH formed a company called NobleOutReach to operate an investment fund, and they contracted with the City of New Orleans to operate a regional center in the Parish of Orleans.  Because New Orleans was a designated TEA in the years after Hurricane Katrina, immigrant investors only had to invest $500,000.00 in order to qualify under the EB-5 visa program.  The indictment alleges that HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH represented to investors that their $500,000.00 investment would be used to create jobs in New Orleans and contribute to the rebuilding of the City.  A total of thirty-one immigrants invested a total of $15.5 million in the defendant’s investment fund. 

The indictment alleges that, instead of investing the entire $15.5 million into New Orleans-based job-creating enterprises, HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH fraudulently misappropriated investor funds for their own personal gain and to use for their personal companies.  HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH are alleged to have written checks, disguised as “loans” or “loan repayments,” to themselves from investor funds, income that was in addition to their salaries.  The defendants are alleged to have created multiple companies in order to obscure and conceal the path of investor funds, and they allegedly spent investor funds to purchase vacation and rental properties for their own benefit.  The indictment alleges that, in the course of perpetrating the fraud, the defendants made material misrepresentations to investors, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the City of New Orleans.

HUNGERFORD and MILBRATH are both charged in all eight counts of the indictment returned by the grand jury.  Among other charges, they are alleged to have committed conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, and they are charged with five counts of wire fraud.  Should they be convicted, each of these counts carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

The defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud.  If convicted, they face a maximum of five years of imprisonment, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.  Lastly, they are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the New Orleans Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Greenfield and Matthew Payne are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CANTRELLE BRUMFIELD, age 46, of New Orleans, pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

According to court documents, in August of 2015, Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) identified BRUMFIELD as a distributor of heroin.  Between August and September of 2015, a DEA Special Agent, working in an undercover capacity, made two controlled purchases of heroin from BRUMFIELD.  To further their investigation, DEA Special Agents obtained a wiretap on BRUMFIELD’S phone in an attempt to identify BRUMFIELD’S drug trafficking associates.  In March of 2016, a DEA Special Agent contacted BRUMFIELD to arrange another controlled purchase of heroin.  Special Agents arrested BRUMFIELD while he was in route to meet the undercover Special Agent.  Inside of BRUMFIELD’S vehicle at the time of his arrest was approximately 28 grams of heroin.  After receiving consent to search BRUMFIELD’S residence, Special Agents found and seized 24 grams of heroin from BRUMFIELD’S residence.

BRUMFIELD faces a minimum term of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment.  U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for Thursday, August 30, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney André Jones is in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS – DANIEL JUSTIN MAHAN, age 42, a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, was indicted today for receipt of materials involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

MAHAN was arrested on March 15, 2018, by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) subsequent to the execution of a search warrant at his home.  The FBI’s investigation revealed that MAHAN was in possession of a laptop computer which contained images depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. 

If convicted, MAHAN faces a mandatory minimum five-year term of imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment to be followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe 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.”   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey N. Knight.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER, a/k/a “Pat,” a/k/a “Red,” age 27, of New Orleans, was charged on May 24, 2018 in a one-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

According to the Indictment, PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER was found in possession of a .45 caliber semi-automatic Beretta handgun on February 23, 2018.  PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER had previously been convicted in Orleans Parish of a state-law felony.

If convicted, PATRICK SCHEXNAYDER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten 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 the Indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods 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 case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne are in charge of the prosecution.

 

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ARTHUR JOHNSON, age 40, of New Orleans East, has been charged in a seven-count Indictment.  The lead charge (Count 1) is a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.  If found guilty of this offense, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release.

JOHNSON is also charged with five counts (Counts 2-6) of distributing a quantity of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  If found guilty of any of these offenses, JOHNSON faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a fine up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release. 

Finally, JOHNSON is charged with one count (Count 7) of possessing with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).  If found guilty of this offense, JOHNSON faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years imprisonment, a maximum life sentence, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least five years of supervised release. 

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the 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 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.

JONATHAN WHIPPLE, age 33, a resident of Luling, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Susie Morgan to an indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of the Federal Gun Control Act announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

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 faces up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  The sentencing is set for August 21, 2018. 

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 Duane Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Haller.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that CARLOS ALBERTO ANDRADE, age 35, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged today in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the Indictment, on April 16, 2018, ANDRADE was found to have reentered the United States after having been previously removed.

If convicted, ANDRADE faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the 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 the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JORGE BOLANOS, age 33, of New Orleans, has pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute One Kilogram or more of Cocaine. 

JORGE BOLANOS admitted that in April 2017, he attempted to purchase approximately one kilogram of cocaine hydrochloride from co-defendant LEONARDO CASTILLO.  Co-defendant GABRIEL CARRETO-SANCHEZ received that cocaine from CASTILLO in Houston, Texas, intending to transport it to BOLANOS in New Orleans.  However, CARRETO-SANCHEZ was stopped by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on the way back to New Orleans.  FBI Agents searched CARRETO-SANCHEZ’s vehicle and seized the kilogram of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle. 

JORGE BOLANOS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, and a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that DEVIN WILLIAMS, age 23, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday in a two-count Indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).

According to the Indictment, DEVIN 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.  DEVIN WILLIAMS had previously been convicted of aggravated battery in Orleans Parish Criminal Court. 

If convicted, DEVIN 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.

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 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.

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 Duane A. Evans announced that MIGUEL ANGEL ORTIZ-GUEVARA, age 42, a citizen of Honduras, was charged yesterday in a one-count Indictment with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the Indictment, on April 16, 2018, ORTIZ-GUEVARA was found to have reentered the United States after having been previously removed.

If convicted, ORTIZ-GUEVARA faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the 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 the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro Latsis is in charge of the prosecution.

A Tangipahoa Parish man pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division announced today.

According to the indictment, AARON DANIELS conspired with others to defraud the United States by submitting false tax returns that requested 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. 

DANIELS is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22, 2018, before United States District Court Judge Martin L.C. Feldman. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also could receive a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties at sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Evans and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman commended special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service, who investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hayden Brockett of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Lauren Castaldi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.

JOBIE CREAR, M.D., (CREAR), age 67, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced in federal court today before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance, announced U. S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced CREAR to eight (8) months imprisonment, followed by ten (10) months of home confinement, three (3) years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $810,556.00 to be paid to Medicare. 

On December 12, 2016, CREAR, who operated Comprehensive Nursing and Home Health Service, Inc., (Comprehensive) was charged in a Bill of Information for illegally paying recruiters to bring Medicare beneficiaries to Comprehensive causing a loss to Medicare in the amount of $810,556.

On April 7, 2017, CREAR plead guilty to conspiracy to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.

The investigation was conducted by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Criminal Division Chief Patrice Harris Sullivan.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that RODNEY BROWN, age 23, and MICHAEL PORTIS, 27, both of New Orleans, were sentenced today after previously pleading guilty to carjacking-related charges.  Previously, BROWN pled guilty to carjacking and PORTIS pled guilty to brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a carjacking.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced BROWN to 78 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Judge Barbier sentenced PORTIS to 120 months of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on April 24, 2016, at approximately 2:29 a.m., two females were carjacked in the driveway of a house located on N. Derbigny Street.  The victims stated that they exited the house and entered a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of that location.   PORTIS and BROWN, dressed in black and brandishing guns, approached from opposite sides of the vehicle. BROWN tapped on the window of the vehicle with a gun and stated, “You move I’ll shoot.”  A third suspect stood nearby and acted as a lookout.  The two females exited the car and the suspects entered and drove away.  A short time later, the car was returned and left in the driveway.

One of the victims told the police officers that one of the suspects had facial tattoos.  Officers canvassed the area, set up a perimeter and searched the block.  Officers located PORTIS and two other subjects hiding in high bush nearby.  PORTIS had facial tattoos and was wearing dark pants and a dark, hooded sweatshirt, consistent with the description given by the victims.  The victim positively identified PORTIS as one of the gunmen.  BROWN was not apprehended on the date of the incident, but was later identified and implicated on jail phone call recordings.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the ATF New Orleans Division Office, New Orleans Police Department and Louisiana State Police in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nolan D. Paige and Shirin Hakimzadeh were in charge of the prosecution.

NEW ORLEANS –  U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MILTON CARLOS SEGURA-SANCHEZ, age 36, from Houston, Texas, was sentenced on May 16, 2018 by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance. 

 SEGURA-SANCHEZ pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of cocaine hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. 

Judge Vance sentenced SEGURA-SANCHEZ to 88 months imprisonment.  Upon release, SEGURA-SANCHEZ will serve a 4 year term of supervised release.  Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.

 

 

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL C. CRAWFORD, JR., age 42, of Houma, pled guilty today to three counts of distribution of heroin. 

According to court documents, on January 20, 24, and 30, 2018, CRAWFORD distributed a quantity of a mixture containing a detectible amount of heroin. For each charge, CRAWFORD faces a term of imprisonment of up to twenty years, at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle set sentencing for August 20, 2018.

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

NICHOLAS GARCIA (“GARCIA”), age 32, of Houma, Louisiana, was indicted today for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

On February 21, 2018, law enforcement officers with the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrested GARCIA after finding that GARCIA was in possession of a Samsung Galaxy tablet that contained images and videos depicting the sexual victimization of prepubescent children. 

Court records also revealed that GARCIA was previously convicted on December 14, 2009, in Terrebonne Parish Criminal District Court for indecent behavior with juveniles and was sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment. 

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

Due to his prior conviction, if convicted, GARCIA faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment up to twenty (20) years, followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.  In addition, GARCIA will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and 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 Duane A. Evans announced that ALLAN ARZU MATAMOROS-BANEGAS (“MATAMOROS-BANEGAS”), age 31, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count Bill of Information that charged him with  illegal use of a social security number in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). 

            According to court records, MATAMOROS-BANEGAS knowingly and with the intent to deceive, falsely represented that a social security number was assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security when, in fact, as MATAMOROS-BANEGAS knew, the social security number had not been assigned to him. His deception and illegal use of the social security number was done for the purpose of obtaining employment located  in the Eastern District of Louisiana. United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced MATAMOROS-BANEGAS  to a term of imprisonment of time served, a term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. 

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security in investigating this matter.  Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson is in charge of the prosecution.

 

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that KEVIN DECUIR, age 24, of Brownsville, Texas, was sentenced today for charges relating to narcotics trafficking. 

DECUIR pled guilty on January 3, 2018, to conspiring to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride.  According to court documents, DECUIR, along with co-defendants Roel RANGEL and Victor ESQUIVEL, conspired to distribute approximately 28 kilograms of cocaine hydrochloride.

Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle sentenced DECUIR to 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons, as well as 5 years of supervised release following the term of imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses is in charge of the prosecution

NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JEFFREY DUNLAP, age 44, a resident of Slidell, Louisiana and owner of Phoenix Civil Contractors was charged yesterday with conspiracy to defraud First NBC Bank, the New Orleans-based bank that failed in April 2017.

According to the Bill of Information, from March 2009 through April 2017, Phoenix Civil Contractors (“PCC”) and JEFFREY DUNLAP had a banking relationship with First NBC Bank. During that timeframe, Bank President A acted as the loan officer for PCC and JEFFREY DUNLAP, reviewing and approving new loans, lines of credit, and advances and incremental increases for PCC and JEFFREY DUNLAP. The largest loan was a revolving line of credit (“LOC”) secured by a borrowing base of eighty-percent of PCC’s accounts receivable. At the direction of Bank President A, JEFFREY DUNLAP submitted false financial statements and inflated accounts receivable on behalf of PCC to justify incremental increases on the LOC. Bank President A caused these false supporting documents to be placed in First NBC Bank’s records.

As alleged in the Bill of Information, the purpose of the conspiracy was for the defendant, JEFFREY DUNLAP, Bank President A, and others to unjustly enrich themselves, disguise the true financial status of PCC, and conceal the accurate performance of PCC’s LOC. The defendant, JEFFREY DUNLAP, Bank President A, and others sought to obtain money from First NBC Bank, in part, so that Bank President A and Owner B could continue using PCC on projects involving Company A, which was co-owned by Bank President A and Owner B. As a result, Bank President A and Owner B benefited by not having to use their own funds to pay PCC for work involving Company A.

The false and fraudulent financial statements, accounts receivable, and other documents submitted by JEFFREY DUNLAP disguised PCC’s true financial condition from First NBC Bank, bank regulators, investors, and others. By April 28, 2017, First NBC Bank had advanced approximately $22 million to PCC on the LOC, based on these false statements.

If found guilty, JEFFREY DUNLAP could face up to 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of more than $1 million, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharan E. Lieberman and Hayden Brockett are in charge of the prosecution.

 

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that BRAD BLANK, age 42, of Garyville, pled guilty Thursday, May 10, 2018 to charges relating to narcotics trafficking. 

According to court documents, BLANK conspired to distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. For that charge, BLANK 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, 

Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon set sentencing for August 16, 2018.

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

Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, Duane A. Evans, recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.

“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said.  “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high.  At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families.  We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us.  As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”

In 2017, the Eastern District of Louisiana, which is comprised of 13 parishes, lost two law enforcement officers while on duty.  On January 20, 2017, Westwego Police Department Officer Michael Louviere was shot and killed while at the scene of what appeared to be a traffic accident and on October 13, 2017, New Orleans Police Department Officer Marcus McNeil was shot and killed while conducting an investigation.  U.S. Attorney Evans said, “Officers Louviere and McNeil made the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the public.   We owe it to their memories and their families to never forget that sacrifice.   Our brave men and women in law enforcement, on the federal, state, and local levels, made the selfless choice to protect and serve.   They made their choice with full knowledge that they could one day find themselves in harm’s way while doing their jobs.   This week we should all take some time to reflect and honor the fallen and also those in law enforcement who continue to serve the public.”

According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.

Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officer were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.

For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.

In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.  The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.  

During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.

The names of fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018.  So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.  The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018.

For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org.

To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD CO., LLC (“SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD”), a company based in St. Bernard, Louisiana, pled guilty today to a one-count Bill of Information for the illegal sale of blue crabs, in violation of the Lacey Act.

According to the Information, from on or about May 1, 2012 through March 30, 2013, SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD, did knowingly sell and transport blue crabs in interstate commerce with a market value in excess of $350 when, in the exercise of due care, SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD should have known that said blue crabs were acquired and possessed in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 56:306.4, R.S. 56:306.5, and R.S. 56:306.6. 

SHELL BEACH SEAFOOD faces a maximum fine of not more than $200,000, and a special assessment of $125.

Sentencing in this matter is scheduled for August 16, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Eldon E. Fallon.

The case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Sharan E. Lieberman of the Fraud Section.

CHARLES F. HALL (“HALL”), age 60, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted today for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

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

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

If convicted, HALL faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.  In addition, HALL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service, Paragon Systems Incorporated Protective Security Officers, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

CHARLES F. HALL (“HALL”), age 60, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was indicted today for possession of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

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

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

If convicted, HALL faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years imprisonment followed by up to a life term of supervised release, and a $250,000.00 fine.  In addition, HALL will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service, Paragon Systems Incorporated Protective Security Officers, and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Fraud Section Chief, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MICHAEL COLLIER, age 56, of New Orleans, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for attempted bank robbery.

According to the indictment, on April 25, 2018, COLLIER attempted to rob the Capital One Bank located at 2700 South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA.

If convicted, COLLIER faces a sentence of up to twenty years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. 

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TREVOIR JACKSON, age 38, a resident of Jefferson, Louisiana, pleaded guilty today to one count of a two-count indictment charging possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).

According to court documents, on April 20, 2016, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a shooting. As officers processed the scene, they observed a blood trail ending on the side of a raised house. The officers looked under the house and saw a loaded semi-automatic handgun. DNA analysis later determined that the blood on the firearm was JACKSON’S.  JACKSON faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

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 Evans praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan McLaren is in charge of the prosecution.

SCOTT BREAUX (“BREAUX”), age 39, of Marrero, Louisiana, was charged in an Indictment today for bank theft, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

According to today’s Indictment, from about November 2016 to July 2017, while employed as a Branch Manager at ASI Federal Credit Union, BREAUX stole approximately $122,000.00.   BREAUX was employed with ASI since in or about 2011, and during his tenure with ASI, BREAUX worked at the Harahan, Westwego, and uptown branches.  In 2014, BREAUX was named Branch Manager of ASI’s Westwego branch.  In February 2017, BREAUX was transferred to ASI’s uptown branch where he continued to work as Branch Manager until his termination in July 2017.  ASI is a federally insured financial institution and its deposits are insured by the National Credit Union Association.

If convicted, BREAUX faces a sentence of up to ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by a term of supervised release of up to three (3) years, and a $250,000.00 fine.  

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 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 – DEMARCO JONES, age 23 of Tickfaw, and WILLIE WALKER, age 22 of Hammond, were sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. 

JONES and WALKER pled guilty to theft of firearms in connection with the April 8, 2016 burglary of the Tickfaw Auction Company (a federal firearms licensee), during which 25 handguns were stolen.  Additionally, WALKER admitted to possession of stolen firearms and JONES tendered a guilty plea to possession of firearms by a felon.  

Judge Engelhardt sentenced JONES to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment, while WALKER received a fifty-seven (57) month sentence.  Upon release from imprisonment, both defendants will serve a three (3) year term of supervised release.  Additionally, the defendants were both ordered to pay $200 special assessment fees.

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 case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Hammond Police Department, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael E. McMahon.

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U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that HAROLD McARTHUR, age 33, of New Orleans, was charged by way of bill of information yesterday with one count of failure to register as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

If convicted, McARTHUR faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine.  He also would have to be sentenced to a term of supervised release of between 5 years and life.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the bill of information 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 the United States Marshals Service and the Louisiana State Police in this matter.  He extended his thanks to the New Orleans Police Department and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Payne is in charge of prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that SIDNEY RAY COTTON,  age 33, of Franklinton, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Jay C. Zainey.  The defendant previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on or about March 21, 2016, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, COTTON, who had been convicted of simple robbery in the Twenty-Second Judicial Court, did knowingly possess in and affecting interstate commerce a firearm, specifically, a Norinco, Model SKS, serial number H7224.

Judge Zainey sentenced COTTON to forty-six (46) months imprisonment to be followed by a three (3) year term of supervised release.  COTTON must also pay 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 Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Kennedy is in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TERRANCE MORGAN, age 25, of New Orleans, RICHARD GREEN, a/k/a “Blue,” a/k/a “Bam,” age 28, of New Orleans, KENDALL CELESTINE, age 20, of New Orleans, and ERIC ROBINSON, age 26, of New Orleans, were indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury.

The charging document alleges that, MORGAN, GREEN, CELESTINE, and ROBINSON conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin between at least June 2014, and April 2018.  If convicted of this charge, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of 5 to 40 years, a fine of up to $5 million, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The indictment also alleges that MORGAN, GREEN, CELESTINE, and ROBINSON conspired to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime during the same time period.  If convicted of this count, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  In addition, each defendant is charged with substantive counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.  If convicted of this offense, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of 5 years to life, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

The indictment also charges MORGAN, GREEN, and ROBINSON, convicted felons, with illegally possessing firearms. If convicted on these charges, MORGAN, GREEN, and ROBINSON face a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. GREEN is charged with six counts of distribution of a quantity of heroin.  If convicted of these charges, GREEN faces, as to each count, a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.  Finally, GREEN, and ROBINSON are charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin and MDMA, and MORGAN and CELESTINE are charged with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance called “U-47700.”  If convicted of these crimes, each defendant faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. 

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods 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 case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Police, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria M. Carboni and Matthew R. Payne are in charge of the prosecution.

 

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that TIMOTHY JACKSON, age 29, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced on Tuesday by United States District Court Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle.  The defendant previously pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin and firearms offenses.

According to previously filed court documents, JACKSON was arrested along with another individual on January 4, 2017.  At that time, JACKSON was in possession of a quantity of heroin meant for distribution as well as two loaded semi-automatic handguns and approximately $1,825 in U.S. currency. 

Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle sentenced JACKSON to 117 months incarceration to be followed by a three year term of supervised release.  JACKSON must also pay a $300 special assessment.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson is in charge of the prosecution.

DON EDWARD PANNELL, II (“PANNELL”), age 32, of Harvey, Louisiana, was indicted today for receipt of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.

The case against Petty Officer 2nd Class DON EDWARD PANNELL, II developed as a result of an undercover child exploitation investigation conducted by special agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”).    PANNELL is a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Detachment, New Orleans.  On April 2, 2018, HSI special agents along with special agents with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation seized electronic evidence from PANNELL’s Harvey apartment and took PANNELL into custody.  According to the federal indictment, PANNELL knowingly received and attempted to receive visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct in violation of federal law.

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

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

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

 

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that OSCAR LOPEZ-GUERRERO, age 30, a native of Mexico, 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, LOPEZ was previously removed from the United States on July 31, 2014. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 19, 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, LOPEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee.

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that GARRETT STEPHENS, age 35, of LaPlace, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for charges of distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.  STEPHENS was also indicted for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and other offenses. 

According to the indictment, since August 30, 2017, STEPHENS conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than fifty grams of methamphetamine.  In addition, STEPHENS is charged with distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. 

STEPHENS is also charged with possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, namely, a Kel-Tech .380 caliber handgun.  STEPHENS is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, based on a prior drug felony conviction in St. James Parish. 

If convicted of the drug conspiracy, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  If convicted of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 5 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, STEPHENS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.

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

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan L. Shih and Nicholas D. Moses are in charge of the prosecution.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE DECIDERIO ALVARADO-CARDOZA, age 31, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty yesterday to a one-count indictment charging him with illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to the indictment, on February 26, 2018, ALVARADO-CARDOZA was found to have reentered the United States after he was been previously deported on January 8, 2011.

ALVARADO-CARDOZA faces a term of imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of one year, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for June 13, 2018.

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

United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that JOSE REYES-GABRIELES, age 33, a native of Honduras, was sentenced today after pleading guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien.

United States District Court Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced REYES-GABRIELES to 6 months of imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. The defendant will be surrendered to the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal proceedings.

According to court documents, on December 7, 2017, REYES-GABRIELES was found in the United States after having been previously deported from the United States on April 17, 2008.

U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Herik Lucian Enedino Dos Santos (“DOS SANTOS”), age 32, a citizen of Brazil, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to aggravated identity theft.

According to the court documents, Dos Santos 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 in Oklahoma City, U.S. Secret Service agents arrested another Brazilian national who had been mailing skimmers, pinhole cameras, and other tools for credit card fraud to the four New Orleans-based members of this conspiracy.

Dos Santos pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A.  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 the sentencing for August 22, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Evans 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 Evans 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 Payne is in charge of the prosecution.

WASHINGTON – A resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for her involvement in stolen identity tax fraud, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Alicia Washington, also known as Alicia Keith, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Washington operated as a tax return preparer using several different business names.  From 2008 to 2016, Washington conspired with others to prepare false tax returns using stolen identities. Members of the conspiracy stole the names and Social Security numbers of individuals who had been arrested or imprisoned, and then used that information to file fraudulent tax returns.  Washington electronically filed the bogus returns seeking refunds. The IRS provided the fraudulent refunds in the form of checks or prepaid debit cards, which members of the conspiracy converted to cash.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ordered Washington to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,605.

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

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

 

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A resident of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, was sentenced today to 42 months in prison for her involvement in stolen identity tax fraud, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Alicia Washington, also known as Alicia Keith, pleaded guilty on Feb. 21, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit theft of public money, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and one count of aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, Washington operated as a tax return preparer using several different business names.  From 2008 to 2016, Washington conspired with others to prepare false tax returns using stolen identities. Members of the conspiracy stole the names and Social Security numbers of individuals who had been arrested or imprisoned, and then used that information to file fraudulent tax returns.  Washington electronically filed the bogus returns seeking refunds. The IRS provided the fraudulent refunds in the form of checks or prepaid debit cards, which members of the conspiracy converted to cash.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Susie Morgan ordered Washington to serve two years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,605.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced the unsealing of an 11-count Indictment charging JORGE ORNELAS, age 50, of Houston, TX; TEKA LAFRANCE, age 47, of New Orleans, LA; JERRELL ENCALADE, age 34, of Boothville, LA; and ALBERT VEREEN JR., age 36, of Port Sulphur, LA, with conspiring to traffic cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base (“crack”), along with numerous substantive drug offenses. 

The following chart summarizes the charges alleged in the Indictment, along with the penalties that each defendant faces if convicted of the alleged offense. 

Count

Charge

Defendants

Penalties

1

Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C) and 846

All

ORNELAS and LAFRANCE:  10 years to life imprisonment, at least 5 years supervised release, $10,000,000 fine

 

ENCALADE and VEREEN: 5 to 40 years, at least 4 years supervised release, $5,000,000 fine

2

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

 

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

3

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

4

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

5

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

6

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

7

Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

VEREEN

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

8

Distribution of Cocaine Base – Title 21, United State Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

ENCALADE

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

9

Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and  841(b)(1)(C)

LAFRANCE

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

10

Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine Hydrochloride – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B)

LAFRANCE

5 to 40 years, at least 4 years supervised release, $5,000,000 fine

11

Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base – Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)

ENCALADE

0 to 20 years, at least 3 years supervised release, $1,000,000 fine

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

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

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that RAMIRO MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ, age 42, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

At sentencing, which is set for June 15, 2018, MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment of $100.00.  Additionally, MARTINEZ-RAMIREZ is subject to a period of supervised release after imprisonment of up to three years.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon is in charge of the prosecution.